Luis Miguel Hinestroza has emerged as one of the most recognized Colombian tattoo artists in the United States, achieving remarkable success in the vibrant tattoo scene of Atlanta, Georgia.
At just 35 years old, this talented artist has been making waves in his profession for the past two and a half years since relocating to the U.S.
His journey began back in 2015 when Luis Miguel visited his cousin in Atlanta and found himself tattooing friends and family in a home environment, igniting a passion that would lead him to a new life overseas.
Born and raised in Medellin, Luis Miguel was no stranger to the art of tattooing, having already made a name for himself by working with top reggaeton artists in his home country.
Despite his happiness in Colombia, he felt compelled to explore new horizons and knew that both his artistic and personal growth would benefit from the opportunities available in the U.S.
Today, he works at Ink & Dagger, one of Atlanta’s premier tattoo studios, where he operates with a busy schedule that reflects his talent and hard work.
Luis Miguel notes that the contrasts between life in Medellin and Atlanta are significant.
“Compared to Medellin, Atlanta is an immense city with very spread-out parts,” he explains.
While he is content in his current environment, he reminisces about the camaraderie and community he had in Colombia, where he collaborated with other artists in various studios across neighborhoods like Laureles and Poblado.
His artistic interests extend far beyond tattooing; he is well-versed in multiple forms and techniques of visual art, including watercolor, acrylic, oil painting, and lettering.
“I see them as something I want to achieve,” he says, discussing his commitment to perfecting his craft. “I have periods when I only draw or only do acrylics.”
Luis Miguel’s fascination with tattoos stems from childhood experiences, influenced largely by his uncles, who were artists themselves.
His upbringing was heavily family-oriented, and it was during visits to his cousins’ homes that he was introduced to tattoo culture through art reviews, comics, and magazines that showcased illustrations.
By the age of 10, he was already shaping his own artistic vision and drew inspiration from various artists.
“One of my main influences was a French artist named Jean Giraud, also known as Moebius, who worked on comic strips and in science fiction,” he recalls.
Luis Miguel also looked up to American artist Andrew Loomis, whose educational works on human anatomy and figure drawing helped refine his skills.
Since moving to the U.S., Luis Miguel has been embraced by the local tattoo community in Atlanta, where people recognize not only his artistic talent but also his warm character and communication skills.
Despite his limited English upon arrival, he noted, “They welcomed me very well.”
In reflecting on the contrasting tattoo markets between Colombia and the U.S., he emphasizes the vast difference in opportunities.
“The U.S. market offers more opportunities due to its size and available knowledge,” Luis Miguel explains.
While he acknowledges the vast creativity and talent present in Colombia, he also points out that information about tattooing is often harder to access.
“There’s a gap when foreign artists come to Colombia. Despite being talented in various fields, Colombian artists often find themselves undervalued,” he observes.
This issue stems from the cultural perception that leads to lower pricing for Colombian artists, making it difficult for them to succeed at the same level as their international counterparts.
Adapting to life in the U.S. has presented Luis Miguel with its own set of challenges.
Like many immigrants, he experiences homesickness, missing the rich flavors of Colombian cuisine and the warmth of his homeland.
“Damn, I miss it a lot,” he admits.
The social dynamics differ greatly, as he finds it harder to establish connections in Atlanta compared to the friendly nature of his compatriots.
“In Colombia, we are very warm. It’s easy to become friends and help people,” he reflects. “Here, people are more materialistic.”
Nevertheless, he recognizes some advantages to this new culture.
“People here are more open-minded and respectful. There is a lot of freedom,” he states, noting that he feels less judged for expressing himself.
Luis Miguel is optimistic about his future in the U.S. and expresses pride in his Colombian heritage.
“What drives me is being Colombian and being from Medellin,” he declares.
Despite the ups and downs of his journey, he finds motivation in the belief that someday he may return to Colombia, possibly living the dream of owning a home—a luxury that is often unattainable back home.
For now, he continues to thrive in his new environment, committed to showcasing Colombian art and culture through his tattoo work.
image source from：colombiaone
