Today we’d like to introduce you to Edna Herrera.
Edna, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I first got interested in tattooing when I was traveling in Mexico, I got a tattoo done on my ankle and the artist who did it talked to me about the subject. At the time it just stayed in my head as an idea, I had a lot going on already. A year or so after that I went through a rough time, my life kind of fell apart, as well as a serious relationship I was in. So, in an attempt to heal myself I went back to Mexico and lived there for about 5 months.
There, I painted and drew a lot and met a couple of tattoo artists through my friends. I befriended them and started an informal apprenticeship. A lot of my friends there were really excited about wearing my art and those connections fueled the beginning of my tattooing journey. So, tattooing was for me a sort of tool to heal and rebuild myself. That’s why it is so important to me.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
The tattoos that I put on people mainly center on what THEY wish to express. It is merely my talent and skills that make up the other half of the finished product. When I’m designing a meaningful tattoo for somebody, I talk to them and get important information from them, such as: the meaning behind it, their values, the process they went through, what having the tattoo done represents to them as a personal change, etc. When I make art in other mediums, it’s usually something about my life and process. I like to express situations I’m currently in, events that had a great impact in my life, principles that I think are important, etc. I make a lot of self-portraits, which are more of a discovery than a projection for me, as if I realized how I see myself after the painting is done, if that makes sense.
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
Many more of us artists forget that if we make art for a living we also have to sell it, and to sell art you have to know how to…. SELL!! You have to become a salesman, or business person if you want to make art for a living. There is nothing wrong with learning and doing sales, it is the tool you need to use if you wish to replace you job with your passion. Also, discipline is key, you must be dedicated and prioritize all the things in your life that deserve your attention. Don’t waste your time, it is your most valuable resource. And always keep educating yourself. Knowledge is invaluable, and many times, it is the key to the things we want to achieve.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I have a Facebook page called Yolo Arts, as well as a personal Facebook profile with my name: Edna Herrera Bencomo. And I have an Instagram page called Yoliartstattoo. Also, my email is yoliartstattoo@gmail.com You can reach me through any of these to ask questions, buy prints or book an appointment. 😀
Contact Info:
- Address: 741 N Belt Line Rd, Irving TX
- Phone: 8177660280
- Email: yoliartstattoo@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/yoliarrstattoo
- Facebook: facebook.com/yoliarts
Image Credit:
Luis Herrera
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