Convention Connection: Sanel Valles on the Hunger Driving Venezuela’s Young Tattoo Artists
Every day, Sanel Valles sees new Tattoo Artists from around the world and thinks, “Wow, who’s this?” More and more often, the answer is a young Tattoo Artist from Venezuela. Some are just 21 or 24 years old, doing full back pieces and full legs in bold, beautiful 3D color work. Sanel, who goes by Sanel Tattoos, is from Caracas, Venezuela. Chico Cortez caught up with him at the Tattoo Society World Expo in New York for Convention Connection. They talked about what’s driving Venezuela’s young Tattoo Artists, and why Sanel wants Tattoo Artists to leave their egos behind.
Key Takeaways
A rising wave: Sanel says young Venezuelan Tattoo Artists, some in their early 20s, are doing full back pieces and full legs in vivid 3D color.
The reason, in his view: A deep need to get better, shaped by Venezuela’s critical political and social situation.
How they grow: Education, seminars, and conventions help them build very strong portfolios.
His message for the industry: Leave your ego out, shake hands, and say hello, even to people who don’t know you.
What he misses: The smaller, more intimate conventions where everyone could connect.
Who is Sanel Valles and what did he share?
Sanel Valles is a Tattoo Artist from Caracas, Venezuela, known on Instagram as Sanel Tattoos.
Chico noted that there’s been a big influx of Venezuelan Tattoo Artists. He has tattoo shops in Miami, and some of his best Tattoo Artists are from Venezuela. So he asked Sanel how he’d rate them.
Sanel said he couldn’t rate them high enough. Every day, he sees new Tattoo Artists from all over the world, including Venezuela, and is amazed. When he sees their age and their work, he says, “Wow, man, this is going crazy.”
What does the "hunger" driving Venezuela's young artists really mean?
To Sanel, it’s a need to get better.
He points to Venezuela’s critical political and social situation. He says everyone there is trying to improve, especially young people growing up under the current political system, where it’s very hard to get to the top.
He believes Venezuelan Tattoo Artists are pushing so hard because they want to do something important with their lives. They pursue education and take part in conventions and seminars, and that builds incredibly strong portfolios.
Think about it: Sanel sees that drive in young Tattoo Artists who are already producing work at a very high level.
If you’re ready to find your own drive, read why a tattoo apprenticeship is perfect for career changers.
Why do tattoo conventions matter for emerging talent?
Sanel says conventions and seminars are part of what makes Venezuela’s young Tattoo Artists so strong. They’re where Tattoo Artists learn, sharpen their skills, and build their portfolios.
They’re also where Tattoo Artists connect, and Sanel thinks that part has faded. He says the industry has changed, and so have the connections at conventions. Some good Tattoo Artists used to ignore people who said hello. Now, he says, much of the new generation doesn’t want to talk to anyone.
Conventions have also grown. Sanel misses the small, intimate shows. With 1,000 Tattoo Artists at a convention, it’s hard to say hello to everyone, especially when you’re busy tattooing. At this show, he was busy his entire first day and couldn’t see everyone. But he still wanted to stop by, shake hands with old friends, and say, “Hey, what’s up? Good to see you.”
Build your presence between shows with these platforms to help Tattoo Artists build their brand. Tattooing is also a human craft, which is why Tattoo Artists are still essential.
What can you learn from this new generation of artists?
Sanel’s view of young Venezuelan Tattoo Artists offers a few lessons:
Push yourself to improve: He sees a constant drive to get better.
Keep learning: Education, seminars, and conventions build strong portfolios.
Think big: He sees Tattoo Artists in their early 20s taking on full back pieces and full legs.
Learn safety early: Every Tattoo Artist should know the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard.
Stay humble and friendly: He wants Tattoo Artists to introduce themselves and be kind, even when they’re not well known yet.
Before you start, read about the mistakes aspiring tattoo apprentices should avoid.
How do you channel that hunger into a real career?
