Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Carreiro.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I grew up in Artesia, California. I skateboarded throughout my childhood, I would spend all day out tagging along with my older brother and his friends. Hanging out at the skatepark I was introduced to graffiti and became infatuated with it, I slowed down skateboarding in Jr high and began writing my name on the walls by myself and with a group of friends. We got into loads of trouble in a short amount of time. It wasn’t long before a friend of mine, by the name of Jonathan Muse was starting to get tattooed.
Through that, we started looking for equipment and more information on how to get solid tattoos done on him. I got kicked out of high school for… reasons. I was then in independent studies and was at home a lot, my neighbor got out of prison around the same time. He told us he knew how to tattoo and he became our new hero. I did my first tattoo in the year of 2018.
That same summer my friend Jonathan Muse was murdered, I was devastated but never stopped tattooing. I now have 10 years under my belt of solid tattooing. I will forever be grateful for the times Jonathan was in my life because I feel through him I found the gift of tattooing. I am now a father and am able to provide for him through this hobby and lifestyle that I’m so lucky to be apart of.
Please tell us about your art.
What I’m best known for is custom lettering tattoos and black and grey realism tattoos. I have always loved the classic black and grey style I feel it ages in the skin very well. I feel when someone gets words tattooed it’s because they stand behind whatever they’re having written whether it be the neighborhood they’re from, they’re family name, a prayer or bible verse they live by.
From time to time some people just want to get how they feel written out and I think that’s dope too. I also love doing portrait style work or realistic pictures of animals or objects, sometimes people don’t wanna word they’d rather get a visual way to express an emotion or thought.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
Everyone knows a struggling artist, I think if you really want to get to the next level and you put in the work you will flourish. I believe in hard work, you can have talent and but nothing beats work ethic and being consistent. I was apart of an art club in high school that definitely helped me to figure how to make a living being an artist, I think of schools had programs showing kids different avenues in art careers that’d be dope.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I now work at Love Letters Tattoo in Los Angeles, I’m there Tuesday through Saturday. You can also view my work through Instagram right now @anthonycarreiro562. Most of my clientele is through referral, although we live in the digital era I believe someone you trust referring you to someone or somewhere is still the best. People can support my work through sharing it with others. Most of the people I have tattooed have become friends and extended family. It continues to grow through spreading the word. And coming and getting tattooed of course!
Contact Info:
- Address: Love Letters Tattoo
128 s. La brea Los Angeles 90036 - Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @anthonycarreiro562
Image Credit:
LA hands @estevanoriol
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