Conversations with Nino Dovala

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nino Dovala.

Hi Nino, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I’ve always been attracted to creating or recreating art. In school, I would always draw for others or on others, getting in trouble from time to time. I went through a lot of trouble during high school, so my parents invested in providing me with a craft to pursue. I practiced on and off for years. I wasn’t sure tattooing was what I wanted to do. One day, I quit working full-time for Waste Management as an ICR representative. Since then, I’ve only tattooed for the past 6 years. I’ve been honored to work with some of the best artists in Arizona! I’ll always look up to Humberto Beltran’s whine as my motivation to pursue this craft full-time. Alongside working with Kevin Reyes, who owns Innovative Ink, I was one of the first artists to work with him during his climb to success. Also another inspiration. Also, give credit to my brothers Cesar Garcia, Thomas Salcido, victor Figueroa, Izzy Escobedo, and Eddie Wolfe. I’m currently on a journey trying to find myself and my footing on what I want to trademark my brand and style of art.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
Obstacles were doing it and getting started. Finding that confidence to wake up every day and not give up and just give up on what I was trying to pursue in this profession. When you have no reputation or haven’t done the job for long, you have to build that trust and experience. I went from making 50k a year with a 401k plan to making a few hundred a weeks at first. My family didn’t think it was smart and always advised me to get—another job at first. But I just stuck with it. I dealt with an addiction to opiates and a huge rift in my marriage for a while. But through it all, I’ve kept my self ten toes down with my head high. Only god can judge me and the mistakes I’ve made.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a professional self-taught tattoo artist from the South Side of Phoenix, Arizona. I currently work out of Tempe in a private studio built for me as a shut-off area inside a luxury barber shop called Fade-away barbershop. I’ve been known for doing a lot of lettering and black and grey artwork. I love to get a chance to do color tattoos as well. I also enjoy the fact that I’m not afraid to try things I’m not accustomed to. I’ll take on any project and complete it to the best of my capabilities. What sets me apart from others is I’m me. I always try to work with my clients on getting them what they want at a reasonable price! Doing small favors for people goes a long way. At the same time allows me to continue to perfect my craft. I’m most proud that I can give my children a father they will always be able to admire and learn from. I can dedicate myself to my craft, and my kids see that.

What matters most to you?
I want to be one of the best. I want to be acknowledged by my peers and clients. I want my kids to see that you can do anything you put your heart and mind to. So being the best to set the bar for my FAMILY is the goal.

Pricing:

• 125 an hour
• 1000 12-8pm
• 100 deposit

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninodovala_3113/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nino.dovala

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