What inspires you?
I am constantly inspired by the growth of the industry. New methods, new styles and new skills are constantly emerging. You can see an amazing artist that has only been tattooing for one year, it just blows your mind. Artists are being continually pushed to get better because people want it.

SURF n’ Ink is now in its sixth year, can you tell us a little about what inspired the concept for the festival?
The concept really came about from my travels. I’d been travelling for about 15 years before I came to Australia and had been to huge tattoo conventions and festivals in Europe and America but nothing like that really existed here in Australia. Well nothing that was of the same scale, and open to the public. I wanted to bring that experience to Australia and establish an event that celebrates the modern tattoo culture, not old-school bikers.

What can people expect from this year’s event?
This year’s line-up is pretty amazing. I’m bringing John Montgomery from the US, he’s widely regarded as one of the best in the business, as well as Jon Mesa from the TV show Best Ink and Chris Torres from NY Ink. We’ve really worked hard to secure the best artists across all different styles of work including colour, black and grey, realistic, cartoony, bio-mechanic and oriental among many. It will be a great opportunity for people who have a particular tattoo in mind to find an artist that specialises in that particular style.

Why did you choose the Gold Coast to establish Surf n’ Ink?
Plain and simple, I love the Gold Coast. The people, the weather, the surf culture, the beach, it’s who I am. It’s perfect. Plus there’s a really strong tattoo community here on the coast so it felt quite natural.

How did you get into the industry?
I studied business marketing and graphic design back in Peru and started working in advertising. I drew a lot for work but also started tattooing as a hobby in my spare time. Eventually the tattooing overtook the marketing side of things because ultimately it gave me a lot more freedom to keep surfing and travelling. That was quite a few years ago now!

Do you remember your first paying client?
Absolutely! My first real client was a friend of mine, we’re still friends today so that’s a good sign! The tattoo was of a Tasmanian devil cartoon. My hand was super shaky, I was terrified but it looks ok to this day so I guess I did an ok job! Back then tattoos were super underground. They were kind of taboo but now everyone wants them. I believe that deep down everyone wants a tattoo, even the ones that say they don’t – they just don’t have the balls to admit it.

How have things changed since then?
The whole industry and the general public perception of tattoos has changed so much since those days. In terms of becoming an artist, there just wasn’t the volume of information back then as there is today. Today people sit at home thinking you can learn to tattoo by watching a TV show or a YouTube video. It’s just not the case. Like with any industry you have to educate yourself and work at it to be a good artist. As for the industry as a whole, the recent legislation changes have also had a significant impact and have changed the industry, in my opinion for the better. The industry is flourishing now that artists have taken over.

If you could be tattooed by anyone in the world, who would it be and what would you request?
My son, he’s 15 now but in a couple of years I would love to have a tattoo done by him. I’d let him tattoo whatever design he wants to do because I trust him. That’s the thing with tattooing, it takes a lot of freedom and trust. If you don’t trust your artist then don’t get a tattoo. And what is trust without freedom? If you’ve chosen the artist based on their skills and previous work then you’ve got to trust that they will deliver.

What do you have to say to people who think that tattoos are just a fad?
I’d say that tattoos have been around since ancient times so I don’t think they are going anywhere any time soon! Tattoos have definitely stood the test of time and have now become part of mainstream culture so I reckon they are here to stay.
I think the stereotype that tattoos are just for bikies and criminals has changed too. That’s one of the things that has helped with the new laws. I believe there is good and bad in all situations, the good is that criminals are no longer involved in the industry in Queensland.

Do you have a favourite tattoo or is that like asking you to choose your favourite child?
I don’t really have a favourite. I have a shark and an octopus which are significant to me because they relate to the ocean but really I love them all. The thing with tattoos is that you have to pick the right artist. Artists tend to have a specialty, or a certain style that they feel the most comfortable with and excel at. You have to do your research and find an artist that has a style that is similar to the kind of tattoo you’re looking for. I love all of my tattoos because I’ve picked the right artists.

What’s your idea of complete happiness?
Me going surfing 24/7.

What was the best advice you’ve received?
If you see a monster wave coming, paddle hard. You have to face fear and keep paddling because if you doubt, even for a moment, the surf will smash you. Life is the same. It will smash you if you think too much. Trust in your heart and how you feel.

You’ve already achieved so much in your career, can you tell us what you believe is your biggest highlight?
My son is the biggest highlight. Without a doubt.

What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
A couple of surfs and being surrounded by people with a good outlook. Positivity is essential.

Only a Gold Coast local would know … where the sandbar is.

FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … the beach on Stradbroke Island.
Relax … Burleigh Point.
Indulge … my backyard.
Be inspired … the movies. I watch a lot of movies.