Today we’d like to introduce you to Luis Blanco.
Hi Luis, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born a Chicago native, I grew up in the west suburbs of the Windy City. In second grade I met my best friend still to this day CZR PRZ, he drew a Ninja Turtle one day and that blew my mind… I remember asking him to show how he did that and from that point on we were always drawing and trying to learn as much as we could about art. As a kid, the major influences was comics, cartoons, video games, graffiti, and mythology of any kind. It really didn’t matter what culture it came from, to us it was material that fed our imagination. Not only that, it helped us escape from the surroundings and conditions we all had to face in that area at the time. One thing for certain about growing up in that area, it definitely humbles a person when you reflect on your past and realize where you could’ve have ended up compared to where you are now.
I never thought about tattooing as a career but stumbled across it as a bet. I was making fun of a guy’s tattoo because it resembled Boomhauer with wings. To my amusement, he said it was a self-portrait and he bet that I couldn’t do better. Challenge accepted. So, I went out and got some cheap machines not knowing what I was doing or getting into. I ended up buying a kit and tattooing myself. Let’s just say it didn’t tickle. I began tattooing friends and whoever else I could. I realized I could make money doing this, more than a minimum wage sweatshop anyway. I ended up leaving that job and just started tattooing on my own. Shortly after that, I ended up getting neuropathy in my feet, that began to get worse and caused huge issues that kept me from being able to walk. Unable to work from the pain and side effects of the medication, you know that disclosure you hear on commercials about suicide? They ain’t joking, that crap f@#^s with your head and it’s not a fun place to be when it causes you to lose all will to live. A year later I’m off the meds and able to start walking painfully with a cane but progress. Through social media, I reconnected with a couple of old friends that were already in the industry. Both Derrick Teal and Lobsta went out of their way to help me out during one of the lowest points of my life and reignited my passion for art. They slowly helped me get back into painting, and drawing and started sharing their knowledge of tattooing. After a while, I got back on my feet, and found a job in the corporate world but I was still curious about tattooing. I ended up apprenticing under Derrick at Daddy Jack’s. And reached a crossroads between the corporate world and the tattoo world. Regrettably, I chose the corporate world because of the securities it offered. Even still I continued to tattoo on weekends and whenever I could, sketching during meetings, more worried about who I could tattoo instead of my current job. It was becoming obvious that my passion lied with tattooing. Getting frustrated with the corporate world, I stepped away and took a leap of faith to pursue my passion, Luckily, I had friends like Derrick, Lob, and Adam, to support me and push me towards my goals. Along the way these guys showed me the risks it takes to accomplish your goals, not only teaching me about tattooing but how to promote yourself, budget, and invest in myself in order to start succeeding. Thru my time apprenticing under Derrick, he introduced me to the Hermetic Principles, which at the time I had no clue how big of an influence it would have in my life and help me take charge of my goals. I bounced around for some time there trying to figure out…. well, everything I needed to do, and by no means is this an easy journey for anyone in any walk of life. I took some time to get where I am now and even though I’m happy where I’m currently at, I know this is just part of longer j0urney that I’m aiming to accomplish. With that said there’s so much more I want to learn not only about this industry but the world itself.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Does Texas have four seasons? I think everyone wishes for a smooth road but looking back at obstacles you appreciate the lessons learned. Some of the struggles I faced was getting back on my feet from having Neuropathy it wasn’t just being able to walk again. I would get episodes of shooting pain that would cause my hands to shake involuntary. Mentally I had to get over the depression that came with the medication I was on. Another thing was realizing who your friends really are. Its shitty when you see your circle of friends fizzles down to a handful. I don’t think it’s just in this industry it occurs. I feel like that ridicule of doubt and criticism you get from people you think are friends is an experience that fuels not only our drive to succeed but also helps us recognize a person’s intent and true character.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I like to focus a lot on my work with a neotraditional style. I’ve been influenced by art nouveau, comic book art, graffiti, and anime. I’m most proud of the neotraditional and art nouveau pieces that I have done. I’m constantly learning and looking for ways to improve my techniques as well as learn from those around me or those I am inspired by. I work towards growth in all areas of my life but especially those that contribute to my creativity and work as an artist.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Favorite childhood memory? there so many but going to the movies with my family and friends always stand out. I’m a back movie and comic nerd, so seeing imagination come to life is always inspirational. It not only gives you an escape but also gives you a comfort to know just about anything you dream about can become a goal and achieve.
Pricing:
- Deposit Are $60
- Hourly Average $150
Contact Info:
- Email: lblanco1980@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/depth1?utm_medium=copy_link
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Depth1nk-203766803030258/
