In this episode of Chats & Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova sits down with renowned tattoo artist Albert Zafra, affectionately known as Zaf. Broadcasting from Gods of Ink in Frankfurt, Germany, Aaron and Zaf delve into the world of tattoo artistry, discussing the significance of personal tattoos over high-value pieces, and the deep connections they forge.

With 20 years of experience, Zaf shares insights on his neo-traditional style and his journey from Barcelona, Spain, while contemplating the evolving landscape of the tattoo industry and future opportunities. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with passion, creativity, and a love for tattoos!

Don’t forget to check out Zaf’s incredible work on Instagram at @ZafTattoo and @AlbertZafra.

Chat Breakdown:

00:01:10 - Introducing Albert Zafra 00:02:46 - Longevity in Tattooing 00:03:19 - Passion vs. Experience 00:05:18 - Imposter Syndrome 00:09:09 - Covering Up Tattoos with Bad Energy 00:12:21 - Tattoo Session Duration and Focus 00:15:08 - Tattoo Preparation and Technique 00:16:08 - What Makes a Great Tattoo 00:17:03 - Flow and Composition in Tattoos 00:17:48 - AI in Tattoo Design 00:26:12 - Anesthesia in Tattooing 00:29:24 - Client Interaction and Design Process 00:33:13 - The Future of Tattooing

Quotes:

"The ones that scare me the most are the ones that think their stuff looks great."

"For me, the shitty tattoos sometimes are more important than the millionaire tattoos, you know? Because have a very good role with your friend, you know? Have a crazy energy, you know?"

"There is a little piece of me that's kind of embarrassed by it. I'm like, is that me? Or is that a computer?"

"The pain makes you strong. You need to embrace the pain. It is part of it."

"In 10 years, we're going to have machines that are going to do the tattoos."

"You are a fucking number. That's the point."

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Connect with Zaf:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/zaf_tattoos