Tony Faith, a talented tattoo artist at the Spanish studio El Mono Manco, has carved a niche for himself in the world of tattooing, particularly renowned for his captivating Female Face Tattoos. His elegant and somewhat fantastical style has garnered attention, and as he sets his sights on international tattoo conventions, it’s the perfect time to delve into the artistry behind his striking work.
Intricate female face tattoo with flowing hair and detailed linework by Tony Faith.
The Allure of the Female Face in Tattoo Art
When asked about his artistic inclinations, Tony reflects on his natural gravitation towards the female face. “Yes, I’ve noticed it too! But I didn’t force it,” he admits. This organic development highlights a key aspect of his creative process – an intuitive connection to his subject matter. He elaborates, “Eventually I ended up drawing more and more women’s faces and I felt more comfortable using them as the main element in my compositions.” This comfort translates into a powerful artistic expression.
Tony believes the female face offers a rich canvas for conveying emotion. “You can express a lot of feelings with it and maybe that is the reason,” he explains. Indeed, his female face tattoos are imbued with a sense of depth and emotion, going beyond mere representation to capture a feeling or mood within the ink. While his portfolio is rich with female portrait tattoos, Tony remains versatile, adding, “But I still enjoy drawing animals or whatever my clients ask me to draw. Please ask me for more female faces!” showcasing his openness to client requests while playfully emphasizing his passion.
Elegant female portrait tattoo with a mystical gaze, showcasing Tony Faith's fantasy style.
Mentorship and Self-Taught Skill in Tattooing
The journey of a tattoo artist is often a blend of self-discovery and learning from others. Tony considers himself largely self-taught, stating, “I’ve never really had a mentor in the true sense of the word.” However, he keenly acknowledges the influence of the tattooing community, particularly those who have tattooed him. “I feel like I’ve learned a lot from who I get tattooed throughout these years,” he notes, emphasizing the valuable insights gained from experiencing tattooing from the client’s perspective.
Despite not having a formal mentor, Tony credits Rodrigo Kalaka Gebelin (IG: @rodrigokalaka) as a significant inspiration. “He was always my spiritual mentor in the distance and he helped me a lot to improve my work,” Tony shares. This distant mentorship highlights the power of inspiration and admiration in artistic growth. Tony’s humble perspective shines through when he dismisses the notion of a purely “self-made artist,” acknowledging the collective learning in the tattoo world: “to think of yourself as a self-made artist is to think that you’ve never asked for a tip from your shop partners or a tattoo artist who inspired you so…”
Close-up of a captivating female face tattoo, highlighting the delicate shading and precision of Tony Faith's art.
El Mono Manco: The Unique Tattoo Studio
Based in Alcantarilla, near Murcia, Spain, El Mono Manco, Tony’s tattoo studio, boasts a distinctive name that translates to “one-armed monkey.” Tony recounts the intriguing story behind the studio’s moniker: “They wanted to call it ‘La Mano del Mono’, which means ‘The Monkey’s Hand’, in reference to ‘The Monkey’s Paw’, the horror story by W.W. Jacobs.” This literary reference adds a layer of depth and intrigue to the studio’s identity. Due to another studio sharing a similar name, they creatively adapted it to El Mono Manco, resulting in a memorable and unique brand.
Tony Faith's female face tattoo with ornamental details, reflecting his unique approach to portraiture.
Venturing into International Tattoo Conventions
Looking towards the future, Tony expresses his ambition to expand his reach through tattoo conventions. “There are some tattoo conventions I want to do this year in Europe (Italy and Ireland just confirmed),” he announces with enthusiasm. This marks a strategic shift in his career, as he explains, “I think it’s time to move a bit more on the conventions because I’ve been doing a lot of guest spots in different shops through these years but now I feel more comfortable with my work to try it again.” This transition signifies a growing confidence in his artistry and a desire to engage with a wider audience and the international tattoo community.
Artistic female face tattoo in progress, demonstrating Tony Faith's skill at a tattoo convention.
The Driving Force: Relevance and Innovation in Tattooing
When asked about his biggest dream in the tattoo world, Tony shares a sentiment common among dedicated artists: “My biggest dream is the same as everyone who loves this craft. It’s to be relevant and do something different that adds more value to the tattoo industry.” This aspiration reflects a deep commitment to the art form and a desire to contribute meaningfully to its evolution. He acknowledges the hard work required to achieve this dream, stating, “Obviously I still have to work hard to get there, but I’m still motivated and enjoying the process,” revealing a blend of ambition and passion that fuels his artistic journey.
Stunning completed female face tattoo by Tony Faith, exemplifying his mastery of the craft.
The Pillars of Tattoo Excellence: Beyond Faith
Tony offers insightful perspectives on the essential qualities for creating exceptional tattoo art. Countering the idea that “faith” is the primary driver, he asserts, “More than “faith” you need perseverance, self-criticism, aesthetic taste, and of course, knowledge of tattooing.” These elements paint a picture of a dedicated artist who values continuous improvement and technical mastery alongside artistic vision. He concludes with a crucial principle for any aspiring tattooist: “And, of course, always striving to improve!”
Elegant and detailed female face tattoo, showcasing Tony Faith's perseverance and aesthetic taste.
Tony Faith’s Parting Word: Periwinkle
In a playful and enigmatic sign-off, Tony leaves us with a single, intriguing word: “Periwinkle!” When asked for further explanation, he laughs and simply states, “But it is better not to ask why. It is a long story!” This whimsical conclusion adds a touch of personality and leaves a lasting impression, much like his unforgettable female face tattoos.
Intriguing female face tattoo with unique stylistic elements, a signature of Tony Faith's work.
Beautifully rendered female face tattoo by Tony Faith, demonstrating his knowledge of tattooing.
Portrait of tattoo artist Tony Faith, known for his exceptional female face tattoos.
Follow Tony Faith on Instagram: @tonyxfaith
