Creating a tattoo is often a deeply personal journey, and recently, I had the privilege of embarking on one such journey with my client, Michael Fellner. Over several sessions at Lowrider Tattoo Studio, we brought his vision to life, resulting in a stunning sleeve tattoo that tells his unique story. The process began with collaborative brainstorming, spending hours refining the composition until we achieved the perfect layout. This tattoo stands out as one of the most enjoyable projects I’ve undertaken recently, filled with engaging conversations and a dynamic soundtrack that shifted from energetic Salsa to soulful Chicano Oldies and raw Gangster Rap, keeping the creative energy flowing as I meticulously worked on the outline.
Finished gangster Chicano sleeve tattoo showcasing detailed black and grey ink work, highlighting Hollywood and Las Vegas themes
When I say “we,” it’s because creating a memorable tattoo experience is a team effort. It’s not just about the artist and client; it’s also about the supportive atmosphere at Lowrider Tattoo. My thanks go out to Chris, Krystal, David, Justin, Cesar, and my brother Steven, who collectively contribute to making every client’s visit a positive one. Their support is integral to the Lowrider Tattoo experience, ensuring a welcoming environment for everyone who walks through our doors.
Hollywood sign tattoo wrapping around an arm, part of a Chicano gangster themed sleeve in progress
The tattoo journey began with an iconic symbol: the Hollywood sign. This served as the perfect starting point, setting the stage for the entire sleeve’s narrative. Michael envisioned a visual journey down memory lane, a way to immortalize significant chapters of his past. His experiences living in Las Vegas and Hollywood provided rich inspiration and references for his custom gangster Chicano tattoo concept. The Hollywood sign, rendered in classic black and grey ink, immediately establishes the West Coast vibe and hints at the deeper story to unfold.
Close-up of a Hollywood sign tattoo with detailed shading and lettering, embodying the Chicano tattoo style
Detailed close-up of tattoo ink on skin showing the fine line work and shading techniques used in gangster Chicano tattoos
Following the Hollywood landmark, we incorporated the Los Angeles skyline, complete with the distinctive Capitol Records building. This element further cemented the West Coast Chicano tattoo aesthetic. The inclusion of the 6th Street Bridge acted as a symbolic connector, smoothly transitioning to the Las Vegas portion of Michael’s memories. For the Vegas scenes, we chose the Bellagio Casino with its famous dancing fountains to evoke a sense of grandeur, and paired it with dice in mid-air and the Luxor Casino pyramid, creating a dynamic and visually rich composition that’s characteristic of gangster Chicano tattoo art, often blending iconic imagery with personal meaning.
Back view of a completed gangster Chicano sleeve tattoo showing the full composition of Hollywood, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas elements
From the outset, I was particularly excited about including a very personal element: Cusco, a llama. Cusco was the beloved pet of Zappos, the company where Michael dedicated several years of his career. This llama held special significance for Michael, remaining a cherished memory even after he moved on from Zappos. We decided to place Cusco as a final, impactful touch to the sleeve. Witnessing the entire tattoo come together and culminate with this meaningful symbol was incredibly rewarding. And the rose? It’s a classic element in Chicano tattoos, representing a special person in Michael’s life, adding another layer of personal significance to this intricate piece.
Inner arm tattoo featuring a showgirl and Las Vegas sign, complementing the gangster Chicano sleeve theme
Before adding Cusco, we tackled the inner sleeve, pushing Michael’s pain tolerance a bit further. For this section, we opted for a glamorous showgirl, an iconic symbol of Las Vegas entertainment, which harmonized perfectly with the overall theme. The “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada” sign and Michael’s vintage Mercedes Benz were seamlessly integrated next to a Royal Flush playing card hand. Some elements just naturally fit together, creating a cohesive and meaningful narrative. I am deeply grateful to Michael for sharing his story with me. Working on this tattoo was a true bonding experience, translating his cherished memories into something permanent and deeply personal – a beautiful beginning etched in ink. It’s fascinating to consider how tattoos, once on the fringes of mainstream acceptance, have now become a powerful form of personal expression, transforming lives around the globe. What an incredible evolution.
Jose Lopez
Your friend and tattoo artist.
