First of all, thank you for checking out our Instagram and website. A little about myself - I was born in El Salvador and immigrated to this country when I was five. We moved to downtown Los Angeles in a tiny apartment above a laundromat. Afterwards, the five of us upgraded to my uncle's garage, where I spent most of my childhood trying to stay out of gangs. Growing up in an impoverished environment instilled a work ethic to always push for excellence in everything I do.

 

One of the best things about growing up in the hood was getting introduced to Chicano tattoos early on. Watching my brother get tattooed at his homies house made me feel like a man, made me feel like I belonged, like I was part of something. I remember going home and heating up a safety pin with a lighter, dipping it into BIC pen ink, and hand poking an X into my hand. I did it, so I could tell all the homies I got tattooed. From then on, I knew I wanted to get tattooed from head to toe.

 

Once I left high school, I became a firefighter and paramedic. I spent roughly 10 years doing that, but I always still drew and painted for fun. People would hit me up for paintings and eventually tattoo designs, so I decided to take it seriously.

 

I landed an apprenticeship with my mentor Nick, and I spent two years apprenticing with him between being a full time firefighter. I would wake up, go do my 72-96 hour shift, come home, eat, take a nap, head over to the shop, and work until 1 or 2 in the morning. I retired from fire and continued to learn as much as I could about tattooing.

 

I've lived in Long Beach for a long time. So I felt like it was the right thing for me to bring my style and my love for this art to y'all. Honoring the great profession of tattooing, giving back to my clients, and continuing to perfect my art is what motivates me. I hope to live up to those who came before me, and I hope to leave something for those who come after me. Come get tattooed, come hang out - or don't. Either way, I'll be here until my hands fall the fuck off.

 

Much love,

 

- Big Nes