A bit of my story

I’ve never been one to follow the traditional path—my journey has taken me across continents, careers, and creative pursuits, all leading me to where I am today: turning stories into art, etched on skin.

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Originally from Colombia, I first stepped into the unknown when I traveled to the USA at 18, spending a summer break working as a housekeeper in a hotel. That experience opened my mind to different cultures, new opportunities, and the power of reinvention. Returning home, I completed my Bachelor's degree in Electronic Engineering and later found myself designing 3D models for an elevator company in Slovakia. But despite the stability, I knew something was missing.

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Back in Colombia, I faced the reality of a job market that didn’t align with my ambitions. My older brother—once a veterinarian—had taken a bold leap into tattooing, and his passion inspired me. Together, we built a tattoo business from scratch. I handled the marketing, secured funding, and created the digital designs while he inked the art. But something sparked in me—I wasn’t just designing; I wanted to bring those designs to life on skin. That’s when my path as a tattoo artist truly began.

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Tattooing became my key to the world. My first international guest spot took me to Peru, then Canada, where I immersed myself in the industry in Alberta and British Columbia. But it was Australia that became my greatest challenge and transformation. To build a future here, I took on carpentry while relentlessly pursuing my passion for tattooing. The journey tested me, but I never lost sight of my dream.

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Beyond tattooing, I’m an artist in many forms. I paint and am working towards making more time to create more artwork. I once played violin in a Philharmonic Orchestra as a kid and plan to take it up again as a hobby in the future (I hope 😁). Acting has been my dream since childhood, so, I’m now taking steps towards it—training, modeling, and embracing new creative outlets.

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Travel has been a defining force in my life. It showed me that art can be my passport to the world, allowing me to connect with people, cultures, and stories in ways I never imagined. Every experience has shaped me into the artist I am today. I want people to feel connected, amazed, and inspired—not just by the journey that brought me here, but by my work, art in any form, is about storytelling. And I’m here to tell stories—yours and mine—through ink, canvas, and beyond.

 

With gratitude, passion, and purpose,

Wilbert Fabian Olaya Gutierrez

(Yes, I do have a long name! 😄)