Ricky Gutierrez is the first tattoo artist to hold it down for the LIFESTYLE! Representing Atwater, California, Ricky practices his craft at Restless Valley Ink in nearby Merced. He discusses his goals of positively impacting others who are making their way through life amidst questions pertaining to career and livelihood. A pivotal day when Ricky initially brought some of his work to a tattoo artist he admired changed his life and he has been dedicated to the craft ever since. Living a balanced life, Ricky discusses the inspiration that come from his wife and daughter and his dedication to making a name for himself in the field. Check out Ricky’s words and some dope original work below!
Chase your passion relentlessly and live through your craft.
– Ricky Gutierrez
Leading off with some basics, where are you from? And where are you at?
RG: What’s up LIFESTYLE!? I’m Ricky G. representing Atwater, Ca. I’m currently tattooing at Restless Valley Ink in Merced, CA.
What does Reflection and Response mean to you?
RG: Reflection is the story your work tells for you. One day, I’m hoping that my work will touch the lives of individuals that don’t think they can make it or feel like they can’t catch a break. I was once in their shoes, bouncing from job to job, trying to find myself and choose a career to earn a decent living. I never thought my artwork was good enough to showcase, let alone be my career. The day I took my work to a local tattoo artist, whose work I deeply admired, was the day my life changed in one of the best ways possible. Through this journey, I’m still searching for a response and my expectations for my artistic career.
How does your work fit in with that definition?
RG: Every day I strive to do my best and inspire others along the way. I believe it’s important to chase your passion relentlessly and live through your craft.
What else have you been working on recently? What are you looking to work on next?
RG: Lately, I’ve been working on tattooing. I’m trying to make a respectable name for myself in the industry and build my reputation. I plan on expanding my artistic abilities by exploring different mediums and continuing my education and earning a degree in art.
Who or what inspires you?
RG: First and foremost, my biggest inspirations are my wife and daughter. I gain inspiration from my family, music, and fellow artists. Another huge inspiration has been my mentor. He makes me push my art to the fullest day in and day out.
Is there anything else you would like the Collective to know?
RG: Whether it be art or any craft for that matter, do what you love and do it to the fullest.
“Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” – Confucius
Shout out to…?
RG: I’d love to give a shout out to my wife, my daughter, my parents, my brothers, my mentor Jason Rios, my shop artists (Juno, Bobby, Steph, JD, and PDubb), the rest of my family that pushed me and the homies that have been there with me since day one. Big shout out to the Valley Boy in the Big Apple for hooking me up with this opportunity, Sam Bostick, good looking out fam!
Reflection and Response.
the LIFESTYLE 