Terry Ribera shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Terry, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
That it’s booming. The reality is, it’s incredibly competitive and it’s not an easy or stable way to make a living. Very few of us have genuine and consistent success and financial freedom.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Terry Ribera. I’ve been a tattoo artist for over 25 years, and I own Remington Tattoo in San Diego. I specialize in large-scale, custom illustrative tattoos—everything from full sleeves to bodysuits—often blending elements of fantasy, Art Nouveau, Japanese, and biomechanical styles.
What sets my work apart is the level of composition and storytelling I bring to each piece. I draw everything by hand and work closely with clients to create tattoos that are meant to age well and truly reflect who they are. I also do a lot of cover-ups, and I take pride in helping people transform something they no longer love into something they’re proud to wear.
Outside of tattooing, I’m also an oil painter and have been showing my work in galleries for nearly two decades. Right now, I’m preparing for a solo show at La Luz De Jesus Gallery, where I’ll be exhibiting alongside my partner, Jasmine Worth.
At the end of the day, I care deeply about craft, longevity, and originality—whether it’s on skin or canvas.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I’m answering this question mostly because I never really fit into the mold. The world told me I should get a corporate job, learn a trade, or start a family. I never did those things—and I don’t intend to. Not because there’s anything wrong with those choices, but because I believe it’s important to live life on your own terms. To be who you want to be. To live without fear—at least as much as possible. That doesn’t mean being reckless. I believe in planning for the future.
Even in tattooing, there are expectations. I was “supposed” to do walk-ins, or give clients exactly what they asked for. And in the beginning, I did—because that’s part of learning and becoming established. But I didn’t stay there. Over time, I realized that I needed to create tattoos I could be proud of—work that reflects both the client and myself.
I don’t copy other artists, and I don’t copy anything. Every tattoo I take on is a custom, original composition. Because for me, tattooing has always been about being an artist first.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
Drawing. It was always the thing I did well. Being an introvert and having ADHD made certain things difficult. Sports where to difficult. I hated the anxiety I would get from not doing well on a team. I’m too easily distracted and overwhelmed. Parties and large get togethers also were very anxious experiences for me. But if you gave me a paint brush and some drawing tools I could entertain people for hours. Tell jokes and just feel comfortable. Being an artist is what attracts people to me. If I felt uncomfortable I could always escape in drawing. Before I knew it people were interested in what I had to say. For me it was the best way to create relationships and focus my energy. The very idea of being bored is a strange concept to me. I honestly don’t know if I’ve ever been bored. I just tinker constantly. If I’m making things I’m happy. Growing up I didn’t have a wealthy family or a lot of opportunities. Although I did feel a lot of shame around it I always knew that if I focused on my goals it would not matter. That life will work out.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
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There’s this idea that change is bad—that putting yourself out there is risky or wrong. But I change all the time. I change my tools, my work habits, my artistic interests, and how I approach getting clients. Some things are refined over time, sure—but many of the changes I make are about finding more efficient, authentic ways to express my ideas.
The internet and social media have given artists like me a platform to share our work without needing permission from gatekeepers or publishers. I can create what I want, how I want, in a way that feels right and true to me—and I fully support others doing the same.
That’s one of the biggest issues I see in tattooing today: too many tattooers want to police each other—dictating what’s acceptable to like, to draw, or to pursue. To me, that’s nonsense. If a tattoo is well-composed and built to age well, that’s what really matters. I’m not interested in copying trends or judging how others draw.
I definitely don’t want to scroll through thousands of artists doing the same thing. That’s not interesting to me. What is interesting is seeing people create something that’s genuinely theirs.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I’d stop taking commissions and only tattoo exactly what I want to. I’d tattoo far less often and focus more intentionally on a handful of full-body projects. I’d spend a lot more time painting, and I would paint much bigger.
I’d also make more space for the people and things I love—more time with Jasmine, with my dog Fizzgig, with family and close friends. I’ve been a longtime fan of turntablist music—it’s a small hobby of mine—and I’d love to spend more time exploring that, even if I never make a name for myself in that world. That would be just fine.
I’d make a point to see more art in person, meet artists I admire, and travel as much as I could afford.
Mostly, I’d stop worrying.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.remingtontattoo.com
- Instagram: @terryribera
- Twitter: @terryribera
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/7FDprtv9oN
- Youtube: @TerryRibera
- Other: Www.terryriberapaint.com
@terry.ribera (Tik Tok)
@remingtontattoo (shop instagram)
Image Credits
Terry Ribera
