Like a kaleidoscopic fusion of cultural influences, multidisciplinary artist Manuela Soto Sosa has spent the last 10 years forging her own unique path in the artistic world. Drawing inspiration from an array of different sources, such as Berlin tattoo parlours, to the cutesy figures of 90s anime shows like Sailor Moon, Soto has turned her nomadic and eclectic lifestyle into a force of creative sustenance.

Beginning her artistic journey at the tender age of 18, Soto was introduced to the artistic world through the process of stick and poke tattoos, before eventually turning it into her full-time job. Since then she hasn’t looked back, consistently pushing the envelope and challenging herself to create grander and more ambitious projects. Fundamental to her success lies the “Soto girls”, the illustrated expressions of her personality—fierce and feisty girls juxtaposed with an aura of Japanese “kawaii”. Armed with curvy figures and pouting lips, these girls take no prisoners.

In recent years Soto has expanded her creative repertoire to different fields. In 2018, she designed the cover artwork for Billie Eilish’s single “When the party’s over” and recently teamed up with Paris-based interior designer, Zyva Studio to create “Soto girl” inspired beds.

GATA was lucky enough to catch this industrious artist in between projects, to discuss a myriad of topics, from the role of LA in her creative work to her collaborations with Savage X Fenty and the inspiring feeling of seeing her illustrations transformed into a physical space through interior design. To mark the occasion, Soto teamed up with LA-based photographer BAZ to create a set of exclusive images for GATA. Check them out to learn more about this powerful artist.

Hello Soto, how are you? How’s business been during this crazy pandemic, and what have you learned from all this?

Hi GATA <3 I’m blessed, can’t complain! The past few years made me realise being tied down to a place, a title or long term responsibilities kills my spirit... but I finally let go of what was holding me back and feel like myself again, ever evolving!

What does a regular day for Manuela Soto look like?

Like too much coffee and a little anxiety (⊙_⊙✿)

We have heard that your tattoo studio Softflex is closing its doors; is there a new professional phase about to start for you? Can you tell us a little bit about it? Will you continue tattooing?

Softflex is a shapeshifting platform for creativity and inspiration. I wanted a place to teach and explore ideas outside of my illustration work. I didn’t have a set plan and it organically grew into the most beautiful tattoo studio. I truly feel like Softflex offered an experience that people will remember forever.

I enjoy breaking the mould and I feel like I’ve done everything I could for the world of tattooing. I had a fabulous career and wonderful clients but seeing my art walk out the door always left me feeling a little sad. As I distanced myself from tattooing, it’s only right that Softflex tattoo studio dissolved itself...

Just like a beautiful flower, the best experiences last just for a moment, living in your memories...but more flowers will bloom and Softflex will return, in a different shape, in a different place. I realised that what excites me is curating moments in time, paths can be reinvented every day, I want to live by that…

Photography: Baz, Top: Ottolinger, Jewelry: Rare-Romance

“Just like a beautiful flower, the best experiences last just for a moment, living in your memories...”

— SOTO SOSA

We have seen facets of “Soto Sosa” appear in the world of interior design. How has this facet of yours developed over time and when will we see more of it?

I’ve been tattooing for ten years, five of those years spent city to city with my entire life packed in a single suitcase. When I moved to Los Angeles, it took me over a year to unpack my suitcase and start buying furniture...

Opening my studio Softflex was a turning point, I understood that creativity has no boundaries and the balance of cuteness and hard attitude I communicate with my drawings can be communicated through physical space. Softflex looked and felt like me, it also allowed people to understand me better...

This is when I came up with the home decor line for Soto Worldwide and started playing around with furniture design. I now want to be surrounded by my art constantly and push my creative boundaries. I’d curate new spaces every month if I could <3

Did Los Angeles play a special role in your development as an artist?

Los Angeles gave me everything. I first came here in 2016 with nothing but a tattoo machine...
I wasn’t supposed to be here long but my tattoo career took off and everything else with it…I’m so grateful for everyone along the way who looked out for me and gave me opportunities to learn and grow, whether it is tattooing, clothing or entertainment. I wouldn’t be where I’m at without the love and support I’ve gotten here...

“I realised that what excites me is curating moments in time, paths can be reinvented every day, I want to live by that…”

— SOTO SOSA

We found your illustration archive on Instagram SOTO TENDERFORCE, how much time do you spend drawing at the moment? Is this platform for you like a family photo album, where you collect parts of your work?

TenderForce is an animation show I’m currently developing with AMC Studios. The TenderForce Instagram is dedicated to the creative process and character design.

Writing this show is extremely therapeutic for me, I get to heal and let my ugly traits out through the characters in a way that’s actually pretty similar to what led to my tattoo work, it was all about reclaiming one's body after physical abuse and people felt it, owned it and healed themselves that way.

Tell us a little more about the “Soto Girls” (Buffy, Kitty, Cherry & Mercy); when were they born and who are they?

As much as I am dying to tell you all about them, I’m unfortunately bound to my NDA lol

How have your Swiss-Uruguayan roots influenced your creative career?

It’s complicated, as it is for so many refugee’s children. I’ve reconnected with my family during the pandemic, learned more about my indio-latinx heritage but I'm not always sure what to make of my different cultural backgrounds, it’s probably part of why I’ve always been looking for a sense of belonging in niche subcultures, art and music.

