We were lucky to catch up with Deborah Albuquerque recently and have shared our conversation below.
Deborah, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Firstly, always put yourself in a position of someone who wants to learn, no matter what level or phase you are at in your life. Whether you are already very successful or not yet, you will never know everything, as our human body and our mind are limited in understanding the whole. Secondly, be ambitious, you should know how to enjoy the present moment, but also have enthusiasm and curiosity for what comes next.
This is basically one of my dilemmas that, to be honest, has always been with me. I have always adapted very easily to new situations and groups – sometimes I even think I may be a little addicted to this feeling of newness – and in any stage or moment I find myself in, in the places I find myself, I know there is something to add to me. However, I never let myself be satisfied with just the curiosity of what else I can learn, what else I can achieve, or where else I can go. I think that if you can find the balance in humility and greed, in the right amount, it can take you to places you never even imagined you would reach.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m Deborah, originally from Belo Horizonte, a city in Brazil that not many people know about. I moved to the United States as a teenager and here I found my passion in being a tattoo artist. Currently, I work in LA and I’m specialized in super high-quality fine line and micro realism tattoos.
Every day, I have the pleasure of meeting amazing people with even more amazing dreams, which I get to translate into beautiful art on their skin. I believe that a key aspect of my work is truly understanding my clients’ visions and the meanings behind them, so I can always exceed their expectations and surprise them with something truly special.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I would have several things to say, but I believe the main ones would be: persistence, the path to where you want to go is not a straight line, there will be several obstacles and you must learn to make the best of them. Second, be happy, we are not in a race, there is nothing wrong with wanting to be successful and recognized, what is not healthy is getting lost in this path and not enjoying the journey. Third, I think it would be to follow your intuitions, everyone has a special talent and is part of this giant puzzle, it is good to have people and role models that you admire, but you are unique, so try to find your uniqueness in this world.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
I love working with clients who appreciate my artistic style and give me the freedom to create designs. It means a lot to me when clients understand the time and money I’ve invested in my craft and recognize the value of my work. Good communication is key, so it’s great when clients can clearly express their expectations. I always strive to give my best, and it’s wonderful when clients believe in my work. I look forward to collaborating with clients who share these values!
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