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Sanel Valles and the Art of Covering the Past: Cover-Ups That Tell Stories

Sanel Valles and the Art of Covering the Past: Cover-Ups That Tell Stories
Photo Courtesy: Sanel Valles

Sanel Valles began exploring tattooing in Caracas in the early 2000s, discovering in the skin a canvas capable of telling lasting stories. His initial phase unfolded in two studios he founded in his hometown—places that quickly became key laboratories for experimentation and growth. There, Valles immersed himself in color theory, delved into the depths of black and gray, and worked to calibrate his machines to draw lines that complimented the body’s natural contours.

Sanel’s fascination with cover-ups emerged from a technical and artistic challenge: renewing old or unwanted tattoos through precise, cohesive designs. After many hours of practice, he developed a systematic method to conceal tattoo imperfections, weaving subtle contrasts and fluid structures that aimed to create a smooth visual transition between the old and the new. This approach gained him recognition within the local scene.

In May 2010, his reputation started to spread when he became the first Venezuelan artist officially invited to the New York City Tattoo Convention at the Roseland Ballroom.

Sanel Valles and the Art of Covering the Past: Cover-Ups That Tell Stories
Photo Courtesy: Sanel Valles

Over four consecutive editions, Valles delivered live demonstrations, exchanged techniques with international peers, and participated in panel discussions on the evolution of body art in the digital age.

Sanel’s vision subsequently expanded to embrace skin health. In 2016, he gained sponsorship from Hustle Butter Pro, a brand specializing in balms and formulas designed to aid tattoo healing and aftercare. This partnership allowed Valles to experiment with new hygiene protocols and aftercare routines, contributing to raising quality standards in every tattoo session.

His work received additional attention when he served as a juror at the NY Empire State Tattoo Expo, a three-day event in Midtown Manhattan that gathers tattoo artists from around the world. As part of the panel, Valles evaluated pieces across multiple categories—from traditional to experimental—assessing line quality, color consistency, healed appearance, and overall composition. He also provided concise feedback to participants, highlighting hygiene and cohesive design as cornerstones of professional practice. The experience reinforced his commitment to sharing knowledge and upholding rigorous standards within the tattoo community.

In 2021, Valles’s journey took a new turn when he and his former artistic partner, Marcel, opened Orpheus Tattoo Studio in North Brunswick, New Jersey. The two-level studio houses nine independent workstations, each designed to maximize artist focus and comfort.

Sanel also acts as a mentor, teaching core tattoo skills—setting up machines, selecting needles, shading, and pulling clean lines. Devin Mullen and Kanon Shambora, who began under his wing as apprentices, now work as resident artists at Orpheus Tattoo Studio: Mullen specializes in black-and-gray realism with precise shadow work, while Shambora excels in micro-realism and fine-line techniques. Both continue to follow the careful preparation routine Valles instilled—sketching and carefully measuring anatomical proportions.

Beyond his core team, Orpheus regularly hosts guest artists from across the country and around the world, fostering a continuous exchange of trends and techniques that enrich the studio and the regional tattoo community.

Sanel often reflects on a personal maxim that shapes both his life and his craft: “The true art of life is making of it a true work of art.” He cites this phrase during initial consultations, using it to invite clients to think of their tattoos as living narratives rather than static images. The quote also guides his design process with apprentices, prompting them to look beyond technical execution and consider the story, emotion, and intention behind every line. In staff meetings and workshops, Valles returns to the idea as a reminder that technique gains meaning only when it serves a larger purpose—turning individual experiences, memories, and aspirations into deliberate visual language. By framing each project through this lens, he encourages a collaborative atmosphere in which artist and client co-author a piece that is both aesthetically sound and deeply personal.

Today, Sanel Valles’s career reflects an evolution fueled by discipline, curiosity, knowledge-sharing, and a specialization in cover-up artistry. From his first studios in Caracas to the establishment of a collaborative space in New Jersey, each chapter has contributed to refining a tattooing craft that respects human anatomy and celebrates the collaborative creation between client and artist. With his sights set on future horizons, Sanel continues to explore new paths in body art, convinced that every tattoo tells an important and irreplaceable story.

Website: https://orpheustattoo.com/

 

Disclaimer: Tattoos are a form of body art that involves the application of ink to the skin using needles. While tattoos are generally safe for most people, there are potential risks associated with the process, including infection, allergic reactions, or scarring. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any existing skin conditions, allergies, or other health concerns prior to getting a tattoo. Individuals with certain medical conditions (such as diabetes, blood clotting disorders, or immune system deficiencies) should seek medical advice before getting a tattoo. The studio and artists take precautions to ensure a hygienic and safe environment; however, the responsibility for aftercare and any potential health concerns remains with the client. By proceeding with a tattoo, you acknowledge and accept the risks involved. Always follow the aftercare instructions provided by your artist to promote healing and prevent complications.

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