Meet Josel Guzman | Tattoo Artist
We had the good fortune of connecting with Josel Guzman and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Josel, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I chose this artistic career because I just simply love it, art in general is something that really amazes me no matter the time, it’s something I always enjoyed doing. I was that kid drawing in the middle of class in school. I could be in a museum watching just one art piece for hours. Enjoy the outcome of an art piece made with the feelings and point of view of an artist. To see the evolution of the world of art. To see the historic moments of artists that left an impactful legacy.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a tattoo artist. My style consist of high contrast realism black and grey, also I love to change stuff a little bit and do a black and grey realism with a fusion of colors. In addition I do anime black and grey. I guess I’m a big fan of anime. The difference in my art style is that I work with darker tones than usual, love the textures and how it heals. I think in my opinion, that way the colors don’t fade as much as just greys.
But I got to admit that the process of learning never ends. There’s always a new style, technique, mediums, so many talented artists that in reality we all could learn from. Life itself is a Master of lessons. I could say that what I’m proud of is Never give up!
When I started, I went to the amazing family of 23 tattoo shop in Lancaster, PA where I got my apprenticeship in their shop. Omar Lacott taught me everything about the industry. Basically he taught me how to take the first baby’s step. Which I will always be grateful to him. He’s one of my biggest influences in this industry, but also my friends in the industry of tattoos are also my influences. I have the mindset of always learning from everybody. Now i work in TNT Tattoo Co. in Haltom City.
At first it wasn’t easy, learn the basics, not having the confidence enough from people to trust my artwork, but that was a reason to become good in this industry, I remember when I used to come to the house frustrated and also crying because of the fact of denial from most of customers, and my wife was there giving me her shoulder, she is a big role in my life. I remember I used to tell myself, I could feel bad and sad about it and cry or I could feel bad about it and learn the techniques and different mediums till I learn it. The choice were always at my hands. Seeing my mother facing life with my brother and I by herself wasn’t easy. I always seen that from her, the three of us against the world! No matter the circumstances, you gotta overcome the obstacles. The first time i saw the high contrast was when I met one of my friends in this industry, in a convention in Puerto Rico, Claudio Valenzuela. I fell in love with this dark art style, from there within the time he taught me that art style. From there within the years of tattooing and getting that good quality, seeing that the amount of people who wanted to get a tattoo by me made me happy, it felt unreal, till today I have to pinch myself to realize that, but i like it better that way, because I keep my feet on the ground, I’m just a guy that loves art.
If something I could tell to someone is that enjoy what are you doing, Do the best job possible, that the job from today surpasses the one from yesterday, and to never give up in your dream. If just one person at least could read this an inspirational purpose, that’s enough for me, that really would make my day happy.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friends or family were visiting me, I would love to take them to The Stock Yards, I just simply love everything about it, story, theme everything, or I would take the to the truck yard, specially on the night with the fire pits, it’s awesome. The lakes from south lake or a Rangers baseball game. These so many places in here that the options chart would be pretty big.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a shoutout to my family, my Ohana. My son Maui for being the motivation in my life, for encouraging me to be a better version of myself every day, for bringing purpose to my life. My wife for being the support and the pillar in my live, for giving me the voice that I need to hear, for being the light that lights the path in my darkest time. My mother for teaching me about life, that no matter how difficult life gets, face it with bravery and standing tall. My cousin Guzy and Nancy and their family, for always the support, my twin brother Joseph keep fighting. My friends and teachers in the tattoo industry and to everyone! Simply Thank you!
Instagram: Joselguzman_tattoo
Facebook: Josel Guzman
Other: Tik Tok: joseltatts
Image Credits
Gloom
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