No matter where you’re from or what you have been through, you have the power to chase after and reach your dream. No matter how great the challenges are, you can always move forward. Instead of using your past as a limiting factor to your success, look at what’s ahead of you, work hard, and you’ll eventually reach your goal.
This is the biggest lesson behind the story of Andrew Arteaga, one of the most renowned tattoo artists in Los Angeles. Before he became the man he is now, he faced many obstacles in his life that would have made others lose hope. He grew up in a neighborhood where gangs and drugs were rampant, which wasn’t a suitable environment for any child.
However, above all the chaos around him, he found peace in art. It was something that kept him going and made him excited about what he could be in the future. This was how he became interested in tattooing. He started his journey in Los Angeles and gradually made his way to the top of the industry.
When Andrew was first hired as a tattoo artist, he had only mastered the basics. However, instead of feeling insecure about what he didn’t know, he took it as a chance to gain experience and improve his skills. He worked for 15 hours a day and didn’t give up until he was able to show his fellow artists his skills. Eventually, he began gaining a lot of respect in the industry.
He’s been in the tattoo business for about 12 years now, yet he’s still as dedicated to improving and giving the best to his clients. His interest in art is what gave him the courage to leave his drug-infested neighborhood and aim for a better future. His life in the streets pushed him to pursue tattooing.
Despite his unfortunate past, Andrew didn’t dwell on the what-ifs. Instead, he looked at his situation as a learning experience that allowed him to become who he is now. Every now and then, he uses his past as fuel to push through obstacles and challenges. He doesn’t want to go back to such a lifestyle again.
Currently, Andrew has more than 150,000 followers on Instagram and is the go-to tattoo artist for many celebrities. The list of clients includes Austin Mcbroom, GASHI, Jake Paul, Lil Skies, Nyjah Huston, Trent Williams, and Trippy Red, among many others. He’s also traveling worldwide to provide his expertise to those who are fascinated by his talent in drawing tattoos.