She works inside her own studio, Musa Tattoo, located in a Spanish city recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Her realistic tattoos, paradoxically, always leave room for dream and fantasy…
Hi Laura, I’d start with a very recent achievement of yours: your third place in the “Realistic Tattoo” category at the last ‘Barcelona Tattoo Expo’. What did you tattoo at that event, and how did you feel when the judges announced your name?
At this year’s ‘Barcelona Tattoo Expo’ (IG: @barcelonatattooexpo), I created a tender portrait of a little boy hugging his puppy. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting to win anything because the level of work was incredibly high and the competition was tough! So it was a beautiful surprise.
Luckily, I’ve been fortunate enough to receive awards every year I’ve participated in Barcelona. I have to say, the moment that brought me the most joy was in 2022, when I won “Best of Show” at ‘Barcelona Tattoo Expo’ – I couldn’t believe it!
How did your passion for tattooing begin? Is it something you’ve cultivated since you were a little girl, or was there a specific event in your life that made you pursue this career?
I’ve been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember. Since I was a child, I knew I wanted to be a painter and dedicate my life to art. I was always fascinated by tattoos and the idea of carrying artwork on the skin.
It was during my Fine Arts degree that I decided to explore tattooing as just another artistic medium.
To me, it’s magical to create pieces on living canvases – it’s a way to keep art alive, and the most intimate way to bring it closer to people, to the point where it actually becomes a part of them.
In your case, we can’t just talk about Realistic works, but about truly unique tattoos that sometimes transport your client’s life into fantastical worlds or surprising situations. Is this your goal? To break down the barriers of Realism? To make it something less photographic and more imaginative?
I always like to leave space to imagination – exaggerating colors, creating scenes full of mystery and fantasy – so that each piece can be interpreted in different ways, depending on the viewer’s perspective or even their stage in life. The goal is for the tattoo to never have just one meaning, but many, allowing the viewer to enter a dreamlike, personal, and ever-changing world.
Your ‘Musa Tattoo’ (IG: @musatattooshop) is located in a truly unique city in Spain: Cuenca, whose historic center has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for almost thirty years. Does tattooing in such a place provide a different experience than in the usual big cities?
Maybe it’s my artistic side, but I really need to live in a place with soul and beauty – and Cuenca is just that. To make the most of it, we designed the studio (IG: @musatattooshop) with huge windows overlooking the river and trees, so we can work with natural light and rest our eyes when needed. Clients also appreciate it – it helps them relax and take their mind off the pain.
Many even stay a few extra days to enjoy the historic city center, which is truly a special place.
Am I wrong or do you sometimes work/tattoo in New York City too?
Yes, I often work in New York – it’s a great way to get a change of scenery, meet new artists, and stay in touch with evolving trends in the tattoo world. I love discovering new places, so I take these trips as both a way to grow professionally and to recharge personally. Sometimes I feel like a bit of a nomad!
How do you imagine 2026? Do you already have specific guest spots or tattoo conventions in mind?
2026 is going to be a year of changes, and I have really good expectations. I want to plan my travels and schedule more efficiently, to find a better balance between work, personal life, and other creative activities I enjoy. It’s all about growing without losing joy in the process. I also hope to explore new countries and take part in exciting conventions I haven’t attended yet.
And your last famous words are… ?
Always trust the process. Everything comes at the right time – because what arrives too quickly often leaves just as fast. It’s important to enjoy each stage calmly and consistently, setting small goals and reaching them step by step. Step by step, with heart and patience.
