The Rise of Aged Ink and 'Shitty Tattooing': A Conversation with Carlos Torres

In this episode of Chats and Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova dives into a fascinating conversation about the evolving trends in tattooing culture with guest, the worlds best known black and gray tattoo artist, Carlos Torres. Born and raised in Gardena, California, during the 1980s and '90s, Carlos developed an early passion for art, inspired by the superheroes and fantasy illustrations in local comic books. Initially considering a career as an art teacher, he opted to pursue tattooing in his teenage years, a field where he is predominantly self-taught.

A renowned tattoo artist with 27 years of experience, who has revolutionized the tattooing scene, Carlos and Aaron get into what younger tattoo enthusiasts are normalizing what they call "shitty tattooing," indicating a shift in appreciation for traditional techniques. In October 2017, Torres founded The Raven and The Wolves, a combined tattoo studio and fine art gallery located in Downtown Long Beach. This establishment serves as a collaborative space for artists and hosts classes and seminars led by Torres and other professionals

The episode delves into a recent encounter with a celebrity's son who desires an aged-looking tattoo, highlighting a growing trend among younger clients who favor a more "imperfect" aesthetic. Aaron shares insights from a chat room where younger tattoo enthusiasts are normalizing what they call 'shitty tattooing,' indicating a shift in appreciation for traditional techniques.

They also explore the intersections of tattooing with other art forms, such as painting and sculpting, and how these influences enrich the tattoo process. Tune in for insights on creativity, industry trends, and the future of tattooing.

Chat Breakdown:

00:00:00 - The Trend of Aged Tattoos
00:04:14 - The Leap of Faith in Tattooing
00:04:49 - Carlos Torres' Early Influences
00:08:09 - Struggles of Getting an Apprenticeship
00:10:16 - Avoiding Gang Life
00:11:15 - Evolution of Chicano Tattooing
00:13:55 - Large Format Tattooing Challenges
00:19:56 - Issues with Colored Inks
00:22:23 - Opening The Raven and the Wolves
00:23:45 - Censorship and Freedom of Speech
00:30:21 - The Evolution of Tattoo Art
00:33:20 - Normalizing Shitty Tattooing
00:34:29 - The Future of Tattooing
00:37:03 - Importance of Learning Cover-Ups
00:38:18 - Laser Removal and Cover-Ups
00:39:08 - AI and Tattoo Art

Quotes:

"They want to normalize shitty tattooing."

"It's an all in choice. And if you don't want to be all in, then be a sound engineer, be on the sidelines and record the guy who is all in."

This is like the number one rule for America. Freedom of speech. Yeah. And man, they just shutting us down."

"Sometimes when you're trying to create a new movement with that much power and control around you, you kind of, sadly enough, have to play their game a little."

"I was like, damn, at least you're being real, because he's right. He's fucked."

"Now if you're not seeking out truth about food and media and politics, on your own, shame on you then."

Stay Connected:

Connect with Carlos:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carlostorresart

Connect with Aaron:⁠

Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts

IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts

Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts

Aaron IG:⁠ http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova⁠

Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com