Meet Diego Saldate | Tattoo Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Diego Saldate and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Diego, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
There was always something I loved about art. Every time I sat down to draw it was like the world fell away. I had already worked various jobs in my life, and while they were enjoyable and I’d have fun doing them, everything felt like punishment. As if I had to constantly force myself to get up and do it. Work shouldn’t feel like it. Work should be something you don’t even notice. Something you truly love, and that’s super hard to find. I didn’t really have another choice since nothing else felt right.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve had a strong focus on creating solid art work as a pose to just creating a tattoo. If the art work is good then the tattoo will be good. Not every tattooer wants to be a true artist, some just want to slap on a design they found on the internet. I always place the main focus on creating something original for my clients. It’s a challenge to be able to do that. It’s a lot of work, a lot of long hours drawing and researching concepts. I just kept my nose to the grind stone and drew my ass off. Putting everything into making sure the client is walking away with something they’ll be happy with for the rest of their lives. Learning what works and what doesn’t, the client doesn’t need us to stroke their ego. They need a tattoo that’s going to look good for the rest of their lives. I want every person that comes to me for a tattoo to know that as my main goal. To create something transformative that’s going to adorn you for the rest of your life. I want to give you something you can look at every day in the mirror and be happy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There’s so many great spots even out her spring and woodlands. I like going down to the shooting ranges at spring guns and ammo, and saddle river spring off of spring cypress. They have a great staff there that’s always super kind and helpful. They have a great selection of firearms there. I love going to some of the food truck parks that are around in the area. Spring food park and grub on sawdust have some great trucks there that make some delicious food. It’d be hard to pick one, it’s easier to go and see what peaks your interests there. All of the food there is wonderful. Grimaldis and zalat probably have some of the best pizza in the area. Great atmosphere and amazing food there. I always recommend my clientes get something to eat from one of the local restaurants during out lunch break during our sessions, they’re never disappointed.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Everyone at Superchango tattoo helped me learn so much. They had an amazing amount of patience and knowledge that everyone has. They gave the skills and tools necessary to get to where I am today and to continue to grow as an artist. Juan, turbo, cam, Dave, DJ, Efraim, Johnny, Mikey, and Zac where the solid artists that taught me the skills I know and utilize as an artist and continue to use to grow everyday.

Instagram: Sadturtle_tattoos

Facebook: Sad turtle tattoo

Image Credits
@nayotic
@sadturtle_tattoos