From Murcia to Los Angeles, Lewis has found his place at GangaTattoo LA, thanks to his extraordinary pet portraits. With a precise black and gray technique and an emotional depth that speaks to his clients’ hearts, he transforms the memory of beloved pets into something eternal. We caught up with him to learn more about his journey, his dedication, and the delicate balance between technical perfection and emotional connection.
Hi Lewis, would you like to introduce yourself to our readers at Tattoo Life?
Hi, my name is Lewis. I’m originally from Murcia, Spain, and I’m currently based in Los Angeles, where I work at GangaTattoo LA.

How long have you been working at GangaTattoo?
I’ve been working at GangaTattoo since 2019. I first joined the team in Spain, and after developing my skills and reaching a professional level, I moved to the Los Angeles studio, where I am still working today.

What experience did you have before?
I began tattooing in Spain in 2016, focusing on realism from the very start. Moving to Los Angeles was a big challenge, as I arrived in a new country where no one knew me and I needed to build a name for myself in a city like this, which wasn’t easy. But I stayed committed to my craft, and over time I’ve had the chance to grow and keep doing what I love most.

Let’s talk about your style. The first thing that stands out is your passion for pets. How did that come about and why?
Animal portraits have always fascinated me. I naturally gravitated toward them because I realized that’s where my skills truly stood out. My style is black and gray realism with a fine-line technique that allows me to recreate the texture and direction of fur with great precision.
This approach also ensures that the tattoo heals cleanly, without expansion or loss of detail.
I’m extremely meticulous and a perfectionist, I strive to make every portrait as perfect and lifelike as possible. Seeing my clients genuinely happy is what motivates me every single day.

I imagine this type of tattoo requires not only great attention to detail, but also strong empathy with the client. Is that right? What skills do you need to bring to the table to make the tattoo look its best?
Absolutely. Tattooing a beloved pet is an emotional experience for many clients, especially those who are memorializing an animal they’ve lost. It requires empathy, patience, and a deep sense of responsibility. Technically, you need a sharp eye for detail, a steady hand, and the ability to capture the expression and essence of the animal. I always take my time to make sure every part of the portrait is as accurate as possible.

Do you ever use color?
Occasionally I use subtle color, especially in the eyes, but I mainly focus on black and gray. That palette allows me to achieve the highest level of definition, particularly with fur textures. With color, it’s much harder to reach that same precision.

Have you experimented with other styles or have you always worked in realism? Do you have an art background that’s helped you grow as a tattoo artist?
I started with solid black fills and fine lines, but I always knew realism was my true passion. I’ve always been drawn to creating images that closely resemble the original, that’s what gives me the most satisfaction.
Over time I realized that animal portraits were my strongest area, so I decided to specialize and dedicate myself fully to that style.

What’s day-to-day life like in a busy studio like GangaTattoo?
Some days are calm, others can be really intense, especially when high-profile clients walk through the door, like Anthony Davis and other celebrities. It’s a professional but fast-paced environment, and I’m proud to be part of a studio that’s always active with clients who trust and appreciate what we do.

What are your goals for the future as a tattoo artist?
I hope to keep working in Los Angeles for many more years, doing what I love most: creating meaningful, hyper-detailed pet portraits for my clients. I’m truly grateful that people continue to trust my work, their support is what keeps me going every day.


