Gabe Motta shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Gabe, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of work, and in some way related to it, I’ve always found immense joy in traveling the world. Immersing myself in new cultures, lifestyles, cuisines, architecture, art, relationships, and ways of living truly invigorates me. Additionally, I relish the opportunity to work while traveling, which allows me to spread my presence and experiences across various places.
However, I tend to feel overwhelmed and demotivated when the daily routine becomes monotonous. While there are numerous effective ways to cope with this, my most effective solution is to travel. As humans, we inherently crave novelty, and I still possess a nomadic DNA inherited from our hunter-gatherer ancestors. I find it challenging to remain stationary for extended periods and yearn for fresh perspectives. Without these new experiences, I struggle to fully express myself.
Contrary to popular belief, traveling can be surprisingly budget-friendly if you plan it strategically. For instance, I’ve traveled across the Atlantic alone, spending what some individuals would spend on a single night out or on products they intend to own for a few years. I prioritize investing my money in enriching experiences rather than purchasing tangible possessions.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, my name is Gabe. I’m a decade-long tattoo artist, and I’m incredibly happy to be able to do what I do, expressing my art eternally on people’s bodies. The style I work with draws inspiration from various sources, including Art Nouveau, animations, and cartoons. It’s called neotraditional, and it portrays nature and humanity in a flowing and cartoonish manner, characterized by bold lines and fluid swirls. I like to imagine that every element in the compositions I draw could easily be a character of its own.
I began tattooing my friends on my own bed while still underage, and I haven’t stopped since. Back then, the tattooing world was different, and everyone I knew was eager to have a friend who could get them new ink for a very low price. Initially, I did it for fun, and a career in tattooing seemed inconceivable.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My friends were the ones who encouraged me to pursue tattooing. I’ve always had a knack for drawing, and that was my primary creative outlet, especially during those times when smartphones weren’t a thing. We had to find our own ways to combat boredom, and for me, it was drawing, especially during those long five-hour classes.
All my friends were incredibly impressed by my (in my opinion, incredibly mediocre) early art. A few of them even suggested that I should start tattooing someday. At the time, I completely rejected the idea, thinking it was far beyond me. However, they were right, and when I finally started tattooing, they eagerly came to get inked as well. So, they truly believed in me long before I believed in myself.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
It has taught me to be a better person to others. Even though some people may do the opposite, suffering yourself can be a great way to understand how you would never want to inflict the same pain onto another person. This has helped me treat others with more compassion and care.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
There’s been a really fast shift around the world where some very smart and successful people have moved toward what many call incel-style politics. People who used to feel ignored or mistreated—often the “nerdy” kids who later became powerful in tech, finance, or politics—now seem driven by a need to get back at the groups they blame for their past struggles. To “own” them, they’ve started leaning into more and more extreme political views.
The problem is that these former outsiders now hold a huge amount of influence. Their personal grudges are shaping society in real ways, and things seem to be getting worse because of it.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
I’ve always believed that living in a comfortable house with the conveniences I desire would bring me happiness. However, I’ve come to realize that true happiness stems from the community and the people around me, rather than the comfortable life I live.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabe.motta
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