Meet Levi Ceballos | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Levi Ceballos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Levi, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
No one is going to do it for you. If there’s something that you want you have to chase it. For yourself and yourself only. Growing up I had always sacrificed my dreams and well being to accommodate others and honestly because I was scared of failing. I saw people my age and younger starting their careers as tattoo artists and it felt so far away. I went to school for a year but it never felt right and was too expensive, so I had given up. Around two years ago now, my best friend had taken me to an art exhibit in Long Beach that highlighted Chicano artists and I clicked. I needed my art to be seen. Although I didn’t have any pieces at the time, I signed up for my first showcase and forced myself to create. Just like that, I was hooked. I wanted more people to see my work but I didn’t want to limit myself to just drawings. I started to screen print/draw on clothing and sell my art at pop-up events. This was great and all but the main reason I wanted to make art was to build my portfolio to one day bring into a tattoo shop. Once again, it hit me. No one is going to come up to me and ask if I want a spot in their shop. I’m the only person that can go out and get it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I specialize in realism and my weapon of choice is ballpoint pen although I do love oil painting. Realism has always come naturally to me since I can just look at something and draw exactly what I see.

With my art I try to explore my heritage more. I’m latino but being first generation american my family didn’t surround me with my culture. I didn’t ever feel Hispanic enough since I don’t speak Spanish and I’m on the paler side. I took the opportunity with my art to learn more about where I came from by attending events that highlight latinos. Most of my references do come from prison drawings and tattoos. I often get asked if I had been incarcerated before but I just like to draw realistic.

I try to let my art speak for itself. I don’t like to give certain pieces meaning as it just becomes a reminder of where I was at that point in my life. When I first started making drawings to sell they were very illustrative and you can tell it wasn’t made for me. I was too focused on how people would perceive me and I tried to cater to what I thought people would like. Since then I learned to only make things that I think look cool.

I’m slowly branching into making clothing and my own brand to go along with my tattoos. Currently I am in my apprenticeship at JOY Studio under my mentor Jamie Gene Lopez who has helped me become more confident in my abilities as an artist.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Anytime I’m with someone I always suggest we go to a museum, so we’d start the day at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. It has something for everyone whether it is the design of costumes or behind the scenes of one of your favorite movies. Afterwards, we could head over to Echo park to go to my comfort food spot Gyoza Bar. I only go there to treat myself but by far some of the best gyozas that i have had and it’s a nice lowkey environment. To end the night off we could walk around the 3rd street promenade in Santa Monica and get ice cream or find some Bowlero that’s open.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I really owe all of my success to my dad. He supports me even when he is unsure of what exactly I am trying to do and offers a helping hand when I am in need. He’s the one that let me be a creative kid and taught me how to screen print. I get my creative side from him. He taught me to be independent, patient, and to trust in myself. He would stay late at work every night to support me and my 3 siblings with school and whatever interests we had. Although we both keep to ourselves, I know he believes in what I am doing and is proud of me.

Instagram: @moony.boony