Meet Raven Cenales | Tattoo Artist & Painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Raven Cenales and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Raven, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always had that mindset of eventually working for myself and having financial freedom to live and travel the way I want. I never dreamed of working for a company for years and years just to retire at an old age with nothing really to show for it. I quit my job in March 2021 with the intentions on never punching a clock again. I felt like it was time that I really put my artistic abilities to good use and really get my name out here in Atlanta. Quitting my job was probably the most stressful thing I’ve ever done because I was finally breaking away from that conditioned lifestyle I was used to living. I stepped out on faith and it was the best decision of my life! As soon as I was able to put all my time into my business, everything really fell into place. To anyone reading this, don’t be afraid to take that step for your future. I’m not saying quit your job tomorrow, but take the initiative of putting your business as a first priority.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been tattooing for 2 years now but I’ve had a passion for drawing all of my life. I specialize in dark realism. I do some color work as well. When I’m not tattooing I’m painting on a canvas. I’m a self-taught artist and that is what makes me the most proud. I literally bought a tattoo machine off of Amazon and taught myself how to tattoo by watching YouTube. When I first started tattooing, I still held a full-time job working at Home Depot and I tattooed part-time. I was exhausted but I knew I had to make time for what was really important to me; owning my own shop. These past couple of years I’ve really learned self discipline and drive.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The Roof at Ponce City Market is one of my favorite places. It’s a great place for a fun, romantic date with your partner, but it is also family friendly for the kids as well. They offer different food booths, drinks, and small carnival games. The drinks are really good. You could really spend hours there.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My clients deserve an endless amount of recognition because without them I wouldn’t have been so lucky to branch out and start my business so suddenly. My cousin, Samiah Cenales, was the first person who trusted me with her skin to practice tattooing. Shout out to her as well.

Website: MoodyInk522.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/MoodyInk522

Facebook: Raven Cenales

Youtube: Moody Ink 522

Other: Email: info@moodyink522.com