We were lucky to catch up with Moisés Carrillo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Moisés , thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I’ve been a freelance tattoo artist and illustrator for the past 6 years. I love not being tied by a contract or a schedule since that has opened the door for me to travel around the world doing what I love the most, and has gifted me with some of the most beautiful and also scary experiences of my life.
I do think now and then about the peace of mind that comes with the certainty of a salary or regular jobs perks like insurance and stuff like that. It gets rough from time to time and that always awakens new uncertainties and insecurities about my profession. But at the end of the day I think that is what motivates me as well as other artists to evolve in the way we present our art, and to innovate and find solutions on how to keep on living the art life feeling fulfilled and not giving up on our dreams.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have always enjoyed visual arts. I went to film school in college in my home town Guadalajara, Mexico.
I decided to try tattoo and illustration since that was something I always enjoyed as a hobby, but I never saw the possibility of dedicating myself to it professionally, it suddenly clicked once I met my former mentor and other people that have dedicated their life to this beautiful crafts.
I’m a people person and I think that’s what made me stick to tattooing rather than film, I found it to be a more intimate experience where I can connect with people on a one on one setting, which has been beautiful so far, customers turning into friends, amazing deep talks with people from all over the world and very different professions.
I find it really enriching to connect with people on such a deep level, they are carrying me on their skin from now on you know? It is kind of ritualistic and to a certain extent spiritual, there is a big energy exchange during a tattoo session.
I love the 70’s/80’s fantasy sci-fi vibe that comics and films used to have, I think that where my art is more inclined.
I’m a huge geek and thats the main way I connect with my customers, theres always good music, film, books, videogames etc. to talk about and to get inspiration from!

I also do abstract ornamental pieces that have been my staple for most of my career, those are more of a way to express ourselves with the body and it’s shapes, muscles, bones, etc. We can come up with beautiful minimalist (and not some minimalist) compositions that work specifically for your bodies characteristics.

At the end of the day, getting tattooed is an aesthetic decision, and nothing is more important than getting to make people feel comfortable and empowered with their bodies.

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

I think society has to give artists and creatives the seriousness we deserve. You don’t often see people trying to underpay their lawyer, tuition, food, etc. But it is common for people to haggle with their photographers, editors, designers etc.
As if what we do is less valuable than whatever it is they have going on in their life.
On the tattoo scene there is always the scenario where people go: “I know someone who can do that project for 50$ if you are not willing to negotiate”

People don’t see the hours of studies and work behind the services we offer, and they seem to think art is a all fun and games but oops! we happen to pay bills as well, live, eat and travel just as any other person.
By underpaying or under appreciating your local artist the only thing you are doing is forcing them to move to different cities or countries where their stuff is respected and where they can make a living out of it.

Sometimes you hear people acknowledge success of artists only after they move out of their hometown, which is a little sad, some people would like to settle there but aren’t able to do so because of this mindset.

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

The most rewarding part of art must be seeing people connect with the stuff you make. The opportunity to make conversation out of a personal creative need. Whether people like your stuff or not, you are giving them something to talk about, something to feel and vibe (or not) with.
Creating is a universal need for all people, and being able to put out something you just felt like doing without expectations and suddenly finding out theres a bunch of likeminded individuals is beautiful stuff!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_musget_/

Image Credits

Moises Carrillo