Meet Alexander Morales | Actor & Tattoo Artist

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

Hi Alexander, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
One of my favorite quotes is, “I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being; let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”
Etienne de Grellet

Now this is something I really love but at times struggle to apply. I can get so frustrated by the world around me, it leads me to live without compassion at times, but this quote puts things into perspective. It challenges me to step back and realize that no matter if you have a morning routine or a set schedule, no one day would or could be repeated the exact way. I try to take the time to realize the beauty in that and step towards the person I want to be when I can, and to give myself grace when I don’t.

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.
I want to thank God for every single thing and experience that happened to me that brought me here today. We are truly a sum of our experiences. Without tattooing I wouldn’t be able to act. Without acting I wouldn’t want to tattoo. These things feed each other. Just as my daily life feeds my desire to create. Becoming a tattoo artist was easy, you can order the shit you need from amazon and be ready to go 3 days later, the hard part was believing in myself and trusting myself to leave an everlasting mark on someone else. Let alone charge them for it. But with practice and effort came confidence. With confidence came the trust and belief in myself.
One of the reasons I wanted to start tattooing is because I wanted to create a different experience in the act of getting a tattoo. I only do house calls because it allows me to come into your world where you feel comfortable, comfortable to be yourself and ask for what you want without the intimidation a shop can bring. Have your friends by your side while you make an important decision or have a damn party while accomplishing all of those things. It is a beautiful way to connect with people and get to know others and for that I will always cherish it.

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?
First thing Im doing is taking you to a handroll spot in Toluca Lake, Yunomi Handroll on riverside. After that we would go to Universal Studios to watch a movie. My fav AMC. After than hop on over to Foreman’s Tavern for a drink great hangs. Other than that I kinda keep to myself or hang with friends at home, but hey have hundreds of amazing things to do around the city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people that come to mind when I have an opportunity like this but I want to take the time to put a light on the amazing and talented Mary Angus. @monsterbrainsfordinner Mary is an intensely complex and beautiful individual. She chooses to feel so deeply and share that depth in her art. I remember when I first saw one of her paintings it made me feel so much more than a painting ever had. Truly moving. She is also the one person I can say I wouldn’t be a Tattoo Artist if it wasn’t for her. She takes risks and gave me the courage to take mine.

Website: https://www.instagram.com/zander.morales/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swamptats/

Image Credits
Baylee Barton for all