
Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesse Villarreal.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up a comic book nerd and always loved to draw. In my teens I found skateboarding, fast music, graffiti, and booze. I don’t know why but I had a lot of anger in me. Or maybe it was hormones. At 21, I started “tattooing” but really I was jacking up anyone who would let me in my garage. I spent a lot of time drawing, reading, and studying different tattooers work.
Hitting conventions trying to talk to anyone who would have a conversation with me. Eventually started making half decent shitty tattoos and after five years or so landed my first shop. That’s when I think a fire was lit and my eyes were opened to a lot of things I never considered. I bounced around a handful of shops here and there returning occasionally to a private, now upgraded little studio space at home. Always striving to be well rounded, I continued to study and draw multiple styles. I also began to really admire the countless hours, efforts and sacrifice some of our forefathers gave to tattooing. Not only as people but to push the art forward. 15 years later I’m a father, taxpayer, and r&b listener. I try to enjoy my life as much as possible. Travel every chance I get. But most importantly, I try and draw or paint any day I’m not tattooing.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
HELLLLLLLLLLLL NO. There’s a long list. But the constant has been dealing with my own head. How does my work stack up? Am I progressing. Am I a shitty person? Don’t get me started on woman troubles. Thank God for booze right?
Envision Tattoo – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We have a diverse group of tattooers here at Envision. All styles covered and they all tattoo well. I’m most proud about that. I feel not a lot of shops can say that. I don’t know what I’m known for but I get a lot of requests for color, traditional and modern. b/g and script.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is being able to do what you love for a living and having the freedom to spend time with those you love.
Contact Info:
- Address: Envision Tattoo
22545 Barton Rd
Unit 201
Grand Terrace, CA 92313 - Website: Www.EnvisionTattooStudio.com
- Phone: 909.433.0823
- Instagram: @chewberrt
Image Credit:
All photos taken by me except shop photo by @cheshots.photo
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