I'm Ramon, born in Puerto Rico then moved to the States when I was eight years old. Art has always been a big part of my life—I've loved drawing since I was a kid. I remember being fascinated by how a friend of mine could draw anything from memory, and that really sparked my passion for art.

 

Over the years, I taught myself how to tattoo, starting with practicing on myself and friends, and eventually it became my career. I've been working in the tattoo industry for over 13 years now, and I'm proud to be part of a family-like shop where we support each other.

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My style is mostly black and gray realism, which I honed early on when I first started tattooing. I like to push myself as an all-around artist, though, and I'm always striving to improve, especially with color tattoos.

Tattooing is about building relationships with clients—understanding their vision and making sure they leave the shop happy. It’s a process of communication, both in designing their tattoos and making them feel comfortable during the session.

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Being a tattoo artist isn't just a job for me—it's a lifestyle. I have three kids, and my family always comes first. Thankfully, the shop is flexible and understanding of my family commitments. Work-life balance is something I really appreciate, and it makes it easier for me to manage my time between being a parent and an artist.

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A big inspiration for me in both my art and life has been the story of my father. He never really understood my choice to become a tattoo artist until one of his close friends—who just so happened to be a well-known tattoo artist—visited the shop and spoke with him. That was when things started to shift, and now, he’s proud of my work. It just goes to show how perceptions about tattooing have changed over time. It's no longer just about a "biker" stereotype—tattooing is an art form, and it is more respected today.

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My advice for anyone looking to get a tattoo is to think carefully about the design and make sure it’s something you’ll love forever. Above all, I want my clients to feel comfortable and heard. Tattooing is about creating something meaningful, and the most rewarding part of my job is seeing my clients' reactions when they see their tattoo for the first time.