Dive into an exclusive story of artist Elder Henrique and discover his journey of inspiration in the world of tattoo art.
Childhood and Early Dreams
Elder Henrique was born in Varginha, Minas Gerais, in 1984. Since childhood, he divided his time between two great passions: soccer and art. While dreaming of becoming a professional player, he also inherited from his father and uncle a taste for painting and drawing—skills that would later define his path.
Soccer Career
During his teenage years, Elder played for clubs in Minas Gerais and even joined the youth squad of Santos Futebol Clube, living intensely the dream of becoming a professional athlete. However, a chronic injury took him off the field and marked a decisive turning point in his life.
“He inherited from his father and uncle the talent for drawing and painting, spending hours by their side, watching the creation of paintings and techniques that awakened in him a keen and detailed eye.”
From the Dream of Soccer to the Triumph in Art
As a teenager, Elder dedicated himself intensely to sports. He played in clubs across Minas Gerais and lived one of the greatest milestones of his youth: joining the youth team of Santos Futebol Clube, where he stayed for about eight months. There he learned discipline, resilience, and the importance of fighting for a dream.
Later, shortly before turning 18, he had the opportunity to play in the São Paulo championship for a club in Águas de Lindóia. His career as an athlete was on the rise until a chronic injury changed the course of his life.
Drawing began as a way to pass the time and ease the longing for home. Little by little, what was only emotional refuge became a new passion. Elder immersed himself in the artistic world with the same intensity he once dedicated to soccer training. He discovered spray-paint techniques by watching street artists and soon ventured into his first works. With each painting sold, with each fascinated look from those who admired his work, he felt he was being reborn.
From Pain to Reinvention
Being away from the field was one of the most painful moments of Elder Henrique’s life. After years dedicated to soccer, watching the dream of becoming a professional slip away because of a chronic injury was devastating. Still very young, he found himself at a crossroads: wait for an uncertain recovery or seek new paths. It was during this turbulent period that art, once a hobby, became salvation.
“Over time, he began working with airbrushing, a technique that expanded his creative possibilities even further. Helmets, cars, motorcycles, walls—nothing escaped his talent.”
The Birth of a New Dream
His dedication soon caught attention and, before long, he received his first major contract: customizing 150 helmets for a company. The responsibility was enormous, but Elder faced the challenge with professionalism. The success of the delivery not only established him as an artist in the region but also led him to take his first steps as an entrepreneur. It was then that he began employing family and friends, dividing responsibilities and showing that his art could also create opportunities for others.
The Studio and Tattooing
As his work grew, the garage at his parents’ house could no longer hold his projects. Elder then renovated an old warehouse and began what would become the embryo of his future studio. At first, the space was simple, but it represented something greater: the materialization of a dream.
It was in this environment that tattooing entered his life. Until then seen by many as marginal, Elder believed this art could be elevated to another level, gaining respect and recognition. To achieve this, he dedicated himself to studying with the best tattoo artists in Brazil, invested in courses, and in the best equipment available. His goal was clear: not to be just another tattooist, but to transform the tattoo scene in his region and, eventually, in the country.
Recognition and Expansion
Hard work began to bear fruit. Elder was soon sought out by demanding clients, including soccer players and artists. Each tattoo carried not only technique but also his artistic vision, always in search of excellence.
Over time, his studio became more than just a tattoo space—it also became a place of learning, where new talents were trained under his guidance. Elder knew how hard it had been to earn his place at the beginning, and that is why he made a point of opening doors for young people who dreamed of following the same path. Many of his apprentices went on to become big names in national tattooing, owners of respected studios, and market references.
His passion for evolution took Elder beyond borders. He participated in national and international conventions, tattooed renowned athletes—including NBA champions—and acclaimed artists. In 2019, he lived one of his greatest experiences by participating in the London Convention in England, an opportunity that opened doors for him to take his art to other continents.
From Hometown to the World
“Memorable moments also came outside tattooing. During a trip to Paris, he personally delivered a painting to player Neymar, a symbol of how his art was already reaching the greatest idols of world sport.”
Legacy and Future Vision
More than building a solid career, Elder Henrique built a legacy. His journey inspires through resilience and the ability to transform difficulties into creative strength. Today, he is remembered not only as a tattoo artist of excellence but also as a mentor, entrepreneur, and artist who believes in the power of art to transform lives.
Upon moving to the United States, Elder did not abandon his roots: he carried with him the desire to represent his hometown, Varginha, and Brazil. In Orlando, he continues to expand horizons, bringing his art to new cultures and audiences, and increasingly consolidating his international career.
For Elder Henrique, the future is a continuous construction. After overcoming the pain of transitioning from soccer to art, earning his place in Brazil, and projecting himself internationally, he understands that his mission goes far beyond tattooing. His goal is to leave a lasting legacy.
Legacy
Another key point of his vision is creative entrepreneurship. Elder aims to expand his ideas beyond the studio, creating projects that unite tattooing, design, architecture, and painting. The development of the Eagle Vision kit—an innovation that improves lighting and visibility for tattoo artists during work—is just the beginning of a path focused on innovation and professionalization of the market.
In the United States, he sees himself as a cultural bridge between Brazil and the world, sharing his artistic identity while also absorbing new influences. His goal is to open spaces in major international conventions, collaborate with world-renowned artists, and, in the future, establish a training school of international standard, where technique and creativity walk side by side.
In the coming years, Elder dreams of consolidating his studios as references not only in artistic quality but also in professional training. He believes that teaching and sharing knowledge are ways to positively impact the tattoo scene, offering opportunities to young people who, just like he once did, only needed someone to believe in their talent.
“Elder believes that art has the power to transform societies. That is why, among his plans, is the development of social projects, using tattooing and painting as tools of inclusion, self-esteem, and re-signification for people in vulnerable situations. For him, the future is not only about where he can go as an artist, but about how many lives he can impact with his journey.”
