Lucho Morante is not just a tattoo artist; he’s a storyteller who uses skin as his canvas, skillfully blending various tattoo styles, with a notable expertise in Chicano Tattoo Drawings. As he prepares to launch his new ‘Cartelhood Tattoo Gallery’, we delve into the journey of this Peruvian artist and explore his profound connection with the captivating art of Chicano tattoos.
Detailed Chicano style tattoo art by Lucho Morante showcasing intricate line work and shading.
From Peru to Europe: Embracing the Tattoo Art Form
Reflecting on his 23-year career, Lucho shares, “Personally I still feel like a teenager! In any case my brain still has 1000 ideas.” This youthful energy fuels his passion to create and explore diverse facets of tattoo art. Starting his journey in Peru, Lucho’s path led him through Spain and eventually to France, enriching his artistic experiences and broadening his horizons. This international exposure has significantly shaped his approach to tattooing, allowing him to merge different cultural influences into his work.
Black and grey Chicano lettering tattoo design on arm, a signature style of Lucho Morante.
The Allure of Chicano Black and Grey Tattoo Drawings
Lucho’s artistic evolution is marked by his deep dive into various genres, starting from Horror and Black & Grey, navigating through New School and Japanese styles, before finally finding a strong resonance in Chicano and Lettering. He explains, “I started to work with Horror/Black and Grey then New School passing by Japanese to finally be seduced by the Chicano and the Lettering. I knew the Chicano style very well and it stuck to my skin.” This journey wasn’t just about adopting a style; it was about finding a form of expression that deeply connected with his artistic soul. Chicano tattoo drawings, typically rendered in black and grey, are known for their intricate details, cultural symbolism, and storytelling elements, all of which are prominent in Lucho’s artwork.
Example of Chicano style back piece tattoo incorporating religious themes and detailed shading by Lucho Morante.
Mastering the Blend: Chicano with a Personal Touch
Experience has been instrumental in Lucho’s artistic growth. He shares how it helped him harmonize his past and origins with his tattoo creations. “Yeah, time passed and I was able to find the balance between my past, my origins and precisely put them in favor of my tattoo creations.” His mastery lies in blending the ‘street side’ aesthetics of Chicano art with classical religious themes, creating depth and unique compositions. The influence of New School techniques is evident in his dynamic compositions and perspectives, enriching his Chicano tattoo drawings with a distinctive edge.
Chicano style sleeve tattoo in progress by artist Lucho Morante, showcasing black and grey realism and composition skills.
Beyond Boundaries: Embracing Artistic Freedom
Lucho’s philosophy is rooted in artistic freedom and versatility. “I have always forbidden myself to choose only one style, I love to work on Lettering, compositions, but I also like to work on color sometimes.” This openness to different styles allows him to approach each project with a fresh perspective, ensuring unique and personalized tattoo experiences for his clients. While renowned for his black and grey Chicano tattoo drawings, his willingness to explore color and diverse themes sets him apart as a truly versatile artist.
Detailed black and grey portrait tattoo, demonstrating Lucho Morante's range beyond Chicano tattoo drawings.
Self-Taught Origins and Influential Mentors
Lucho’s journey is a testament to self-learning and perseverance. “Self-taught but not by choice! (laughs) Where I come from in Peru I had neither the means nor the material nor the mentors at my reach, nor even internet.” His resourcefulness led him to build his first tattoo machine from scratch, using parts from a radio cassette engine. This DIY spirit reflects his dedication and passion for tattoo art, highlighting his remarkable journey from limited resources to becoming a celebrated artist. Despite being self-taught, Lucho acknowledges the influence of artists he met later in his career, including Dimitri HK, Jee Sayalero, James Tex, Big Meas, Sam Tailor, Paco Sanchez, and Eugene Attic, who broadened his artistic horizons and refined his techniques in various styles, including Chicano.
Intricate lettering tattoo in Chicano style, highlighting the elegant calligraphy favored by Lucho Morante.
The Art of Lettering in Chicano Tattoos
Lettering is a crucial element within Chicano tattoo drawings, and Lucho excels in this domain. He differentiates his approach from mere logo creation, emphasizing artistic calligraphy. “Even if dark lettering works very well in tattooing, I prefer calligraphy, more organized and more detailed.” His lettering is characterized by classic elegance, often incorporating arabesques and acanthus leaves, adding a sophisticated touch to his Chicano-inspired designs. Lucho values the collaborative process with his clients, often working freehand and guiding them to achieve the best results, moving beyond simply replicating fonts to creating bespoke lettering art.
Close-up of detailed Chicano lettering tattoo, demonstrating the artistic calligraphy by Lucho Morante.
Cartelhood Tattoo Gallery: A Vision Realized in Vannes
Choosing the serene town of Vannes in Brittany for his ‘Cartelhood Tattoo Gallery’ reflects Lucho’s desire for a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. “Yeah, it’s a small town that I love and my wife is from Brittany so it’s a bit like my adopted land. I’m looking for a comfortable life…” Opening in May 2023, the gallery is envisioned as a space that embodies tattoo culture, complete with an art gallery to showcase diverse works. This new venture is not just a studio but a cultural hub where art and tattoo enthusiasts can connect and appreciate the craft.
Artist Lucho Morante working on a Chicano style tattoo in his studio, showcasing his focused artistry.
A Canvas of Styles: Lucho’s Personal Tattoo Collection
Lucho himself is extensively tattooed, sporting works from various artists and styles, showcasing his appreciation for the breadth of tattoo art beyond just Chicano. Artists like Koan, Ben Banzai, Zhimpa Moreno, and others have contributed to his personal collection, demonstrating his eclectic taste and respect for diverse tattoo styles.
Chicano style clown face tattoo, a classic motif often seen in Chicano tattoo drawings, by Lucho Morante.
Looking Ahead: 2023 and Beyond
2023 is set to be a landmark year for Lucho with the opening of ‘Cartelhood Tattoo Gallery’ and guest spots in Switzerland and Belgium, along with appearances at various tattoo conventions. His enthusiasm for the future is palpable as he looks forward to sharing his art and connecting with the tattoo community.
Full back tattoo in Chicano style, highlighting religious iconography and detailed black and grey shading by Lucho Morante.
Lucho Morante’s parting words resonate with his passion: “Que viva el tatouaje!” Discover the world of Chicano tattoo drawings and more at ‘Cartelhood Tattoo Gallery’ and through Lucho’s diverse and captivating artwork.
Exterior of Cartelhood Tattoo Gallery, showcasing the new space for tattoo art by Lucho Morante.
Interior of Cartelhood Tattoo Gallery, giving a peek into the art-focused tattoo studio by Lucho Morante.
Selection of Chicano style tattoo designs on display, representing Lucho Morante's artistic repertoire.
Portrait of tattoo artist Lucho Morante, expert in Chicano tattoo drawings and lettering.
Follow Lucho Morante on Instagram: @luchomorantelettering
Follow ‘Cartelhood Tattoo Gallery’ on Instagram: @cartelhoodtattoo
