Tony Faith, an artist at the Spanish tattoo studio ‘El Mono Manco’, is carving his niche in the tattoo world with his captivating Woman Face Tattoos. His work, blending elegance with a touch of the fantastical, has garnered attention both locally and internationally. We sat down with Tony to delve into his artistic journey, exploring the inspiration behind his signature style and his perspectives on the evolving tattoo industry.
From Illustration to Ink: The Artistic Path
Tony’s journey into tattooing wasn’t a direct route. “I can’t remember my whole life without drawing,” he shares, highlighting a lifelong passion for art. Initially, this passion manifested in illustration work for metal bands. The transition to skin as a canvas came through the encouragement of friends. Interestingly, Tony admits, “Before that I’d never been curious about becoming a tattoo artist, I just loved tattoos and getting tattooed.” This organic shift from admirer to creator speaks to a deeper connection with the art form, driven by passion rather than premeditation.
Elegant woman face tattoo by Tony Faith
The Muse of the Female Face
A striking element of Tony’s portfolio is the recurring motif of the female face. His tattoos are predominantly studies of women, rendered in a style that is both refined and imaginative. When asked about this inclination, Tony reflects, “Yes, I’ve noticed it too! But I didn’t force it. 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 wasn’t a calculated decision but rather an artistic evolution, drawn towards the expressive potential he finds in portraying women. “You can express a lot of feelings with it and maybe that is the reason,” he muses, suggesting a deeper emotional resonance with this subject matter. While his focus leans towards female faces, 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! (laughs).” This playful yet sincere request underscores his passion for this particular style of woman face tattoo.
Intricate woman face tattoo design by Tony Faith
Mentorship and Self-Made Artistry
In the often solitary world of art, mentorship plays a crucial role. Tony acknowledges the influence of others in his development, stating, “I’ve never really had a mentor in the true sense of the word, but I feel like I’ve learned a lot from who I get tattooed throughout these years.” This highlights the valuable learning experience he gains from fellow artists and the tattoo community. However, he does single out Rodrigo Kalaka Gebelin (IG: @rodrigokalaka) as a significant influence, “he was always my spiritual mentor in the distance and he helped me a lot to improve my work.” Tony’s perspective is grounded in humility and a realistic understanding of artistic growth. “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…” he wisely notes, emphasizing the collaborative and inspirational nature of the tattoo world.
Detailed woman face tattoo on arm by Tony Faith
‘El Mono Manco’: A Studio with a Story
The studio where Tony hones his craft, ‘El Mono Manco’, has a name that piques curiosity. Translating to “one-armed monkey,” the name has an intriguing origin. Tony explains, “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.” However, name duplication led to a creative adaptation, “Eventually they found another shop with the same name, so they decided to just take the monkey with one hand.” This quirky backstory adds character to the studio, hinting at a creative and perhaps slightly unconventional environment.
Tony Faith at work in El Mono Manco tattoo studio
Looking Ahead: Tattoo Conventions and Dreams
For 2025, Tony is setting his sights on expanding his reach through international tattoo conventions. “There are some tattoo conventions I want to do this year in Europe (Italy and Ireland just confirmed),” he announces. This marks a strategic shift in his career, “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 ambition reflects a growing confidence in his artistry and a desire to engage with a wider audience and the global tattoo community.
Woman face tattoo in progress by Tony Faith
When asked about his biggest dream, Tony’s response resonates with many artists in the field. “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 is not about personal fame but about contributing meaningfully to the art form itself. He acknowledges the journey ahead, “Obviously I still have to work hard to get there, but I’m still motivated and enjoying the process,” highlighting the dedication and passion that fuels his artistic drive.
Finished woman face tattoo on shoulder by Tony Faith
The Essence of Tattoo Art: Beyond Faith
Reflecting on the qualities essential for creating exceptional tattoo art, Tony emphasizes practical attributes over abstract concepts like “faith.” “More than “faith” you need perseverance, self-criticism, aesthetic taste, and of course, knowledge of tattooing,” he asserts. He concludes with a vital principle for any aspiring artist, “And, of course, always striving to improve!” This grounded perspective underscores the hard work and continuous learning that underpin true artistic mastery.
Black and grey woman face tattoo by Tony Faith
And finally, in a moment of playful enigma, Tony’s last words are simply, “Periwinkle! But it is better not to ask why. It is a long story! (laughs).” Leaving us with a touch of mystery and a smile.
Close up of woman face tattoo detail by Tony Faith
Artistic woman face tattoo with floral elements by Tony Faith
Tony Faith’s dedication to his craft, particularly his captivating woman face tattoos, positions him as a rising talent in the tattoo world. His journey, inspirations, and aspirations offer a glimpse into the heart of an artist deeply committed to his unique vision.
Tattoo artist Tony Faith portrait
Follow Tony Faith on Instagram: @tonyxfaith
