Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Arredondo.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
As a child, I remember getting in trouble in school “this isn’t going to get you anywhere in life,” said Ms. Williams. I do believe my story is one of substance coming from a broken home. I dropped out of high school in my sophomore year and turned to the streets. Throughout my early teens into my twenties, I found myself in a self-destructive state and gained a rather large name in the underground industry, but that life caught up to me. In 2003 as a product of my behavior, the judge sentenced me to a maximum security unit. As soon as I walked through those doors, I had two choices to make. One would either become the most efficient gangster I could be, or the alternative, which wasn’t another option. As the years went by and I was released from prison, I realized I had a real decision to make unlike the facade decision I thought I had become when I walked through the doors of the prison. The real challenge was that I had to make the decision to be productive or continue being a part of the problem. Through the next couple years of struggle through my life, I became a tattoo artist (a trade I picked up while in prison) slowly began to reveal that just coloring on people was not all that came with the job. I began to find myself becoming a lending ear to my clients. As the fad of tattooing became more mainstream people starting walking through the doors wanting pieces that celebrated not only life but also stood as a reminder of horrific things people encountered in their lives. With that being said, my life started to change and the anger that I projected out was everyone’s anger as well. A turning point arrived in my life and I was no longer a victim so I became part of the solution.
The solution is I got out there doing charity work for Texas Children’s Hospital and Shriner’s Hospital. Donating and sponsoring multiple charity events for people in need as well as local police and fire departments. I have had the pleasure of reconstructing post-mastectomy breast cancer patients helping women that have beast this awful disease and helping them get back to “feeling like a woman again”. Also, I have met many clients over the years that I have designed custom pieces to help them cope with losing a loved one. I have met total strangers that come to me as a client and thru these healing pieces using their ideas to customize and tailor it for them, they have become very dear friends.
As of today, I carry on my legacy with continuing to tattoo with a different perspective by holding myself to a standard of tattooing that far exceeds the requirements of state regulations but more importantly exceeds the expectations of my clients and the industry as a whole.
My job is to tailor each piece of artwork to the individual that also reflects their personality and tells their story in a still photo. We are all still taking measures with that state and city to recognize our industry to a medical standard and delegate with our state and city representatives to strengthen the laws that oversight our industry. Reform needs to be made to mandate the safety our my peers but more importantly ensure the safety of the consumers.
Please tell us about your art.
I am a fully rounded artist who can execute any style my client request. Our job before the tattoo is considered is to get a good understanding of not only the piece but how it fits the individual but tailor the tattoo to the clients’ personality and to capture the expression of the artwork they desire. My goal as a tattoo artist is to convey a message in a piece the client chose me to interpenetrate. My artwork is simplified giving the client an exceptional piece that 100 percent meets their expectations.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
The achievable goal to become an artist is relying on the same fundamentals of business in general. Constancy, honesty and genuine care for your clientele.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can view my work on our Facebook page at Weathered Helm Art Studios and on Instagram @tony_arredondo_art or come by our private studio at 4905 E. Nasa Pkwy Seabrook, TX 77586 located near NASA Johnson Space Center.
Contact Info:
- Address: Weathered Helm Art Studio 4905 E. Nasa Pkwy Seabrook, TX 77586
- Website: Facebook Weathered Helm Art Studio
- Phone: 281-549-6752
- Email: schedule@weatheredhelmstudio.com
- Instagram: tony_arredondo_art
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeatheredHelmArtStudios/
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
