Meet Lorie Santos

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

Hi Lorie, what matters most to you?
To just be and to let things be. Every time I get anxious or worried about something I try and remind myself that we are just dust on a floating rock. Life doesn’t have to suck. Actually, life could be everything you want it to be. I’ve had to pivot my career many many times. I’ve heard a lot of no’s. And in those moments, I felt so lost. But all those situations happened only to arrive at this point in my life where I am extremely happy and grateful to just exist. I’ve learned to savor the simple things in life like walking in nature with my dog and drinking enough water at the end of the day. I’ve learned to have unfathomable confidence that I already made it.

I apply this way of thinking in tattooing as well. I trust the moment when I am free handing and creating designs. I let whatever wants to come out express itself and every piece has a soul to it.

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 am a Filipina tattoo artist in Los Angeles. I do fine line floral tattoos. I create delicate and intricate pieces. Details and client experience is very important to me.

I am a first generation immigrant. My parents gave up everything for us to live the American dream. I had to claw my way out of poverty to get to where I am. I witnessed my parents suffer so much growing up working jobs that overworked and underpaid them. This lit a fire in me to work extremely hard.

It was definitely not easy. I learned to just hold space for life’s natural ebbs and flows.

I have a network of professionals that help me stay in shape, mentally and physically. I surround my self with energy that inspires me to grow.

As a tattoo artist, I believe it’s important to have a clear mind and spirit while doing this type of work. It’s a spiritual exchange and it’s a transformative experience for both client and artist. I care deeply about the feeling my clients get when they see their idea come to life as an art piece on their body.

Once I learned to just be, it was simple. I realized I did not want to be my parents. I did not want to just work a job. I wanted to create some sort of impact in this world. I wanted to be in love with what I do everyday.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
LA is a melting pot of culture. There’s amazing food at every corner. Art on the walls. I would take my best friend to little Tokyo for some good ramen or udon. Dessert is mandatory at millet crepe. Ice cream and sweets are my weakness!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Sasha Masiuk is my mentor. She has over 11 years of experience in the tattoo industry and owns multiple shops around the world. She changed my life by accepting me as her student and letting me work in our beautiful shop in Los Angeles. She not only taught me how to tattoo but also taught me how important my role is in my client’s lives. Tattoos can represent memories of loved ones and pets. It allows for a unique way to connect. Sometimes it gives people closure. A symbol for new beginnings or transformation. This way of thinking allows me to give my best to all my clients.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorietattoos?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr 

Image Credits
Skyler Santos