We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alan Shepard. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alan below.

Hi Alan, thanks for joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Yes, I’ve been working full-time as an illustrator for 14 years and tattoo artist for 11 years now.

I’ve always been curious about different creative fields — music, illustration, photography, skateboarding, cycling, graffiti, food, and travel. Professionally, I started out in kitchens; I went to culinary school and worked as a cook for about four years. During that time, I did internships in Canada and Japan, and those experiences made me realize my hobbies were taking up too much space in my mind — I just couldn’t ignore that calling anymore.

I began making videos and small stop-motion animations, which pushed me to draw consistently. My partner, Diana, was a huge driving force in helping me channel my interests and keep learning. Together, we opened our first design studio, which eventually led us to the world of tattooing.

I’ve been tattooing for 11 years now. My home base is Mexico City, but I’m constantly moving between New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

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’m a Mexican illustrator and tattoo artist with over a decade of experience.

My path into tattooing wasn’t linear, I started out in kitchens, studying culinary arts and working as a cook in Mexico City, Canada and Japan. Those experiences shaped my sense of discipline, creativity, and storytelling through craft. Over time, my love for drawing, music, photography, skating, cycling, and travel naturally led me toward something more visual and personal.

My work today reflects a decade of traveling, meeting people, and guesting in studios around the world. It’s driven by detail, symbolism, and emotion. I focus on black and gray pieces, fine lines, and classic traditional designs blended with stippling.

What sets my work apart is the fusion of cultural roots and modern execution. I draw from Latin American heritage, street culture, and travel, translating them into timeless, personal pieces for each client.

Based in Mexico City and working between New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, I’m proud to connect with people from different backgrounds through something as intimate as tattooing. My work is guided by purpose and curiosity, every piece carries a part of my story and theirs

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

It’s almost cliché to say it was hard in the beginning, but it really was. I had to push through, working two jobs and finding small windows of time to bring my ideas to life. Believing in my vision, betting everything on it, and staying open to change whenever opportunity appeared were all part of the process.

For me, resilience means accepting that change is inevitable — that there will be days without creative spark, moments of disconnection from my work. But with time and by reconnecting with my roots, I always find balance again.

Have you ever had to pivot?

There it was, a contract for a bigger studio with a street front window. I could tattoo my friends while juggling graphic design, photo and video editing, and developing my clothing line. We can move in tomorrow!

Then my phone buzzed, a notification lighting up the screen: “Join the team?”

A week later, I moved to Mexico City to tattoo full-time.
That sudden shift in direction took me around the world, exchanging ideas, art, and culture with incredible people, shaping a unique way of seeing myself as an artist.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @_alanshepard_
• Facebook: Alan Shepard