LaMelo Ball, the Charlotte Hornets’ sensation, is no stranger to making headlines, both on and off the basketball court. While his dazzling plays and court vision often dominate sports news, it’s his latest off-court move that has the internet buzzing: a massive and intricate back tattoo. This isn’t just any ink; it’s a sprawling canvas of космос-themed art, brand shout-outs, and bold lettering that screams “unique.” Let’s dive deep into LaMelo Ball’s new tattoo, exploring its design, the artists behind it, and the story it tells.
The sheer scale of Ball’s new back piece is immediately striking. Covering a significant portion of his back, the tattoo is a visual feast featuring a UFO, an alien head, crosses, and the prominent phrase “RARE ONE” emblazoned in two distinct fonts. Adding another layer of personal branding, the design incorporates a nod to his clothing label, LaFrance, subtly etched within the UFO. Whether you admire its audacity or question its aesthetic, one thing is undeniable: this tattoo is a bold statement of individuality and a testament to Ball’s fearless personality.
To truly appreciate the artistry and effort behind this impressive piece, we need to understand the collaborative process and the talented individuals who brought it to life. The mastermind behind LaMelo’s tattoo vision is Herchell Carrasco, a Los Angeles-based tattoo artist and owner of Pachuco Tattoo in Orange, California. Carrasco, who has been in the industry for 14 years, is no stranger to large-scale, black and grey tattoos, counting NBA player Kyle Kuzma and LaMelo’s brothers Lonzo and LiAngelo among his clientele.
For a project of this magnitude and complexity, Carrasco enlisted the help of five other skilled artists: Jorge Garibay, Niz Carillo, Elvis Ramos, Juan Nambo, and Jonas Aguila. This team of six tattoo artists worked together over three consecutive days, dedicating six hours each day to complete the intricate design. To manage the pain and allow for such extensive work in a short time, they utilized No Numbing lidocaine cream. While the exact cost remains undisclosed, Carrasco revealed that the piece is valued around $20,000, reflecting the time, expertise, and collaborative effort invested. Interestingly, despite the recent public reveal, this tattoo was actually completed weeks prior, adding to the anticipation and buzz surrounding its unveiling.
Carrasco emphasized the exceptional nature of completing such a detailed back piece in just three days. “What Melo got done in three days takes some people years to get,” he stated, highlighting the intensity and efficiency of their approach. This collaborative, rapid execution is not typical in the tattoo world and underscores the commitment of both LaMelo and the team of artists to bring his vision to life within a tight timeframe.
LaMelo Ball’s journey into the world of tattoos began in 2020 with the words “Fear” and “God” inked across his wrists, also courtesy of Carrasco. Since then, his collection has grown to include the LaFrance “LF” logo on his neck and angel wings on his chest, demonstrating a growing enthusiasm for body art. Carrasco jokingly noted, “When he first started getting tattooed, he only mentioned getting a couple tattoos. But I’ll be honest, I never believed him… Everybody always says that they’re only going to get a couple tattoos and they end up covered, sometimes more covered than I am.” LaMelo’s back tattoo is the latest and most ambitious addition to his increasingly inked physique.
To understand the creative process behind this significant tattoo, Carrasco shared insights into his collaboration with LaMelo. The initial concept was discussed months in advance, with LaMelo sharing his ideas with Carrasco while still in Charlotte. Describing it as a “collaborative project,” Carrasco emphasized his role in refining LaMelo’s vision, sometimes advising against unrealistic elements while ultimately prioritizing the client’s desires.
The design process involved extensive back-and-forth communication and numerous drafts. Carrasco revealed creating “about six or seven drafts” before settling on the final design. Once LaMelo gave the go-ahead a month prior to the execution, Carrasco assembled his team and prepared for the intensive three-day tattooing session. To ensure accurate placement and sizing, Carrasco printed large-scale printouts of the design and mapped it onto LaMelo’s back days before the tattooing began.
The involvement of multiple artists was a strategic decision driven by time constraints. While not typical for even large tattoos, Carrasco explained, “It was rare that we were all working at the same time, but we’re all there and available. I think at one point we had maybe four artists all working at the same time. But this isn’t normal. It is just because of limited time… I just really was trying to get it done in the shortest amount of sessions possible.” This approach allowed them to complete the detailed piece efficiently, with the aid of numbing cream to minimize discomfort during the lengthy sessions.
