In the vibrant neighborhood of Echo Park, Los Angeles, on a bright September morning, you might find Jesse Jaramillo. He carries himself with a quiet confidence, a mark of someone deeply rooted in their identity. Before stepping into his day job at El Clásico Tattoo, a long-standing establishment on Sunset Boulevard amidst the changing landscape of Echo Park, Jesse sat down to share his story – a story deeply intertwined with La Tattoo culture and Chicano heritage.
“El Clásico has always been special to me,” Jesse explains, his voice calm and deliberate. “I could’ve joined any of the newer, trendier shops, but El Clásico is different. Sal Preciado’s journey to open a shop here, back when Echo Park wasn’t what it is today, that’s real. I wanted to be part of that history.” This sentiment speaks volumes about Jesse’s approach to tattooing and his connection to the authentic, historical roots of LA tattoo artistry.
A young Jesse and his father, Jesse Sr.
Jesse’s journey into the world of tattoos began young. By 18, he was already a practicing tattoo artist, but his true apprenticeship started at 13 under his father, Jesse Sr., a self-taught artist. His father, once an employee at Edison, proudly wears one of Jesse’s childhood drawings as a tattoo – a testament to their bond and Jesse’s early talent. Years later, Jesse’s style is distinctly his own, a blend that’s been described as “trippy Chicano.” It’s a visual language that merges Salvador Dali’s surrealism with lowrider culture and Chicano iconography, creating a unique voice within the broader spectrum of LA tattoo styles.
“Drawing has been my lifelong passion, but there’s one specific memory that sparked it all,” Jesse recounts. “We were living in Lancaster, and my dad had just lost his job at Edison. To make ends meet, he started selling produce to grocery stores in LA. I’d go with him because we couldn’t afford childcare. To keep me busy, he handed me a receipt and a pen, and I drew a little turtle. He kept that drawing in his wallet, and he still has it. It was the first tattoo I ever did.” This anecdote reveals the humble beginnings and personal connection that fuel Jesse’s artistic drive within the context of LA’s vibrant, yet often challenging, urban environment.
Jesse
Jesse’s partner, Xóchitl, a Harvard University student and jazz radio VJ, shares a deep cultural understanding with him. Their connection is evident in the gold necklace Jesse wears, spelling out “Xochitl.” He speaks of her with admiration, noting her intelligence and her background in a “dope mariachi family.” Together, they navigate the complexities of embracing their cultural heritages.
“Xóchitl and I often talk about our upbringings and cultural identity,” Jesse reflects. “There was a time when I felt almost ashamed of doing Chicano style tattoos. It wasn’t mainstream, and it was often seen as ‘ghetto.’ Similarly, Xóchitl experienced a phase where she felt embarrassed about wearing traditional mariachi attire. But now, we find strength and pride in our cultures, and it’s amazing to connect on that level.” This shared experience highlights a crucial aspect of Jesse’s work: the reclamation and celebration of Chicano culture within LA tattoo scene and beyond.
Jesse at Harvard University.
Jesse at Harvard University.
Jesse’s commitment to his roots is further exemplified by “A Very Pinche Tattoo Party,” an event he conceptualized and hosted at Harvard University. The flier, reminiscent of prison handkerchief art, advertised a tattoo gathering far removed from the typical tattoo shop setting. These “tattoo parties” are a Jaramillo family tradition – informal gatherings where tattoos are exchanged amongst loved ones, accompanied by food, music, and community. For Jesse, these parties are also a form of cultural resistance.
Just hours after arriving in Boston, Jesse was setting up in the punk archive of Harvard’s radio station, WHRB 95.3FM. With Xóchitl’s help, he secretly tattooed Black and Brown students within the university’s broadcasting space. This act was deeply symbolic.
“This tattoo party was about honoring a family tradition, but it was also about bringing a style that’s been marginalized, considered ‘ghetto,’ into an institution with a history of racism,” Jesse explains. “It’s about social tattooing outside the control of the industry or the institution. These traditions have been historically targeted and erased by white supremacy, especially in places like Harvard. We have to reclaim and teach our own histories, ethnic studies by us, for us. This tattoo party was a celebration of our culture on our own terms, without needing permission.” This event served as a powerful statement about the place of Chicano culture within elite spaces and the broader narrative of LA cultural identity.
Fifth generation Angeleno and owner of Echo Park’s El Clásico Tattoo, Sal Preciado. Shot by Julian Guevara.
Harvard University, despite its prestigious facade, carries a complex history, including the legacy of slavery. Small plaques on campus acknowledge individuals enslaved by Harvard presidents. One plaque honors the 27 enslaved people connected to the founding of Harvard Law School. These acknowledgements, while present, exist within a context where diversity statistics reveal ongoing disparities. In 2019-2020, a significant majority of Harvard faculty were white, while Black and Brown students represented a smaller portion of the student body. Furthermore, the denial of tenure to a lauded Latino Studies professor and the university’s Affirmative Action lawsuit highlight the ongoing struggles for true inclusivity and representation.
Jesse’s “renegade style” approach to tattooing at Harvard directly challenges this institutional backdrop.
“Ethnic studies is a big topic, especially at places like Harvard,” Jesse notes. “There’s a responsibility for us to push for ethnic studies in these institutions. This tattoo party was a ‘fuck you’ to institutions that try to exploit us for their image of diversity without truly valuing our culture.”
Unbeknownst to the university administration, Chicano culture permeated the walls of their radio station that night. The act wasn’t about aggression, but about cultural assertion. Jesse Jaramillo’s tattoo parties are a testament to the idea that culture cannot be controlled or regulated; it must be recognized and celebrated. His work ensures that Chicano art and its rich, often obscured, history are brought into the light.
A classic Chicano-style placazo done by Jesse Sr.
A tattoo done by Jesse Jaramillo showcasing his
In a world that often seeks to define and control identity, Jesse Jaramillo stands firm in his self-expression. Earlier, online, Jesse encountered a comment questioning the authenticity of his curly hair. His simple, yet profound response, “It’s on my head,” encapsulates his philosophy. Just as his hair is his own to define, so is his culture, his art, and his identity. Jesse Jaramillo’s “trippy Chicano” tattoos are more than just ink on skin; they are a vibrant declaration of cultural pride, a reclaiming of history, and a powerful voice within the diverse and dynamic landscape of LA tattoo culture.
