The past few weeks have been truly unforgettable for me as a tattoo artist. I had the pleasure of working with Michael Fellner over several sessions to bring his incredible tattoo vision to life. We dedicated significant time initially, brainstorming and refining the composition to perfectly capture his idea. After a solid three hours of collaboration, we landed on the ideal layout. I must say, this project has been one of the most enjoyable tattoos I’ve undertaken recently. Our conversations flowed effortlessly throughout the entire process. The studio’s playlist was as dynamic as our conversation, shifting from energetic Salsa music to mellow, romantic Chicano oldies, and even some gangster rap, all while I meticulously worked on outlining the tattoo.
Hollywood and Las Vegas sleeve tattoo, finished artwork
When I say “we,” it’s because creating a tattoo like this is truly a collaborative effort between the artist and the client. And it extends beyond just Michael and myself. The entire team at the shop contributes to making each client’s experience exceptional. Chris, Krystal, David, Justin, Cesar, and my brother Steven – they all play a vital role in ensuring everyone who walks through Lowrider Tattoo’s doors feels welcomed and taken care of, not just for this tattoo, but for every single piece we create.
Hollywood sign tattoo on arm sleeve
We began this sleeve with the iconic Hollywood sign, immediately setting the scene and mood for the entire piece. Michael envisioned a journey down memory lane, a visual representation of a chapter in his life that may have passed but remains vividly in his mind. His experiences living in Las Vegas and Hollywood proved invaluable when it came to gathering authentic references for his tattoo concept.
Close-up of Hollywood sign tattoo details
Detailed view of Hollywood tattoo elements
Following the Hollywood sign, we incorporated equally striking imagery. The Los Angeles skyline, complete with the distinctive Capitol Records building, infused the tattoo with a genuine West Coast vibe, perhaps reminiscent of classic gangster movie scenes set in LA. The 6th Street Bridge served as a symbolic connector, smoothly transitioning to the Las Vegas portion of the sleeve. For Vegas, I chose the Bellagio Casino with its mesmerizing dancing waters to evoke a sense of grandeur, and paired it with dice in mid-air and the Luxor Casino to complete the visual narrative.
Back view of arm sleeve tattoo featuring Hollywood and Las Vegas scenes
From the outset, I was excited about a particularly meaningful element of this tattoo: Cusco, a llama. Cusco was the beloved pet of Zappos, the company Michael dedicated many years of his career to. Even after moving on from Zappos, Cusco remained a cherished memory. We intentionally placed Cusco as one of the final additions, and it was incredibly rewarding to see this personal touch bring the entire sleeve together. As for the rose, it represents that special person in all our lives, a universal symbol of love and remembrance often seen in various tattoo styles, including some gangster tattoo designs that incorporate roses with different meanings.
Inner arm sleeve tattoo with showgirl and Las Vegas sign
Before adding Cusco, I put Michael through a bit more work to complete the inner portion of his sleeve. We chose a beautiful showgirl to complement the overall Las Vegas theme. The iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada” sign and Michael’s vintage Mercedes Benz fit perfectly alongside a Royal Flush of playing cards. It felt like everything was meant to be, falling into place just right. I want to express my sincere gratitude to Michael for sharing so much of his story with me. Working together on this tattoo was a true bonding experience, bringing to life something deeply personal and significant to him – a beautiful beginning, reflecting on the beginnings of his life’s journey. It’s amazing to see how tattoos, once less accepted, are now embraced and transforming lives around the world. What an incredible evolution.
Jose Lopez
Your friend and artist.
