SANEL VALLES
Sanel Valles was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and his journey into the world of tattooing began in 1992, following a transformative experience at a Guns N’ Roses concert in his hometown. Inspired by the artistry and culture surrounding the music scene, Sanel developed a deep fascination with tattoos, sparking his desire to become a tattoo artist.
In 2001, Sanel opened his first tattoo studio in Venezuela, marking the beginning of his professional career in the industry. His talent and dedication to his craft quickly gained him recognition, and he earned several prestigious awards in his home country. His commitment to excellence led to the opening of a second studio in 2007, further cementing his reputation as a leading tattoo artist in Venezuela.
Sanel’s international recognition reached a new height in 2010 when he became the first Venezuelan tattoo artist to be invited to the Classic NYC Tattoo Convention, held at the Roseland Ballroom in Times Square, Manhattan. His invitation to this prestigious event was a significant milestone, and
Sanel continued to attend the convention for several years until the venue closed.
In 2015, Sanel moved to the United States, where he worked in one studio in New Jersey until he connected with Richie Bulldog and got a spot at the renowned Hustle Parlour in Brooklyn NY until 2016, continuing to refine his skills and grow his presence in the American tattoo scene. Today, Sanel is the proud co founder and owner of Orpheus Tattoo Studio , where he continues to create intricate and exceptional tattoos while building a loyal clientele besides friends and ex-apprentices who are artists now in Orpheus Tattoo and together keep growing and learning every day .
With a career spanning over two decades, Sanel Valles has solidified his status as one of the most respected tattoo artists in the industry. His work, characterized by precision, detail, discipline and creativity, continues to inspire both clients and fellow artists worldwide.
Sanel’s passions span a wide range of creative and nostalgic interests. An artist at heart, he finds inspiration in everything from classic pop culture to the beauty of everyday life. His love for Star Wars and Masters of the Universe has fueled a lifelong fascination with storytelling and design, influencing much of his artistic vision. When he’s not creating beautiful designs for clients or painting Sanel can be found immersed in his love for music, collecting rare baseball cards, and exploring photography, capturing moments and memories that reflect his eclectic tastes. Whether it’s the precision of a tattoo or the joy of adding to his collection, Sanel’s hobbies all share a common thread—his eye for detail and his passion for what he loves.
