Media
Media
Some recognitions, awards, and interviews throughout my career
Some recognitions, awards, and interviews throughout my career
Jose Contreras, a tattoo artist who touches the sky
The Venezuelan, based in the U.S., has covered the skins of important entertainment figures with his work.
Gone are the days when people who displayed their tattoos were stigmatized, today everyone proudly displays the art they have chosen to wear on their skin. These images tell stories, are full of feelings, and represent a declaration of principles.
Tattoos have become popular all over the world (only a few countries with backward legislations point them out and persecute them) because of a powerful combination of social, cultural and technological factors.
Interview for Forbes
Jose Contreras has become
an expert in microrealism
Jose Contreras is one of the best tattoo artists in the United States and is known in several countries as an artist who creates high-quality works. As part of his career, the Venezuelan by birth has traveled and worked in large studios in Venezuela, Argentina, France, the United Kingdom and the United States, which has given him great experience and he has been able to work with many celebrities.
According to Jose Contreras, what he likes most about the microrealistic style is that with a three-line needle, Dynamic black ink and a tattoo machine he can do magic.
Interview for Voyage Austin
Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose Contreras.
Hi Jose, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
From a very young age, I felt a deep curiosity for drawing and body modification. In 2006, I began exploring that world through piercing, which quickly led me to discover my true passion: tattooing.
By 2007, I had started my training as a tattoo artist, learning basic techniques while surrounded by other artists who inspired me. My dedication soon earned me a spot at Mithos Tattoo, one of the most respected studios in my home country, where I also began competing in local tattoo conventions and won several awards, including Rookie Artist of the Year.
INTERVIEW FOR PEOPLE
Tattoo Artist Jose Contreras Says the Latest Celebrity Trend Is Getting Inked Under Anesthesia
Contreras has done tattoos for musicians Post Malone and Ozuna, pro athletes Anthony Davis and Lonzo Ball and more
Additional Press Release for People
Are 'Tramp Stamps' Rising in Popularity Among Gen Z? Tattoo Artists Are Divided on the Trend
Not all tattoo artists are on board with the trend, either.
“To be honest, I haven’t really seen a comeback of lower back tattoos — at least not from where I stand in the tattoo industry,” Jose Contreras, a tattoo artist who practices in Los Angeles, Texas and New York, says. “That said, it wouldn’t surprise me if they did start trending again at some point. Everything in this world is pretty cyclical.”
Contreras continues, “For example, there was a time when traditional tattoos — without much composition — were super popular. Then realism started to take over, with full-arm pieces that had flow and big compositions. But now, I’m seeing realistic tattoos again, just in smaller, scattered pieces all over the body, kind of like the way traditional tattoos used to be placed.”
Venezuelan Tattoo Artist Brings Talents to Denton.
Originally from Venezuela, a now-Denton resident is making a name for himself by sharing his passion for tattooing. NBC 5 Photojournalist Arnaldo Gines visited his shop for a look at his art.
interview FOR
Univisión newS
Here is a fragment of the interview I had for Univisión Noticias. Thank you @elianzidan for the interview and see you soon for your tattoo!
• • • Here is a fragment of the interview I had for Univisión Noticias. Thanks @elianzidan for the interview and see you soon for your tattoo.
Interview for
Univision
Jose Contreras, a true globetrotting tattoo artist, promotes this art form with his unique and highly innovative style.
This artist has traveled through countless countries and states spanning many time zones.
Interview for
Voyage Dallas
Meet Jose Contreras of
Dark Age Tattoo Studio in Denton
the first tattoo for @rubimolina
Here are some photos of what happened during the interview for @telemundo where I had the pleasure of doing the first tattoo for @rubimolina
She behaved like a champion!
Thank you very much Rubí for the trust and see you soon for more ink!
Interview for
LA VOZ
Venezuelan talent! Jose Contreras, the tattoo artist of American stars
The Venezuelan – who is based in the city of Los Angeles and works in one of the most sought-after studios in Hollywood, “Ganga Tattoo” – has had the opportunity to capture his art on the skin of stars such as Robert Lee Griffin III, Football player.
INTERVIEW FOR NOTICIAS CARACAS
Post Malone, the American singer tattooed by the Venezuelan, Jose Contreras
Three more artists from Ganga Tattoo, one of the most prestigious studios in the United States and the world, participated.
The singer surprised his fans with new tattoo designs, which were made under an unusual procedure and the renowned Venezuelan artist participated in one of them.
