Check Out Aaron Garcia’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron Garcia.

Hi Aaron, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
I was heavily involved in graffiti, and as I was getting out of it, I saw a magazine with some bands that were covered in tattoos around age 15/16. After that point, I became very consumed with the notion that I would tattoo for a living. I had been rejected by all the shops in my local area and thrown out of several others I map quested that I hadn’t heard of, with one guy throwing my drawings in the street. A bit after that, I had a bit of luck a with local man in a mobile home in which my mom managed, after he tattooed a security guard that worked the front. I drove over and asked for his info. After getting his number, I asked how much he would need just to show me how to put a machine together, and he told me 300$. I sold my iPod, skateboard, weed, and whatever I had lying around to get that money. I went over, and he explained what needles were liners and shaders on this cheap eBay kit I got with an ex-gf credit card. We ended up getting along, and I started hanging out at his mobile home while he tattooed, and I would trace or tattoo the extra body parts of pigs from butcher shops, leading to me tattooing myself and eventually ending up at shops having broken apprenticeships after that until I eventually was able to get on my feet.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t consider myself a natural artist; I’ve always struggled with drawing or learning how to draw better. I left school early and hadn’t really taken any art classes aside from one I was already half a semester into. As far as the industry it hasn’t been a smooth road, but I feel it was meant to be that way. It shouldn’t be smooth; it should be difficult. Tattooing is magic, and it should be worked for through suffering. I feel its form and roots are a privilege for us to understand.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in black and grey traditional tattooing; I also enjoy doing some color, fine line, and traditional bodysuit-influenced work. I’m proud of having my own business and a steady clientele. I think as time goes on its style that would set me apart, I don’t think we see our own style as tattooers. I think it finds us in the mind and as our hands become loosened over time. 

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
The food or being able to drive to the mountains and beach in the same day. 

Not a fan of the heat waves 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: aaron_tattooer