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Meet Alejandro Pulido of Mortuary Tattoo in West Mesa

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Alejandro Pulido.

Alejandro, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My obsession started when I got my first tattoo in June of 2010 by who I now consider a very good friend Paul Ski, back when he still worked at Ink Bomb Tattoos. Being in that shop was magical to me, the vibe was eviscerating, the art increíble. Seeing such a solid crew of people working together and enjoying life, I knew then that’s what I wanted in my life. What I didn’t know back then was the hard work and sacrifices that it took. Fast forward to early 2012, I find myself beginning my journey as an apprentice. Within a few short months, the trials and tribulations began. Long days and even longer nights, I was burning the candle on both ends, and let me be clear, I burned that candle hard and fast. I left that shop feeling defeated. Not sure where my path would lead me, I just kinda went through the motions of life. Then like a sign from above my friend/soon to be future boss Joelle Truax told me about a shop Next Wave Tattoo in Apache Junction she was working at, and a man named Kenneth Shaw. He taught me the trade, I owe him a lot. Old school traditions with an eye for the future, I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor, the best of both worlds. About a thousand scrubbed tubes later, countless trash bins emptied, floors so clean you could eat off, enough drawings and painting to fit a house, and I began tattooing. I went to work at another shop in east Mesa after two years. That’s where I cut my teeth and built my clientele. Now, I’m at Mortuary Tattoo working with good people who I’m proud to share space with, break bread, and grow artistically. None of this process was easy but without a doubt, I would do it again in a heartbeat. Tattooing is life and my life is tattooing.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The only smooth thing in tattooing is and always will be black and grey shading, other than that, it’s all an uphill climb filled with twist and turns as far as the eye can see. Losing friends/relationships, missing birthdays (your own included), long days, longer nights, sore wrist, back pain, are just a few. When people think of tattooing, they only see the good. Which don’t get me wrong when life is good it’s good, but there’s a lot of hardships behind the scenes.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Mortuary Tattoo – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I love tattooing traditional Americana, and traditional Japanese. Don’t get me wrong though. I enjoy pushing my boundaries and stepping out of my box. I take pride in giving people a good clean tattoo. Showing them that sometimes the most impressive part is just how something so simple can stand out so much. I like to believe people not only choose me for my work but for my company. Being sociable and polite is something that is sometimes lost on others. By being friendly and patient, you can really make someone’s tattoo experience go from an ok time at a tattoo shop, to a day they’ll never forget.

Any predictions for the industry over the next few years?
Honestly, no clue, it’s hard to imagine considering all the crazy advancements they are making. Machines with no cords, touchless equipment, not to mention all the hype on the digital drawing side. All I know is things are changing, and I’m doing my best to keep my head afloat in this technological sea.

Pricing:

  • $100 an hour
  • Shop minimum $60

Contact Info:

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