INTERVIEW FOR
DIARIO EN POSITIVO
The tattoo artist
Jose Contreras triumphs
Worldwide
Jose’s talents have gained so much exposure that his client list includes football star, Robert Lee Griffin III; Los Angeles Lakers player Anthony Lavis, Post Malone and Ozuna, to name a few.
Interview for
LA FM
Jose Contreras, celebrity tattoo artist in the US, reveals curiosities about the artists
Jose Contreras. He is a young tattoo artist who has been working in this industry since 2007. He took his first steps in ‘MithosTattoo’, a studio in Venezuela where he was able to participate in local events and on several occasions won awards such as “New Artist of the Year.”
INTERVIEW FOR Gazzetta Di Roma
Jose Contreras
conquista il mondo con
la sua arte
L’arte del tatuaggio lo ha accompagnato fin da giovane, fino a conquistare vari paesi europei come Francia, Dinamarca e Regno Unito, attraverso convegni ed eventi dove il suo talento si è ampliato.
INTERVIEW FOR
Wow La Revista
JOSE CONTRERAS represents Latinos in style in West Hollywood
Jose Contreras is a young Venezuelan who since 2007 has been working with the public, making drawings and body modifications. He began his career at Mithos Tattoo, in his native country where he was able to participate in local events and on several occasions won awards as new artist of the year.
Interview for
LA PATILLA
The Venezuelan artist who has triumphed in the best studios in the world
The tattoo artist began his career at an early age, but professionalism has led him to be part of the most important studios worldwide, such as “Dark Age Tattoo”, “No Regrets Tattoo Studio”, (United Kingdom), “Ganga Tattoo » (Los Angeles, California) and «Last Rites Tatto» (New York).
INTERVIEW FOR LA PROPUESTA DIGITAL
Incredible feline designs are made by celebrity tattoo artist
The precision and grandeur that the Venezuelan artist gives to his feline designs have had an impact on the world of body art, reaching the admiration of prominent figures in music and American football in West Hollywood.
INTERVIEW FOR
ABC NOTICIAS
The Venezuelan Artist Who Has Succeeded In The Best Studios In The World
The tattoo artist began his career at an early age, but professionalism has led him to be part of the most important studios worldwide, such as “Dark Age Tattoo”, “No Regrets Tattoo Studio”, (United Kingdom), “Ganga Tattoo » (Los Angeles, California) and «Last Rites Tatto» (New York).
Interview for
Informador (México)
Jose Contreras, Latin talent who leaves a permanent mark in West Hollywood
The success story of Jose Contreras – originally from Caracas, Venezuela – seems natural today, however, becoming the first choice for athletes and singers to get tattooed required something more than his desire to succeed.
INTERVIEW FOR
LATIN PLUG
the wizard of
tattoos
in west hollywood
The precision and grandeur that the Venezuelan artist gives to his feline designs have had an impact on the world of body art, reaching the admiration of prominent figures in music and American football in West Hollywood.
INTERVIEW FOR
DIARIO LOS ANDES
Jose Contreras, “The King of Tiger Designs” in the tattoo industry
In the world of tattoos, realism is becoming more and more popular, but each artist has their own style. If Jose Contreras has done anything, it is to overcome the margin of what is “real.” The designs he is most passionate about creating are animals, but his weakness is tigers and lions; The experience has allowed him to know each technique, to achieve levels of finishes, with a natural appearance, that many cannot achieve.
Interview for
Diario La Verdad Vargas
Jose Contreras! The tattoo artist preferred by celebrities
Known for his striking designs of realistic lions and tigers that adorn the skin of singers and American football players, José Contreras has become the favorite Latin tattoo artist for celebrities at “Ganga Tattoo”, West Hollywood.
Interview for
Diario EL ACARIGUEÑO
Venezuelan tattoo artist is listed among the best tattoo artists in the world
INTERVIEW FOR
La Verdad
Noticias
Celebrity tattoo artist for famous people like Post Malone and Odell Beckham Jr.
In the modern world of image-based social media, tattoo art has taken on unprecedented importance for celebrities.
Interview
for
MILENIO
Jose Contreras: tattoo artist who transforms skin into micro-realistic art
Considering body art as his passion since he was a teenager, Jose Contreras has currently become a reference in the world of tattoos thanks to his talent in black and gray techniques, realism and micro-realism. To date, with more than fourteen years of experience, he has been able to build a client portfolio that includes various international celebrities.
Interview for
REVISTA
SEMANA
Ozuna, among the artists who have chosen microrealistic animal tattoos
Tattoos have been gaining ground in recent years and it is a practice that has become very common in people of all ages; No matter the design or whether you are young or adult, the truth is that more and more people are resorting to leaving a mark on their skin with some striking motif or with a graphic that has a special meaning.
