Half of his time he works in different studios in Barcelona, the other half is travelling around the world. To bring his freehand talent to the service of the most elegant color in the world.
DaniD, let’s start from the beginning: what does the letter “D” stand for after Dani?
I recently found some old drawings from my childhood, and all of them were signed simply with a “D.” It has always been there since I was very young. Because everything started at that time, I decided to keep it as part of my name.
How did you approach tattoo art over the years and why this powerful and absolute love of yours for black?
I made my first tattoo when I was 16, while I was already studying fine arts. From there, it felt natural to focus on becoming a tattoo artist.
I love black ink because it feels elegant, it creates a strong contrast on the skin, and it keeps its quality well over the years.
You don’t have a reference style even if your oriental influences are evident. It seems that it’s the black ink and only that that guides your art. Do you like this description?
It is not only the black ink that guides my work, but also the many years I spent studying Oriental influences and how black ink looks on the body. I pay a lot of attention to my client’s anatomy, and that is why I prefer to work freehand. The body’s shape helps decide how the final tattoo will look.
Are you a tattoo artist often on the road (London, Milan, Hamburg etc.) or do you have a reference studio when you are not busy with guest spots and conventions?
I spend about half of my time traveling for guest spots and conventions. The other half of my time, I work in Barcelona as an independent artist in different studios.
This balance helps me grow as an artist and keeps my work fresh.
If you could meet a big name in tattooing (present or past), who would you choose and what question would you ask him or her?
I would like to meet Filip Leu and ask him how he began his career, and about his experiences working closely with Traditional Japanese artists. Also, I would like to talk to Gakkin and ask him what he considers most important when creating a full bodysuit.
What is the biggest challenge you plan to set in 2025?
For 2025, I want to win a tattoo convention and complete my first bodysuit, which I started in 2023. These goals will push me to improve and become a better artist.
And your last famous words are… ?
If you truly want something and you are ready to work hard, you can achieve it. Everything becomes possible when you commit to your passion.
