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LITOS OF FORBIDDEN IMAGES
Standards of Excellence
by Tommy Johnson
Photos courtesy of Litos
From the November 2003 issue of Prick Magazine.
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 Litos at work. |
 Tattoos by Litos. |
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For over 20 years Litos has been striving for excellence in the
field of tattooing. When he walked into a tattoo shop in Rio De
Janeiro, Brazil at age 12, he didn't know he would help open the
doors to a lifestyle that would become known worldwide. His interests
were sparked by the best in Rio at that time and the best was Tyes, a
Hell's Angel. This was Litos' first exposure to tattooing. From that point
on, Litos began to research and find out as much about the industry as
he could. Tyes became a mentor for Litos, and he continued coming back
for advice and guidance on tattooing. Once word of mouth spread,
though, Litos eventually made it on his own. At 15, he was tattooing professionally.
Two years ago, Litos and his wife Julie opened Forbidden
Images in New Port Richey, Florida , which is just outside of Tampa. Litos is
expanding his talent soon with another shop opening in the Tampa bay
area.
Tommy: You were so young when you began your apprenticeship.
What was that like.
Litos: I was so young. It was not a committed apprenticeship. I
learned a great deal of information and gestures from him. He gave me
knowledge that I used to the best of my ability.
Who are your influences in tattooing?
Ed Hardy, the Leu Family, Lyle Tuttle, Cliff Raven and
Greg Irons - those where the
guys who were in
it during the tattoo
movement.
They where
responsible for
taking the heat
for everything
that was out
there. Back then
you had no idea
how powerful
that was, but
today we do. They
went through all
the negative feedback
from society
and everything
else. You didn't
know how serious it was until today and we are completely grateful for
those people. They went through thick and thin and stuck with tattooing
and we are here today because of those people.
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I have seen a great deal of your work at conventions.
Anything from portraits to color work. Do you have a specific
type of style that you prefer to do?
No, I try to do everything and that is for my own artistic fulfillment.
I don't like to put myself in a room with walls around me and be
the best of one particular thing. I like to do everything. I like to be open
for anyone who walks through that door or approaches me as an artist. I
don't want to limit them. I try to learn as much as I can on any kind of style
so I can fulfill all the people who like my style. I try to do as much as I can.
Do you have any prior art school background?
Yeah, I went to an art school, always jumping around everywhere.
The schools I went to - just like anything else - you take what is
valuable to you. If it is to your
advantage. I think living tattooing is
a big school for me, seeing so many
teachers out there. The Filip Leus,
Greg Irons and Ed Hardys - those
are the people you really look up to
and try to understand what they are
doing. It wasn't easy to get a hold of
them or get in touch. So I guess
field experience is the best school
and I am still learning.
Do you do any art outside of tattooing?
Whenever I get a chance, yes. I do airbrushing, but I'm
always busy tattooing. I try to get
personal with the illustration and
what the people feel with what they
are getting. I try to get the spiritual
value of it and it is a lot more powerful
when the people have a whole
story behind the whole experience
of getting the tattoo. Taking a basic
idea is a masterpiece for me
because that is what I use for the
foundation of my ideas. It is like
when a person comes into a shop
and says 'I love your work, do anything
on me' - I cannot work or do
anything with that. I have to have
input from the customer. As far as
my painting goes, I try to put more
time into it just for my own satisfaction,
and so I can take tattooing
to another level.
You have a great
reputation for doing phenomenal
work. Is that something
that you always have been
interested in?
I do? (Laughing)
When you started
to tattoo, did you think your
reputation and talent would excel to this level?
Not in my wildest dreams could I ever imagine I’d be where I am at today. But I think
the level I’m at now is just the beginning.
I have also heard that some famous
professional wrestlers have gotten their work
done by you.
Yes, they do. They travel a lot, so it is hard to
get them in, but once they get in it is an all day event
because they have a lot of canvas to cover. They don't get
little tattoos. They get elaborate pieces. The Undertaker
has seen my work in the wrestling field and has recommended
people to come to me. I think it is really cool
that he would recommend other people to me. I also did
both arms on Gangrel.
What do you think has been your best
work so far and why?
I can't say. It is all based on timing. You could
have asked me that question 10 years ago and I could have
told you something that was done. I can't pick one particular
tattoo. They all have a personal level of gratitude
and respect to every single piece. It is not the size or even
the time involved, it is just what it represents to the person. I can mention three people that
have a strong commitment, love and pride with my work. The first is Stan McFarland with
the Vietnam Memorial piece. We completed that piece in seven months. Stan also won 3rd
Place Best Overall at the Mario Barth show this October. I have done back pieces that have
taken two years. That is a sign of commitment. It is a matter of finance. If I could do this for
free, I would, but I have a family to feed. I have that much love that I would tattoo for free
if God permitted. Another customer is Vicki, a nurse. We just recently finished her back
piece for the Mario Barth convention in New Jersey where she picked up 2nd Place Overall.
