Meet Nestor Zelaya | Tattoo Artist & retired Firefighter Medic

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

Hi Nestor, what do you want your legacy to be?
I’ve always wanted to create something that outlasts me. One of my biggest fears in life is leaving nothing behind — being a blip in society. I came from poverty and pursuing art has become my only option to leave an impression on my community and in this world that is truly wonderful — something more than I have ever been or could ever be. I want my legacy to pave the rode for kids struggling in similar shoes to see there is a path out through hard work.

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.
Where can I start — I started my journey into tattooing from a very early age. I think I was about 10 or 11 when I used to go with my brother to watch him get tattooed inside a garage in the hood he was from. I never thought of it as dangerous, I actually remember being so fascinated. The artist had a large aquarium in the garage and I would split my attention between my brother permanently altering his body with gang tattoos to following around clown fish. Growing up in a garage myself, I didn’t feel out of place. Once I graduated high school I got my EMT license and a few years later I became a Paramedic. And then a Fireman. I started to get heavily tattooed and bought a motorcycle. I eventually wanted to get my helmet handpainted and as I searched for options, I decided to do it myself. I started practicing by drawing tattoo designs and I would later post them. People began responding very well to it and I started painting small pieces for friends and making logos — at this point I looked at it as a hobby, I had never felt I was actually a good artist. Over time, people eventually started to ask if I tattooed and all I could say was “no way,” but the more I thought about it, the more I thought “well if they can do it, why can’t I?”

I eventually got an apprenticeship on top of working full-time as a Fireman. After working 4 days straight, I would come home to take a nap and make it to the shop by 5 p.m., then stay until 3 a.m. I did that for 2 full years with zero time off. I didn’t mind it at all.

During the first year of my apprenticeship, I had a lot of trouble renewing my work permit and my job as a Fireman was on the line. I took tattooing very seriously and panicked. My thinking was that if I lose my work permit and lose my career, there would be no way I could endure being deported to a country I was last in when I was four years old. Tattooing was my only lifeline and I focused in, full force. Luckily it worked out, but that moment really lit the bulb that tattooing wasn’t a hobby, it was my key to survival.

I want people to understand that tattooing isn’t a hobby. It is a lifeline for those who give their life to it. It has always rewarded my hard work and it has let me build a home for others to feel safe in a world that is harsh. Tattooing has allowed me to connect with my culture and morals in ways I couldn’t dream of.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My suggestion on travel is always the same. Don’t have a plan or itinerary — live like a local. Walk, explore, try. Local museums, small dive bars. I’m not saying don’t visit the typical touristy sites, but don’t make a day out of it. If you are nearby go check out the Queen Mary, go to the Pike, put your feet in the water. Eat till you feel your sides are bursting then wash it down with some good drinks and lots of laughs. As long as you are being safe, your goal at the end of the day is to be so tired you fall asleep on top of your sheets.

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?
There have been a lot of very influential people in my life from my mentor Nick Sardisco to the many others who have given me a piece of their lives and experience. But no one will ever hold a candle to my mother. Through all of the struggles and hardships my family has endured, no one has been more of a constant rock in my life. Everything I do is done to see my mother smile and have her be proud of her son.

Instagram: FearcityLB

Yelp: Fear City Tattoo Shop

Other: IG Zelayatattoo

Image Credits
photos by IG: Shelbyjunephotography and IG: Oscarlopez.mov