To the outside world, he’s a “demon” — but at home, he’s just “daddy.”
Raiden Kraneo Dos Caras was 12-years-old when first pricked by an ink needle. Today, the tattoo artist, 25, is covered head-to-toe, with an estimated 86% of his body’s surface dedicated to tattoos — including a skull-like face, reconstructed nose and horn implants on his forehead.
“People say I’m a demon,” Caras said. “But I consider myself a human being like any other.”
The Colombian father-of-one was attracted to the arts from a young age, and drawn those who chose skin as their medium. By 17, he’d added body modifications to his modes of artistic expression.
That’s when Caras, who shares three-year-old daughter Alice with wife Angie Katherine, 25, finally found his element, he told South West News Service.
The tattoo artist says he often receives messages from people online who criticize his appearance, and “release poison from behind a screen.” However, no one yet is bold enough to tell him to his face, he noted.
“Sometimes people get scared of me. Some people are filled with curiosity, but nobody has ever disrespected me in person,” Caras said.
“I feel normal like anyone else despite being reminded by people that I look different,” he continued, adding, “Sometimes people who look normal are the worst beings possible.”
Caras wants others to know he’s more than a tattooed face. When not working, being present with family or taking care of his dog, Thanos, he also volunteers his time to others. “I rescue animals whenever I can,” he shared.
Describing his life as “very calm and happy,” Caras said his life is exactly the same as anyone who doesn’t have the tattoos that he does.
“I love motorcycles and extreme sports, music, reading and going to the park,” he said, adding that he loves a family cook-out with his mom, brothers and nieces, too.
With love and acceptance from his family, the nonconformist has managed to cope with being ostracized by many. “My mother says that whatever I do, I will always have the face of an angel.”