Today we’d like to introduce you to Alberto Hartleben
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey started in Houston, Texas, around 7 years ago. I instantly fell in love with the city’s vibrant culture and quickly became immersed in the art scene. I’m proud to call Houston home and wholeheartedly support the “Don’t Mess with Texas” spirit. It’s here that I created Riders on the Storm, my tattoo studio located at The Plant in Second Ward. Alongside my tattoo work, I’m also dedicated to a lifelong project, the El Nawal Project, based in Guatemala. This initiative focuses on organic agriculture, sustainability, community development, and the arts—an endeavor that holds personal significance, as I’m originally from Guatemala.
My journey into tattooing began ten years ago in Brazil, where I also embarked on a spiritual path. Over the years, I have traveled the world, continuously evolving both as a person and as an artist. Yet, despite all my travels, I always carry with me something profound from my ancestors—the Mayans. This deep connection to my heritage has fueled my desire to explore and understand the ancestral cultures of the Americas. For several years, I traveled through the continent, studying the arts, rituals, and customs of various tribes.
In Mayan culture, tattooing was not merely an art form; it was a sacred ritual. It was primarily reserved for warriors, shamans, governors, and the elite. Pre-Hispanic tattoos were composed of geometric shapes, straight lines, and taps—each symbol rich with meaning. I’ve always felt a deep connection to this tradition, and many of my clients share that same resonance when they experience my art. For me, tattooing remains a powerful form of transformation and expression, just as it was in the ancient cultures.
My curiosity extends beyond art alone—I have a profound interest in the healing practices of indigenous people. By immersing myself in their knowledge, I’ve evolved not just as an artist, but as a human being. This journey of learning has influenced my work in profound ways.
Lately, I have been experimenting with microdoses of psychedelics to awaken deeper aspects of myself and my creativity. I believe every individual has their own unique purpose, and I seek to express this within my lines—lines that are universal, akin to a shared DNA. These lines appear in nature, in the rhythm of life, and in the pulse of the heart. I want my tattoos to evoke a sense of peace and harmony—a connection to something larger than ourselves.
Ultimately, what I aim to transmit through my art is something meaningful—for both my clients and myself. I strive to create something that brings comfort, a sense of peace, and a reminder of our shared journey through life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped me into who I am today. As someone coming from both Guatemala and Brazil, my first language isn’t English, which meant that language barriers were a major hurdle in the beginning. Being away from home, with my roots and culture so far away, brought feelings of isolation and homesickness. The sense of not fully belonging in a new environment was difficult to navigate at times. But through these challenges, I’ve come to realize that growth often comes from discomfort.
The language barrier, for example, was a real struggle, especially when trying to express myself clearly or connect with others. But over time, my passion and determination to succeed have helped me break through those obstacles. I found support in the community around me, whether it was through local groups, artist around the world, or mentors who welcomed me with open arms. It was through these relationships that I was able to improve my language skills and adapt to my new surroundings.
Nothing in life is ever easy, and I firmly believe that the most meaningful achievements come after overcoming obstacles. There were days when I felt like giving up, but I kept pushing forward, knowing that with the right mindset and resilience, any challenge can be overcome. Every setback taught me valuable lessons, and each step forward was a reminder that progress, no matter how small, is still progress. Now, I’m not just surviving—I’m thriving, and I truly believe that with hard work, dedication, and a positive mindset, anything is achievable.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m most proud of my origin. In Mayan culture, tattoos were sacred, often worn by warriors and shamans, each symbol carrying profound meaning. I feel a deep connection to this tradition, and my clients often resonate with the same energy in my work. Tattooing, for me, is a powerful form of transformation, much like it was in ancient times.
I’m deeply fascinated by the healing practices of indigenous peoples, and this has greatly influenced both my artistry and personal growth. Through my tattoos, I aim to express each person’s unique essence, creating designs that connect us to something universal, peaceful, and harmonious.
What sets me apart is my blend of cultural reverence, spiritual exploration, and my commitment to using tattooing as a means of connection and transformation. I’m proud of how this unique approach defines my work.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
In mid-2024, I decided to take a major risk by opening my own tattoo studio in the heart of Houston. Starting a business is always a significant risk, but it was something I had been contemplating for a few years before executing it. I spent time sketching, traveling, and drawing inspiration from the art and culture I encountered along the way. I began to take notes and visualized not just what my studio would look like, but the mission behind it.
This is where Riders on the Storm was born. The studio sets a new standard in the tattoo industry by blending minimalist aesthetics with a Western edge. Located in the Second Ward at The Plant Neighborhood, the shop is more than just a tattoo parlor—it’s a hub for art, culture, and community. My mission is to provide a high-performance tattooing experience, prioritizing hygiene, creativity, and collaboration. We’re proud to be a safe space for locals and visitors alike, offering an inclusive environment where art thrives. At Riders, you’ll find diverse tattooing styles executed by skilled artists, as well as a rotating collection of art from creatives both local and global. We aim to foster a collective spirit, working closely with neighboring businesses to enhance the unique experience of our vibrant community.
As I built the studio, I started dreaming even bigger. I realized I could also give back to my community back home in Guatemala. It felt like a natural next step—combining my passion for tattooing with a deeper purpose that connects my roots to my current journey.
Taking risks has become part of my growth. It’s about embracing the unknown with intention and using those moments of uncertainty to fuel creativity and connection
Pricing:
- Our shop has a $100 minimum for tattoos
- Prices vary per artist. We have local artists, as well as out-of-state and international artists eager to bring their art to Houston, TX.
- Instagram: rdiersonthestormhtx
- www.ridersonthestormhtx.ink
- Feel free to contact us to get a quote!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ridersonthestormhtx.ink
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridersonthestormhtx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560332212095
