Today we’d like to introduce you to Mateo Robles.
Mateo, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I have honestly been drawing and doing art pretty much since I could hold a pencil. I was lucky to have an older brother who loved art so I was exposed to good art/artist at an early age. Growing up in Southern California, it was only natural to be drawn to its special lifestyle and cultures. Art, Skateboarding, Surfing, and Kustom Kulture quickly became part of my life as well as an influence in my art. It was what I like to call a “natural progression” to be a part of all these cultural movements that exist here in Southern California.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I specialize in black and grey photo realism tattoos and neo-traditional. My tattoos are typically made with a blend of graphic and or digital art mixed with hand-drawn qualities. I use platforms such as Photoshop, Procreate to create my client’s ideas/tattoos. My tattoos are highly detailed and often described as very “clean looking.”
Most clients are drawn to me because of the detail in my work. I put my heart and soul into every piece I do. I give it my best foot forward. I think that my clients in the end, when finished with their projects, recognize that I gave 100 % and therefore are proud to wear my work.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
My advice to any aspiring tattoo artist is work hard and focus on the style of tattooing that brings you the most happiness because it’s gonna show in your work. That’s the beauty of tattooing you cannot b.s. your way through it. It’s honest and raw. It will expose you for what you are as a person and artistically.
So be real with yourself and be humble don’t try to be something your not. Let your work speak for itself. If you’re in an apprenticeship/shop take advice from everyone ask a lot of questions and observe as much as possible and above all try to be a good person.and treat people with respect. The tattoo community is tightly woven and smaller than you think and what you do in the beginning can echo through your career as a tattooist.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
As of now, I use a few social media platforms where you can find my work. Such as Instagram and Vero. Also, you can find me on the Guru tattoo website and or my own personal website.
Contact Info:
- Address: Guru Tattoo 1122 Garnet Ave
- Website: mateoroblestattoo.com/gurutattoo.com
- Phone: 8582701070
- Email: mateo@gurutattoo.com
- Instagram: @mateorobles_tattoo
Image Credit:
Benoit Coulange, Mateo Robles
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