Connect
To Top

Check Out Pino Martinez’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pino Martinez.

Pino Martinez

Hi Pino, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Salinas, CA, and in my late 20s I moved to Fresno, CA, without a job and not knowing much about the city so to make ends meet, I started selling t-shirts at a local swap meet. After a year in Fresno, I took up tattooing, even though I had no prior knowledge or experience in tattoos. I dedicated myself to learning and improving, and after 9 years of hard work, I finally opened my own exclusive appointment-only tattoo shop. Business was good for several years, and I was usually booked 2 months in advance until COVID-19 pandemic, which forced me to close my shop. Determined to pursue a new path, I made the bold decision to move to Los Angeles, despite not having a job. I wanted to pursue acting, but this journey came with its own hardships. I found myself homeless for 2 years, but I didn’t want to give up. Through sacrifices and dedication I am now grateful to have 2 wonderful agents who book me for roles. I am grateful to now live and call Beverly Hills CA my home.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely struggles, obstacles and challenges. I had to leave Salinas due to gang involvement. After that, I moved to Fresno where my marriage ended in divorce. I also faced health issues, specifically heart failure, which required me to lose a significant amount of weight, resulting in a loss of 70 pounds. Finally, I settled in Los Angeles where I experienced homelessness and poverty for a period of 2 years. These life experiences have definitely shaped my character and strengthened my determination.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a tattoo artist specializing in detailed designs such as portraits. I am also an actor. I take pride in my ability to bring designs to life on the skin and showcase my talent in various film productions. What sets me apart is my unique combination of skills and dedication to work in both industries.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I believe that with no risk comes no reward, I have taken several major risks in my life, as I had no guarantee of success or financial stability. However, I was determined and willing to make the necessary sacrifices. It’s definitely a challenging journey, but well worth it.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in local stories