Meet Martini Duran | Tattoo Artist and Business Owner

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

Hi Martini, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success is that I have no fear of perfection, because I will never reach it. Once you realize that you allow yourself ample opportunity to grow and take risks you never thought were possible. I always strive to be better than my last artwork or my last tattoo, and it’s my goal to leave a lasting impression on each and every person I meet.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from others is I’m not afraid to tattoo the weird and unusual. I am constantly testing my artistic ability in terms of black and grey, color, and portrait work. My entire career as an artist has been filled with trials and tribulations. Not only has being a women set me back in an industry dominated by men, but I’ve had to overcome loss, addiction, and depression all while trying to advance. When it comes to overcoming these things, I’m a constant work in progress. Therapy has helped me move mountains and express myself in ways I wouldn’t think were possible. I’ve decided to use art an as outlet instead of substance abuse which has helped me grow and progress tremendously. It hasn’t been easy but I wouldn’t trade anything I’ve been through for the world as it’s gotten me to where I’m at today. If I want people to learn anything from me, it’s that you CAN and WILL achieve whatever you set your mind too and your COMEBACK will be stronger than any of your SETBACKS.

I am co owner and operator of Iron Head Tattoo as well as our sister shop Houses of the Holy with my husband Robert Duran. We’ve been in business for about 3 years and just started working on building our next new shop from scratch

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The beauty of owning a business in Old Colorado City/ Manitou is that there is never a shortage of things in the area to do! We are so close to the beauty of Garden of the Gods, there are countless of breweries in the area (my favorite being Trails End Taproom) and the local eateries are to die for. As a foodie myself I cannot recommend Lucky Dumpling enough! The eccentric beauty of manitou springs is right down the street from us and there’s countless of little trinket shops and specialty food stores that are a tourists DREAM.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my family, as they are the driving force behind my success. Each and everyday I wake up with the intention to make them proud. Without my clients I wouldn’t be where I’m at today as they allow me to constantly test the limits of my artistic ability and freedom. Without my husband Roberts mentorship I wouldn’t be able to grow not only as an artist on paper, but as an artist on skin as well as grow as a business partner. Lastly my daughter Holly Anne deserves recognition for being my muse and showing me that there is hope and light in this world that has one plagued me with darkness.

Instagram: tini_tattini

Facebook: Martini Josephine

Other: Tik Tok : tini_tattini