Okay, so I’ve been thinking about getting a new tattoo for a while now. Something meaningful, you know? And I kept coming back to this idea of a “cuba tattoo”. Not just any Cuba tattoo, but something that really spoke to my connection to the island.
First, I brainstormed. What images came to mind when I thought of Cuba? Classic cars, definitely. Cigars, of course. The vibrant colors of Havana, the music, the people… I jotted down everything, even little sketches in a notebook.
Then I started researching. I looked at tons of photos online, of Cuban art, street scenes, even old postcards. I wanted to get a feel for the aesthetic, the vibe. I didn’t want something generic, I wanted something that felt authentic, even if it was just to me.
I spent hours, and i mean hours, scrolling through Instagram, looking at different tattoo artists, and checking out their portfolios. I finally found one in Miami!. whose style I really loved – a lot of bold lines and bright colors, with a kind of vintage feel. That felt right.
Next, I took my mess of notes and sketches to the artist. We talked about what I was looking for, and she helped me refine the design. We decided on a classic car, a ’57 Chevy, I think, with the Cuban flag draped over it. But instead of just the flag, she suggested incorporating some subtle floral elements, like hibiscus flowers, to soften it up and add a personal touch. The flowers is great for memory of my grandma.
After that, i made appointment for the tattoo session. It took about three hours, and man, those last bits around the edges were killer! But when it was done, I was stoked. It was exactly what I had envisioned, even better.
- First Idea: Just a simple Cuban flag. (Too basic!)
- Second Idea: A portrait of Che Guevara. (Too cliché!)
- Final Design: Vintage car with flag and flowers. (Perfect!)
It is so cool looking. Now, every time I look at it, it reminds me of all the things I love about Cuba – the energy, the history, the beauty, and the resilience of the people. And it also reminds me of that feeling of finally getting something I’d been wanting for so long. It’s more than just a tattoo; it’s a little piece of art that tells a story.
