Today we’d like to introduce you to Angel Reyes.
Hi Angel, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a first-generation American, my mom came over pregnant from Michoacán, Mexico to give me a better opportunity. I’ve been tattooing a little over 5 years. I have been nicknamed Shakes cause I have a hand tremor. The hand tremor developed in my 5 years of service to the Marine Corps. I started tattooing while I was in the service March 26, 2018. Some nights I tattooed until 3 am at Fat Katz in downtown Yuma, AZ. Then have to be ready for work at 7 am. I made sure I was always at work in time by changing into my uniform and falling asleep at the work site. My fellow Marines would wake me up when they arrived.
I ran my own tattoo studio successfully for 2 years in Yuma, AZ, and now I’m tattooing in Houston, TX. Moved back to Houston, TX, to be close to my family.
Tattooing with a hand tremor always has people question if I’m capable to permanently mark them. Thankfully I come highly recommended, and it makes my clients stick around for the end results. The tremor does affect me, but so far, I have managed to handle it. I look forward to continued growth in my career and producing art people can enjoy.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Finding great mentorship is really difficult and pushed me towards teaching myself. I looked forward to my time in service ending so I could pursue tattooing full-time. In the service, everyone’s experience is unique. I drew a very short stick as I was heavily overworked, disrespected, underpaid, and days where food wasn’t provided. When my time in service ended, I took the money I earned and opened up a studio in Yuma, AZ, where I had been stationed. Being an independent artist brought me a more peaceful environment. However, after being away from my family for so long, I decided to return to Houston, TX. I don’t have as many clients yet here in Houston, but I think it’s just a matter of time before people recognize the effort I put into my work.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a tattoo artist, but I love making art outside of skin as well. Happy to work with a variety of media. What sets me apart is going to be my imagination, taste, and an understanding of how it meshes with the client’s idea. I love black and grey work with a complex composition, but when the opportunity is there, I like to add a single color throughout the tattoo to serve as an accent. I’m proud of reaching a point in my career where my clients like my work and place more trust in my shaky hands.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
The diversity Houston brings is king. As a first-generation American, I never felt unwelcome until I stepped away from the city. Love the fast pace and the endless activities to enjoy. From helping my uncle at his farm to late-night dancing or a game of soccer that doesn’t end until 1 am. Food options are amazing but my favorite place to eat is still my mom’s or aunts’ house. Least favorite thing about Houston is easily the aggressive traffic.
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