Her real name is María Garrido and her tattoo studio, ‘Mollie’s Garden’, is located in Granada. Her style? A fine Dotwork combined with the natural beauty of the body.
Do you prefer to be called María Garrido or Miss Mollie Tattoo?
You can call me María or Mollie, for me it’s the same! Although my real name is María, I like it, and that’s how my friends and family call me. Mollie is my name in the tattoo world.
How did you choose that stage name? Does the song ‘Good Golly, Miss Molly’ by Little Richard have anything to do with it?
It has nothing to do with it! (laughs) But it would have been nice to answer yes, as it’s more original than the real answer. Mollie sounded good to me, and the Miss was a nod to the past! There was a María of whom I rarely talk about, who paraded in beauty pageants, ugh… how hard to recognize it.
Besides, it sounded feminine that way… and that was also important to me.
Did something unique happen in your life that made you choose to become a professional tattoo artist?
I chose a good timing, when tattoos were not yet very popular. I just wanted to try my art on another type of canvas, so I did and wouldn’t change back for anything. Before I was dedicated to graphic design, advertising and worked as a caricature artist at events.
Did you have any role model especially at the beginning of your career? Or do you consider yourself a completely self-taught artist?
I didn’t know anyone in the tattoo world, so I had to learn by myself. Shortly after, I opened my first tattoo studio (yes, I did poor quality work! But I took the risk!). Two years later I incorporated other artists in the studio and that was the first time I was able to work with other tattoo artists.
Let’s finally talk about your tattoos. I believe the only way to define your Black and Grey subjects is “refined” and “elegant”. What do you think? Do you have a more effective definition for your style?
I love this definition, and it’s my goal to try and mark each work, with the cleanliness of technique and a good design. I have always defined my work as “Dotwork” but drag pointillism has evolved into works that I would not know how to define as a style. Let’s say I do what comes from within me, and I highly prioritize aesthetics in the body when designing.
Tell me in detail about ‘Mollie’s Garden’ in Granada: is it a private tattoo studio?
You could say so, although we don’t present ourselves as such. We are a studio (IG: @molliesgardentattoo) full of great artists, located in a non-commercial area but with great views of the city.
Comfort and tranquility are what I seek, so I need a team of artists who share this desire of mine to be able to achieve them, you don’t find them by chance.
Do you like attending tattoo conventions and guest spots? Have you already booked something on your agenda regarding autumn/winter?
I like it a lot! It’s an opportunity to meet great artists and learn from them, as well as make friendly ties with people who do the same thing as you.
There are three conventions in Spain that I never fail and Barcelona is one of them.
Outside the country I have only been to New York, but I would like to start visiting other high level conventions. Hopefully I’ll be lucky and be able to participate!
Do you have a professional/artistic desire that you would like to see realized quickly?
I always think about the idea of creating my own brand of gold tattooed products. I’m obsessed with leather and gold, and I think it would be a new artistic motivation.
And your last famous words are… ?
Art and humility, an excellent combination to live with a peaceful mind.
