Meet Alberto Medina | Tattoo Artist, Veteran, Business Owner, Realtor

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

Hi Alberto, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is the factor that separates those that become stagnant and those who will take their next step towards completing their goals. I feel that most people see risk as word that has a negative connotation, but when I see possible risks involved on my path in life, I see an obstacle that once attempted to hurdle I will either be triumphant or i will learn something about myself that will have value later in life. Either way, I come out the other side a better version of myself.

Risk have played significant roles in my life to the point where I look forward to seeing how other people face similar risks and what they may do differently or a lesson I have yet to receive. From Joining the Army at 17 to getting out 4 years later after a tour in Iraq. From there taking on Civilian life working a job in construction for Los Angeles Unified School District and then leaving said job to go to college and pursue my dreams in Art. Than deciding that I wanted to take on a tattoo apprenticeship before finishing my bachelors. Once i felt comfortable in the Tattoo industry I decided to risk my established clientele to focus on opening my business CobraCane Numbing spray, in hopes of bettering my industry. Of course, when COVID decided to enter our lives and tattooing was not a dependable source of income I chose to become a Real Estate Agent. Through constant gambling of whatever momentum i build, and letting it go to try whatever I felt I needed to pursue at that time. Not all moves were victorious, but through my wins and losses I have learned how to dance with all tools at my disposal and how to use one facet to strengthen another. I am still learning that dance, but I feel that this dance is what life is about.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Since I was young, I was a vandal spraying on walls. and drawing on everything that I could. I never thought about art as career as there was no one around me who was pursuing or thriving in a creative industry. Even through my time in the Army, I was the soldier that would design the logo for our company, T-shirts, banners, etc. It wasn’t until I realized I can become the person that I did not have to light the path for others. It was definitely a roller coaster, but I found that art centered my mind and was actually helping me understand and express what PTSD was and what it felt like. As my hunger to push my art skills grew, that is when the big piece of the puzzle entered my life, Tattoos. Tattoos are so much more than just art, it is connection with someone mentally, physically and spiritually. In these acts of tattooing, I’ve learned life is all about these connections with others. That we all crave something for ourselves whether to bring us joy, fulfillment, validation, or closure and tattooing can do this for people, and I can provide that service.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely start in Bunker hill in Los Angeles. Dead center of the city you have many places to starts, the MOCA building, Grand Market, Disney Concert Hall, Grand Park, Cryto.com Arena. After you have worked up an appetite you can stop at any food truck on almost every corner with a wide variety of different food and fusion plates. After a delicious meal you have to wash it down with a beer at your local watering hole in the Art District. My personal favorite is Everyson Royce Bar. Beautiful inside with a wide selection of whiskey and you can hang out in the patio and see what games are going on till it’s time to head home,

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?
Hands down my wife. We met while she was finishing her bachelors at UCLA and I was returning from my tour in Iraq, her abundant energy and willingness to love all clashed with my Stoic Stance and much more battle-hardened perspective on life. Through the years I would share my thoughts and Ideas I’ve wanted to do, but I was convinced thats all they were ever going to be, just thoughts. Her relentless spirit pushed me to attempt different and uncomfortable actions towards my goals, like pursuing my art career. She also refused to allow me to tell myself that i was not good enough to fufil my dreams. I know it was a tiring process for us both, but she was dedicated to making sure I see the same potential in myself that she was seeing every day. That is love.

Website: cobracanetattoo.com

Instagram: @cobracanetattoos