Today we’d like to introduce you to Mario Padilla.
Hi Mario, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
So, it all started in federal prison. Did a 10-year sentence for a drug charge. With a lot of free time on my hands. I managed to get my GED and venture into other educational activities. I found Oil painting was one of my favorites. After painting for a few years in there I decided I would try tattooing. Tattooing in prison is prohibited so it was definitely a big challenge. A Former tattoo artist and shop owner I met during my incarceration was impressed by my work and told me that I would make a good tattoo artist. He told me the way I worked in there was pretty much the same way business Was conducted in a tattoo shop. After hearing that I was pretty much set on being a tattoo artist as a career choice. Upon my release, I started working out of my apartment and then worked at a few local street shops. After building my clientele for about five years and working my way up to a private tattoo studio I knew I had to work a bit closer to my home. With A referral from one of my clients and the help from some awesome people Including my girlfriend. We opened Saint Cecilias art studio.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a self-taught tattoo artist was kind of looked down upon in the tattoo Industry. Transitioning From prison tattooing to being a professional tattoo artist was a challenge. Upon opening my business another challenge was trying to open up a local tattoo shop in Roanoke Texas. Apparently, the city of Roanoke does not zone Businesses like mine. The thing is tattooing is classified with the porn industry. So, I found an area outside of the city limits and was able to put my shop there.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
So, I am an appointment-only tattoo artist. I specialize in black and gray realism and color realism. That’s pretty much what I am known for. I am most proud of my few color portraits that I’ve done. What sets me apart from the others is that I’m an oil painter. That’s one of my favorite mediums.
Any big plans?
So, my plans for the future would be expanding my work area in my building. Right now, I am enjoying my privacy in my studio but I might bring an artist to rent out a booth or invite out of town artist for guest spots. I also plan on making an art area to host or rent space for art classes. I also plan on participating in more seminars and expos.
Pricing:
- 150.00 is my hourly rate.
Contact Info:
- Email: mptattooz@gmail.com
- Website: https://saintceciliasartstudio.square.site/
- Instagram: saintceciliasartstudio
- Facebook: @saintceciliasartstudio
