Check Out Emanuel Flowers’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emanuel Flowers.

Emanuel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began my journey as an apprentice in a shop in north Phoenix. I trained as an apprentice under my mentor Paul Davenport for a little over a year. I started tattooing at a shop in my home town of Yuma, Az. I’ve worked all over the valley and a bit around the United States however I realized my true place was in Tempe where I currently own and operate Next Level Studio in Tempe. I’ve traveled all over and learned from artists around the world. After working conventions for well over a decade I decided to host my very own convention along with the help of my family in my hometown Yumas very first Yuma TattooFest and Carshow!! I still to this day am absolutely passionate about my craft and my life currently revolves around my family and our family businesses.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s always an adventure for me. I’ve had numerous obstacles along the way to where I’m at today. I take them all in stride though. Everything I’ve been through makes the successes and the victories that much better. There are always lessons to be learned and it’s important to see things from that perspective.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m at tattoo artist based out of Tempe, Az where I own and operate Next Level Studio. I’ve been tattooing for 22 years and specialize in portraits and photo realism. I also pride myself in being versatile and proficient in most styles of tattooing. Tattooing has given me a career where I’ve been blessed to travel the world and meet amazing people. I’m very passionate about my craft to this day! During my travels tattooing I’ve tattooed at tattoo conventions all over the world including Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the Philippines, countless U.S. states and Central America. My primary goal when I tattoo my clients is to help them fully realize their tattoo vision and create their new favorite tattoo.

Second, a few years ago my family, friends and I put together Rollin Ol’ School art show that later went on to become Yuma TattooFest & Car show. We just had our second annual show at the Yuma Civic Center and we are currently planning our third year for 2026. The show features artists of several mediums including tattoo artists, engravers, pin strippers, muralist and automotive painters. It’s a show where we fuse car culture and the yuma community with the some of the best tattooing has to offer!

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I feel it’s always important to come in to the industry with genuine intentions. A lot of people get into tattooing for the wrong reasons or with little to no art background. When you seek an apprenticeship come hungry, prepared and with the right mindset. I always say when it comes to becoming a tattoo artist I wish I had a me. Meaning someone to help guide and be honest about my future that I could look up to and aspire to be and one day surpass. Surround yourself with people you enjoy and respect who can learn from and evolve. Be smart about your money and try to live below your means. In this industry there is always the saying “feast and famine” because this career isn’t for the weak and people who aren’t good will struggle in slow the slow seasons. Also, diversify because we’re artists and should be able to make money using our skills in other ways.

Pricing:

• $200 dollar standard
• Piercings start at $55
• $200 an hour tattooing
• $225 an hour cover up tattooing

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Nextlevelstudiotattoos.com
• Instagram: Nextlevelstudio Rollin_ol_school
• Facebook: Manuel Flowers

Image Credits
Manuel Flowers