We were lucky to catch up with Luis Barragan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Luis, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

At a very young age, I knew for sure that I didn’t want a corporate, office, or regular job. I wanted to do something cool with my life, and have everyday be a new adventure. I actually had the thought of being a film director around the age of 12, and from there my look into the world of “the arts” started.

Luis, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started tattooing at the age of 19. I wasn’t doing much with my life, after I found out I wasn’t going to be able to go to a trade school, I spent most of my nights drawing and painting. It wasn’t till my younger brother planted a seed in my head that I should look into tattooing, did the spark reignite to pursue what I now call a career. I spent my free time going to tattoo conventions and watching which ever artist didn’t mind me hanging around for more than just a few minutes. Gathering together as much knowledge I can possibly put together, I eventually got my hands on a machine off Amazon and began my journey. To everyone who knows, this is not a condoning way to start, but it was all I had. I knew that I needed to go through a proper apprenticeship to actually tattoo. But I was young, and impatient. I wanted to jump start my path to become a tattoo artist.
Flash forward a few years, a short apprenticeship, working at a private studio, and having plenty of learning time during the pandemic, I’ve honed in on my craft, and am currently working at Nothing Sacred in Hillcrest. In that time I’ve learned how to better assist clientele into finding out what they are actually looking for in a tattoo and tattoo artist. Figuring out the needs of those who come to me for tattoos, and providing a fun experience is my top priority. I pride myself in the human experience, and letting people be themselves while getting tattooed. Whether it’s talking about music, life, personal problems, or even just enjoying the silence or getting a good nap in. “Tattoo time is your time” as I like to say.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

When I can truly see someone shine after a good tattoo session, is probably the best part about what I do. The therapeutic aspect, that comes from tattooing is really something to take into account, and seeing someone light up when they get that first look of their new art that will be with them forever, is so special. The culmination of leaving with new art, a new life experience, and hopefully a new friend, is the absolute best part of my job.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Honestly, engaging in person is so much better than engaging on social media. Not to take a stab at social media, 70% of my business comes from social media, I owe a lot to it. But, that being said, meeting your artist in person, and getting to know them, the vibe of the shop, makes a world of difference. From there sharing ideas and collaborating with them, and being open to ideas, you will always get the best product out of your respective artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: nothingsacredhillcrest.com
• Instagram: @Louie_b_inkd