Sanel Valles

Sanel Valles is a Venezuelan-born tattoo artist best known for transforming old or unwanted ink into seamless new narratives. After opening two studios in Caracas in the early 2000s, he moved to the United States, became the first Venezuelan formally invited to the NYC Tattoo Convention, and later served as a juror at the NY Empire State Tattoo Expo.

Now based in New Jersey, Sanel owns Orpheus Tattoo Studio—a two-level creative hub where he mentors resident artists and refines his signature cover-up approach, blending black-and-gray realism with subtle color accents. His guiding mantra, “The true art of life is making of it a true work of art,” shapes every consultation and design.

When he’s not tattooing, Sanel leads workshops on advanced cover-up techniques, collaborates with aftercare brand Hustle Butter Pro, and shares insights on tattoo craft and skin health with a global audience.