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

Hi Joaquin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After working in a few different studios, I realized that there was a problem with the way that most studios were operating, how they were treating clients, and in some cases how they were treating their artists. Most of the time the vibe and atmosphere was not very welcoming and friendly. We saw a problem with the industry and decided it was time to change that. The whole idea was to create a studio harmonious where people could feel welcomed and safe. Many times we tend to forget that the whole process of tattooing can be stressful and intimidating, so the best way to change that was first by changing the space and vibe where people get tattoos. That’s when Alium Tattoo Studio was created.

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’m on a mission to redefine the world of art and tattooing. I like to paint feelings, joy, chaos, and intrigue. I like my painting to look like the sound of music that takes you on a journey. As for tattoos, found my passion into micro-realism and chrome tattoos.

I started as a painter 8 years ago, first using oil and painting realism, and later mixing different media. I graduated from Graphic Design at SDSU in 2019 and moved to Los Angeles to try new things. Starting fresh in a city like LA was, definitely, not easy. Then Covid hit, was so hard to get a job as a graphic designer so I focused on painting murals for a living, started selling some paintings to survive until I got to tattooing and opened Alium Tattoo Studio with no entrepreneurial experience whatsoever at the same time my wife was pregnant. Honestly, it was a lot and I still deal with challenges daily but as with everything in life, you breathe, you learn from your mistakes, you change your mindset and you just do it. The most important thing is to believe in yourself. The real power of manifestation is in taking action. Get that idea in your head, make it grow, and just take action. Definitely the hard work has been worth it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First stop would obviously be at Alium Tattoo Studio to hang out and get a memory tattoo, then do their nails at Studio Mar Nail Retreat in Mar Vista followed by a happy hour at Yahir (they have the best tapas and jazz on Wednesdays). Museums and art galleries: The Broad, The Getty Museum, MOCA , Hauser & Wirth
Tour: Venice Canals, Lake Shrine, Griffith Observatory, Korean Bell of Friendship for sunset, DTLA arts district.
Eat and drinks: Yahir, Bicyclette, Wally’s, Wabi on Rose, Matthew’s Garden Cafe, Brunello Trattoria, Industry Cafe and Jazz, Calabra

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?
First of all, I would like to thank my wife Paula and business partner Max, For believing in my idea and supporting me through the whole process of making it a reality. My family and friends for being there when we needed them, and every artist and client that it’s been part of the process. special shout-out to the actual team of Alium. love them all and let’s keep flying.

Website: www.aliumtattoostudio.com

Instagram: @villano_ink

Image Credits
@lucascrtx Lucas Cartaxo

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