My Story
Welcome to my artistic journey, shaped by a rich family legacy of creativity and mentorship. My introduction to the world of art began under the guidance of my uncle Eduardo Martinez, a skilled painter who specialized in replicating masterpieces from renowned artists. He not only inspired me but also imparted invaluable lessons on drawing and precision, instilling in me a love for the craft from an early age.
In 1995, my uncle Dorcy, a tattoo artist, became the next pivotal influence in my artistic evolution. Observing him at work in my mother's garage, I was captivated by the intricate world of tattooing. At the tender age of 13, he posed a question that would change the course of my life, asking if I wanted to embark on a path that promised financial success. Without hesitation, I committed to becoming a tattoo artist.
Growing up, I was surrounded by artistic influences, including my older cousin Carolina. She introduced me to the world of Japanese anime and patiently shared her expertise, nurturing my passion for drawing. Fueled by a competitive spirit instilled by the exceptional talents within my family, I was driven to continually improve and expand my artistic skills.
At the age of 18, I ventured into the challenging world of king crab fishing in Alaska for a winter. Following this adventure, I found myself in Hawaii, where serendipity led me to my first wife, Liza, who was visiting from Palau. This marked the beginning of my journey into tattooing as the locals in Palau, recognizing my skills, encouraged me to revive the traditional tattoo culture that was fading away. Under the guidance of Papa Modesto, I honed my craft in both portrait and traditional tattooing during my nearly decade-long stay in Palau.
A desire for new experiences brought me back to the United States, where I initially explored conventional employment but quickly found it unsatisfying. Inspired by my younger brother in San Diego, I delved into tattooing military personnel. The move to Las Vegas saw me take on my first job at a tattoo shop in the historic Riviera Hotel, and since then, my journey as a dedicated tattoo artist has been unwavering.
Join me on this artistic voyage, where each stroke tells a story, and every tattoo is a testament to a lifelong commitment to the craft.