Featured Tattoo Artist: Palacio Velez

Tattoo artist Palacio Velez had been interested in art long before he began tattooing. His interest in the skin as a canvas began about 8 years ago when he met a tattoo artist at a party. That artist showed him how he worked, which sparked Palacio’s interest in tattooing as a new medium for his own art.

He bought a tattoo machine soon after and started practicing on pig skin. Palacio’s first tattoo, a skull, was on himself. He spent three years learning from friends and tattooing others, and then began working in a tattoo parlor in the neighborhood of El Poblado in Medellín, Colombia. He is a self-taught artist who learned, “by watching others and by trial and error.”

Palacio currently works at Canvas Tattoo Studio in Medellín, Colombia. He describes it as, “a very quiet friendly and professional place to work.” He also told us, “my colleagues are very good friends and I think that’s the best thing [about] working there.”

He cites classic paintings as a large influence in his art and tattoo style. Palacio describes as “a sort of realistic chiaroscuro” (contrast between light and shade). He also enjoys enjoys experimenting with different styles, for instance, color realism, pointillism, traditional, neo-traditional, etc.

Palacio’s advice to someone getting their first tattoo:

“I recommend you to look for a professional artist, I mean, someone who has experience, and who works with all the sanitary requirements. It is also important that the artist works with the style that you wish and that you get an original design based on your ideas.”

Palacio’s advice to tattoo artists just getting started:

“Draw every single day. Be patient and don’t rush to do something that is beyond your ability. Be always disciplined and respectful with this profession and with your clients.”