Spanish tattoo artist Dani Low, resident of Culpa Mia Tattoo, talks to Inkers about his passion for art, photography and especially cartoons, which he uses to create visually striking newschool pieces.
Looking at your work it is clear that cartoons have had a big influence on you, can you tell us about that?
I have always been a very creative and imaginative person. I love cartoons and it's clear that they are an integral part of my life. I have always drawn Goku or Spiderman in the margins of books in class, on my clothes but also on the walls and floor of my room..... I have always been very active when it comes to crafting and inventing things.
Among the famous cartoonists you grew up with, are there any you particularly admired?
I grew up watching all sorts of animated series and films from the 90s. I loved them all: Warner, Hanna-Barbera, Cartoon Network, Dragon Ball... and of course Disney. I think something changed in my head when I saw the film "Toy Story". I was very impressed by the change in the way the American studio produces its films. Seeing all the colours, the incredible design of the characters in 3D... Something inside me became fixed in a way. I knew that I would always be connected to the art world.
How did this come about?
After a few intense years of "graffiti" or rather smearing the walls of my neighbourhood, I started to study photography - as this is also a subject I am passionate about. Later I decided to study everything related to the art world, from the great classics - like Michelangelo or Da Vinci - to the current artists I love, like Roberto Ferri or Jeremi Geddes.
When did you start tattooing?
Later on I went to ESDIP, (School of Professional Design) for three years. There I was able to organise everything I had learned on my own and put it in order in my head. During these three years I learned a lot from drawing - which is what I like the most, both for the creation of anatomy and characters - through sculpture, comics, illustration, cinema, 2D and 3D animation... I also learned to use programs that are now indispensable to my work, such as Photoshop. I also got my hands on a tattoo machine but, at the beginning, I was quite reluctant because I wasn't sure I would be able to tattoo someone. It's a big responsibility. However, this fear was dispelled when I got my first tattoo. It was instant love at first sight. Since then, I haven't stopped tattooing and I've been working almost continuously for seven years. I am passionate about my work.
Did you do an apprenticeship?
In the beginning I didn't even have social networks and my knowledge of tattooing was more than zero, so I started going to a studio as an apprentice. Eigleer Nunes (@eig.tattoo) taught me everything I needed. After a few months I started to get clients and gradually I got my own schedule.
Have you always done newschool?
I don't always draw in that style and in the studio I try to tattoo everything, because I like everything and a lot of people ask me for other styles. My Instagram is all about my NewSchool style and that's what people know about my work. They are less aware that outside of tattooing, I really like classical art.
Is the great creative freedom offered by the style the most important thing for you?
Without a doubt. I like the style I work in because I think you can do almost anything. The client expects to see your version of their idea and almost always has a smile on their face when they see it.
In terms of colours, how did you build up your palette?
Newschool is characterised by a wide variety of high contrast and saturated colours, but I try not to use more than seven colours in my work.
What is the most important thing for you when you approach a project?
The first thing I do is talk to the client, take notes and sketches to mentally create a design. I always ask if they have a favourite colour, where they would like to do the tattoo and if they plan to continue in the future. You always have to think about adapting it. For me, the most important thing is that the tattoo has a visual impact, whether it's the colour or what the design expresses.
Do you tend to work freehand?
No, I usually prepare the design 100%. I don't like to improvise when I do newschool. There are a lot of things to take into account and at any moment you can forget something.
There is a lot of sweetness in your characters, is this a category of cartoons you particularly like?
Yes, I quickly realised that all my big-headed toons belong to the same universe. When I'm asked for a character I've already created, I try to make another one from the same family, so that they all keep the same style.
Nowadays it is necessary to be more and more inventive to meet the demands of clients, do you see this as an opportunity to surpass yourself?
Hahahaha of course, I have so many clients with totally crazy ideas that sometimes make my head explode! But I love working with them, because of them I can look for new ways to do my work. I am very, very grateful to all of them.
How do you keep your projects fresh creatively?
When I work, I try to find good references so that my characters don't stray too far from reality. I draw all the time, I always have a drawing on my iPad that can help me get started. To keep my mind free, I try to get away from it all as much as I can to let inspiration come regularly. But also to stay away from social networks.
How do you maintain your drawing on a daily basis?
I have millions of drawings on the iPad and on paper. I always have something to draw, paint or design. Let's just say it's a great and fun lifestyle.
Do you have other hobbies than drawing and tattooing?
I love music and listen to everything, but I love reggae. A good concert with friends is always a good idea and I also like to go outdoors, scuba diving, travelling... I love reptiles and insects, my right leg is tattooed with insects. + Dani Low IG : @danilow.tattoo
