Mastering Chicano Lettering Tattoos: An Interview with Artist Lucho Morante

Lucho Morante, a Peruvian tattoo artist with 23 years of experience, is known for his diverse tattoo artistry, but he holds a special mastery in Chicano Lettering Tattoos. As he prepares to open his new ‘Cartelhood Tattoo Gallery’, we delve into his journey, exploring his passion for lettering and the artistry behind his sought-after Chicano style tattoos.

Lucho’s journey into the tattoo world began in Peru, devoid of formal training and resources. “Self-taught but not by choice!” he laughs, recalling how he built his first tattoo machine from a radio cassette engine and learned from old tattoo magazines. This DIY spirit and resourcefulness shaped his early career, pushing him to explore various styles from Horror/Black and Grey to New School and Japanese, before finally finding a deep connection with Chicano and lettering styles.

Intricate Chicano lettering tattoo on arm by Lucho Morante

His exploration wasn’t just about styles; it was a personal evolution. “I knew the Chicano style very well and it stuck to my skin,” Lucho explains, emphasizing how deeply he connected with the Chicano aesthetic. However, he also sought to differentiate his personal life from his tattoo work, leading him to blend and expand beyond strict genre boundaries. This experience allowed him to “find the balance between my past, my origins and precisely put them in favor of my tattoo creations.”

Detailed black and grey Chicano lettering tattoo by Lucho Morante

Lucho’s style is characterized by a unique blend of influences. While firmly rooted in Chicano black and grey and lettering, he incorporates elements from other genres. He appreciates the “street side” of tattooing but also integrates “classical religious” themes, playing with depth and perspective – techniques honed during his New School phase. This fusion creates a distinctive look that sets his Chicano lettering tattoos apart.

Back piece tattoo featuring Chicano style lettering and religious imagery by Lucho Morante

For Lucho, artistic freedom means not being confined to a single style. “I have always forbidden myself to choose only one style,” he states. He enjoys working on diverse projects, from intricate lettering to full compositions, and even ventures into color tattoos occasionally. This versatility is a testament to his skill and his desire to continually explore and innovate within tattoo art.

Arm tattoo showcasing Chicano lettering with ornamental details by Lucho Morante

When it comes to lettering, Lucho differentiates his approach from mere logo creation. “Even if dark lettering works very well in tattooing, I prefer calligraphy, more organized and more detailed.” He leans towards a classic aesthetic, often incorporating “arabesques or acanthus leaves” to add elegance to his lettering pieces. This calligraphic influence elevates his Chicano lettering tattoos beyond simple text, transforming them into intricate works of art.

Detailed Chicano lettering tattoo with elegant flourishes by Lucho Morante

Lucho emphasizes the collaborative nature of his custom lettering tattoos. He works extensively in freehand, and values the trust his clients place in him. “The customers who come to me for Lettering have confidence and allow themselves to be guided,” he explains. This collaboration allows him to move beyond simply copying fonts onto skin, resulting in truly unique and personalized Chicano lettering tattoos.

Custom Chicano script lettering tattoo on chest by Lucho Morante

His artistic journey took him from Peru to Spain and eventually to France, where he connected with influential artists like Dimitri HK, Jee Sayalero, and Big Meas, among others. These encounters broadened his horizons and enriched his understanding of various tattoo styles, including the nuances of Chicano lettering.

Black and grey Chicano lettering tattoo on hand by Lucho Morante

Looking ahead to 2023, Lucho is excited about the opening of ‘Cartelhood Tattoo Gallery’ in Vannes, Brittany. Choosing a “delightful little town” over a chaotic metropolis was a conscious decision for a more balanced lifestyle. He envisions his gallery as a space that “sweats tattoo culture” and includes an art gallery to showcase diverse works.

Chicano lettering tattoo on neck with detailed shading by Lucho Morante

Lucho himself is heavily tattooed, sporting ink from a range of talented artists, including Koan, Ben Banzai, and Zhimpa Moreno, demonstrating his appreciation for various styles beyond his own specialization in Chicano lettering.

Elaborate Chicano lettering tattoo across the back by Lucho Morante

With ‘Cartelhood Tattoo Gallery’, Lucho Morante is set to further contribute to the tattoo community, offering not just exceptional Chicano lettering tattoos but also a space for artistic exploration and cultural exchange. His journey from a self-taught artist in Peru to an internationally recognized tattooer is an inspiring tale of passion, perseverance, and dedication to the art of tattooing.

Chicano style tattoo with bold lettering and ornamental elements by Lucho Morante

For those seeking a master in Chicano lettering tattoos and beyond, Lucho Morante and ‘Cartelhood Tattoo Gallery’ are definitely worth watching. As Lucho himself proclaims, “Que viva el tatouaje!”

Chicano lettering tattoo on leg with intricate design by Lucho Morante