Check out Alfonso Martin’s Artwork

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alfonso Martin.

Alfonso, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I was born in a small town called “Los Altos” in Jalisco, Mexico. My family and I migrated to Arizona when I was 8 years old. I’ve always been in love with art and its history. Seeing the variety of art in Arizona, including people’s tattoos, sparked inspiration for me to create my own work. Practicing throughout the years and realizing school wasn’t for me, I pushed myself toward an apprenticeship shortly after leaving school.

I’ve learned several critical details in what it takes to maintain healthy relationships and learned to create great black and grey tattoos. Opening my shop, Royal Craft Gallery, is a result of all my hard work, dedication, and focus. I strive to give the best experience for both artists and clients.

We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
Growing up, I mainly stuck to charcoal drawings that I would mix realism and illustrative styles, mainly focusing on portraits with a certain geometric touch to them, I was always captivated by recreating something like a photograph and adding an illustrative/geometric touch, realism had always been what I’ve been drawn to and knew that as soon as I began my tattoo journey, that is a style I wanted to pursue.

So, over the years, I began to refine my art to where it is now while adding my own personal elements to each piece. My biggest inspirations are all the greats such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Dali, Bernini, so I gather most of my inspiration through their works while figuring out how to make it my own, I focus on adding as much detail and contrast in each piece to make every tattoo I make visible and recognizable from either afar or close up. I strive to give every piece a story, not only the story the client comes with but also a story/insight of my journey as an artist. A peek into my mind if you will.

What do you know now that you wished you had learned earlier?
Best advice I can give that I wished I had learned earlier is that one of the hardest things you can do as an artist is compare yourself or your work to others, that’s the easiest way to feel disappointed. Focus on yourself and your lane. Appreciate other artists work and learn from it, never stop learning.

Don’t think of them as competition. Embrace the art community and focus on how you can better your art. You’re your own worst critic. You are no better than anyone and no one is better than you. The only competition you have is yourself. So, as long as you wake up every day with the intentions of being a better version of yourself than you were yesterday. Then, that’s the best recipe.

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
All my work is on Instagram, that’s my one and only account to see all my tattoos/work and where I post all my current work.

Contact Info:

• Address: 2950 s alma school rd suite 6 Mesa, AZ 85210
• Phone: 480-650-4479
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @alfonsomartinart

Image Credit:
@alfonsomartinart

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