INTERVIEW FOR
Rollacoaster Magazine
MEET THE ARTIST SHOOTING FOR AND TATTOOING THE STARS: JOSE CONTRERAS.
The tattoo artist chats with Rollacoasteron the highlights of his career so far, his biggest lessons learnt and his best advice for budding artists in the business.
Interview
for
Telemundo
INTERVIEW FOR
Telemundo
It fills me a lot to remember where I come from and how this whole adventure in the world of tattooing began.
Like everything at the beginning, nothing is easy and there are many challenges that must be overcome.
Don’t let fear stop you, even if it’s with fear, keep trying. The fear will go away and the achievements will remain.
Special report for @telemundo39 💙
Interview for
Ink Latino
(2016)
JOSE CONTRERAS: FROM CARACAS TO CHELTENHAM
It seems like tattooing was the destined career path for Jose Contreras. Captivated by the arts at an early age, Contreras had always been interested in illustration and learning the skills required for the occupation. However, this was years before he would invest in his interest—long before tattooing was even a blip on the radar for him.
Interview through national television in Denmark
Transmitted in 2016 on Tv2
Showcasing the participation of Jose Contreras in the Nordic Ink Festival.
Conventions, Festivals and Events:
Jose Contreras has participated in several conventions and has won different awards that
accredit him as one of the best tattoo artists in Texas.
- Miami All Stars Tattoo Convention 2024 – Award for 2nd Place Black and Grey Realism
- Poiesis Art Show 2022 – Award for Best Color Tattoo
- Poiesis Art Show 2022 – Award for Best Realism Tattoo
- Sinners Tattoo Expo 2022 – Award for 3rd Place Black & Grey with Color Fusion Tattoo
- Sinners Tattoo Expo 2022 – Award for 2nd Place Realistic Tattoo
- Sinners Tattoo Expo 2022 – Award for Best of The Day (Black & Grey Tattoo)
- Sinners Tattoo Expo 2022 – Award for 1st Place Medium Black & Grey Tattoo
- Sinners Tattoo Expo 2022 – Award for Best of Show (Black & Grey Tattoo)
- Villain Arts Denver Tattoo Convention – Award for 4th Place Best Tattoo of the day
- Sinners Tattoo Expo 2019 – Award for 1st Place Black & Grey with color fusion Tattoo
- Sinners Tattoo Expo 2019 – Award for Best of Day (Saturday) Tattoo
- Dallas Tattoo Expo 2019 – Award for Best of Show
- Denver Tattoo Arts Convention 2019 – Award for Best of The Day (Saturday) 4th Place
- Denver Tattoo Arts Convention 2019 – Award for Best of The Day (Saturday – Color) 4th Place
- Dallas Tattoo Expo 2017 – Award for 1st Place Black & Grey Tattoo
- Tommy´s Tattoo Convention 2016 – Award for 1st Place Best of Day
Conventions, Festivals and Events:
Jose Contreras has participated in several conventions and has won different awards that
accredit him as one of the best tattoo artists in Texas.
- Miami All Stars Tattoo Convention 2024 – Award for 2nd Place Black and Grey Realism
- Poiesis Art Show 2022 – Award for Best Color Tattoo
- Poiesis Art Show 2022 – Award for Best Realism Tattoo
- Sinners Tattoo Expo 2022 – Award for 3rd Place Black & Grey with Color Fusion Tattoo
- Sinners Tattoo Expo 2022 – Award for 2nd Place Realistic Tattoo
- Sinners Tattoo Expo 2022 – Award for Best of The Day (Black & Grey Tattoo)
- Sinners Tattoo Expo 2022 – Award for 1st Place Medium Black & Grey Tattoo
- Sinners Tattoo Expo 2022 – Award for Best of Show (Black & Grey Tattoo)
- Villain Arts Denver Tattoo Convention – Award for 4th Place Best Tattoo of the day
- Sinners Tattoo Expo 2019 – Award for 1st Place Black & Grey with color fusion Tattoo
- Sinners Tattoo Expo 2019 – Award for Best of Day (Saturday) Tattoo
- Dallas Tattoo Expo 2019 – Award for Best of Show
- Denver Tattoo Arts Convention 2019 – Award for Best of The Day (Saturday) 4th Place
- Denver Tattoo Arts Convention 2019 – Award for Best of The Day (Saturday – Color) 4th Place
- Dallas Tattoo Expo 2017 – Award for 1st Place Black & Grey Tattoo
- Tommy´s Tattoo Convention 2016 – Award for 1st Place Best of Day
English 
Spanish