Meet German Gutierrez | Tattoo Artist

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

Hi German, why did you pursue a creative career?
Ever since I was a kid I always loved to draw. My father is good at drawing so he was always teaching me how to do it properly, I even remember he was a little strict with it, he was teaching me about composition and human proportions when I only wanted to draw cartoons and all that and I remember being a little bit annoyed by that but at the end I’m grateful that he even took the time to teach me and encourage me to do it. So drawing was always a part of me, and eventually I studied graphic design and when I graduated I started learning how to tattoo at a friends house. I only worked for 6 months as a graphic designer at an office before deciding it wasn’t for me and dedicated myself 100% to learn to tattoo.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m Mexican born and raised, moved here to the US 4 and a half years ago. Leaving everything behind, friends, family and places wasn’t easy. I started tattooing back in Mexico and never in my wildest dreams thought it would allow me to travel and move to a different country, I never even thought I could make a good living out of it, I always did it because I was truly mesmerized by the whole ritual of tattooing. As soon as I moved here I started shaping my style and I would define it as fine line, maybe a little bit of realism but I also love to do all sorts of imagery from grim reapers to butterflies and heart chains, I try not to encapsulate in a single theme. The biggest challenge has always been missing Mexico, half of my life and what I love is back there in Mexico City, but the life that I built here, the friends, the clients, the memories is what I call home now.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Every time I have a friend from out of town visiting I try to give them the best experience ever. I would usually take them to the places I enjoy the most.
For food I would take them to Smorgasburg on Sunday, the variety of food always offer something different for everyone. Then we can walk to Little Tokyo and explore the stores, and we can grab a drink at the EightyTwo barcade.
Biertgarten in Koreatown is my to-go place for drinks or food since it’s walking distance from work.
I would also take them to Venice Beach since it’s a little less crowded than Santa Monica.
Universal Studios is also a place I really enjoy, a little bit expensive sometimes but definitely worth it.
The Griffith Observatory is a must in the itinerary. Just right on time for the sunset and then the museum inside.
For walking I would take them to the Huntington Botanical Garden, such a beautiful place to wander around with no purpose.

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 wanna give a shout out to the shop I currently work at: Proud of you. It became my home after I was very lost in life, thought I I had nothing left and then Rob, the owner (shout out to him as well) took me in right away. A shout out to all my friends and co-workers who I’m fortunate enough to say they’re a lot and I don’t know if I can mention all of them but special shout out to Tia for always being there for me since the day I started working at POY and Vanessa for always being a good friend to talk to.

Instagram: @blxckdizztor