How long have you been tattooing?

I did my first tattoo when I was about 15 years old on my leg, did a couple after that, I realized if i wanted to take this seriously I needed to do it the right way, so I stopped tattooing and focused on my drawing until I was 20 and got an opportunity to do an apprenticeship. I began working at a shop Oct.2016 as an apprentice and did that for 2years I started tattooing professionally 2018 and in 2019 i became a full time artist.

Where did you do your apprenticeship?

I began my apprenticeship at slanging ink tattoo in Santa Barbara and worked under my three mentors. Timbon the owner of the shop, Vinny Tovar, and Brenno Ressa. Amazing people truly grateful for the opportunity to work under them. I Began my apprenticeship in Oct 2016 that lasted about 2 years and focused mainly on drawing, making sure the shop was clean and my mentors were taken care of.

What styles do you specialize in?

I enjoy doing, black and gray, Lettering, and color, I love a challenge

What inspires your artwork?

The clients!  I enjoy taking their ideas, hearing there stories and doing my best to bring them to life,

Do you have a portfolio I can view?

Yes!, most of my work is located on my instagram this includes my work from the very beginning! you can also see my drawings as an apprentice if you go all the way down. but I will also do my best to keep my website updated with new work

What should I expect during the tattoo session?

When you come in for your tattoo, I’ll walk you through everything step-by-step so you feel comfortable. Here’s what to expect:

1. Consultation & Design Review

We’ll start by going over the design, placement, and size. This is your chance to ask questions or make small adjustments before we begin.

2. Sterile Setup

I’ll prepare a clean, fully sterilized workstation with single-use needles, barriers, and fresh gloves. Nothing used on another person will ever be used on you.

3. Skin Prep & Stencil

The area will be shaved (with a new disposable razor), cleaned, and disinfected. Then I’ll apply the stencil so you can check the exact placement.

If you want it moved or adjusted—just say the word.

4. Getting Started

Once you’re ready, I’ll begin the tattoo. You’ll feel vibration, pressure, and a scratching/burning sensation, but it’s manageable for most people. I’ll work at a pace that keeps you comfortable.

5. Communication Throughout

I’ll check in with you regularly about pain, breaks, and comfort. You can always speak up if you need a moment, water, or a position change.

6. During the Process

1. I’ll wipe the area clean as I work.

2. The tattoo will gradually build up from linework to shading or color.

3. Some parts may feel more sensitive than others—that’s normal.

7. Wrapping Up

When the tattoo is done, I’ll clean the area again, apply a protective ointment, and bandage it. Then I’ll explain your aftercare so you know exactly how to heal it properly.

Do you freehand, draw digitally, or work strictly from references?

I do all three depending on what we are working on usually ill grab some references online, I stencil digitally, and ill free hand any elements id like to add to the tattoo, sometimes when I'm comfortable enough ill freehand my lettering.

Can I request changes to the design?

of course designing is collaborative process I want to ensure that you receive a tattoo you love. Major design or concept changes made within 48 hours of the appointment may require rescheduling and a new deposit, depending on the scope of the changes.

How do you ensure cleanliness and safety?

1. Clean & Disinfect the Work Area

• Before every appointment, the entire station is wiped down with medical-grade disinfectant.

• All surfaces—armrests, trays, machines, and chairs—are sanitized to eliminate any cross-contamination risks.

2. Use of Single-Use, Disposable Items

Needles, cartridges, razors, gloves, ink caps, barriers, and rinse cups are all single-use and disposed of immediately after each session.

Anything that touches your skin or blood is never reused.

3. Equipment Sterilization

All reusable equipment (tubes, grips, stainless tools) are cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner, then sterilized in an autoclave, which uses high-pressure steam to kill bacteria, viruses, and spores.

Sterilization logs and indicators are used to ensure everything reaches proper sterilizing conditions.

4. Fresh Protective Barriers

The tattoo machine, clip cords, bottles, and work surfaces are all covered with new plastic barriers for each client.

These barriers are removed and disposed of immediately after the session.

5. Hygienic Client Prep

Skin is shaved with a fresh disposable razor, then cleaned with antiseptic solutions before the stencil is applied.

Only sterilized or single-use products touch the skin.

6. Proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Gloves are changed frequently—any time I touch something non-sterile.

Depending on the tattoo, I may also use protective sleeves, aprons, or masks.

7. Safe Ink Handling

Inks are poured into sterile single-use caps.

Any leftover ink is thrown away after the session—never returned to bottles.

8. Clean Breakdown After Session

After the tattoo, all disposable items are discarded safely.

The entire station is disinfected again, wrapping up the appointment exactly how it began—sterile and spotless.

Do you use vegan ink?

Yes Most of my ink is vegan. If this is important to you let me know and I’ll make sure it is.

How do I book an appointment?

There are multiple ways to book with me you can come into the shop and speak to me personally or send me a direct message through instagram.(preferred) if for you to fill out a booking form on my website, it gives me all the information I need to best serve you. the form will get sent to my work email. and will respond within the next business day.

Do you require a deposit?

Yes deposits are required for booking appointments please see the cancelation policy page for more information

How does your pricing work?

usually $125/hr prices also vary if we are working on a big project doing multiple session and or are coming in often I will bring down my rate for you guys to show my appreciation.

What is your rescheduling or cancellation policy?

I have a whole section covering all details

https://www.hectorguerrerotattoo.com/cancelationpolicy

What should I do to prepare for my session?

I have a whole section covering all details

https://www.hectorguerrerotattoo.com/preparing-for-your-tattoo

Can I bring someone with me?

If you need to you may bring 1 guest max, for moral support.

