Lewis is a U.S.-based tattoo artist specializing in pet microrealism, capturing the soul and love of cherished animals through his art. Trusted by many celebrities, his work combines technical precision with deep emotional connection—discover more in the interview below.
Luis, can you tell us how your journey into the world of tattooing began?
My journey into tattooing began with the support and mentorship of my friend and colleague Joaquin Ganga, widely known in the tattoo world as Gangatattoo. He taught me the foundations of tattooing during six intense months of training. Thanks to his guidance, I had the opportunity to work alongside him at the studio in Murcia, Spain. Years later, I moved to the Gangatattoo studio in Los Angeles, where I currently work. It hasn’t been an easy road, but every challenge has been part of the growth and evolution of my career.
You are known for creating incredibly detailed and emotional portraits of dogs and cats. What inspired you to focus on pet portraits?
I’ve always had a natural talent for capturing the likeness and soul of animals, especially pets. Living and working in Los Angeles, surrounded by some of the most talented artists in the industry, pushed me to refine my technique. I dedicated myself to mastering a highly detailed and soft approach to animal portraits, ensuring each one reflects the personality and emotion of the pet.
What do you feel when you tattoo a beloved pet on someone’s skin? How do you connect with the stories behind each animal? What challenges do you face when tattooing them?
Tattooing a beloved pet is a very emotional experience. As a pet owner myself, I understand the deep bond between people and their animals. It’s an honor to create something permanent in memory of such an important companion. The biggest challenge is capturing not just the physical appearance, but the essence of the pet—so that the owner feels that emotional connection every time they look at the tattoo.
Have you always focused on realism, or have you experimented with other styles as well?
Like many tattoo artists, I started with fine line work—names, letters, and simple black fill designs. But realism always fascinated me. I initially created large-scale realistic pieces, but over time, I found my true passion in detailed animal portraits. It’s the style that allows me to bring out the best in my artistry.
Many celebrities have chosen you for their tattoos. Can you tell us what that experience has been like and how it has influenced your career?
Being part of the No Pain team at Gangatattoo has given me the opportunity to work with amazing clients, including several high-profile celebrities. The experience has been humbling and motivating. Celebrities such as Offset, Tyga, Nick Kyrgios, Ozuna, Arcangel, Lamar Jackson, and OBJ have all trusted me with their tattoos. Their recognition has helped me grow as an artist and opened doors to future opportunities.
Do you feel there’s still a path ahead for you as an artist, or would you say you’re now where you always dreamed of being?
As a child, I always dreamed of living and working in the United States. Now that I’m here, I feel proud, but never complacent. There’s always room to grow and improve. I stay focused on evolving as an artist and achieving new goals every day.
What does tattooing mean to you?
To me, tattooing is more than a profession—it’s a meaningful art form that allows people to carry the memory of their loved ones on their skin. In many cases, I tattoo portraits of pets that are no longer with us, and I know how deeply that resonates with my clients. It’s a powerful way to honor a bond that never fades.
How is the rest of your year shaping up?
At Gangatattoo, each year brings new and exciting surprises. Sometimes we receive unexpected visits from celebrities or are invited to events like Coachella. For example, we were part of a special activation for the Vetements x Cactus Jack collaboration by Travis Scott. It’s a dynamic environment, and you never know what opportunity may come next.
If someone wants to book an appointment with you or ask a question, how can they contact you?
The best way to reach me is on Instagram @lewis.tattoo or through the studio’s account @gangatattoola. You can also email me directly to lewistattooartist@gmail.com. I always try to respond as quickly as possible.
We’ve come to the end of the interview, and we’d like to give you this space to thank anyone special or simply leave a message for those who follow and appreciate your art.
I want to sincerely thank all of my clients for the trust they continue to place in me. To those who return and those who are yet to discover my work, I appreciate each and every one of you. And a big thank you to Gangatattoo for believing in my talent and giving me the opportunity to grow as part of this incredible team.
