When I was a kid, I use to take trips to Austin to see my family who lived there. My older cousins would take me to the comic book stores to buy comics. To past the time I would trace the characters and make my own stories. When I got older I became fascinated with Lowrider Arte Magazines.
Growing up in South Texas, the Chicano style of artwork had a major influence on me. One day while my mom was having a family gathering, I traced an image of Salina Quintanilla from one of the Lowrider Arte Magazines. Salina had just past away so I thought it would be cool to draw her portrait. I showed it to my mom and she assumed I drew it without tracing. She was so proud that she showed all of my family members who were there that night. They couldn't believe that a kid so young could draw something so good at such a young age. The truth is that I didn't but I loved the feeling it gave me.
From then on I promised that I would learn how to draw with out tracing. Year after year I practiced drawing. Eventually my friends started asking me to tattoo them. I did and quickly became the tattoo artist of my high school. I became so obsessed with my artwork that I actually failed two years of high school because all I would do is draw in class and in detention! Hey, I had to get the tattoos ready for after school lol. Could you blame me?
As soon as I graduated from high school I moved to Austin and quickly found myself in a tattoo shop. A girl I tattooed from my apartment complex walked into a tattoo shop and the other artists asked her where she got her tattoos from. They called me and asked me to come into the shop for an audition. From there I was hired and began my professional career as a tattoo artist. I worked there for a few years and then when back to school.
I graduated college with an associates degree in graphic design & animation. One day, while walking to buy some art supplies, I noticed a sign that said, "airbrush classes". Ever since I first laid eyes on a lowrider car, I wanted to learn how to airbrush the beautiful murals proudly displayed on them. So I stopped by and talked to the owner Charlie Brown (R.I.P). Next thing I know I am taking airbrush classes there and working on the school website at the same time! I could not believe the opportunities that followed.
I am now proud to say that I love my life. I am doing what I love and helping others create lifetime memories through my artwork. I have seen people cry after being moved by my work and that has created a whole new perspective on my artwork. I am here to serve others with the talents I have been gifted with. I hope to work with you one day. Till then, thank you for taking the time out to listen to my story.
-Sincerely yours
Serious