Do you tattoo over scars? Yes I have done both. Scars should typically be at least 12–18 months old

• The tissue needs to be stable, not red, raised, or painful

Some scars actually take ink really well

• Surgical scars

• Acne scars

• Flat/white healed scars
  These often hold pigment similar to normal skin.

More challenging scars

• Keloid or hypertrophic (raised, puffy) scars

• Very thick scar tissue

• Burn scars
  These can take ink unevenly, may require multiple passes, or may not hold ink predictably.

Expect a different sensation

Scar tissue can be:

• Numb

• Extra sensitive

• Or irregular in feeling — depending on the type of scar

I always recommend a consultation and test spot

I’d examine the scar in person, feel the surface, and possibly do a small ink test to see how the tissue responds.

If you want, I can take a look — just tell me:

• Where is the scar located?

• How old is it?

• What caused it (if you’re comfortable sharing)?

• Do you have a photo?

You’re always safe asking here — I’ll guide you professionally and respectfully.

How long will my tattoo take?

Smaller designs can be done in a couple hours, while bigger and more detailed pieces can take up to 8 hours or multiple sessions. I always work at a pace that ensures quality and your comfort.”

How painful will it be?

Pain levels vary from person to person, but most people describe tattoo pain as:a scratchy, irritating, hot, or stinging feeling — more annoying than unbearable.it Varys from person to person Least painful zones (generally):

• Upper arm (outer bicep)

• Calves

• Forearm

• Thigh (outer)

• Shoulder

These areas have more flesh and muscle and fewer nerve endings.

More sensitive or painful areas:

• Ribs

• Spine

• Feet & ankles

• Hands & fingers

• Inner arm

• Neck

• Stomach

• Knee ditch & elbow ditch

These areas are bonier or have thinner skin and more nerve endings.

How to manage pain

• Eat before your session

• Stay hydrated

• Avoid alcohol before the appointment

• Breathe slowly and evenly

• Communicate — breaks are totally okay

Can we take breaks during the session?

Hell yeah you can. Tattoo sessions can be long, intense, and sometimes painful, so short pauses are helpful for both comfort and endurance.

Common reasons for breaks:

• Using the restroom

• Stretching or repositioning

• Getting a drink or light snack

• Managing pain or sensitivity

• Artist needs to stretch, clean, or rest their hands

How breaks usually work:

• They’re short, usually 5–10 minutes

• Typically spaced naturally between tattooing sections

• It’s always okay to ask for a pause if needed

Important note:
Too many breaks can slow the workflow and prolong how long the skin is being worked on, so it’s best to take breaks when necessary, but not constantly.

What should I wear?

Wear loose, comfortable clothing
You’ll want something that doesn’t rub against the area being tattooed. Comfort matters—you’ll likely be sitting or lying in one position for a while.

Make the tattoo area easily accessible
Examples:

• Arm tattoo → tank top, loose t-shirt, or short sleeve

• Back tattoo → loose shirt or button-up that can be opened/removed

• Leg tattoo → shorts or pants that roll up comfortably

• Chest tattoo → button-up shirts are ideal

Dark or older clothing is best
Ink or stencil fluid can accidentally transfer onto fabric. Dark clothes help hide stains.

Layers—dress for temperature changes
Tattoo studios can get chilly. Bring a hoodie or sweater that can be easily removed without disturbing the tattoo area.

Avoid tight fabrics and restrictive outfits
No skinny jeans for a thigh tattoo, no tight sleeves for arm ink, etc.

Closed-toe shoes are recommended
This is for hygiene and safety—especially if you're in a studio environment.

No expensive or favorite clothing
Better safe than sorry—ink splashes, ointment, etc.

What if I think my tattoo is infected or not healing right?

Common infection indicators include:

• Increasing redness that spreads beyond the tattoo

• Swelling that gets worse instead of better

• Warm or hot feeling on the skin

• Yellow or green pus

• Strong, unpleasant odor

• Fever or chills (in severe cases)

• Excessive pain after day 2–3

Note: Mild redness, light scabbing, and light itchiness are normal. What’s not normal is worsening symptoms over time.

What to do if you think it’s infected

1. Clean the area gently
Wash with mild unscented soap and lukewarm water. Pat dry — don’t rub.

2. Stop using heavy ointments or creams
Over-moisturizing can trap bacteria.

3. Let it breathe
Avoid wrapping unless told to by a professional.

4. Do NOT pick or scratch
This can worsen the infection and damage the tattoo.

5. Contact your tattoo artist
They can give guidance on whether the reaction looks normal or not.

6. If symptoms are severe or getting worse — see a medical professional.
A doctor can prescribe appropriate antibiotics if needed.

Important note:

A tattoo artist can give aftercare advice, but only a medical professional can diagnose and treat an actual infection.

If you ever think something isn’t healing right, please reach out. It’s always better to check early. And if it looks like an infection, I’ll advise you to see a healthcare provider right away.

What made you become a tattoo artist?

I knew I enjoyed doing art and I knew  wanted to do something with it, It was very important for me to do something that I loved for the rest of my life. 

What do you enjoy most about tattooing?

So much, but one of the things I love about tattooing is the process for sure. To me tattooing is one of those tough experiences that can be painful but able to overcome, I’ve seen many people sit through it all and i always end the session with a high five because tattoos especially long session can get difficult and it’s always cool to see the client push through the pain.i love being able to give clients something special, unique, and crafted with intention.

What’s your favorite type of project?

Honestly I enjoy everything I do and I treat every tattoo like it’s my favorite project.

What do you do outside of tattooing?

I like to draw, paint. I'll kick it with my dog on my days off. We usually hit up the beach get some sunlight, go on a nice walk,I make sure I spend time with friends and family. social connection is important to me so every now and then ill drive out to Santa Barbara and spend time with my loved ones.