Edward Cervantes’ Cazrkillz: The Force Behind LA’s Anime Tattoo Scene

Los Angeles-based tattoo artist Edward Cervantes, known professionally as Cazrkillz, has made a name for himself in the world of tattooing with his unique fusion of anime and manga-inspired designs.

A recent interview with InkPPL magazine provided a rare glimpse into his thoughts and motivations. 

As a pioneer in the anime tattoo scene, Cervantes is reshaping the industry and inspiring a new generation of artists to embrace the vibrant world of Japanese pop culture in their tattoo designs. This article will explore Cervantes’ journey as an artist, the tattoo scene in Los Angeles, and the history of anime tattoos.

From Graffiti to Tattoos: The Journey of Edward Cervantes

Edward Cervantes began his artistic journey as a graffiti artist, adopting the moniker “Cazr” in homage to hip-hop culture. After teaching himself tattooing, he quickly gained a reputation as a talented street artist, which led him to pursue a career in tattoo artistry. Combining his passion for Japanese animation and culture with his love of tattooing, Cervantes found his niche in the anime tattoo scene, where he has since gained fame and recognition. In addition to having gained a dedicated following, he has been compared to renowned artists like Bunny Machine, Hori Benny, and Nikko Hurtado for his tattooing skills.

The Tattoo Scene in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a thriving hub for the tattoo industry, boasting a diverse range of tattoo styles and world-class artists. The city’s rich history and cultural influences have given rise to a variety of tattoo styles, from traditional American tattoos to Chicano black-and-grey designs. The growing popularity of anime and manga in the United States has also contributed to the rise of anime tattoos, with artists like Cervantes leading the charge.

The LA tattoo scene is characterized by its creativity and artistic innovation, fostering a supportive environment for artists to develop their unique styles. Numerous tattoo shops and conventions throughout the city provide ample opportunities for both artists and enthusiasts to connect and share their passion for the art form.

A Brief Overview and History of Anime Tattoos

Anime tattoos, as the name suggests, are tattoos inspired by characters, scenes, or themes from Japanese animated films and TV series. This style of tattooing has gained popularity over the past few decades, coinciding with the global rise in interest in anime and manga.

The early beginnings of anime tattoos can be traced back to fan conventions, where attendees would often get tattoos to showcase their love for their favorite series or characters. As the popularity of anime grew, so did the demand for skilled artists capable of faithfully reproducing the intricate designs and vibrant colors found in anime art.

Anime tattoos are characterized by their attention to detail, bold colors, and accurate representation of characters or scenes from the source material. Some popular anime tattoo themes include Studio Ghibli films, Sailor Moon, Naruto, and Dragon Ball Z, among many others.

Over time, anime tattoos have evolved to encompass a broader range of styles and techniques, with some artists combining traditional Japanese tattooing methods with anime-inspired designs. This fusion of styles has led to the rise of the Otaku tattoo genre, which Cervantes has helped popularize through his work.

Edward Cervantes’ Impact on the Anime Tattoo Scene

Cervantes has played a significant role in shaping the anime tattoo scene, both in Los Angeles and beyond. His dedication to the craft and deep understanding of the source material has allowed him to create stunning works of art that capture the essence of beloved animated films and series. As the founder of the Cazrkillz brand, Cervantes has also helped to popularize the Otaku tattoo genre, paving the way for other artists to explore and embrace the world of anime and manga in their work.

Conclusion

Edward Cervantes’ Cazrkillz is not only revolutionizing the tattoo scene in Los Angeles but also inspiring a new generation of artists and enthusiasts.

The cultural ties between Japan and America are quite strong – and Anime is one of those binding elements. Expect to see a great new generation of Anime inspired tattoos in a city near you soon.

Similar Stories