From the streets of Caracas to the creative heart of New Jersey, Sanel Valles has carved his name in the tattoo world with a style that blends passion, music, and storytelling. Inspired by a legendary Guns N’ Roses concert in the early ’90s, his journey has taken him from youthful dreams to owning Orpheus Tattoo Studio—his personal “temple” of art. In this exclusive interview, Sanel shares the stories, emotions, and inspirations behind the ink, offering a glimpse into the soul of an artist who believes every tattoo has the power to transform a life.
What was the tattoo that made you realize it was no longer just a hobby, but your professional destiny?
A: When I saw Guns N’ Roses in ’92, I was blown away by how vibrant and alive their tattoos looked—especially Axl Rose’s and Slash’s. They didn’t even have that many, but that was what made me say, I want to be a tattoo artist. I already had my fingers tattooed with the word “LIFE,” inspired by Ozzy Osbourne’s fingers, which read “OZZY.” But my biggest inspiration was Guns and Axl’s forearm cross—this Celtic cross with five skulls representing the band members, inspired by Thin Lizzy, later featured on the Appetite for Destruction album cover. It was such a classic emblem, and in the ’90s it looked amazing. Nowadays? I’d probably give it a cover-up or at least a refresh—hahaha.
Orpheus is your creative sanctuary in NJ. What did you feel when you saw your vision of a “temple” materialize in that two-story space?
A: Originally, Orpheus was going to have another name inspired by Pink Floyd, since my former partner and I were both fans. But then he suggested naming it Black Orpheus Tattoo, after his dog. My counteroffer was, “Why not just Orpheus?” And that’s how it stuck. Taking advantage of the name, we tied it to Greek mythology and created what would become the temple of tattooing in New Jersey: Orpheus Tattoo Studio. It was a projection of two people’s vision that, over time, turned into a dream come true. I always liked the idea of setting up a studio in a house, with art displayed and unique spaces—something I’m still developing inside Orpheus. Today, I feel nothing but gratitude and satisfaction seeing this dream come to life.
People travel from far away to get tattooed by you. Do you remember the most moving story of someone who traveled to be tattooed at Orpheus?
A: Yes—people come from all over the country, not just from New Jersey. I’ve had clients from Boston, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, even Baltimore, Virginia, and Florida. Many share incredible stories, but one that really moved me was a father who had lost his young son. He got a tattoo of his child’s handprint in a paint effect along with a rose. I don’t think there’s a worse feeling than experiencing that kind of loss.
“Every cover-up isn’t just for the skin—it’s for life.” Can you share a moment when you saw someone truly transform in front of the mirror?
A: Yes—my great client Paul. I transformed his arm, which had an old tribal he no longer wanted, into a powerful phoenix along with other meaningful elements. When he saw the completed sleeve, Paul said, “Now I’m the new Paul.” He thanked me, saying, “You have no idea what this means to me.”
As a judge at the Empire State Expo, was there a tattoo that made you stop and feel something deeply during the event?
A: Wow—that was a big experience for me, especially when I heard Richie Bulldog calling me on the speakers to come up on stage as a judge. As for the tattoos, I saw so many incredible ones, but one stood out—a full back, arms, and legs piece done by a Korean artist, with movie themes like Avatar, Harry Potter, and more. It was like looking at a giant movie poster in skin.
Connection through pet paw prints. What’s a story behind a paw print that touched you, and how did you bring it to life on skin?
A: Honestly, almost every pet-related story leaves you with inspiration, and the tattoo takes on its own meaning—something only the client and I can truly appreciate. Each one is unique, each tells a simple love story. It’s hard to single one out, but it’s easy to feel what the client expresses through their tattoo, especially when you’ve had important pets in your own life.
Collective redemption. What’s the most liberating experience you’ve witnessed during an emotional session?
A: Tattooing a woman in her 60s who had always wanted a tattoo but never did it because of her parents. One day she decided to fulfill her dream—her parents had already passed away. It was the greatest example that “it’s never too late to live and make a dream come true.”
Non-verbal storytelling. How do you read a client’s unspoken story just by seeing their existing tattoo?
A: Many times—especially in cover-up sessions—you can feel that people are trying to erase ghosts from their past or painful memories. Old tattoos speak, and so do new ones. You vibe with the client, and the client with the artist—there has to be that connection for it to flow. I always need to see the old tattoo to visualize something new, and I almost always aim for harmony, not a battle, between the old and the new—so that energetically, a transformation happens that breathes life into the visual.
Music that resonates during sessions. What song or band do you put on that always sparks intense emotions in clients?
A: We always have our go-to music in the studio, and it changes depending on everyone’s tastes. We also ask clients what music they’d like in the moment. I vibe with music that inspires me—there’s no single choice. It depends on the style of the tattoo and the client. Each piece calls for something different. For example, doing a flaming skull makes me want to listen to Metallica. A tropical landscape with flowers? Reggae. And that’s how it goes—hahaha.
The tattoo that marks a before and after. When did you know you were part of something bigger than art, and what impact did it have on your life?
A: I started learning to tattoo very young—now I’ve been doing this for nearly 30 years. I’ve gone through many stages and eras of tattooing, and in every transition there are pieces and styles that make you change direction—and that’s a huge impact. Every time you can change, transform your art, and give your best—seeing how you evolve—that’s what really makes you grow. Watching yourself surpass your own limits… that’s what truly makes an impact in a tattoo artist’s life.
To discover more of Sanel Valles’ work and stay updated on his latest creations, follow him on social media. Explore his world of art, music, and stories—one tattoo at a time.
https://orpheustattoo.com/
El Mejor de los mejores definitabente . Un artista completo que se unifica su Profesionalismo con Humanidad. Lo que lo hace ser Grande entre los grandes