Today we’d like to introduce you to Salome Sajnin.
Hi Salome, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m an Argentinian visual artist and tattooer, currently based in San Diego. I was born in Buenos Aires into a multicultural family with Italian, Russian, and Polish roots. I started drawing as a child, and that early passion led me to study at the National School of Fine Arts, where I graduated in 2000.
My journey as a tattoo artist began alongside my partner, Hernán Coretta. Over the years, I’ve developed a style inspired by traditional Japanese motifs, as well as feminine figures. It’s a blend that feels more personal, and it reflects my roots in both fine art and tattoo culture.
In 2004, I opened Calavera no Chilla, my first studio in Buenos Aires, which ran for 17 years. It was an incredible chapter, and later we created Coretta Familia, a private studio and gallery space that allowed us to work in a more intimate and art-focused environment.
In 2019, I published Bendita tú Eres, my first art book, in postcard format—a project that felt very close to my heart. Then, in 2022, my family and I moved to the U.S., and we’ve recently opened Classic Flow, our private tattoo studio here in San Diego. where we bring our shared artistic vision to life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In the beginning, when I started tattooing over 25 years ago in Buenos Aires there weren’t many women in the industry. It was a world mostly made up of men. Even though it was connected to art, it didn’t feel entirely accessible. I’m not sure I’d call it an obstacle, but it definitely felt more difficult at first.
Over time, however, as tattooing became more popular and widely accepted, I began to feel that being a woman in the industry was, in some ways, a privilege.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I mostly paint women, mermaids, and felines—working primarily with acrylics and watercolors. I also tattoo. Within my tattoo work, you’ll find many of the same women that appear in my paintings, but I’m also deeply inspired by traditional Japanese tattooing.
One of the reasons I’m drawn to the Japanese style is because I often work on large-scale pieces—sometimes full-body compositions—and I think this style flows beautifully with the natural shapes and movement of the human body.
That said, I’m always pursuing a more personal and distinct expression—something that goes beyond style or influence. I believe that’s both the hardest and most fascinating part of being an artist: finding a voice that truly sets you apart.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Consistency is key from the very beginning. The search for your own path and style is deeply personal—and rooted in authenticity, which is what truly sets you apart. A mentor, in my view, should align with your values and be someone you genuinely admire on multiple levels.
In painting, while the process is often solitary, the work comes alive through connection. Building genuine relationships, sharing your work, and being present in the art community are essential to growth and visibility. At the core of it all: consistency and authenticity—they open doors and sustain meaningful progress.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.salomesajnin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salomesajnin
