Meet Angie Torres Jimenez | Tattoo Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Angie Torres Jimenez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angie, how do you think about risk?
I often see risk as an opportunity. It is not an easy thing to be commited to the everyday-routine to then being presented with a risk and wonder whether it’s good or not for you to take the opportunity. There have been times in life where I have wondered if I’ve taken the right decision when changing my life career choices and often I question myself about those times because most of the time I would pick what would make more sense “realistically” I guess according to the rest of the people but me, however, as years have passed by and opportunites have presented, I have come to realize that the best decicions I have taken have been the ones that I would pick out of a benefit for me, whether that is a financial one or something that I think would make me more happy; those are the risks worth taking, the ones that will make you the most content, or the less dissapointed in life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a current tattoo artist, it was not easy to present myself to the world as not only a woman but also a Mexican woman that was a Tattoo Artist. The tattoo industry it’s still very much male inclined and not a lot of women work in the business, and I am honored to be part of the women that have taken the step to become a Tattoo Artist because it is beautiful profession to be a part of. When I first started apprenticing I was living in Mexico at the age of 16 and back then it was even more of a challenge to start a career like such since it was often seen as a “hobby” or something that the people that did it were criminals that got out of prison and couldn’t get a job doing something else, when it wasn’t the case for the most part. I wish people would see even now, the work that is put when it comes to tattooing, it often comes with hours of research and days mayben even weeks of designing and coming up with something unique, and also, the knowledge that goes behind how to translate that design to the specific client’s skin and how to really make it unique to the shape of their bodies, and to think always in the future, since a Tattoo it’s a for-life commitment we also have to think about what is best to do for that tattoo longetivity-wise at the moment we execute them. Plus, knowing how to read people’s skin since everyone is different and being able to adapt in a matter of seconds to ensure a proper and safe execution in the session. So there is indeed a lot that goes into tattoing without even mentioning the knowledge behind proper use of needles and cross-contamination and to research about safe products to use in the body. I wish more people would understand that it is a difficult job to do too, it is not just drawing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them to Boulder for sure, to see the mountains as close as possible and to enjoy the view. I would take them to Golden to walk along the areas where the lakes are and enjoy the view too. I would them to check out the Meow Wolf exhibit in Denver. My best friend and I are Mexican so probably would take them to check out the food in the Cilantro restaurant by 17th next to the Broncos stadium. I would take them to Sloan’s Lake to walk and feed the ducks. I would take them to Stem Ciders to check out the different type of cider drinks they have. I would take them to Red Rock and show them where the concerts are presented.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to give a shoutout to Smokey Banana Tattoo Shop. I have had the courage to take risk about twice in my life, the last one was at the beginning of the year when I decided to pursue something that has fulfilled me for the majority of my life and that not a lot of people see as a great thing to do or something super complicated, and that is tattoing. I had been few months without a job and secure financial stability that a paycheck would provide, and even without fully knowing my circumstances, Smoakey Banana took me in when they saw my work and they met the person that I am. The owner Meredith Cross Dorsey has been one of the most influencial people in my life, and her Dad Tom Cross (old owner) it’s a representation of how good humanity can be. The family that owns the business are kind to society and were one of the frist shops to ever open in Denver. I am happy and grateful to work alongside the whole crew at Smokey Banana and definetely worth checking out just to go and meet the amazing people that work there.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/angie_sbanana

Image Credits
Tony Leppek