Meet Victoria LoMonaco | Hand Poke Tattoo Artist

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

Hi Victoria, every day, we talk about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
As a tattoo artist that specializes in the unconventional, I knew I wanted to create a studio that was different from the norm. Often times when walking into a tattoo studio you can feel very overwhelmed. Getting a tattoo is already nerve wracking no matter how much you enjoy it and no matter how many times you have received. I love good ole walk in studios where the music is blasting and the energy is so high you can’t help but smile and laugh. However, as a hand poke tattoo artist, the energy is so different that it can sometimes feel like too much when in a busy studio. That is why I came up with the idea of my private studio here in Houston. I wanted to create a peaceful spa like experience for my clients to receive their tattoo. I wanted a place where they can feel safe, comfortable, and well taken care of. There has been a lot of focus shifted towards the “experience” of getting a tattoo that goes beyond just the art. I am proud to be a part of this shift. I knew a place like this in Houston needed to exist and I am so proud of my little sanctuary that I created.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Hand poke tattooing is anything but easy! Tattooing in general is anything but easy. But holy cow is it worth it. To be able to bring someone along on a journey of self discovery, to literally help guide someone into the next chapter of their life is the most beautiful thing. Tattoos no matter how small are life changing. I have seen women cry while looking in the mirror after getting their tattoo. Feeling that the art on their body makes them feel even more beautiful than they already are. I have tattooed designs and symbols on men and women that reminded them of how much they have overcome. I have created art for others that simply just makes them feel more like themselves. My style of hand poke tattoos is very different than many others artists that practice machine free techniques. I love working with the flow of the body. Creating soft and dainty floral designs accented by ornamental dot work is my bread and butter. Oh! Another thing that sets me apart? I like to GO BIG! When thinking of hand poke tattoos, one often thinks about small designs. Not me… I like full back, full chest, stomach, leg sleeves, etc. I love a good challenge and really transforming the body.

A lot of the lessons I have learned have been from those around me that I have been lucky enough to tattoo. I have learnt more and more about why I do what I do. I want to provide a safe space for someone to just simply relax and enjoy themselves. I want to provide an environment and artwork that allows the receiver to relax and feel thankful for life. Every person I tattoo gives me the lesson of slowing down, relaxing, and connecting.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I recently moved to the area, so I might not be the most helpful with my itinerary. But my grandmother just visited me and I can share a little bit about what we did! Whenever I am showing off a city, my biggest thing is the food. Houston has some of the best food in my opinion and I have lived in many different cities and states. When my grandmother came to visit, the first place I took her to was to the Galleria to go shopping for a new outfit. Then we took that new outfit she bought (lots of pearls) and went to my fave fancy sushi spot, Uchi. I am a sucker for sushi and Uchi was the first place my partner Lauren took me as a date when visiting Houston for the first time. I wanted to show my grandmother the best time and show her a place where I can really splurge on her. Other food places I enjoyed taking her was Vibrant for some beet cured salmon toast, I took her to get some fresh steamed oysters, Siphon coffee, and a few other places like Truth BBQ. Besides food, I took her to my favorite nail salon to get pedicures at Milano Nail Spa in the Heights, we went to the Natural History Museum, and just relaxed at home. If I had the time I would have taken her to some farmers markets too! Houston has so many amazing places, I would need more than a week to show her my favorite places.

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?
Lauren Oakes has been my biggest supporter. She has been by my side through this entire journey of opening up my private tattoo studio. Lauren Oakes is a creative herself and has deep roots here in Houston, TX. She was a guiding light in finding the best location to settle down in and is always the first person to speak my name in a room full of opportunities. Seriously, she carries my business cards with her while on tour and hands them out ALL THE TIME! When not by my side dreaming up the next ideas for another studio or music venue; Lauren is traveling as a tour manager, audio engineer, production manager, and even running her own website called We Tour Connect (we tour connect.com) that specializes in bringing people together in the touring world. I feel honored to be able to brag about her. Even more grateful to have her by my side.

Website: victorialomonaco.com

Instagram: @victorialomonaco