Today we’d like to introduce you to Juan Gollaz.
Juan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Since I was a kid, I was interested in art. I would draw as much as possible whenever I had the chance. I got my interest in tattoos when I was in my teens since I used to see most of them in family members. Those tattoos were LA style-related black and grey tattoos. Usually depicted with beautiful women faces, cars, and chicano art which was pretty popular in the 90’s. I starting tattooing when I was 19 years old when my cousin brought me a homemade tattoo machine and would tattoo the friends that we would hang around at that time. With time I ended up in a tattoo shop and developing somehow my skills in it. Tattooing wasn’t as popular as it is right now and the process took me a while to get comfortable with. As a matter of fact everyday you learn something new. Been tattooing for around 16 years now and worked in some shops through those years until I ended up in Venice beach and feel like home.
Has it been a smooth road?
The tattoo game is been changing from when I started until now. In the beginning, it wasn’t easy. I kind of took a “trial and error” approach so that leads me to some failure and frustration sometimes. Social media wasn’t really a strong thing back then so word of mouth was your best option to get work.
Like anything practice helps and knowing where to improve when you need is key, getting together with people that helps you in a good way is always a plus.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Black Diamond Tattoo – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I’ve been working at Black diamond tattoo for the last nine years or so. I specialize in black and grey tattoos, LA style. Things like portraits, lettering, realism is what people look me for. Something that could set me apart might be that I really care what I offer to my clients. A secure, relaxed environment is very important to me. Making feel my costumers appreciated is a must.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I like about most of LA is the culture diversity. People from so many different places add a good touch to the city that I really enjoyed. Food, traditions and the weather can’t be beaten here.
Maybe one of the things that I like the least is the traffic.
Pricing:
- $200 an hour
Contact Info:
- Address: 1809 Lincoln blvd Venice CA 90291
- Website: Blackdiamondtattoola.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @juangollaz
Image Credit:
Alex Reynoso
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