Daily Inspiration: Meet John Saletra

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Saletra.

Hi John, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started tattooing in 1994. It was a different industry than today. I had a traditional apprenticeship with a shop that gave me the “Harvard education” in tattooing. It opened a lot of doors and enabled me to travel the world tattooing. After coming to Los Angeles 20 years ago, I knew I found a home.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Tattooing is a constant challenge. It gets harder every day. If not, then I’m not trying hard enough. The job is to create something that is in the customer’s mind but better. It’s a cross between commercial and fine artists. Someone is wearing my art forever. It’s not about me.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I tattoo. Every day I tattoo. I specialize in versatility. At 28 years of tattooing, I like to challenge myself every day. I’m known for large scale tattooing, full back, full arm, full leg, full body. I’m honored to be given such body parts to decorate. Art is a reflection of life experience. I want to create real meaning for the collector.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Being present every day. Being in the moment, letting the world disappear and having the person in front of me be the most important thing. Knowing I can look in the mirror at the end of the day feel good that I worked to 100% of my abilities.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: Lincolntattoo.com
• Instagram: Johnsaletra
• Facebook: Johnsaletra