Artist of the Day: Carlos Villalon

I've been an artist ever since I can remember that first time I picked up a pencil. Way back in my home country Chile where I was born on March 10, 1987. However it would not have been possible for me to become an artist if it wasn't for my grandma giving me that push and drive. She always told me if I'm bored, to grab a pencil and draw. So that's what I did, and I couldn't stop.

I was always drawing, sketching, doodling, coloring, you name it - and I'll draw it up. Art class back in school was always my favorite, especially at a young age with that lively imagination. The day came when my grandparents we were moving to Long Island, New York in '96. A whole new world came into my life with so many doors to choose in the realm of art and music. I started getting into graphitti, painting, hip-hop, rock, and as I got older, music became more a part of my art depending on the mood and style that I wanted to do.

I kept drawing and progressing. I would go to the city and see all the graphitti on rooftops, walls and signs. I would be like, "Damn!", those colors caught my attention. One day, around 10, I passed by a tattoo parlor in Long Island and wondered what it would be like to get a tattoo. By this time I was noticing people with tattoos amazed at how beautiful they can be. I walked into a parlor at 15 but got turned down, Haha! During that time I drew here and there, but it wasn't until the last few weeks in Long Island that I just drew my ass off, rough times, and my only outlet was art. That's when I thought about becoming a tattoo artist.

In '06 I moved to San Antonio. My mind was set on getting an apprenticeship, and I got one. Eight months later, I was tattooing. I had a few influences and good peeps that I met along the way that kicked me down some knowledge. I never really had a main artist teach me, I just learned along the way and am still learning. That's what I love, there is so much progression that you never stop learning.

Now in '09 I'm tattooing out of Tattoo Innerprize. I have two years of experience and counting. I customize in color, New School, Graphitti, and Color Realism. So when your ready to get that new piece that makes everyone give it a second look, come on by. I'll be ready to "Moff" you!

E-Mail: moff@tattooinnerprize.com or come by to one of our two locations. TattooInnerprize.com

Artist of the Day: Javier Luis

Javier Luis, Owner & Award Winning Custom Tattoo Artist

Born: April 19, 1970 in Corpus Christi, TX

Background & Training: I am a self-taught artist, no formal training aside from maybe an art class once in high school. I have been drawing since I was a kid, and doing tattoos for almost 20 years. I've proudly served in the Armed Forces under war conditions. I've worked in many places including Germany, Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico.

Awards, Honors, and Commissions: I have received awards for my custom tattoo work and work hard to achieve more. My work has been published online, in newspapers and in magazines locally and around the world.

* 2001 - 1st Place Best Color (Rio Grande Valley Tattoo Convention)
* 2004 - 2nd Place Best of Color Small (Voo Doo Tattoo Expo)
* 2004 - 2nd Place Back (Slinging Ink Tattoo Expo)
* 2004 - 3rd Place Original (Slinging Ink Tattoo Expo)
* 2005 - 1st Place Best Portrait (Slinging Ink Tattoo Expo)
* 2005 - 3rd Place Original (Slinging Ink Tattoo Expo)
* 2007 - 1st Place Best Portrait (Slinging Ink Tattoo Expo)
* 2007 - 3rd Place Original (Slinging Ink Tattoo Expo)

Current Projects and New Developments: Right now I have been working on a custom clothing and accessories line as well as home decor and collectibles. Prototypes have been developed and more will be released soon. My hopes for this line of artwork are to create both custom and limited edition art for people from all walks of life to enjoy. With my unique ability to create art in all different styles I would like for everyone to have the opportunity to express himself or herself however they see fit. Whether it is through their wardrobe, home decor, accessories, or their bodies.

Javier Luis, the Artist: As an artist first, I don't allow the ideas given to me or that I may be working with of my own to limit me, I find a way to make the art flow whether it be on the bodies of my clients, on canvas, or any other media I may be working with. I am a creative spirit, no matter what I'm doing, I can almost guarantee that I am thinking of something create. I feel that art is an extension of ones self, no matter if you are the artist or the art collector. Art allows people to express themselves. It provides an outlet for people to separate themselves from the rest. For me, art is in every part of our lives. I enjoy creating and giving people the opportunity to share my passion by allowing my art to be a part of their lives.

Javier Luis, the Tattoo Artist: Tattooing offers a new challenge with every new idea that is brought to me. I enjoy the challenge that both art and tattooing offer me. Tattooing has allowed me to become lots of things I probably would not have had the opportunity to do. Many times, through tattooing I play the roles of a doctor, therapist, and mentor. Tattooing has also given me an opportunity to be one of the best tattoo artists around.

Do you have a style of tattooing that you prefer? I never limit myself to just one style of tattooing, I have worked very hard over the years to develop and maintain a strong tattooing knowledge and execution of all styles of tattooing, you name it, I will tattoo it and will tattoo it well! My goal is to give my clients the best work possible whatever the style they choose, the challenge keeps my work interesting. When tattooing, I do custom work and stay away from reproduction tattoos. Color realism is a technique I use while using insight and ideas through my painting. I tend to do all of my tattoos this way, very painterly and soft, but with bold, bright colors that gives the art depth and a realistic look. I like to fill the body with imagery that moves with the body, not against it. If I had to choose a personal favorite tattooing style, I couldn't just pick one, but the few that are personal favorites are portraits of color, gore- death pictures, and Asian.

What is the most memorable piece on yourself? The most memorable piece I have on myself is a tattoo machine done by mike parsons. It was done at Gil Montes' world famous studio.

Art/Tattooing Influences? My Mom & Dad, without their abilities I would not have my own. Thank you Mom and Dad! My son Sabastian, he always inspires me to keep doing more, and I inspire him to keep doing more. My partner in life and business, Gina Alvarez, without her, my dreams would not have become a reality as soon as they did. Yoshihito Nakano, Horiyen, Horiyuki, Shodai, Horitaka, Horimonja, Robert Hernandez, Guy Atchison, Nick Baxter, Martin Lacasse, Nikko Hartado, Mike Devica, Bob Tyrell, Hannah Atchison, Mike Parsons, and the whole crew at my studio, Tattoo Innerprize.

Thank You I would like to thank God, My Parents, Ruben & Maria Luis, My Son, Sabastian Luis, My Love, Gina Alvarez, and my friend and mentor, Don Faulkner. Thank you to all of the people that have allowed me to create on their behalf and who have worn and/or displayed my art proudly.

Check out TattooInnerprize.com for more of Javier's and our other artists' work.

Tattoo Innerprize West (Boerne, TX) - Tattoo Sleeve in progress session by Javier Luis

Tattoo sleeve session in progress by Javier Luis. Black shading session, color session to follow on this section of this sleeve. Thoughts?