Certified Artist 2026

Roberto Lozano

Color Realism Driven by Storytelling and Technical Dedication

Interview

How did your journey into tattooing begin, and what inspired you to pursue tattooing as a profession?

My name is Roberto Lozano, I’m 30 years old, and I’ve been tattooing for nine years. Everything started among friends. Since I was a child, I’ve always loved drawing — especially anime — and art was always part of my life.

The tattoo journey has had many challenges, with highs and lows along the way. Even today, tattooing is not always fully accepted by everyone. However, thanks to the growth of the industry, events like tattoo conventions, magazines, and television programs have helped people understand and appreciate tattooing much more than before.

With nine years of experience in the industry, what moments or challenges have shaped you the most as a tattoo artist?

Tattooing has been a path of constant learning and personal challenges. Every stage has helped me grow both professionally and personally. The process of improving my technique and continuing to develop my artistic vision has been the biggest influence on my career.

You work with both color realism and black & grey realism. How would you describe your artistic identity today between these two approaches?

I dedicate a lot of time to studying color realism. I’m fascinated by the level of detail that can be achieved when translating photographic references into tattoos on the skin.

At the same time, black and grey realism allows me to focus deeply on contrast and structure. Both approaches complement each other and help me express realism in different ways.

What attracts you most to realism in tattooing?

What attracts me most is the possibility of transforming a photograph into a piece of art on the skin. Realism allows a very strong connection between the image, the client, and the artist.

Every client has a different story, and translating that story through a realistic tattoo is incredibly satisfying for me as an artist.

Can you describe your creative process when designing a realistic tattoo?

Photography is a fundamental base for my work. Each image carries an emotion or idea that connects with the client.

From there, I study the concept carefully before tattooing. It’s important to understand the composition, the meaning behind the image, and how the tattoo will translate onto the skin. Every project requires planning so the final result reflects the client’s story in the best possible way.

What technical aspects are most important to achieve depth, contrast, and longevity?

For me, it’s very important to work with good machines, high-quality pigments, and to carefully study the design before starting the tattoo.

Another key aspect is thinking about how the tattoo will look years later once it has healed. Long-term vision is essential when creating realism.

You originally come from Venezuela and now work in Berlin. How has this international experience influenced your growth?

I’m originally from Venezuela, and I have also worked in Brazil and Colombia. Now I’m currently working in Berlin, Germany.

This journey has been a very interesting experience and has allowed me to grow a lot professionally. Working in different countries and cultures helps you evolve as an artist and constantly improve your work.

How do you build trust and connection with your clients?

The connection begins from the very first moment we meet in the studio. Conversation is essential — discussing ideas, understanding the client’s vision, and building a collaborative relationship.

I see the process as a 50/50 collaboration between artist and client. If there is no connection, the artistic flow is much harder to achieve.

How do you see realism evolving in today’s tattoo industry?

Realism has evolved tremendously worldwide. There are many incredible artists who inspire the new generations.

For me, it’s important to keep studying every day, attend events, travel, and continue learning in order to grow as a professional.

What are your goals for the future?

One of my goals in the coming years is to share knowledge with new artists and apprentices who want to enter the tattoo world.

Teaching and supporting the next generation of tattoo artists is something that really motivates me.