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The times, they are a changing . . .
So now tattoos have exploded in popularity in the United States and have increasingly become an influential art form with top tattoo artists attaining celebrity status in our current influencer economy. We’re talking a full-blown cultural shift toward self-expression through body art. According to a 2019 Ipsos survey, almost 30% of Americans now sport at least one tattoo, a significant jump from past decades. This trend marks a departure from the old view of tattoos as rebellious symbols. Instead, they’ve seamlessly woven into mainstream culture, mirroring our evolving attitudes towards individuality and personal identity. Tattoos are now hailed as legitimate art and personal storytelling, often capturing pivotal life moments, beliefs, or aspects of one’s identity. This shift has birthed a booming tattoo industry, contributing handsomely to the economy and opening up numerous opportunities for artists and entrepreneurs.
Enter Luis Osorio, a renowned tattoo artist from Colombia, who is set to shake up the U.S. tattoo scene. Since kicking off his tattooing journey, Osorio has been fueled by the unwavering support of his mother, son, and wife. This family-backed passion morphed into a career that’s profoundly impacted his life. Artistically, Osorio’s talent blossomed under the mentorship of industry heavyweights like Andres Niño (better known as, “Español Tattoo”), Joshua Gomez, Camilo Tavera, and Jorge Perez. These mentors were crucial, helping him hone his skills and broaden his creative horizons.
Osorio believes that an artist’s greatest joy is the recognition and happiness of their clients. Meeting their expectations and forming new friendships through good service is his ultimate goal. His dedication to client satisfaction has garnered him a loyal following and a stellar reputation. In the United States, he aims to elevate his career by showcasing his work alongside prominent global artists, contributing to culture, and bringing honor to his country as a tattoo artist. Osorio views this new chapter as a golden opportunity to reach a wider audience and push his artistic boundaries.
From a young age, Osorio was captivated by drawing and painting, largely influenced by his painter father. His career trajectory included roles as a muralist and lithographic designer, where he created family and pet portraits. These early artistic endeavors laid a solid foundation for his eventual leap into the world of tattoos. Over the years, Osorio has developed a knack for blending realist styles with vibrant colors, creating intricate pieces inspired by Greco-Roman, natural, and animated themes. This distinctive style has earned him accolades from the tattoo industry’s most influential figures.
Joshua Gomez, a professional tattoo artist, has high praise for Osorio’s exceptional talent, highlighting his intuitive understanding of client desires. Gomez first met Osorio over a decade ago in Cristobal, Venezuela, where he began mentoring him, staying in regular communication with Osorio over the next decade. Gomez remembers being blown away by Osorio’s natural talent and dedication. Osorio’s rise to prominence as one of South America’s top artists is also evident in his substantial social media presence, boasting over 20,000 Instagram followers and countless likes and views on his posts. This online clout reflects his widespread recognition and esteem within the global tattoo community.
Osorio’s career has skyrocketed, earning him a global reputation. He’s sponsored by top tattoo equipment companies like Emalla Tattoo Equipment and Radiant Colors Tattoo Ink, which value the high level of exposure and credibility he brings to their brands. His strong reputation and recognition make him one of the most sought-after artists in Bogotá, Colombia, where he currently resides. These sponsorships not only underscore his professional achievements but also highlight his influence in the industry.
Ultimately, many other tattoo artists echo Gomez’s sentiments, affirming that Osorio’s work with major organizations, on high-profile projects, and at key events showcases his creative brilliance.
And their statements are only supported by the fact that Osorio has regularly been invited to some of the most well respect, international conventions, featuring some of the most recognized artists throughout Latin America and worldwide. For example, he was invited to the Mountain Tattoo Artists Convention in Bogota, Colombia, where he led a seminar on best techniques and practices in tattooing, as well as served as a juror, judging the works of his colleagues. Similarly, he was an invited jurist at the Convencion del Tachira in Venezuela, where again, as an internationally recognized expert in the field of tattooing, Osorio served as a juror, carefully and meticulously evaluating the work of his colleagues. What is more, though, is that he is also an award-winning tattoo artist in his own right, having attended the All Stars Tattoo Convention in Miami, Florida, where he won Third Place, Best Large Color. And if you don’t know about the All Stars Tattoo Convention, it featured the absolute biggest names in the industry from around the globe, the biggest sponsors in the field, and was organized by none other than Emilio Gonzalez, himself.
As Luis Osorio prepares to further his career in the United States, his journey underscores the broader trend of tattoos becoming a legitimate form of art and personal storytelling. With his unique talent and growing influence, Osorio is poised to leave an indelible mark on the American public art scene. His upcoming ventures in the U.S. will not only bolster his career but also contribute to the continuous evolution of tattoo artistry, inspiring both artists and enthusiasts alike.
Obviously for Osorio, the beat goes on here in America- but not like before. Welcome to the 21st Century.
