Interview

Dec 23

Santiago Gonzalez

Santiago was given the name “Spade” when he started tattooing as a teenager. Born and raised in Miami, he was inspired by the South Miami graffiti scene. Graffiti paved the way to tattooing quite quickly. Santiago was lucky enough to land an apprenticeship where he found his longest relationship to date with tattooing. Adding graphic design and illustration to his arsenal assisted him greatly in finding new ways to approach tattooing. Now, Santiago lives in Honolulu Hi, tattooing with the crew of Skin Factory. He loves realism, full color, black and gray, as well as painting style tattoos. Santiago now finds himself surrounded by the beauty of Honolulu where he is a proud member of the Skin Factory family. What sets him apart is his process of building with clients to bring their ideas to life in ink.

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“I am a tattoo artist recognized for my artistry at Skin Factory in Waikīkī, Hawaii, but my journey into the world of art began long before I entered the tattoo industry. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, I discovered my passion for art at a young age, diving headfirst into the vibrant world of graffiti. Growing up in a city celebrated for its cultural diversity and urban art scene, graffiti became my first love - a powerful medium of self-expression that allowed me to showcase my creativity in bold, unforgettable ways! As my skills and artistic vision evolved, I began to explore new ways to connect with people through my work. I sought a medium that would combine my passion for storytelling with my desire to create something personal and lasting. This search ultimately led me to tattooing, where I found a natural fit. Much like graffiti, tattoos tell stories, but they do so on living canvases, creating a permanent bond between the artist and the individual. Now in my forties and living in Waikīkī, I continue to bring my artistic vision to life through my work at Skin Factory. Each tattoo I create reflects my dedication to my craft, my years of experience, and my love for connecting with others through art. For me, tattooing isn’t just a career - it’s a lifelong passion and a way to leave an indelible mark on the world.”

What inspires you?

“I draw inspiration from the world around me, the people I meet, and the stories they carry. Born in Miami and now living in Waikīkī, I find my creativity deeply rooted in both urban landscapes and the natural beauty of the islands. The bold lines and vibrant colors of graffiti, which sparked my passion for art, continue to influence my work, blending seamlessly with the fluidity and symbolism often found in Polynesian and ocean-inspired designs. As a tattoo artist, I am inspired by the deeply personal connection my craft allows me to create with my clients. Every design I work on is more than just ink - it’s a reflection of someone’s journey, beliefs, or memories. Whether it’s helping a client commemorate a life event or express their individuality, I thrive on the collaborative process of bringing those ideas to life. Nature also plays a key role in my inspiration. Living in Hawai‘i, surrounded by the ocean, mountains, and vibrant sunsets, I find endless motivation in the beauty of my environment. These elements often make their way into my art, reminding me of the importance of balance and the power of simplicity. Ultimately, my biggest inspiration is the pursuit of growth - both as an artist and as a person. My passion for pushing boundaries, exploring new styles, and connecting with others fuels my creativity every day, allowing me to leave a meaningful mark on both the skin and the soul.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“The themes I pursue in my work often revolve around storytelling, self-expression, and transformation. Every tattoo I create is a collaboration - a way to help someone visually represent their journey, emotions, or beliefs. I’m drawn to designs that hold personal meaning for the client, whether it’s honoring their heritage, commemorating a significant life moment, or simply expressing who they are. There’s definitely an underlying message in my work: individuality and connection. Each tattoo is a reminder that we all have stories worth telling, and art is a powerful way to connect those stories to something permanent. I aim to create pieces that not only look beautiful but also hold deep significance for the wearer, serving as a source of strength, pride, or inspiration. Ultimately, my work is about more than just putting ink on skin - it’s about creating art that resonates with people, helps them embrace their uniqueness, and reminds them of the beauty in their own story.”

How would you describe your work?

“I would describe my work as bold, expressive, and deeply personal. Each piece is a blend of artistry and storytelling, designed to capture meaning and emotion while showcasing clean lines, strong composition, and attention to detail. My style draws influence from my early days in graffiti, incorporating dynamic shapes and vibrant energy, while also reflecting the natural beauty of Hawai‘i and the cultural depth of tattooing. My goal is to create tattoos that stand the test of time - both in their design and their impact on the wearer. Whether it’s a minimalist piece or an intricate, large-scale project, I approach every tattoo with the same focus: to create something that resonates with the individual and tells their story in a way that’s as unique as they are.”

Which artists influence you most?

“The artists who influence me most come from a range of backgrounds, each bringing something unique to the way I approach my craft. Early on, graffiti artists like Seen and Saber inspired me with their bold use of color, dynamic compositions, and fearless self-expression. Their ability to transform urban spaces into massive canvases sparked my passion for art and taught me the importance of making a statement through design. In the tattoo world, I’ve been influenced by legends like Filip Leu for his mastery of large-scale work and his seamless integration of traditional and modern styles. I also admire artists like Horiyoshi III, whose dedication to storytelling through traditional Japanese tattooing highlights the power of cultural symbolism and technique. Beyond tattooing, I draw inspiration from fine artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, whose raw, emotive style reminds me to stay authentic and embrace imperfection in the creative process. Living in Hawai‘i, I’m constantly inspired by the natural world and the traditional Polynesian tattooing practices that emphasize connection, meaning, and heritage. Each of these influences shapes my work, reminding me to stay bold, intentional, and always open to growth.”

“The themes I pursue in my work often revolve around storytelling, self-expression, and transformation.”

What is your creative process like?

“My creative process is deeply collaborative and rooted in storytelling. It begins with getting to know my client - their ideas, personality, and the meaning behind the tattoo they want. I ask questions to understand their vision, whether it’s a specific style, symbolism, or an emotion they want the design to capture. For me, this connection is key; the better I understand their story, the more personal and meaningful the final piece will be. From there, I start sketching, blending their ideas with my artistic perspective. I focus on creating a design that not only reflects their vision but also works harmoniously with the natural flow of their body. Composition, balance, and longevity are always at the forefront of my mind - I want the tattoo to look incredible now and hold up beautifully over time. Once the design is ready, I share it with the client for feedback, fine-tuning any details to ensure it feels perfect to them. When it’s time to tattoo, I approach the session with precision and care, treating the process as a collaborative art form where trust and communication are essential. Ultimately, my creative process is about transforming an idea into a lasting piece of art that my client will carry with pride. It’s a journey we take together, and that’s what makes every tattoo unique and special.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“An artist’s role in society is to inspire, challenge, and connect. Artists have the ability to reflect the world around them, tell stories that resonate across cultures, and push boundaries to spark conversations. Through their work, they can capture emotions, preserve traditions, and even drive social change. Art has always been a way to make sense of the human experience, offering perspectives that can unify or provoke deeper thought. As society evolves, I see the role of artists expanding in exciting ways. Technology and social media have given artists unprecedented reach, allowing them to connect with global audiences instantly. Artists are no longer confined to galleries or specific mediums - they’re storytellers, educators, and influencers, blending creativity with platforms that amplify their voices. For me, as a tattoo artist, this evolution means creating work that not only resonates on an individual level but also contributes to larger conversations about identity, culture, and self-expression. Tattoos, once seen as counterculture, are now widely embraced as a legitimate art form and a deeply personal way for people to tell their stories. Moving forward, I see artists continuing to adapt to new tools and platforms while staying true to their role as visionaries and communicators. The core of what we do—creating meaningful connections and inspiring others—will remain, but how we do it will keep evolving with the world around us.”