Arte con Orgullo: Celebrating Hispanic Excellence in Tattooing

In honor of Tat, Inked presents Arte con Orgullo—a special feature celebrating the artistry, identity, and cultural pride of Hispanic-owned tattoo studios across the country. From Los Angeles to Las Vegas, Boston to New Jersey, and Atlanta, these artists are shaping the next chapter of tattoo culture through bold vision, technical mastery, and deep connection to their roots. This guide highlights some of their finest work—pieces that reflect heritage, storytelling, and the unmistakable mark of true craftsmanship. Each tattoo featured is more than ink; it’s a living expression of culture, pride, and creative excellence.

JP Alfonso Studios

Atlanta, Georgia

Every tattoo begins with a story, and this one started long before the first design ever hit the skin. Born and raised in Cuba, JP Alfonso grew up where tattooing was illegal, yet art called to him from the start. What began as quiet sketches in a country that restricted self-expression evolved into a lifelong passion he carried across borders.

When JP arrived in the United States, he had little more than a dream and the drive to make it real. Together with his wife, Samantha, he built a studio grounded in hard work, discipline, and quality. Opening was not easy. Theirs was the first tattoo studio approved in their county in more than 25 years, and it became a foundation for others to follow.

Their dedication has earned national and international recognition, including awards for Best Black and Grey, Best Portrait, and Best of Show. Yet what sets them apart is their heart. Clients describe the experience as personal, professional, and unforgettable.

They do not just make tattoos. They bring bold ideas and real stories to life.

Serpent Noir Tattoo

Las Vegas, Nevada

Located just off the Las Vegas Strip, Serpent Noir Tattoo was established in early 2020 and is proudly Hispanic-owned. The shop specializes in large-scale tattoos, Japanese-style pieces, sacred geometry, and black-and-gray work, with color tattoos becoming an exciting recent addition. Owner George, who grew up in San Fernando, California, and is now fully established in Las Vegas, has a background in Japanese-style work, high-contrast designs, mandala line work, and even dabbles in oil painting. With 14 years of tattooing experience, he still remembers the days of scrubbing his own tubes and continues to better his craft while making the shop a more artistic space every day.

Artillery Tattoo Studio

Elizabeth, New Jersey

In Elizabeth, New Jersey’s vibrant Colombian district, Kevin “Kendoo” Caviedes has transformed Artillery Tattoo Studio into a cultural powerhouse, a space where Latin heritage, street art, and tattoo mastery collide. A first-generation Colombian-American, Kendoo was raised around his parents’ Colombian bakery in Edison, New Jersey, where he learned the grind and gratitude that now fuel his creative empire. Born in Long Island, New York, he carries both East Coast drive and deep cultural pride in everything he does. Drawing inspiration from Colombian culture and West Coast legends like Mr. Cartoon, Klown Saravia of Artillery West, and Jose Lopez of Lowrider Tattoo, Kendoo developed a signature style rooted in black-and-grey realism.

Inside Artillery Tattoo, every wall and design radiates creativity, from graffiti murals to intricate flash sheets. The studio’s team of skilled artists share Kendoo’s passion for authenticity, specializing in black-and-grey realism. The vibe is raw yet welcoming, blending hip-hop energy with Latin soul. Beyond tattooing, Kendoo is the founder of Concrete Jungle, a multi-floor cultural event merging tattooing, streetwear, art, and community, uniting artists from both coasts under one roof. His precision and storytelling have attracted icons such as Chris Brown, Playboi Carti, A$AP Bari, and world champion Jermell Charlo, along with experience designing merch for Rolling Loud and French Montana.

Ink Source

Boston, Massachusetts

Located in the culturally and historically rich neighborhood of Roxbury, Ink Source is proud to be Boston’s first Latino-owned tattoo studio. The studio’s mission is to bring the fine arts into the tattoo industry by creating high-quality artwork that lasts a lifetime. Ink Source specializes in black and gray realism, color, trash polka, and permanent makeup, offering each client a full creative experience from concept to finished piece.

One of the studio’s owners is Daniel, who was born in Guatemala, raised in Alberta, Canada, and is now based in Boston. With a background in drawing and airbrushing, Daniel discovered tattooing as his true calling and helped shape the studio around his vision for artistry and connection. He specializes in realistic tattoos, approaching each piece with precision and intention, while continually refining his craft through workshops, online courses, and new techniques.

Carlos Macedo Private Studio

Temecula, California

Carlos Macedo is a Mexican-American tattoo artist with 19 years of experience, known for creating large-scale masterpieces that blend classical artistry with modern storytelling. His client list includes celebrities and public figures who seek him out for his unique vision and precision. Traveling the world to share his craft, Carlos has brought his work to international stages, including tattooing at Baja Beach Fest, the largest Latin music festival in Mexico. Each piece he creates is more than ink. It’s a celebration of heritage, culture, and identity, honoring tradition while inspiring the next generation through timeless art.