Carrasco also admitted to scaling down LaMelo’s initial ideas. “Definitely. He wanted a lot more than this and I really had to tell him like, ‘Hey Melo, this is really the max that we can do.’” This highlights the artist’s expertise in understanding the practical limitations of tattooing and guiding clients towards achievable and impactful designs. One element that evolved during the design process was the replacement of dice with an alien head, aligning with LaMelo’s broader aesthetic.
The tattoo’s theme is deeply rooted in LaMelo’s personal brand and style. Carrasco noted that LaMelo is “continuing the same aesthetic that he has with his clothing line.” The space theme, featuring aliens and UFOs, resonates with LaMelo’s LaFrance clothing line, which also incorporates extraterrestrial motifs. Carrasco even mentioned a Puma shirt featuring his tattoo design, further cementing the connection between LaMelo’s ink and his brand identity. The “RARE” lettering, which appears in other tattoos on LaMelo’s body, reinforces his desire to be unique and stand out. Carrasco explained, “Melo’s the type of guy that doesn’t want what everybody has. He likes to break the rules.”
The cost of such an extensive and collaborative piece is substantial. Carrasco estimated the tattoo at around $20,000, placing it on the higher end of tattoo pricing. He clarified that while his usual full back pieces range from $8,000 to $10,000, this project’s accelerated timeline, multiple artists, and the collaborative nature justified the higher price. “We had to make sure my guys all made some money off of it too and they’re compensated for their time. So yeah, it is a little higher than usual, but there’s so many people involved,” Carrasco explained.
When asked about the most challenging aspect of the tattoo, Carrasco surprisingly stated, “The tattoo is the easy part for me. That’s what we do every day. That’s already second nature. The challenging part is really settling on the design. And then also working with his schedule too.” This reveals that the logistical and creative planning, along with coordinating with a high-profile client’s busy schedule, often present greater hurdles than the actual tattooing process for experienced artists.
Among the various elements of the tattoo, Carrasco’s favorite is the UFO neck piece. He highlighted its visibility, stating, “the UFO… is one of those tattoos that’s going to always be seen when he’s wearing a jersey… You might see some of the new work on his arms. He threw on a jersey so we could see exactly what was going to show. So the UFO is probably one of my favorites because it’s going to be seen. It’s going to be on NBA 2K.” This suggests a clever consideration of how the tattoo will be perceived in LaMelo’s public life, even influencing his virtual representation in video games.
LaMelo’s reaction to the finished piece was overwhelmingly positive. Carrasco recounted, “He couldn’t stop looking at it. I was surprised. I thought he would’ve been in more pain… But he was so excited. He kept calling me about it. He was already talking about his next tattoos.” To manage the physical demands of the long sessions, LaMelo received vitamin IV infusions, a technique Carrasco now plans to incorporate for future large tattoo sessions. The immediate excitement and continued enthusiasm from LaMelo validate the success of the project and his satisfaction with the artwork.
Unsurprisingly, LaMelo’s bold back tattoo has sparked considerable commentary on social media, both positive and negative. Carrasco acknowledges the inevitable scrutiny that comes with tattooing a high-profile figure like LaMelo Ball. “Anything involving the Ball brothers, it’s going to come with hate. And I think it just comes with so much traffic coming onto these posts… The hate is part of it. I don’t take it personally. Some of these comments are funny. I know LaMelo doesn’t pay any no mind to it. So it is what it is. It’s part of the game.” This pragmatic perspective reflects an understanding of the public nature of celebrity tattoos and the diverse reactions they often elicit.
Looking ahead, Carrasco is focused on future collaborations with the Ball family and other celebrity clients. He also mentioned working on a TV pilot funded by TikTok, indicating his ambition to expand his creative endeavors beyond tattooing. And, in a lighthearted closing, Carrasco joked about the ultimate Ball family tattoo goal: inking LaVar Ball himself. “I always joke about getting LaVar in the chair. I hope to tattoo him one day. That would be the ultimate. That’s the only one I need off my Ball family checklist.”
LaMelo Ball’s new back tattoo is more than just ink on skin; it’s a meticulously crafted piece of art, a symbol of personal branding, and a testament to the collaborative spirit of talented artists. It’s a bold statement that perfectly encapsulates LaMelo’s unique personality and his fearless approach to self-expression, both on and off the court. This cosmic-themed masterpiece is sure to be a conversation starter and a defining visual element of LaMelo Ball’s public image for years to come.
