Today we’d like to introduce you to Art Viveros.
Hi Art, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up drawing as a kid, I became interested in tattooing when I was a teenager. I started with a homemade tattoo machine that my friend taught me how to make. I started tattooing single needle black and grey work on my friends and family out of my garage when I was 15 years old. After trial and error, I decided to seek out an apprenticeship under Colonel Todd and Dave O., over at the World famous Bert Grimms’ Tattoo studio in Long Beach.
After finishing my apprenticeship, I worked at a variety of shops owned by Colonel Todd and Dave O. I began working at Norwalk Tattoo Studio in 1994 and became the owner in 1997. Norwalk Tattoo Studio first opened in 1980 under Colonel Todd and Dave O. and now has been open for over 40 years. It’s been a wild ride and I’ve tried to keep the shop close to its roots by maintaining old school ways.
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?
Getting through the apprenticeship was the most difficult part. The long hours, the lack of sleep, seven days a week, and proving myself to my mentors was a big challenge. At the end of it, no matter what I had to go through, it wasn’t a real struggle because I wanted it so badly.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a tattoo artist who was taught all styles, mild to wild. I specialize in single needle black and grey work, and I enjoy tattooing single needle cholo style and evil/horror-themed tattoos. I am proud that we continue to be one of the busiest tattoo shops in Los Angeles, and what sets us apart is that amongst newer shops in the surrounding areas, we keep things at this shop old school, staying open late and tattooing whatever the people want.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Tattooing seven days a week.
Contact Info:
- Address: 11669 Firestone Blvd Norwalk, CA 90650
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/norwalktattoostudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/norwalktattoostudio/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/norwalktattoo?lang=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqKseGbJwwpcebVO_nPytmg?view_as=subscriber
Image Credits
Elow Giggy
