Today we’d like to introduce you to Alan Padilla.
Hi Alan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Well, I came from a small town in Hidalgo, Mexico. At the age of 13, I had a dream to become an artist one day. It was difficult back then because we lived far from the big city. At the age of 15, I got introduced to the tattoo industry and that’s when I fall in love with it. I never stop drawing and for personal reasons, I moved to California at the age of 18. I was very lucky to meet an amazing Tattoo Artists which I learned a lot inspire and they believe in me, that’s when I took it serious to be part of it. Around 2009, tattoo artists Jed Mederich, Carlos Torres and I open our first tattoo studio call TimeLine Gallery in San Pedro, CA. And start traveling all over the world doing conventions and seminars.
We were open about ten years when we close this business. I went to work with Carlos at his new shop The Raven And The Wolves for a few years and Long Beach CA. In the meanwhile with a partner in Guadalajara Mexico Indio Reyes, I started creating a tattoo convention Viva La Tinta which we hold and host more than 160 international Tattoo Artist and it’s been five years in the making and more to go………. I’ve been doing oil paintings all this time 17 or more years on my free time which recently I open with the help of my teacher Rino Gonzalez a new business called The Artistry lounge & Gallery. Hanging original oil paintings we serving wine, beer, appetizers and tapas it’s basically a lounge to enjoy music an art in San Pedro.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s never easy the struggle on my way. It’s always starting all over again but also feels like it’s a step forward. I don’t like to say I should, I could is more like I did it and if it didn’t work at least I tried it and now I’m here.
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 specialize in some black and gray tattoos on my paintings. I really enjoy to do a lot of cultures but also I enjoy creating a story. I’m proud of having awesome team of people that think the same and helps one an another to learn, grow and creating new ways. I don’t wanna be apart from others 😆
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Everything is a risk but also “risk” is only a word either you do it or not, it’s better said I tried than I would have tried.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.Artistryla.com
- Instagram: @alanpadillaart
- Facebook: alanpadillaart