Photography by IMMY, Dress Soto Worldwide

Let's talk about ***Soto Worldwide*; your clothing series is a point in which comfortable and sexy garments meet? What drives and motivates you to design your clothing?**

I am just having so much fun with the brand, it’s exciting seeing everyone’s fits. Most of the time I like big baggy streetwear with cute accessories, and then I get to explore more intricate designs through collaborations, like lingerie with Savage X Fenty or jewellery with Jiwinaia. I am looking forward to dedicating more time to the brand this year and creating more pop-up experiences around the world.

You spent some time in Tokyo before the pandemic started, right? What are your best memories and what do you like most about the country?

Tokyo puts me in this intense introspective mood, it feels like I'm pushed deeper within myself. I love night walks by myself and train rides to Odaiba.

Photographer: Baz, Jewelry: Rare-Romance, Corset: Ritual Fashion, Thong: Praying, Boots: 803life

You are a multitasking artist. Is there a particular art form you would like to experience in the future?

I definitely want to work more on large scale sculptures, to see my girls portrayed bigger and heavier than ever... unavoidable and undeniable.

If you could do your next collaboration with any artist of your choice, who would it be, and what would it be about?

I’d love to work with a high fashion brand, art direction for Prada or something like that would be a dream.

GATA Magazine loves cinema; our team believes that movies can be a source of inspiration for artists. Is there any movie that you especially like that has influenced you?

I love movies were fashion, music and photography align like films by Takashi Miike or Gaspar Noe. My favourite movies would be 2046 by Wong Kar-wai, the Rampo Noir anthology and Kamikaze Girls <3

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

Love you Xx Soto (͒◌ॢ ›⚇‹ ◌ॢ)୭͒ ♡

THE QUEEN OF FIERCE: MEET ARTIST SOTO SOSA

In recent years Soto has expanded her creative repertoire to different fields. In 2018, she designed the cover artwork for Billie Eilish’s single “When the party’s over” and recently teamed up with Paris-based interior designer, Zyva Studio to create “Soto girl” inspired beds.

Hello Soto, how are you? How’s business been during this crazy pandemic, and what have you learned from all this?

What does a regular day for Manuela Soto look like?

We have heard that your tattoo studio Softflex is closing its doors; is there a new professional phase about to start for you? Can you tell us a little bit about it? Will you continue tattooing?

We have seen facets of “Soto Sosa” appear in the world of interior design. How has this facet of yours developed over time and when will we see more of it?

Did Los Angeles play a special role in your development as an artist?

We found your illustration archive on Instagram SOTO TENDERFORCE, how much time do you spend drawing at the moment? Is this platform for you like a family photo album, where you collect parts of your work?

Tell us a little more about the “Soto Girls” (Buffy, Kitty, Cherry & Mercy); when were they born and who are they?

How have your Swiss-Uruguayan roots influenced your creative career?

Let's talk about ***Soto Worldwide*; your clothing series is a point in which comfortable and sexy garments meet? What drives and motivates you to design your clothing?**

You spent some time in Tokyo before the pandemic started, right? What are your best memories and what do you like most about the country?

You are a multitasking artist. Is there a particular art form you would like to experience in the future?

If you could do your next collaboration with any artist of your choice, who would it be, and what would it be about?

GATA Magazine loves cinema; our team believes that movies can be a source of inspiration for artists. Is there any movie that you especially like that has influenced you?

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TIME SOTO!

Model: Manuela Soto Sosa

Photography: Baz

Styling: César Álvarez

Make-up: Valérie Vonprisk

Hair: Danyel Espinosa

Nails by Karen Jimenez

Location: Softflex Official

Text edited by SAMO

THE QUEEN OF FIERCE: MEET ARTIST SOTO SOSA

In recent years Soto has expanded her creative repertoire to different fields. In 2018, she designed the cover artwork for Billie Eilish’s single “When the party’s over” and recently teamed up with Paris-based interior designer, Zyva Studio to create “Soto girl” inspired beds.

Hello Soto, how are you? How’s business been during this crazy pandemic, and what have you learned from all this?

What does a regular day for Manuela Soto look like?

We have heard that your tattoo studio Softflex is closing its doors; is there a new professional phase about to start for you? Can you tell us a little bit about it? Will you continue tattooing?

We have seen facets of “Soto Sosa” appear in the world of interior design. How has this facet of yours developed over time and when will we see more of it?

Did Los Angeles play a special role in your development as an artist?

We found your illustration archive on Instagram SOTO TENDERFORCE, how much time do you spend drawing at the moment? Is this platform for you like a family photo album, where you collect parts of your work?

Tell us a little more about the “Soto Girls” (Buffy, Kitty, Cherry & Mercy); when were they born and who are they?

How have your Swiss-Uruguayan roots influenced your creative career?

Let's talk about Soto Worldwide; your clothing series is a point in which comfortable and sexy garments meet? What drives and motivates you to design your clothing?

You spent some time in Tokyo before the pandemic started, right? What are your best memories and what do you like most about the country?

You are a multitasking artist. Is there a particular art form you would like to experience in the future?

If you could do your next collaboration with any artist of your choice, who would it be, and what would it be about?

GATA Magazine loves cinema; our team believes that movies can be a source of inspiration for artists. Is there any movie that you especially like that has influenced you?

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TIME SOTO!

Model: Manuela Soto Sosa

Photography: Baz

Styling: César Álvarez

Make-up: Valérie Vonprisk

Hair: Danyel Espinosa

Nails by Karen Jimenez

Location: Softflex Official

Text edited by SAMO

Let's talk about ***Soto Worldwide*; your clothing series is a point in which comfortable and sexy garments meet? What drives and motivates you to design your clothing?**