Today we’d like to introduce you to Gata Herrera.
Hi Gata, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Ive always been obsessed with arts, weather it be dance, food, cars, anything anyone could get passionate about. My home life was hard so my passions were quickly stifled for survival. I lucked into a spot at a shop as a counter person and that set things in stone for me. If I could get into a shop, I can make it in this industry. The passion was reignited as obsession and obsession turned into discipline. Ive always been really good at everything I did, except art. For some reason I had no talent or mind for art. Art theory always made sense but producing the art in a physical plain was very difficult. But i kept at it. I studied lesson after after lesson. Practiced day in and day out. I integrated it into every aspect of my life. I let my obsession take me over until it all became second nature to me. This obsession has taken me across the country to meet some of the coolest of humans. Its given me the space to love myself in a way ive never thought possible. Its lead me to the most important people in my life. The tattoo industry has became everything to me. I am a tattoo artist through and through and will die with a machine in my hand. I will master every style and redefine the status quo. Ill change the world with my art and invite the world to find this love for themselves as well as the people around them. My story is a long one and we are only in the middle of it. Every day is a new adventure and a new opportunity to change someones life and give them hope. My chair is where dreams come true.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been smooth at. All. I’ve met some of the most amazing people in this industry as well as the most despicable people. Ive been in many shops, some who have helped and some who have hindered. For example the first shop that I was with even though it is what ignited my passion, had its dark side of trying to over sexualize not only me but the other woman who worked the front before me. It was a very uncomfortable time for sure but it opened my eyes to this world. A lot of female artists and modifiers where forced into sleeping with people in fear of losing their career. Ive also been in shops that had female owners that were always so jealous and competitive that they over worked and under paid any other female artist that came in the door. This taught me that even the oppressed can be crule. Ive been in shops where you couldn’t have a difference of opinions as the owner for fear of loss of job. Ive learned that a great deal of many people dont do the work on themselves to be proper leaders or even adequate acquaintances. It has been a very lonely journey, and in the same breath, one full of love.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a tattoo artist who specializes in mastering every style. I thrive on challenges and pushing myself past my limits. I don’t know what I’m most known for, and ironically that’s what I’m most proud of. I pride myself for my mental (and physical) health, and with that comes a lack of awareness of what others think of me. In layman’s term, i don’t care what I’m most known for, i just do me.
How do you define success?
I would define success as such: knowing that failure is only the end if you let it be. Achieving a goal only happens if you choose it. Life is not about the destination, but the journey.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gata_inc.s?igsh=MTExNXl5aTMxbWl3Yg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AGwPpxE92/
Image Credits
Brian DeShazo (photo of me)
Me (tattoo photos)
