Maria Alvarez

International tattoo artist and mentor

Specialized in microrealism and fineline compositions.

Multi award winning artist in international conventions, founder of Lumbre studios and Lumbre academy.

The person behind the needle

Hi, this is me, María,

I began tattooing in 2016, and since then my journey has taken me around the world, from Germany, Italy, France, Switzerland, and Spain to the Philippines, Indonesia, Mexico, China, and beyond. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to earn awards at conventions in Switzerland, Italy, Spain, the U.S and China.

In 2022, I moved to New York City to continue growing in the place where so many of the best artists come to find their voice.

Beyond tattooing, I’ve shared my knowledge as a jury member at more than seven international conventions and through three online courses that have reached over 3,000 students. In 2024, together with my co-founders, I opened Lumbre Studios in Spain, followed by Lumbre Academy, my first tattoo academy dedicated to teaching new artists this exciting art form.

Over the years I’ve focused on developing my own style of detailed, micro-realistic compositions, work designed for people who value art, exclusivity, and timeless quality. I also take on a limited number of oil painting commissions.

Your turn to tell me about you…

Some of My Work

STARTING A PROJECT

There are countless ways to approach tattooing.

This is mine: fewer projects, more time devoted to each design, and a creative journey shared between artist and client.

It all begins when you share your idea with me.

You can do so through the contact form or by email. The more details you provide from the start; references, approximate size, placement, style, emotions, the better I can understand if we’re aligned artistically.

Within 24 to 48 hours, you’ll receive a reply. If your vision resonates with mine and I see that the project has the potential, we’ll schedule a call or an online consultation.

That moment is essential. It’s not a formal meeting, it’s an open conversation where we define ideas, explore possibilities, and refine the overall direction of the piece. We’ll talk about the flow of the tattoo on your body, the likely number of sessions, and the first steps to building something meaningful together.

image of tattoo artist at work

THE PROCESS

If we both decide to move forward, your date is secured with a 30% deposit (plus tax).

Email responses are usually sent within 24–48 hours. If your project aligns with my artistic approach, we’ll book your consultation directly through my calendar.

SESSIONS

I work typically with day sessions in order to give each project the time it deserves without feeling rushed

Typical schedule: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm

We begin at noon in the studio. First, we adjust proportions and place the design on the skin. When everything flows naturally… we start.

During the session, we pause to eat, hydrate, and recharge. These breaks are part of the process.

Tattooing is not only about the artwork,it’s also about caring for the body and mind of both artist and client.

image of tattoo artist at work

RATES

There are no fixed prices by style, placement, or size. Each project is valued according to the sessions required and the time needed to bring it to life.

Standard session (full day): $4,000

Saturday session: $4,500

Multi-day projects: $3,500 per session (special rate)

(applies only when booking 2 or more consecutive days)

I take on only three projects per week.

This allows me to preserve a high creative standard and devote to each design the time it deserves, both inside and outside the studio.

PROJECT ESTIMATES

Each body is unique, and so is each design. To give you a sense:

Full sleeve: 6–8 sessions (usually 7)

Full back: 4–10 sessions

Full leg: 7–12 sessions

The exact number of sessions depends on body proportions, design complexity, and density of detail.

All of this is defined during the initial consultation.

Large-scale projects must be completed within 12 months.

This ensures consistency of style, technique, and color across all sessions.

PAYMENTS & DEPOSITS

A 30% deposit (plus tax) is required to secure your date.

The remaining balance is paid at the end of each session.

Both card and cash are accepted. Card payments include a 3% processing fee.

Deposits are non-refundable. If you need to reschedule, this can be done with at least 7 days’ notice.

Changes made with less than 7 days’ notice require a new deposit.

TO BEGIN

COMPLETE THE CONSULTATION FORM

It’s free. It carries no obligation. But it opens the door to a real conversation.

If you prefer, you may also write directly to:

maria.alvarez.tattoo@email.com

Please include:

Type of project

Design description

Placement on the body + estimated size

Photo of the area to be tattooed

Education & Mentoring

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Here to learn?

From group academy programs to personalized 1 on 1 seminars, I share everything I’ve learned as a tattoo artist.

Interested? Complete the form below and we’ll send you the details.

>>>  Better Together  <<<

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