Today we’d like to introduce you to Chester Pureza.
Hi Chester, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in a Filipino household where the path was engineering, not art. There was always pressure and a lot of doubt that art could be a real career or make a living. After high school, I started my own business painting on shoes and clothes, and it took off in ways I never expected. Even though it was successful, I realized that side of art and business wasn’t where my true passion was. So I took a step back and decided to study animation in college because I have always loved storytelling and film. During that time, I also discovered tattooing, and I found that it combined everything I love about art, culture, and personal expression. Right now, I am building my career in tattooing and fine art exhibits while also taking film classes because my ultimate dream is to one day write or direct an Oscar-winning film. Every step I have taken is about proving that art can build a future, even when people doubt it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Being under DACA, this puts me at a huge disadvantage, and it’s something I can’t ignore. But I’ve always believed that I don’t have to play the cards I’m dealt, or not dealt… literally. I’ve made my share of questionable decisions along the way, and there were times when I seriously considered quitting art and just doing what everyone else wanted me to do. I’ve faced a lot of rejection and heard a lot of no’s, but I’ve learned to use that as fuel. It builds up all this potential energy that’s just waiting for that one yes. I’ve gained and lost a lot of people throughout my life, and sometimes I’ve even taken my true friends and family for granted. But at the end of the day, the only thing I can control is my own outcome. I’ve realized that I have all the talent in the world to achieve what I want, but none of it matters if I don’t put the work in. And that’s what keeps me going.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Right now, I’m known for my artistic ability, my creativity, and my personality. What I’m most proud of is that over the years, as I share my work with friends, family, and followers, they can always see my continued growth and dedication. I think what really sets my work apart is that I put a piece of myself into everything I create. Whether it’s tattooing or fine art, there’s always a part of my personality in it. With my fine art, I really try to challenge the idea that art always has to be serious or fit into a certain mold. I like to bring in my humor, my personal experiences, and my style in a way that not only shows my technical ability but also makes the work feel alive and true to who I am.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about LA is the diversity and the melting pot of cultures. The food is amazing, and there’s a real sense of community, even in areas that people tend to overlook or label as ‘ghetto.’ There’s a lot of pride and culture in those neighborhoods. What I dislike is definitely the traffic, and the fact that we have one of the highest costs of living. We pay so much in taxes, but we don’t really see meaningful change, especially in the underprivileged parts of the city. And as much as the diversity brings a lot of good, it can also bring out negativity, competition, and sometimes even betrayal. But overall, LA’s culture and energy still make it a special place to me.
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