She also has her whole leg done. The tattoos on her leg represent her protecting her children.
I respect that. Those are the two larger pieces I have a lot of respect for.
What about newer pieces?
The Boba Fett on Thomas' leg. He works with us. It is one of the latest works.
We one Best Large Color at the last Tampa Convention for that piece. There are a lot of
new things that I tried on that piece that I have never done before. He has that much feeling
for this piece. It took 32 hours.
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I was at the last Tampa Convention. Just how many plaques did you
walk away with. You literally stole the show.
16 awards, most of them 1st and 2nd place. Stan, Thomas and Vicki all won that
day. There were actually a lot
of first timers in the industry
at the convention who actually
one 1st and 2nd places. They
were thrilled to death. One of
my customers got Best Tribal
for a piece that had been done
two weeks prior to the convention.
This was also his first
convention. He had never been
before so I invited him. If you
have never been to a convention,
you have to go just to
check it out. It is a good
opportunity for people to
check out your work.
Do you think
that many artists step on
each other's toes?
As far as I know, you
can walk into any shop from
here to Ft. Myers and ask anyone
that knows me and they
will tell you that I have
absolutely nothing bad to say about anyone. Even if I had a reason, I wouldn't say anything
because it is completely unprofessional. It is not my place and there is no need for it. It
doesn't make me any better. Unfortunately the artists out there who do talk are insecure
with themselves.
I worked for someone for 20 years. That is along time. It was like a home to me. For
legal reasons I am not even allowed to mention the name. It is sad to say. It is pretty bad to
be with someone for 20 years that I have total respect for and not even have the freedom
to openly thank the person. Unfortunately, he doesn't own the shop anymore and the people
who do own it are not showing me that they deserve any kind of recognition at all. For
all the other people stepping on toes, it is just insecurity. We know who we are in the business,
and as humans there is no need for it. The business level is very insignificant compared
to the personal level of respect to a human being. I will be the first person to help anyone
that has been beside me. I do recommend other people to other shops like Jordan at
MOM'S. We advertised together. We are friends. That is the freedom I have. I deal with people
I respect and have no problem with them. Tom at Mean Machine in Tampa and everyone
at that shop. Atomic Steve, Dan, and Clay they are all really nice people. Vicky and Jim at
Artistic Armor, they are also friends. I have met these people through the industry.
Do you think that word of mouth is important?
Yes, we wouldn't have survived here for two years without word of mouth from
our customers. When I left my former employer of 20 years, I was committed to tattooing.
Now with this shop it is not just the name Litos, it is Forbidden Images and it is not just me
- it's Litos and Julie. My wife is the most important part of why we are here today. She is
the one who got me by, the hand that motivated me to do this. It was my time to grow and
she pushed me. She is the beautiful mind behind Forbidden Images.
I found that out when I had to make time with you.
Yes, she is definitely the energy I am most grateful for. I would not be having this
interview without her. Without her we would not be able to open up another shop.
Is your shop going to be in the Tampa Bay area?
Yes, we will be at both locations. It will be crazier.
Do you have any advice for up and coming artist in the industry?
Research, research, research. Go everywhere if you are interested in tattooing.
Be very serious and committed. The best thing to do is get educated about the subject. The
more education you have, the better you are. Go out and meet the different shop owners
and artists and get involved with events. Don't look for the wrong reasons and find a positive
shop to work for. If your approach doesn't work, change your approach if you are not
getting anywhere.
Ten years ago tattooing was not at the level it was now, do you think
it will progress to the point where society will accept them?
Not completely, there are people out there who still will never like them, but it
will change. We have to concentrate on business. Quality of work is just as big as educating
people on the industry. Don't settle for less, go out and research before you make your decision
because it is not like you can come back within 30 days. Make your choice carefully, it
is the history of our lives that we carry. The bad thing about professional shops today is a
great deal of shop owners are freaking out about bringing people to the shops in the wrong
way. So they do all these promotions like two for one tattoos and $10 piercings. It may bring
people in at that moment, but it is not upgrading the standards of tattooing.
Are you going to any up and coming conventions?
Yes, the next Florida convention in March, then we will basically play it by ear.
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Forbidden Images
Custom Tattoo and Piercing
New Port Richey, Florida
Phone 727.846.8757
Or on the web at www.forbiddenimages.com
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