Meet Sonia Vasquez

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sonia Vasquez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sonia below.

Sonia , so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

I think the number one thing that keeps my creativity alive is other artists. Whether it be painters, musicians, filmmakers, writers, or any other person doing something creative, they are what inspire me. In my work, I often look at painting specific art historical references for inspiration, but there have been countless times where I have watched a film, heard a song, or read a book that sparked ideas for paintings or designs. I like to think of it as world-building. What other creative forms fit into the world that I’m building in my work? How can I use them to inspire me and create something new?

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Since I was pretty young, I knew I wanted to be involved in the arts. There’s a photo of me that I like to refer to – me painting a rainbow on a kid’s sized easel when I was around 5 years old. I feel like it encompasses where I started and how I came to where I am now. The rainbow being significant to my queer identity – something I carry and discuss in my work now.
I like to thank the old masters (Da Vinci, Caravaggio, Michelangelo, to name a few) for my deep dive into oil painting at the age of 16. I became obsessed with their work and wanted to be able to achieve that level of painting one day. And, thanks to my high school art teacher (who may have broken a rule) for allowing me to explore oil paint for the first time.
I went on to art school which gave me a great foundation for thinking conceptually. But, I left feeling a lack for the traditional painting methods I was seeking. So, I sought out classically trained painters, many having studied in ateliers that I knew I wouldn’t be able to afford on my own. With covid ramping up online opportunities, I was able to take workshops with some great classically trained painters like Michael Klein, Alex Venezia, and Scott Waddell.
In my effort to work on building my skill in painting, I started a 30 day challenge where I made a painting every day and posted it on Instagram. Much of what I was painting were things from my collection of antiques and oddities. This brought on more success on Instagram and aided in coming into the darker vibes that I tend to go for. Continuing to share my work and build a following there led to doing oddities markets and gallery shows. Find my work at Bein Gallery!
On the tattoo side of things: I was into tattoos as a teen – even having my parents take me up to Michigan at 16 where you can get one with parents consent. When I was 18 I started an apprenticeship but ended up leaving it and focused more on my painting work. Then, about a year ago I mustered up the courage to ask my now mentor, to apprentice me. With about 8 months on skin under my belt, it’s still pretty new but I love and appreciate every day that I get to do it. Each client brings new ideas, challenges, and memories that make tattooing exciting and energizing.
With my love for classical painting and other art historical references, it only made sense for me to bring that into my tattoos. My “home” is in black and grey realism, woodcut, and etching styles. I love creating custom, one of a kind pieces for clients, too!

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?

Patience – with yourself and in your work. Classical/realism styles specifically take a lot of time to learn and a lot of time to do. My paintings and tattoos always come out better when I slow down and really give myself time with them. Even if you aren’t working in a similar style, patience is key to building skill making good work!

Learn from the masters – Find the people in the field/art you are in that are killing it and learn from them. They have the tools you need! Learn from as many different people as you can. Not everyone uses the same methods to get to the end goal and different things may be a better fit for you.

Constructive criticism & inspiration instead of comparison – Being able to take constructive criticism is major. Ask for it from those you learn from or study with and know they are telling you things to help you improve. Be inspired by other artists/people in your field. Let their work inspire you instead of making you feel down about your own. No competition, there’s room for everyone!

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

My ideal client is someone who loves art history, dark academia, romantic, and moody vibes steeped in quiet symbolism and radical activism.
For tattooing more specifically, I am always so grateful for a client that puts their trust in me to create something in my style but unique to them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://soniavasquezart.com
• Instagram: @soniavasquezart, @soniavasqueztattoos
• Facebook: @soniavasquezart
• Other: Tiktok: @soniavasquezart, @soniavasqueztattoos

Image Credits

Main image of me and image of me tattooing – Alyssa Li Hang Wittmus @alyssa_lihangw