Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nyra Ulin- Cruz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Nyra , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I’d say that it comes from not wanting to let anyone down, including myself. Having parents that immigrated to the US and worked to give me and my sisters better opportunities is a driving force for me to keep pushing forward and not give up. I want them to know that I’m doing what I can to succeed. In tattooing, it took me quite a few years and a few different apprenticeships to find a place and people, Josh and Jen Davis, that gave me a chance and the guidance to become a tattoo artist. I want to make them proud and show them I truly appreciate all the time they gave me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m Nyra Ulin-Cruz and I’m a professional Tattoo Artist with a background in Fine Art. Tattooing for me was a way to boost my self-esteem and my self expression. I noticed that there were people that sought this out as well and I wanted to be able to be part of that journey for others. I’ve come to see that people also seek tattooing for many other reasons and it’s been a privilege to have that opportunity.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
If I were to summarize the three skills or qualities that impacted my journey, they would be an art background, communication skills, and an open-mind.
Before I started my last apprenticeship, I had just received my bachelors degree in Illustration with a Fine Art Emphasis at Laguna College of Art and Design. The knowledge and skill I received in design work, color theory, and many other fields helped me a lot with the artistic aspect of tattooing.
I also started teaching art during my apprenticeship and that helped me develop better communication skills. Being a teacher I had to be able to successfully communicate instructions to my students but also listen to them to understand what they needed. This really helped me improve my communication with my clientele.
I think it can be hard to receive critiques or judgement on your work or your person, but having an open-mind to others’ viewpoint and ideas can help you grow in areas that you might not be able to grow alone.
If there are any areas that I want to improve on, I seek whoever I see is doing it a way I would like to be, and ask them for advice. I believe that we can’t do everything alone, so seeking help in your community can help you improve quicker.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Some of the people that have helped me find success in life have been my family for one. I’m constantly inspired by their drive, work ethic and unwillingness to settle. They’ve been an unwavering support system all my life and I wouldn’t be standing where I am without them.
Also, my mentors, Josh and Jen Davis. They’ve provided me the skills I need to find success in my career and other aspects of my life. They are so kind, patient and positive, that I’ve learned how to apply that anywhere it’s needed so I don’t weigh myself down.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.outerlimitstattoo.com/nyra
- Instagram: nyracruzart
