Which came first—the love for tattoo art or the love for heavy metal? For realistic tattoo artist Ruben Barahona, music was his first passion; he was a musician before becoming a tattoo artist. Now, he splits his time between New York City and Washington State, working tirelessly, driven by an intense passion.
Hi Ruben, I know you’ve been working in New York at ‘Graveyardnyc’ since 2017. Before that, what was your artistic journey?
Well, before moving to New York I lived in Antigua, Guatemala – a Spanish colonial city surrounded by three volcanoes. The 500-year-old ruins, cobblestone streets, and vibrant energy definitely infused my work with character. The pace of life there is the total opposite of New York: calm, slow, and perfect for reflection. It shaped my artistic foundation before I embraced the intensity of the Big Apple.
Let’s say that in terms of styles you don’t lack anything: Horror, Realistic, Comics, Music, Black and Grey. Is this an advantage for you?
I come from a tattoo generation where you had to tattoo whatever came through the door. Early in my career, I questioned whether doing multiple styles would hold me back. Now I see it as a blessing.
It keeps my tattooing evolving, because I’m not boxed into a single category.
I approach every piece by connecting with the client and the subject matter. We create what feels right for them. Being versatile keeps me entertained, and I also explore my own artistic projects on the side.
Was it heavy metal – and of course your talent – that turned you into a tattoo artist? Or were you going to become one anyway and creating those amazing realistic tattoos inspired by Iron Maiden artworks is just a part of your job?
I’ve always believed the key to success as an artist is to infuse your personality into your work. Music was my first passion – I was a musician before I was a tattoo artist and I got my first tattoo at 18an Iron Maiden piece on my forearm. It was my way of committing to an alternative path and rejecting conventional careers. Ironically, that decision led me to tattooing, where I found my true calling.
Can you tell me about the last record you listened to for energy while making a tattoo? Was it while you were privately working on a sketch or while tattooing one of your clients?
Long tattoo sessions can be intense, and music fuels the energy. I attract clients who share my passion for metal, so it’s common to have full heavy metal soundtracks during a tattoo session. We also bond at live shows. My playlist often reflects who’s touring in NYC at the time. Lately, I’ve been listening to ‘Senjutsu’ by Iron Maiden and ‘Hell Awaits’ by Slayer.
Does it give you a particular thrill to tattoo the works of the great and unforgettable Frank Frazetta on someone else’s skin?
Frank Frazetta (IG: @frazettagirls) is one of my biggest artistic influences. The strength of Frazetta characters and his mastery of composition are simply unmatched. I always compare his work to music – he’s the Tony Iommi of painting, a true pioneer of visual power.
If you had a time machine, do you think you would use it? Would you travel to other eras or are you happy to live in 2025?
100%! I’d definitely time travel. I’d go back to see Iron Maiden’s ‘World Slavery Tour’ in 1985, prevent the death of John Lennon, and maybe even audition for Metallica. I also appreciate living in 2025; it’s a time of rapid change that forces artists to adapt and evolve.
What is it like working on two coasts of the United States? In fact, do you alternate your commitments in New York with your work as a tattoo artist at ‘Anchored Art Tattoo’ in Spokane, Washington?
I love working on both coasts. In NYC (IG: @graveyardnyc), I work solo with occasional guest artists. That gives me a private, focused environment for tattooing, painting, and sculpting. In Washington (IG: @anchoredarttattoo), I collaborate with an amazing group of artists who share my passion for tattooing. The travel can be tough, especially being away from family, but I view it as part of the journey.
We live in a global world where artists have the chance to grow by adapting to different environments.
And your last famous words are… ?
The answers you seek are already within you – you just have to tune in.
