About Vrodriguez
tattoos and drawing
Vrodriguez Description
I’m Vanessa Rodriguez. A tattooist, though i consider myself an artist first, and I am working hard to bring those two passions together.
I have been drawing, mainly portraits, for over 20 years. I have always had a fascination with the details and expressions found in a face. It never bores me and I’m constantly looking for new faces to put down on paper. I am mainly self taught from books, experience and practice over the years, with some time spent furthering my development at the University of New South Wales. I love drawing with graphite pencil and working at developing my skills across other mediums as well.
I got my first tattoo in 1999 at the age of 19 and instantly fell in love with the tattoo culture. Eight years later, in 2007, I did a handful of small tattoos on some willing family and friends. Although that gave me a small taste of what tattooing would be like, and I really liked it, I didn’t actively pursue an apprenticeship until I had spent time developing my art and drawing skills first. I started my tattoo apprenticeship in February of 2010 at Wicked Ink in Sydney and have been tattooing full time since November 2010.
Along the way I have looked up to and admired Jeff Gogue, Nikko Hurtado, Bob Tyrell, Alex De Pase, Guy Aitchison, Boris, Niki Norberg, Cecil Porter and Mike Devries among so many others. It is the work, skill and knowledge of artists like these that inspire me on a daily basis to push my boundaries and never stop learning. Never stop getting better! Closer to home, I will forever credit the skills and teachings of Rosco Diessel, Brush Taylor, Mark Powell, Sash Trajkovski, Zack Tait and Kaylene Brooks as the artists that helped me reach my goal of becoming a tattoo artist.
I have reached a new point in my career. Up until now I feel that I’ve been more focused on the technical side of tattooing and though that is of huge importance, I now feel ready to start placing more emphasis on the design process of a tattoo. I only want to put creative and beautiful artwork on peoples skin. I feel privileged and honoured every time that I am chosen to mark someone permanently and I believe it is my duty as a professional to give each and every client the very best that I can, every time.
Browsing through my tattoos and drawings will definitely reveal my love for photo realism but I also very much enjoy being challenged and working in other styles when I can. It keeps things new and interesting. This page is a way for me to share my work, my process and my development as an artist and tattooist. I hope you enjoy it!
Reviews
I was so happy to see this arm again! I started work on this tattoo sleeve over 3 years ago and, as life tends to do to us all sometimes, it got in the way for my client so she had to postpone work on it for quite a while...
I worked on the top of the shoulder and had so much fun! I'm so grateful for the opportunity to finish what we started PLUS because I have years more experience under my belt it also means I can work back through and bring everything up to scratch which ...makes me really happy!
I like to think I work hard at continuously developing my skills as an artist and I have no shame in looking back at older work that comes back through my door and saying "I can make this even better now" :)
I can't wait to keep sharing the progress of this one with you all, even if it is another 3 years before I see it again😀
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I constantly have to pinch myself that I get to work in this creative space everyday, surrounded by the things that inspire and motivate me. I've worked really hard to build my home away from home and it's cool I can share it with so many of you who enjoy my art.
Thanks to all of you who follow me and allow me to live my dream. #socialsunday
If you love my work, we have an online store so you can have your own little piece of artwork hanging on your wall at home😎
Click on the images below to check out all our prints, stickers and original drawings👇
Now this is a super cool #flashbackfriday 😁 Check out little me, 7 years old, painting my winning entry onto the walls of the Burbank Disney Studios...
Look at my serious face😂
Each grade, from each school in the district had a winner 🙂
... See, creating artwork is in my blood😍
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Hey gang, I wanted to share some progress shots of another EPIC long term tattoo project project I'm working on at the moment with an awesome client😀
This idea evolved (how unusual for me, hahahaha) as soon as we started work on it. The original idea was just for a tiger and cherry blossom tree however as soon as she saw the tiger done she decided she wanted all the big cats included and also some landscape and other elements which will help tie together some existing work she has on her foot and ankle.
