We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Christian Oropeza a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Christian , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Against the Grain: How One Artist Took the Ultimate Risk and Found His Purpose

By Christian Oropeza

Growing up as the oldest of five in a Mexican-American household in Houston, Texas, I learned early on that risk wasn’t a choice—it was survival. My parents, immigrants determined to carve out a life in a new country, took risks every day. Not the kind glorified on social media or praised in entrepreneurship seminars—these were quiet, grueling risks: changing jobs to feed the family, learning a new language by trial and error, pushing forward with faith alone when the path wasn’t clear.

That resilience became the backbone of my upbringing. As the oldest, I carried the silent pressure of being the blueprint for my siblings. I had to mess up first, fall hard, and learn loudly—so that they wouldn’t have to. That burden shaped me into someone who wasn’t afraid of risk. I respected it, sure. But I didn’t fear it.

After high school, I reached the ultimate crossroads: pursue a secure, high-paying job to make my family proud—or follow the fire inside me to become an artist.

It sounds romantic now, but at the time, the decision felt like betrayal. How could I turn down stability, especially when my family had risked everything to give me a chance at it? I remember sitting alone, asking myself the hardest question I’ve ever had to answer: Would I rather be rich and miserable, or broke and happy?

The answer hit me like lightning. I chose happiness. I chose the art.

That decision was the biggest risk I’ve ever taken. People looked at me like I’d lost my mind—some still do. I didn’t have a roadmap, no trust fund, no safety net. Just raw determination and a deep belief that I could build a life around the thing I loved most: creating.

Fast forward to today—I’ve traveled, worked alongside some of the most inspiring artists I’ve ever met, and opened two businesses rooted in what I love. One of them is my tattoo studio, a space where art isn’t just ink on skin—it’s a collaboration, a conversation, a moment in time captured forever. The other is a community-centered art space, where people from all walks of life come together to create, express, and heal through art.

Every scar, every failure, every moment of doubt has fed the success I now stand on. Because of those risks, I’m not just making a living—I’m making a life that means something. And I’ve become the example I once searched for as a kid: proof that you don’t have to follow the script. You can write your own.

Risk doesn’t get easier. But when it’s tied to purpose, it gets clearer. And in my case, it led me exactly where I was meant to be.

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.

For those who haven’t yet heard of me or my work, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Christian Oropeza and I’m a first-generation Mexican American born and raised in Houston, Texas.

My journey into the art world wasn’t marked by overnight success or flashy introductions. It started slowly—humbly—by immersing myself in Houston’s underground art scene. I was surrounded by phenomenal talent, and at first, I honestly didn’t feel worthy of sharing the same space. The artists around me were inspiring and wildly skilled, but instead of being discouraged, I let that push me. I sought out challenges and embraced discomfort because that’s where the real growth happens.

Eventually, that mindset led me to what I now believe is one of the most intimate and demanding forms of art: body art—tattooing.

It’s not just about putting ink on skin. It’s about trust. It’s about emotion. It’s about giving someone a piece of art they’ll carry forever.

I founded Flying Eye Tattoo Studio in Montgomery, Texas, as a space for that kind of connection. My studio isn’t just a place to get a tattoo—it’s where people come to commemorate their stories, express their identity, and carry a piece of their soul on their skin. I bring my background in fine art into every tattoo I create. This sets my work apart in an industry where, quite frankly, not every tattooist comes from an artistic foundation.

That realization—that some tattoo artists had little or no training in traditional art—sparked the creation of my second venture: Gallery Night Presents.

Gallery Night Presents is more than just an event. It’s an art entity and community initiative that brings artists together—especially tattoo artists—who want to deepen their craft and sharpen their skills. We host meetups, showcase work, give each other feedback, and most importantly, we help raise the bar for what tattooing can be. We also open our doors to local visual artists, offering a platform to display their work and connect with others in the art world.

What sets me and my brand apart is the emphasis on collaboration, constant growth, and integrity in the work. I’m not chasing trends—I’m chasing excellence and meaning. Every tattoo I design and every event I host is part of a bigger vision: using art to build community, elevate craft, and inspire others to believe in their voice, even if they don’t yet feel worthy.

What I’m most proud of is the fact that I stayed true to myself. I chose the harder road when I could’ve played it safe. I didn’t let money or fear make my decisions. Instead, I followed passion, grit, and faith—and in return, I’ve built two art-driven businesses that are helping people connect, create, and feel seen.

To my future clients, followers, and fellow artists: I want you to know that everything I do—whether it’s the line work in a tattoo or curating a local art show—is fueled by love, purpose, and a belief that art brings people together. Whether you’re stepping into Flying Eye for your first tattoo or attending a Gallery Night to share your work with peers, you’re not just joining a business. You’re becoming part of a movement rooted in authenticity, heart, and fearless creativity.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to connect with people through something visual and lasting. Whether it’s a tattoo that holds personal meaning or a painting that inspires someone, I get to be part of their story. There’s something powerful about creating art that helps someone heal, celebrate, or express themselves in a way words can’t. Knowing that my work can leave a permanent mark—literally and figuratively—is something I don’t take lightly. It’s humbling, and it reminds me why I chose this path every single day.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Yes, there are definitely a few resources I wish I had known about earlier. One of the biggest ones is access to structured art education—things like drawing fundamentals, color theory, or even anatomy studies specifically tailored for tattoo artists. Early on, I was mostly self-taught and learned through trial and error, which was valuable, but it made the journey longer and harder than it had to be.

I also wish I had known more about local art communities and mentorship opportunities to help in different areas in my tattoo career. Connecting with other artists who were willing to share their knowledge and push me to grow was a game changer, but it took years before I found those people. Local art meetups and tattoo conventions—those could’ve helped me build confidence and skill much earlier in the game.

Most of all, I wish I had understood the power of community sooner. The right people can push you further than talent alone ever will.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://flyingeyetattoos.com
• Instagram: @flyingeyetattoostudio
• Facebook: Flying Eye Tattoo Studio
• Youtube: @flyingeyetattoostudio1640
• Other: Tik tok: @flyingeyetattoo

Image Credits

Christian Oropeza
Jude Wilson