Daily Inspiration: Meet Hugo Barrios

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hugo Barrios.

Hi Hugo, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
I started creating art as young as three years old. From then I was creating some sort of art or craft. That’s how I’ve developed my hands-on skills. To create all sorts of art and crafts. Fast forward forty years later, I now own and operate Tonto Tattoo. In Payson, Arizona 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think anything in life goes as planned. I definitely didn’t plan on becoming a tattooer. The habit of tattooing and then later the craft of tattooing both found me in a low point in my life. 

Tattooing pretty much saved my life both times it found me. It didn’t come easy either. Tattooing is a super technical art form. It’s not like making other art. For me, there was a definite learning curve. So, with the support of family, I pushed through. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m not sure what sets me apart from others because I don’t compare myself to others. I don’t compete with others in my industry. I keep focus on making beautiful, commissioned artwork for my clients. Most times, it’s a tattoo; other days, it could be a painting or digital illustration. Maybe a business logo. 

I also moonlight as a trout fishing guide with Lo water guide service. Fly fishing is art meets fishing equals fly fishing. I’m equally passionate or obsessed with both activities. They are daily habits that I need to do. 

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My main support network has been my wife, kids, and parents. Family like my brother and sister, who let me tattoo the when I was not the best. Others in tattoo industry have been cutthroat, sometimes not even nice. The only tru mentor I will recognize is “Larry D” he was an old-school tattooer that worked with Peter tattoo company in the 60-70’s 

Once I got to Payson, I have developed a great group of loving clients. A few have even became terrific friends! 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tontotattooshop?igsh=czF5c2tpdTBlbHdr&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552702597518&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
Vanesia Pulido