My Journey in the Tattoo Industry

After the lockdown ended, I took a leap and opened my own tattoo studio, Incence, which has now been running successfully for 3 1/2 years. While it’s still a relatively small studio with only me tattooing, it’s well-known in the area, and I have big plans for growth and expansion. I consider the studio established, especially as it has developed a recognisable reputation in Manchester.

The name Incence reflects both my personal and artistic journey. It started as a misspelling—someone once suggested correcting it to ‘Incense,’ but I decided to keep it as is. This choice represents my identity, especially as someone who has lived with dyslexia. The name also subtly incorporates my middle and last names, Carlos Caetano, giving it a personal touch.

For me, Incence symbolises much more than a name. Incense has been used for centuries to bring fragrance, harmony, and spirituality into a space, often with just a small flame that spreads its presence far and wide. This mirrors my personality—quiet, calm, and observant, yet capable of creating a lasting impact. As a brand, Incence reflects this idea: small, personal, but capable of far-reaching influence.

My journey began long before I became a tattoo artist. I was born in Angola, and due to war, my family had to flee to Portugal overnight. My grandmother, who had eight children, took me along, but soon after, we were separated and placed into care homes. From a young age, I saw the world differently—not through books and numbers, but through colours, images, and the natural world around me. I struggled with traditional education but thrived creatively.

At 18, I joined the military, where I still found ways to express my creative side—whether singing the national anthem, designing logos, or cooking for special occasions. Eventually, I left that structured life and moved to England to fully embrace my calling as an artist.

It was a challenging road, but over time, with dedication and persistence, I turned my passion into a full-time career. Now, with Incence as both a personal brand and a tattoo studio, I’m on a mission to take things to the next level. My goal is to push my craft further, travel to meet and learn from tattooing legends, and compete in the industry—all while building financial freedom through property investment to support my artistic ambitions.

Incence was born from my story and has been a part of me all along. It’s more than just tattoos; it’s about creating art, telling stories, and making lasting connections through my work.

I’ve always been driven by the idea of being my own boss. Growing up, I was often told that making a living as an artist wasn’t possible. That belief stuck with me for a while, which is why I initially pursued a practical career as a chef. Cooking allowed me to express some creativity, but it wasn’t enough to fulfil my artistic spirit. Music also played a big part in my life—I’d find time to sing, DJ, compose, and produce. But I knew I wanted something more hands-on and visual.

That’s when tattooing entered my life. After sharing my drawings with friends, I kept hearing, “If you can draw, you can tattoo.” So, I gave it a shot, and the positive feedback set me on the path to becoming a tattoo artist. The more I tattooed, the more I fell in love with the craft. It gave me a way to create lasting, meaningful art that people could carry with them.

One challenge I faced early on was the perception that high-quality tattoos couldn’t be done on dark skin. As a Black artist, I wanted to confront this head-on. I made it my mission to prove that this was untrue, and worked hard to master techniques for creating beautiful tattoos on all skin tones. Today, a significant portion of my clientele are Black, and I take pride in showcasing my work on dark skin, breaking down barriers within the industry.

What motivates me most is the connection I build with my clients. Each tattoo tells a story, and I get to be part of that story. It’s not just about the art—it’s about the meaning behind it, the experience, and the trust my clients place in me to bring their ideas to life. This personal connection fuels my passion and drives me to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in tattooing.

I’m committed to growing my brand, Incence, and taking my craft to new heights. Being an artist is about constantly evolving, not just creatively, but in how I engage with the world. Tattooing has given me the freedom to create, connect, and challenge expectations, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next.