María Fernández González Website

María Fernández González

Tattoo Artist

María Fernández González is a Tattoo Artist based in Hamburg, Germany. She works out of her tattoo studio, Alchemist’s Valley, which has locations both in Hamburg and Madrid. She specializes in fine line tattoos with soft shadings. While she mainly works with black ink, she sometimes includes touches of color in her work as well. Her original tattoo designs often reference her love of nature, and are defined by graphic and clean elements. María creates unique tattoo compositions that leave an indelible mark on her clients. As an early adopter of the concept of modern tattooing, which features designs with fine lines and unique illustrations, María has become a highly sought-after tattoo artist and is considered a true visionary in the field of modern tattooing.

Education

  • Master's in Fine Arts, School of Art, Hamburg
  • Degree in Fine Arts, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain

Professional Achievements

  • Co-Founder of acclaimed tattoo studio Alchemist's Valley, located in both Hamburg and Madrid
  • Alchemist's Valley holds almost 1000 reviews on Google, averaging 4.9 stars
  • Runs training courses for aspiring tattoo artists through Alchemist's Valley Academy
  • Her work and professional advice have been featured in various magazines, including Men's Health and Glamour
  • Has collaborated with multiple brands, including Rhinoshield and Tatyou

Certifications & Organizations

  • Official certificate, Sanitary Hygienic Course, official course completed in Madrid
  • Official certificate, Hygiene in the Tattoo Studio, official course completed in Hamburg

Favorite Piece of Advice

A well-done tattoo can be a true work of art that will be under your skin forever. That is why it is crucial to take the time and effort to find the right artist for you.

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Forum Comments (1)

How do I get started as a tattoo artist?
People have already provided some great advice for becoming a tattoo artist, so I'll give you my thoughts on how to get loyal, repeat clients once you do become a tattoo artist. You have to work to keep them coming to you and not going to other studios and, at the end of the day, that comes down to making sure they have an amazing experience. So, they have to be happy with the tattoo. They need to know that if something needs a retouch or additional support, you're going to be there for them.

Also, give them things that maybe they don't expect, like offer them something to drink or eat or lend them an iPad to watch a movie on while they are getting tattooed so they that they feel comfortable and good with you. You'll also have to work with email marketing. So, write them after some time to ask them how the tattoo heals, or when you open your bookings, just write again to say, “Hey, I'm opening my bookings. Just in case you want to have something new, send me a request,” these kind of things. And, of course, you're going to work with social media. You're going to keep your following updated on what you're doing, new designs that you did, and they will get to know you better through posts and stories. So, if you build a good relationship with them, probably they are going to come to you again.

Q&A Comments (4)

How does a tattoo gun work?
It works by moving the needle back and forth or up and down. So when you receive a tattoo, the needle doesn't really create a continuous line. Instead, it makes a series of tiny dots that are so close together that they appear as a line. This is why you can use a machine to create a tattoo or even manually poke the skin with ink as a traditional method. Both of these methods produce an image composed of numerous small dots which creates a tattoo.
How can I make a manual tattoo applicator?
Get a hold of some basic tools like a piece of needle, a sturdy handle like a pencil or chopstick, and some threads. Then, secure the needle into the handle by tightly wrapping the thread around it and make sure that it's in place and that it won't move. Sterilize both the needle and handle to maintain cleanliness and safety. To start tattooing, pour some ink into a small container, dip the needle into the ink, then carefully poke the skin dot by dot to create your design.
Would it be a good idea to design a multiple-layered tattoo?
It's generally not a good idea to layer different designs of tattoos in one go. If you're seeking something personal, avoid trendy, commercial designs that lacks personal significance. Also, cramming multiple elements into one tattoo, especially for first-timers, try to represent everything in a single tattoo such as family members and memorable trips which can result in a cluttered and unattractive design. While it may hold significant meaning initially, you might end up disliking the tattoo over time. So, it's better to focus on a few elements that work well together and remember that less is more. 
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Co-authored Articles (16)

Upside-Down Cross Symbolism Explained (Plus, Tattoo Interpretations)

The religious context and history behind this popular tattooSo, you’ve seen an upside-down cross tattoo. Maybe it’s on a friend, coworker, or internet stranger. Either way, you’re left with one question: What does ...

When and Why Does a Tattoo Start to Peel?

Everything you need to know about what happens to a new tattoo You can’t stop staring at your new ink in the mirror. It’s perfect, but you can’t help but wonder: When is this thing going to flake? And for how long ...

Everything You Need to Know About Being an Ink Master Human Canvas

Love the show ''Ink Master'' and have a hankering for a new tattoo? You’re in luck—''Ink Master'' recruits human canvases for every season to get a new tattoo on the show. To find out how to apply and what the requir...

Symbol Tattoos: 70 Popular Options (And What They Mean)

Tattoo artist María Fernández González explains how to choose the perfect design for your next tatWhen it comes to tattoos, people naturally gravitate towards powerful symbols and images that contain a lot of nuanced ...

What Are the Sak Yant Tattoo Rules?

Common questions about the tradition, history and sacred significance of sak yant tattoos Sak yant, also known as yantra or sakyant, is an ancient Buddhist practice that combines prayer, blessings, and tattoos. Performe...

How to

Tattoo Leather

Whether you’re tattooing leather to practice as a tattooist or to create a neat design on a plain leather item, all you need is a tattoo gun to get things rolling. This tool can be bought new or used, and you can find ...

How to

Draw Your Own Temporary Tattoo

Tattoos are a great way to accent your look and can help you express your creativity and individuality. If you're not ready for a permanent tattoo, don't worry. Try a temporary tattoo to see if you're ready for the commi...

How to

Email a Tattoo Artist

Do you have a great tattoo idea and want to set up an appointment with an artist? Sending an email is one of the best ways to reach out to an artist to plan your visit to their shop. We know you’re excited about your t...

How to

Draw a Feather

Follow this simple guide to draw a beautiful realistic or cartoon featherFeathers could be used as pens as well as decorations. Do you want to draw your own personal feather? Here are easy steps on how to draw one!

How to

Make a Temporary Tattoo With Eyeliner

If you're not ready for the life-long commitment of a real tattoo, or if you're too young to start inking your skin, you can still get creative with body art! A temporary tattoo is also a great way to see how much you'll...

How to

Draw Wings

Do you want to draw wings to put on your characters? Follow this simple tutorial to learn how!

How to

Draw a Lotus Flower

The lotus plant has a distinct flower made of a central pod leading out to large, gorgeous petals. From classic paintings to modern art, lotus flowers are often used to depict beauty, purity, and grace. Thankfully, they...

How to

Use a Tattoo Gun

A tattoo gun, also referred to as a tattoo machine, is a hand-held device that artists use to create permanent tattoos. Handling a tattoo gun may seem daunting, as it takes intense focus and a steady hand, but the result...

Everything You Need to Know About Flash Tattoos

A guide to the meaning and history of flash tattoos If you’re at all interested in the world of tattooing, you may have heard of flash tattoos. Flash tattoos are pre-drawn designs that are ready to be booked and tattoo...

A Guide to Stick-and-Poke Removal: Preparation, Aftercare, & More

Find the safest, most effective way to erase your ink Are you starting to think your sweet stick-and-poke is losing its oomph? Not every tattoo is meant to last…and that’s okay! Technology has come far enough that st...

How to

Get a Tan Tattoo

One of the worst parts of tanning is unwanted tan lines, but why not take advantage of the tanning process to create tan lines you'll want -- like a tan tattoo. Enough with tan lines from a bathing suit. With a few purpo...