Artist Spotlight: Santiago Iriarte

In the ever‐evolving world of tattoo art, few styles carry the weight and depth of black & grey realism. One artist who has been turning heads in this arena is Santiago Iriarte, based out of West Side Tattoo in Colorado Springs. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Iriarte brings a rare combination of technical mastery, emotional resonance, and bold vision.

Early Life & Artistic Roots

Santiago Iriarte hails from Bogotá, where he began tattooing roughly nine years ago.

His early work, forged in the vibrant and diverse artistic environment of Colombia, planted the seeds of what would become his strong suit: shadow, contrast, and realism.

His move to the United States (Colorado Springs) has allowed him to refine these skills in a studio known for high standards of cleanliness, client care, and artistry. West Side Tattoo, where he currently works, is highly regarded in its community for these values.

Style & Specialization

What sets Santiago Iriarte apart is his mastery of black & grey realism, with “a touch of color” cleverly integrated to accentuate his pieces without diluting the dramatic effect of light, shadow, and texture.

He leans into shadows — the deep blacks, the soft mid-tones, high contrast — to build dimension and realism. His hands-on understanding of how skin responds, how ink behaves under light, and how fine gradation contributes to emotional weight makes his tattoos more than just skin decoration; they carry stories.

His work is frequently showcased on social media (Instagram @santiagoiriarte7) where followers and prospective clients can see the range of his portfolio: portraits, large pieces, fantastical realism, and more subtle designs that play with softness and precision. Instagram

Recognition & Presence

Although Iriarte’s profile doesn’t always list a long catalogue of awards (at least in info currently available), his reputation is growing, especially among those who value realism and the discipline required in black & grey tattooing. His inclusion in events such as tattoo expos and features at West Side Tattoo signal peer-and client-based recognition.

He has built a following of over 23,000 on Instagram, which suggests both popularity and influence within the community. These numbers reflect more than mere popularity — they show that collectors of fine tattoo work are seeking him out. Instagram

What Makes Him Stand Out

• Technical Clarity: His line work, shading transitions, and ability to render texture (skin, hair, fabric, metal) are consistently clean and polished.

• Emotional Depth: His pieces often manage to capture light in such a way that there’s a mood — nostalgia, intensity, calm — not just beauty.

• Personalization: Rather than merely copying reference photos, Iriarte appears to work with clients to translate ideas into designs that consider placement, flow with the body, and long-term wear.

• Versatility With Restraint: The “touch of color” in his black & grey pieces isn’t showy; it’s strategic. When it works, it enhances; when it isn’t needed, he lets the greys and blacks speak.

Tips If You Want Tattoo Work From Santiago Iriarte

• Bring strong references: portraits, black & grey work, images that show lighting and shadow.

• Be ready for placement decisions: part of what makes realism look great is how well it fits the body’s curves and light exposure.

• Ask about aftercare: realism and deep blacks often need good healing to maintain contrast.

• Book ahead: artists with his level of skill tend to have waiting lists or limited availability.

Looking Forward

Santiago Iriarte’s trajectory suggests much more to come. As black & grey realism continues to be in demand, artists who combine technical precision with personal vision will be among the ones clients remember. Iriarte appears well-positioned to both influence up-and-coming tattooers and continue pushing his own portfolio's boundaries.

Conclusion

In the world of tattoo art, where skill, patience, and vision are everything, Santiago Iriarte stands out. His blend of realism, thoughtful design, and technical mastery make him an artist worth watching. If you're considering a piece that tells a story in greyscale, with punches of color when needed — he could be the perfect choice.