Having a lot of fun with this project and super excited to continue work on it soon...watch this space, I promise I'll kepp you all posted😉
It's SO humbling when I get photos like this from my clients. I love creating artwork but ultimately I do it so people can enjoy it. It makes me super happy to see my artwork hanging in your homes. I would love to see more of your photos so feel free to post them in the comments:)
Hey legends, check it out😎.
Here's some more progress on the Marvel sleeve I've been working on... THANK YOU to an amazing client for giving me 9 hours of mental focus and toughness while I chipped away at the inside of his arm to complete Rocket!
Tattoo projects like this arm make me insanely happy and I almost have to pinch myself at the fact that this is my "job" :) to be continued...
... To all of you who make this possible, I'm forever grateful🙏🙏
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Feeling philosophical 🙂
Limitations are those restrictions we place on ourselves when we allow our fears to get in the way of our dreams.
Be fearless.
... Have no limits and dream big! Start today.
What's holding you back from chasing your dreams?
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Flashback to that time my sister and I decided to get matching tattoos but I had to do my own!
This is not something I recommend, and it's not something I usually do, but I thought you'd all like this photo of me tattooing myself😂 #socialsunday
Hey everyone🖐️ Hope you're all having a super chilled Saturday. Personally I like keeping fit (and doing handstands, but more on that later) to keep myself centred. How do you all keep balance in your lives?
This is a really special #flashbackfriday for me☺️ This was the tattoo I did on the day I opened my own studio, 3 years ago today :) It's on a really good friend of mine, who played a MASSIVE part in me reaching that milestone and it was the best day ever! :)
Did you know the Panda is a symbol of peace, harmony and friendship? They're also super cute and super naughty! Have you seen the iPanda videos😂 They make nice tattoos as well👍
This is a special tattoo for all my photographer friends. The old-skool film cameras still have a certain appeal don't they:) Are you a Canon or Nikon fan?
This was seriously too good NOT to share🔥
I was super stoked when a friend sent me these pics of her little one's birthday party lolly bags. Is this the best thing you've seen today?😂
I LOVE seeing my work in unusual applications and this was SO fun.
... Superhero stickers for their Superhero gift bags. Any other cool suggestions for how we could use these?
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While I love big pieces, like sleeves, sometimes a clean and simple tattoo really is all you need. Super happy with this delicate and detailed feather😎
Getting tattooed and seeing my custom artwork are not the only reasons to visit my studio. I have treats for my clients too😂😎 #socialsunday
I'm super excited to share a little of my creative process today. I love showing my finished artwork, but it's a long journey to get to the finished piece, which is why there is a little part of me in every single one. I hope you enjoy seeing Spiderman come to life as much as I enjoyed drawing him😊🙏
Now THIS is a flashback! The first portrait I ever tattooed 🙂
If you've spent any time with me you'll understand how much I love drawing portraits. You might also know how terrified I was of taking the leap and tattooing the face of a loved one on someone's skin! It took me a couple of years to do it in fact, but portraits have become one of my favourite types of tattooing.
The client who made me comfortable enough to do so and put all her trust in me is to this day one of ...my favourite people to work with. Thank You!!
#flashbackfriday
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Anyone who knows me knows how much I value my drawing time.❤️
Art, and particularly drawing, has always been my passion and this is one of my older pieces. It's a Buddhist inspired piece and I hope it brings you all some Zen and some balance in your lives today🧘♀️🧘♂️ #throwbackthursday
Amazing. Always. If you need ink then this is where you need to be. Aside from the fact that Vs work is absolutely phenomenal, the fact that she makes you feel so comfortable and at ease makes sitting for her so easy! If I could give more stars I would!!
Amazing. Always. If you need ink then this is where you need to be. Aside from the fact that Vs work is absolutely phenomenal, the fact that she makes you feel so comfortable and at ease makes sitting for her so easy! If I could give more stars I would!!
Amazing. Always. If you need ink then this is where you need to be. Aside from the fact that Vs work is absolutely phenomenal, the fact that she makes you feel so comfortable and at ease makes sitting for her so easy! If I could give more stars I would!!