El Chanok in his studio in Mexico City, showcasing his unique style of traditional tattoos
El Chanok, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Mexico City, Mexico
Meet El Chanok, a tattoo artist originally from Mexico City, whose journey through the world of ink has been anything but traditional. Starting his career in the mid-90s in Mexico and then spending two decades in Spain, El Chanok has recently returned to his roots, bringing with him a unique perspective on tattooing, particularly his own interpretation of Traditional Style Tattoos. In this interview, we delve into his background, inspirations, and how he blends classic tattoo aesthetics with a distinctive punk rock attitude.
El Chanok's early tattoo setup, reflecting the limited resources and punk DIY ethos of the 90s tattoo scene
El Chanok, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Mexico City, Mexico
From Punk Rock Roots to Tattooing
El Chanok’s entry into tattooing was born from a raw, do-it-yourself spirit. “When I started, I didn’t know anything about tattoos,” he admits. Drawing ability and a punk rock ethos were his initial guides. In the nascent tattoo scene of Mexico City in the 90s, resources were scarce. Inspiration was drawn from limited sources like the “Tattoo Time (Music & Sea Tattoos)” book, which was influential for punk iconography. Early designs were a mix of “street style” tattoos, incorporating virgins, skulls, and gangster motifs, reflecting the available imagery. The arrival of Huck Spaulding’s “Tattooing from A to Z” and flash catalogs was a turning point, providing crucial knowledge about tattoo iconography and techniques, particularly needle soldering.
El Chanok showcasing a vibrant traditional tattoo design with bold lines and bright colors, a hallmark of classic tattooing
El Chanok, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Mexico City, Mexico
The development of Mexican tattoo conventions marked a significant shift, offering access to a wider world of tattooing. These events allowed El Chanok and his peers to connect with other artists, learn from their techniques, get tattooed themselves, and acquire better supplies. This period was crucial for expanding their understanding and skill in tattooing, especially in styles like traditional tattoos.
El Chanok applying a tattoo, demonstrating his expertise and experience in the traditional tattoo style
El Chanok, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Mexico City, Mexico
Defining a Unique Tattoo Style: Beyond “Traditional”
While El Chanok acknowledges the strong influence of traditional style tattoos on his work, he resists easy categorization. “That’s a bit difficult because it’s not ‘traditional’ but that is the style I have taken most from,” he explains. His style is a deliberate fusion of elements, drawing from folklore, comics, and pop culture, alongside the bold lines and classic motifs of traditional tattooing. This blend creates a distinctive aesthetic that is both familiar and uniquely his own.
A tattoo by El Chanok featuring classic traditional elements combined with his personal artistic flair
El Chanok, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Mexico City, Mexico
His artistic journey has been one of continuous evolution. Initially focused on black and grey tattoos featuring portraits and pre-Columbian imagery, his engagement with traditional style tattoos deepened after moving to Spain. There, he found himself among other artists who were also exploring old-school tattooing and the American traditional style. This environment spurred him to develop his personal interpretations of traditional designs, marking the true beginning of his signature style.
Close-up of a traditional tattoo showcasing El Chanok's precise linework and vibrant color palette
El Chanok, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City Tattoo Scene: Growth and Global Stagnation
Returning to Mexico City, El Chanok has witnessed a dramatic transformation in the tattoo scene. He notes the explosion of artists and studios, a stark contrast to the limited scene he knew before. While celebrating the boom in creativity and diversity of styles, he also observes a trend of “visual stagnation globally.” The increasing popularity of tattooing has led to a homogenization of styles, where similar tattoos can be seen across diverse locations. Despite this, El Chanok remains enthusiastic about the growth of the Mexican tattoo scene, where quality tattooing is now accessible in almost any city.
A healed traditional tattoo by El Chanok, demonstrating the longevity and timeless appeal of the style
El Chanok, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Mexico City, Mexico
Influences and Inspirations in Traditional Tattooing
When it comes to artists who have influenced him, particularly in traditional style tattoos, El Chanok lists legends like Jack Rudy, Greg Irons, Ed Hardy, Freddy Corbin, and Dave Lum. Among his contemporaries, he admires Rudy Fritch, Monga, and Doktor Lakra. Magazines were also a crucial source of learning, with El Chanok recalling his admiration for the shading techniques of Jack Rudy and Brian Everett. Flash books and sketchbooks, particularly those by Eddy Deutsche and Mauricio Teodoro, played a significant role in shaping his understanding and execution of classic tattoo designs. Beyond tattooing, his inspirations range from Desmond Morris and Victor Brauner to Saul Steinberg’s cartoons, ancient art, pop, and folk art, all contributing to the rich tapestry of his unique style.
A collection of traditional tattoos by El Chanok, highlighting his range and mastery of the style
El Chanok, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Mexico City, Mexico
Looking Ahead: Collaborations and Exploration
El Chanok’s future plans are fueled by a desire for travel and collaboration. He enjoys guest spots and exploring new places, aiming to continue traveling and expanding his global presence. He is also keen on collaborations with musicians, artists, and brands, seeking opportunities to apply his designs to clothing, beverages, and other products. This open approach to his art promises exciting developments and further evolution of his distinctive take on traditional style tattoos.
El Chanok's diverse clientele, from musicians to fellow tattoo artists, all appreciating his traditional tattoo artistry
El Chanok, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Mexico City, Mexico
El Chanok's artwork showcasing bold traditional tattoo designs ready for application
El Chanok, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Mexico City, Mexico
Various examples of El Chanok's traditional tattoos, demonstrating his skill and creative interpretations
El Chanok, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Mexico City, Mexico
More examples of El Chanok's traditional tattoos, showcasing different subjects and placements
El Chanok, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Mexico City, Mexico
Further examples of El Chanok's traditional tattoos, emphasizing the diversity within his style
El Chanok, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Mexico City, Mexico
A striking traditional tattoo by El Chanok, highlighting his ability to create impactful designs
El Chanok, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Mexico City, Mexico
A detailed traditional tattoo by El Chanok, demonstrating his fine line work and shading skills
El Chanok, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Mexico City, Mexico
A bold and colorful traditional tattoo by El Chanok, showcasing his vibrant color choices
El Chanok, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Mexico City, Mexico
A traditional tattoo with intricate details by El Chanok, highlighting his versatility within the style
El Chanok, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Mexico City, Mexico
El Chanok leaves us with a simple yet heartfelt sign-off, “Thank you for still making Tattoo Life!” His journey and perspective offer a valuable insight into the evolution of tattooing and the enduring appeal of traditional style tattoos when infused with personal creativity and experience.
El Chanok in action, tattooing a client with his signature traditional style
El Chanok, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Mexico City, Mexico
A traditional tattoo design sheet by El Chanok, revealing his artistic process and traditional influences
El Chanok, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Mexico City, Mexico
El Chanok's workspace, showcasing his tools and dedication to the craft of traditional tattooing
El Chanok, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Mexico City, Mexico
El Chanok holding up a flash sheet of traditional tattoo designs, highlighting his connection to classic tattoo imagery
El Chanok, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Mexico City, Mexico
A completed traditional tattoo on a client, exemplifying El Chanok's skill in executing classic designs
El Chanok, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Mexico City, Mexico
Follow El Chanok on Instagram: @el_chanok
