Stories on Skin: Interview with Tattoo Artist Fernando Morales Unda
Fernando Morales Unda is a true artist who just so happens to work in the medium of tattoos. Every piece of ink art that Fernando produces is not merely a decorative design; his tattoos are created with the intention of telling intimate stories that are carefully etched with precision and dedication. Fernando’s patrons come to him with requests to turn personal narratives into unique artwork that they are proud to wear on their skin. Fernando’s international life experiences — that span Mexico, Denmark, and Los Angeles — have given him a worldly perspective that enables his imagination to capture people’s life journeys in stunning visuals that are deeply symbolic.
Fernando recently discussed the art and tattooing and more via an exclusive interview.
Meagan Meehan (MM): How did you get interested in artwork and why did tattoos appeal to you in particular?
Fernando Morales Unda (FMU): I’ve been passionate about drawing for as long as I can remember. It was one of my first memories–drawing something. I was always keen on any art class. I loved sculpture work and anything related to creating something. Although my path was something different, I think that society sometimes pushes to do whatever is “socially acceptable,” so I studied finance. After working three years in Pwc, I couldn’t manage that life so I decided to pursue what made me happy. Since I was around ten, I used to see tattooed people and admire the work on their bodies. When I was 14, I got my first tattoo in a sketchy place, obviously and really cheaply made. Since then, I always thought about becoming a tattoo artist.
MM: How long did it take you to master the art of tattooing?
FMU: I don’t think I’ve mastered it in any way, tattooing. I’m always learning and trying to improve. I think that staying humble and learning from everyone whatever you can is one of the qualities that you never have to lose. Tattoo artists sometimes tend to get cocky or believe that their artwork better than someone’s else. I think this is a huge mistake. Keeping that present makes you a better artist and understanding and appreciating beautiful things around us translates into a better perspective of the fine arts. My life has been rough and some of my passion has been discovered through these ups and downs. I’m always happy when someone asks me to help and I always try to respond to beginners who are craving to learn. I didn’t have anyone to teach me. I got rejected at many studios, so I believe that passing knowledge also makes you a better artist and a good human being. Each style is unique and we are not owners of any style whatsoever, so when someone tries to ask me for some tip or secret, I’m more than happy to help.
MM: You are known for creating very personalized tattoos, so how do you translate the personal stories that your patrons tell you into visual imagery?
FMU: The first approach is always an Instagram DM; I try to keep it simple and try to respond asap. Whenever someone decides to lock in an appointment with me, I ask for more explained visuals or details about the piece. After that, I get everything in my email and analyze it and better understand what my customer wants. However, I want to talk face to face or sometimes phone call to have a deeper understanding. When this step comes, I already have some ideas for the piece and I hear my customer and try to interpret their feelings and what they want to transmit or say with this piece. What are the motives behind the piece and if there’s anything specific I might need to know. When I’m creating the piece, I always read about different cultures. How do they represent with symbols or imagery certain things. A fragment of a poem or quote that can accentuate their emotions. Music guides my way when I’m designing and when I’m tattooing. Everyone who has attended one of my sessions can see that I’m deeply connected to the music I’m playing, which translates into the emotion that I print on the tattoo.
MM: Out of all the tattoos you have inked, which are your favorites and/or most memorable and why?
FMU: Every tattoo I create I do it with the goal of being the best so far. My style is very particular and I like the fact that my tattoos look aesthetically pleasing. I’ve always been about finding balance in my work — saturation, contrast, structure, and composition. I don’t have a favorite in particular.
MM: I’m sure you have heard a lot of stories over the course of your career, so which ones have had the biggest impact on you and why have those specific stories stayed with you so much?
FMU: One day, I was tattooing on an11th floor. My customer, whom I won’t reveal the name of, had lost their little baby, which she wanted to represent with a hummingbird. I was on the 11th floor in the middle of Mexico City. There are no trees around. When we finished the tattoo, a hummingbird came to the balcony and stayed there. This was such an emotional moment, she was crying and I told her look, here’s your baby. We couldn’t believe it. We shared a really special moment and I gave her a big hug.
MM: Tattoos have become much more common and accepted in the 2000s, why do you think that is?
FMU: Yes, and it’s only becoming bigger. People are accepting more and more as an art. And every day, a new amazing tattoo artist comes up. People now see that not every tattoo is the same and is a way to express ourselves through art. It is not only about just having a motive; it is more about expressing yourself with art.
MM: You have lived and worked in several different parts of the world, so how has that influenced you creatively?
FMU: All my travels have brought new artistic development. Traveling is one of the things that expands your mind and makes you more aware of how little we are and how much art can impact the world.
MM: Do you have any tattoos and, if so, what is their significance?
FMU: I have plenty and I don’t have many of them with meaning. I choose the artist and I like to give them total freedom, so I just book an appointment and ask them to do whatever they want.
MM: What has been the highlight of your career so far?
FMU: Moving to LA, I would say, is one of the biggest things lately. I got the opportunity to work in one of the best studios in the world, @gangatattoola, which is an honor and I’m thankful for that.
MM: How do you hope your career evolves over the next five years?
FMU: I want to create different things and always want to explore new ventures. I’m working on a seminar and some other things I’ll share soon. I see myself helping others to join the tattoo industry and sharing with more people my craft.
MM: What are your ultimate goals for the future and is there anything else that you would like to mention?
FMU: In the near future, I’ll be releasing a seminar and I’ll be venturing into some other businesses that will share in the future, but I would say the biggest and most important is the craving to have a legacy, which I would say is achieved with tattooing. One of the best things about tattooing is being remembered by so many people which are carrying your art. They’ll just take your tattoos and a change of clothes when they pass, it’s sacred.
