Meet Felicia Mora | Handpoke Tattoo Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Felicia Mora and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Felicia, why did you pursue a creative career?
I decided to become an artist because life is too short to not at least try to do the crazy things you want to do. My passion for making art has endured all of the others throughout my life, and I am lucky to have found an art form that so many others feel equally passionate about. Tattooing lets me not only channel my creative energy, but also that of my clients and I am eternally grateful to every one of them.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Handpoked tattoos are seeing a huge surge in awareness and popularity right now, and I’m proud to continue the work of other handpokers in offering this alternative form of getting tattooed. It has of course existed as a method of tattooing since people began marking their skin thousands of years ago, but as the tattoo machine caught on in the western world, making tattoos by hand fell out of favor. I prefer the pace of nonelectric, poked by hand tattooing to the buzz of the machine. It is a calmer experience overall, more meditative, the pain less all encompassing. I love giving people their first handpoked tattoo, as they are usually shocked at how different the sensation is.
Coming up as a new artist in any scene is a challenge, and collaborating with others is risky. I’ve learned to surround myself with people who both love their craft and who take the responsibility of tattooing seriously. I am trying more every day to create my own community of supportive artists in shops and private studios both local and worldwide, to share my space and voice with.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I can’t help but recommend the coffee shop and bakery that I have worked for for the past 8 years, Devil’s Food Bakery in Wash Park. We have delicious, made by hand pastries and high quality coffee made by awesome people. It has allowed me to connect with so many people throughout the years, and has helped my tattoo career be able to flourish. Shopping for rare gems on South Broadway at Boss Vintage is always a good bet. Other than that, I try to enjoy the beauty of the natural world outside of the city when I get the chance.

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?
Great art doesn’t happen in a vacuum, and while the skills I’ve honed over the years are self-taught, I would not have known what was possible if I hadn’t been exposed to tattooing from great friends both in their shops and in my living room. The handpoked living room tattoos from my friend Sean were what finally inspired me to try my hand, and I have him and all of my early clients who trusted a new tattooer with their skin in my heart forever. The artist who currently inspires me the most to push myself creatively is my studio mate Reyna @spiraling.love, tattooing in a space with her has been a dream and I am proud and excited to wear many more of her tattoos on my body!

Website: https://felicialeemora.com

Instagram: @felicialeeartistry

Image Credits
Enrique Malfavon @enriquemphoto for headshot, myself for all others