Step 1: Commit to getting better. That drive is what Sanel admires most.
Step 2: Build your foundation. Practice drawing, line work, and composition. See the tools every beginner Tattoo Artist should know.
Step 3: Find structured training. A tattoo apprenticeship with experienced Mentors gives your drive direction.
Step 4: Keep learning. Like the Tattoo Artists Sanel describes, take seminars and go to conventions.
Step 5: Connect with people. Leave your ego out. Shake hands and say hello.
Step 6: Get licensed. Learn your state’s requirements so you can work professionally.
How does Ink Different turn hunger into craft?
Ink Different turns drive into skill through hands-on mentorship from experienced Tattoo Artists. Ink Different has trained Tattoo Artists for 15 years.
Its “Good Humans” culture means you’re never doing it alone. You’ll join a supportive community of Mentors and fellow apprentices who want you to succeed. That fits Sanel’s message: the tattoo community is stronger when people connect.
It’s also a college alternative. Learn why tattoo apprenticeships are gaining ground as a solid alternative to college.
What is the Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship?
Ink Different’s Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship is an 18 to 24 month, four-phase tattoo apprenticeship built for beginners. No prior art experience is required.
Hands-on mentorship: You learn in person from experienced Mentors inside a working tattoo studio.
Beginner-friendly: No formal art background needed.
Licensing support: Guidance through your state’s requirements, like how to get your tattoo license in Texas.
A guaranteed job offer: You’ll receive a guaranteed job offer at one of Ink Different’s own tattoo studios.
This is a career that comes with confidence. You’ll finish with job-ready skills, licensing support, and a guaranteed job offer at one of Ink Different’s own tattoo studios. The Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship is available at 60+ tattoo studios nationwide.
What is the Master Mentorship program?
Once you’ve built your foundation, Ink Different’s Master Mentorship connects you with Master Mentors, including Al Fliction, Liz Cook, Kyle Dunbar, Boneface, Jordi Pla, Marcel Oliveira, and Kara Gutierrez.
The young Tattoo Artists Sanel admires keep pushing through education and seminars. Master Mentorship gives Tattoo Artists that same kind of push, with guidance from some of the most respected names in the industry.
Ready to feed your hunger?
Sanel Valles believes young Venezuelan Tattoo Artists are rising because they want to do something important with their lives. He also believes the whole industry would be better if Tattoo Artists left their egos at the door and simply said hello.
As Chico put it, if you see Sanel at a convention, stop by and say hi. He’s looking to bring that old connection back.
Ink Different also offers Spanish-speaking locations in Denver, Orange County, NYC, Miami, San Antonio, and San Diego. Seats are limited, with only two apprentices per tattoo studio per Mentor.
Ready to become a Tattoo Artist? Apply now to Ink Different’s Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship and start building an AI-proof career with licensing support and a guaranteed job offer at one of Ink Different’s own tattoo studios.
To get tattooed by Sanel, visit his Instagram at @saneltattoos, where you’ll find a link to his landing page and website. Follow Chico at @m4l_chico.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sanel Valles?
Sanel Valles is a Tattoo Artist from Caracas, Venezuela, known on Instagram as Sanel Tattoos.
Why does Sanel think Venezuelan Tattoo Artists are rising so fast?
He says they have a strong need to get better, shaped by Venezuela’s political and social situation, and they build strong portfolios through education, seminars, and conventions.
What does Sanel miss about tattoo conventions?
The smaller, more intimate shows, where Tattoo Artists had time to say hello and connect.
How long does the Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship take?
Ink Different’s Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship takes 18 to 24 months across four phases, with licensing support and a guaranteed job offer at one of Ink Different’s own tattoo studios.
Do I need prior art experience?
No. The Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship is built for beginners.
Is there a Spanish-speaking tattoo apprenticeship near me?
Ink Different offers Spanish-speaking locations in Denver, Orange County, NYC, Miami, San Antonio, and San Diego.
