Sponsored Artist of the Month – Toni Angar

Based in Malaga, Spain, Toni Angar is a neo-traditional and new school tattoo artist creating work that is vibrant, expressive, and captures motion.

Toni’s love for traditional Japanese culture comes together with a passion for anime and manga to create work that you might call neo-Japanese. His work frequently involves combining hannya and oni masks with pop culture elements like Batman, Dragon Ball and Star Wars.

We had a catch up with Toni about his style, process, and what the future holds for him.

What was life like before you became a tattoo artist?

I spent my childhood drawing a lot as I remember; I got into music, illustration and comics when I was a teenager. By that time, I used to paint my friends’ arms using pens. I guess I was already showing what I like to do haha.

What inspired you to become a tattoo artist?

I don’t really know if it was inspiration or not, I felt that it was my thing and decided to start it.

What is your favourite thing about your job?

The best part of my job is when a client comes in and a friend comes out.

Where do you find inspiration?

Metal music and Japanese culture.

How would you describe your style of tattoos?

I try it to have some fusion between the new school style, the neo-traditional composition, the classic Japanese, and a bit of old metal music portraits.

What is your tattoo designing process?

I always ask my clients for a first idea without any references. I prefer working on the design and make it unique for that client. Once I spoke to my client and both of us got the idea, I turn on the music and just start drawing.

Which tattoo studio are you working in right now and who’s there with you?

I am currently working on building my own studio, Dear Skin Tattoo Studio, with my three partners, Chris, Martina and Javi.

What music is usually playing in your studio?

All kind of music (but I prefer metal haha) - the client decides normally.

What would be your perfect work day?

I try to make all my tattoo days be the perfect day at work. If it was a hard day, I try to go eat some sushi after haha.

Where did you get your love of yōkai, hannya and other Japanese symbolism?

It was a long time ago; I am really fascinated about Japanese culture and Japan itself. In my opinion, I think that Japanese style is the origin of artistic modern tattoos. The fact of Japanese people having bad impressions about tattoos was so curious for me, and I’ve always liked demons, grotesque, and macabre Japanese stories.

When I first discovered the Japanese style, I thought it was made for me and could go well with heavy metal.

You tattoo a lot of anime characters, what shows would you recommend and why?

I would definitely recommend Berserk because it is a very strong manga, emotionally and physically. The artist knew how to combine Japanese art with a western drawing style and story, and that has fascinated me since I was 12 years old.

But if you want to have fun, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a good option.

What tattoo equipment do you use?

I use Inkjecta machines, Solid Ink inks and the rest of my supplies are from Killer Ink.

Do you have plans to attend any tattoo conventions/guest spots this year?

Yes. I am planning to go to Madrid and Barcelona as a guest this year, and I want to try the new anime convention in Asturias to see how it goes.

Have you won any awards that you’d like to brag about?

I have a few awards, but I never liked them. I don’t find the sense. I think that every artist has their own way to express their art and I don’t think there are better or worse artists inside the professional tattoo world.

If you could only tattoo one subject forever, what would it be?

I would tattoo what would make me become a better tattoo artist and make me happy.

Are there any tattooing styles you’d like to try, or particular characters/subjects you’d like to tattoo?

I really want to improve myself with the current style I’m working on, and I think I still need a few more years of practice. About a character, I would like to tattoo a Mazinger Z haha.

Do you make any other kind of art?

Yes, I draw illustrations for Dungeons & Dragons.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Stay with my friends and my girlfriend, play board games, video games, travel and eat sushi. A lot.

What does the future hold for Toni Angar?

I’ve been having health problems for a while, and I want to feel better for now and then travel a few months every year to Japan to learn more about their culture and become better with the Japanese style.