In the tattoo world, Esteban is a fascinating anomaly. Picture an unlikely mix between an emotion sculptor and an improvisation genius. This artist doesn't just tattoo designs — he captures moments, stories, and energies, anchoring them into his clients' skin forever. With an instinctive, almost choreographed approach, Esteban works mostly in free machine — a technique where improvisation and trust take the lead. Portrait.
How would you describe your creative process?
"Broadly speaking, my main source of inspiration is life itself. In Auguste Rodin's artistic testament, he says something that shook me: 'Before being an artist, you must be human.' That guides me. Being alive, aware of what I experience, what I share, what I feel. For me, the raw material of all creation is emotion."
What inspires you in your tattoo work?
"I'd say what inspires me most is people's stories, their intentions. I tattoo emotions, mainly. I take the time to talk with my clients to build a space for communication and understanding. What's said — and what isn't — feeds my ideas. That's where the graphic inspiration comes from."
You draw directly on your clients' bodies, without any preparation?
"Yes, most of the time. Before starting, I make very simple sketches directly on their skin — like a four-year-old's drawings. Minimalist, almost abstract. It might seem weird, but it lets me test movements, see how the body's curves interact with my ideas. Once I start tattooing, that's when the creative phase really kicks in. Every session becomes an improvisation, a real-time construction."
You often talk about the importance of movement in your work. Can you tell us more?
"I work at a scale that reads from about 1.5 to 2 meters. That forces me to design tattoos with the body's movement and curves in mind. My goal is for the tattoo to live with the body — to adapt to its shapes and movements. Sometimes that means accentuating a curve, other times breaking it to propose something new."
Have you ever doubted your approach?
"At first, when I adopted this process, I felt some apprehension. I trusted my technique, but I wondered if my clients would buy into this improvised method. Over time, I learned to communicate better, to put people at ease. Today, my sessions are a real encounter — a shared journey between the client and me."
What advice would you give to a tattooer wanting to try free machine?
"Confidence and technique are essential. When you work in free machine, you can't hesitate. You need to know your technique inside out, because there's no time to think about 'how'. Everything happens in the moment. For me, technique serves creation. When you've mastered it, you can truly make room for improvisation and exploration."
What drives you to keep evolving as an artist?
"For me, stopping learning is stopping living. Creation is an endless exploration ground. Even with experience, there are always new subtleties to discover — new ways to adapt to projects, body types, textures. It's this constant quest that makes every day exciting."
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and exclusive interviews with artists pushing the boundaries of traditional tattooing! Here's the full episode:
Follow the artist on Instagram.
For more details and to listen to the full episode, find "Cellophane et Vaseline" on YouTube.
Follow us on Instagram: @cellophane.et.vaseline
