In the heart of Brooklyn, where the creative pulse of graffiti culture is most prominent in New York City, lives an artist whose visual language was forged not in the urban grit of New York, but in the sun-drenched, historically layered landscapes of southern Spain.
Angel Nunes Lazaro, known to the tattoo world as RenderTattoo, is a master of black and gray realism and blackwork. But to look at his intricate, large-scale pieces is to see more than just technical proficiency; it is to witness a blend of Spanish Neoclassicism, the sharp eye of a photo editor, and the ancient architecture of his hometown, Almería.
For many Americans, Spain is a tapestry woven from the threads of Madrid’s royal grandeur or Barcelona’s modernist whimsy. Yet, RenderTattoo hails from a region that offers a distinct, rugged beauty often overlooked by transatlantic travelers.
“Almería is known for its pleasant climate, stunning historic architecture, and some of the best beaches in the country,” RenderTattoo explains, painting a picture of a coastal gem. “It is visited by thousands of people from all over the continent during the summer months, in addition to its gastronomy and culture.”
While Almería is a province, RenderTattoo’s roots are planted specifically in Huércal de Almería, a small town just ten minutes from the capital city. It is a place where history is not just preserved in museums but etched into the skyline.
The Alcazaba and the Architectural Psyche
To understand the aesthetic of RenderTattoo, one must understand the visual DNA of Almería. The city is a palimpsest of civilizations. Founded in the 10th century by the caliph Abd-ar-Rahman III, it served as a defensive watchtower. Today, its skyline is dominated by the Alcazaba, a massive Moorish fortress that rivals the Alhambra in Granada. It is the largest citadel built by the Arabs in Spain, featuring three walled enclosures, a former mosque converted into a church, and vaulted Gothic doors.
“The blend of contemporary and historical elements in Almería has always influenced me,” RenderTattoo says. “Growing up surrounded by the Alcazaba fortress and its history taught me to appreciate storytelling and detail, and I try to reflect that in my tattoos, combining tradition and modernity in a personal way.”
This architectural influence is evident in his work. His tattoos, particularly the large-scale full backs and sleeves, possess a structural integrity. The “drag style” dotwork he utilizes to create volume mirrors the play of light and shadow on ancient stone walls. The Alcazaba, visible from any part of the city, stands as a silent testament to the power of imposing forms and intricate details—a philosophy RenderTattoo has translated to skin.
From Goya’s Realism to the “Render” Process
Before he ever held a tattoo machine, Angel Nunes Lazaro held a mouse and a stylus. His artistic journey began not on canvas, but on screens. He spent years in the world of photo and video editing, a discipline that requires an obsessive focus on light, texture, and composition.
“I’ve always felt that I was born to be a tattoo artist, although my path didn’t start directly on skin,” he recalls. “That environment taught me to understand light, texture, and composition, as well as the importance of polishing every detail until achieving the exact result I wanted. Without realizing it, that stage became the perfect foundation for what would come next.”
When he launched his tattoo career in 2019, he chose a name that bridged these two worlds: RenderTattoo. “Render comes from the process of rendering a visual project, an action that represents creation and transformation,” he explains.
His artistic sensibilities were also shaped by the heavyweights of Spanish art history. While Salvador Dalí’s surrealism and Goya’s darker romanticism are globally renowned, RenderTattoo finds a personal resonance with the latter.
“Pablo Picasso, Francisco Goya, and Salvador Dalí are world-renowned figures,” he acknowledges. “Personally, I have always been drawn to Goya’s work, as he was able to represent realism in all its splendor, both in easel paintings and murals. His neoclassical pieces are a great source of inspiration.”
This appreciation for “realism in all its splendor” is the hallmark of RenderTattoo’s black and gray style. His work is characterized by strong contrasts and precise execution, often applied to large-scale projects that require immense patience and planning.
The Transatlantic Leap: Spain to Brooklyn
Despite a burgeoning career in Spain, where he was already picking up awards at conventions in Granada and Almería, RenderTattoo felt the pull of a larger market. He took the leap to the United States, a move that fundamentally altered his trajectory.
“Coming to the United States changed my career in an incredible way,” he says. “The exposure to different styles, clients, and techniques made me more versatile, and being able to work with state-of-the-art materials and tools elevated the quality of my work.”
He settled in Brooklyn, specifically in Bushwick, a neighborhood famous for its street art and raw creative energy. It is here, at the studio Minimal NYC on Troutman Street, that he has found his home base.
“The creative culture in Brooklyn is unique,” RenderTattoo observes. “The foundations of graffiti in Bushwick, where our tattoo studio is located, are admirable, as they inspire new ideas and foster urban art.”
This environment of constant innovation has pushed him to perfect his realistic approach, a style he describes as demanding “patience, technique, and a keen eye for nuances.”
Collaboration, Architecture and Craft
In the competitive world of professional tattooing, the quality of tools can make or break a session. RenderTattoo has aligned himself with QUMA Tattoo Supply, a California-based company specializing in professional needle solutions. The collaboration began organically; QUMA spotted his work on social media and reached out.
“In exchange for promoting their products on my social media and at tattoo conventions, they provide me with high-quality materials,” RenderTattoo explains. “Which allows me to experiment and maintain a professional level in every session.”
This partnership supports his rigorous schedule, which includes not only client work but also judging at major industry events. RenderTattoo has already served as a judge at the San Antonio Tattoo Arts Festival and is slated for upcoming conventions in Minnesota and Philadelphia. He is also the recipient of numerous accolades, including 3rd place in Black and White tattoos at the VII Expotattoo Estepona 2022 and 2nd place in Realism at the same event.
A Story Still Being Written
Reflecting on his journey—from drawing on the walls of his parents’ bar in Huércal de Almería to judging international conventions in the U.S.—RenderTattoo views his career as a result of “constant work, tough decisions, and total dedication.”
“Since arriving in the United States, I’ve experienced things I never imagined,” he admits. “Judging at conventions, meeting artists I admire, and seeing my name start to resonate in different places motivates me to keep moving forward.”
For RenderTattoo, the skin is not just a medium; it is a canvas that requires the same respect one would give to a historic fortress or a Goya masterpiece. Whether he is working on a client in Brooklyn or collaborating with a supply brand, his mission remains the same: to merge the discipline of his Spanish heritage with the boundless possibilities of his American present.
“Every client, every piece, and every trip are part of a story that’s still being written,” he says. And with his current trajectory, that story promises to be as detailed and enduring as the art he creates.
By Margaret Wright
Published January 23, 2026
