Léa Vendetta was already an artist when she came to Miami from her native France to take up tattooing in the late ’90s. It was a good move: Not only did she learn from some of the best tattoo artists in the business, but her work was showcased on Spike’s Ink Master. Fans and longtime clients alike still come by her current employer, Hart & Huntington Tattoo at the Hard Rock Hotel, to see her.
“Being on TV was awesome, even if the competition itself was nerve-wracking,” she said. “But I grew a lot. It made me a better tattoo (artist) in a lot of different ways.”
Although Vendetta is very friendly and light-hearted, she takes tattooing very seriously. She credits TV shows and the increased popularity of tattoos with raising customers’ expectations for quality artwork.
“(Before) photography, artists … used to be commissioned by people to draw their portrait. They had a regular job,” she said. “Now we have this idea of artists as starving artist bohemian types, but I think that tattooing gives a real job and place in society for many artists. Only artists can do this kind of work, now that it has reached such a high level of craftsmanship.”
In addition to her passion for art, Vendetta is a bit of a mixology buff and foodie and is always on the lookout for great places to dine and drink. And she loves to share that information with clients. So if you go in for ink, you may leave with a Las Vegas to-do list.
Rock’N Roll for Ever
Rock’N Roll for Ever
Each Hart and Huntington Tattoo artist has his or her own style that has been developed over time, and you can find examples of their original artwork hanging on the walls. Like one? You can buy it. Vendetta says her own art is always in flux, though she goes through phases with certain themes. “I like to be inspired by what’s in the air. There’s a saying in France, ‘l’air du temps.’ I don’t like to be stuck.”
