Art has no borders, rules or limitations – no one knows that better than Joseph Cabello. From a young age Cabello has had a passion for art but he never thought that one day his hobby would become all consuming.
A California native, Cabello spent his childhood in the agricultural hub of Tulare County. In school the aspiring artist remembers coloring in perfectly shaded geographical maps while other students struggle to color inside the lines. His natural inclination for art has never left him. Thanks to the art program at his high school Cabello was able to build a foundation for his artistic style. Although his art teacher had a challenge on her hands, her patience and recognition of talent allowed Cabello to hone his skill. “Mrs. Silvera was a really good art teacher. Because of her, my freshman year of college was basically review.” The long haired, punk rocking teen quickly began out pacing his fellow classmates. By his senior year he was given additional projects outside of the syllabus to increase his talent as well as keep him from distracting others with his wicked back flips.
Cabello never really saw art as a potential career until he learned about the Art Institute of Los Angeles. “I never really thought I could do anything with art but they [AILA] reached out to me.” He was eventually accepted into AILA and after graduating Tulare Western High School in 2007 he moved to Los Angeles.
Art school opened Cabello up to a whole new world. He became a sponge absorbing anything dealing with art. It was also while attending AILA that Cabello fell in love with storytelling and film. Today his background in animation can still be seen in both his multimedia art work as well as his tattooing.
Like many young artists serious about their craft Cabello began exploring a variety of avenues to express his creativity. He eventually came across tattooing. “Once I started tattooing it took over my life, like a virus.” said Cabello. His new found creative outlet eventually led to an apprenticeship at Ocean Front Tattoos in Venice beach. Working a full time job, completing his undergraduate education and working as an apprentice, was a hectic senior year. Unsure when or how he could finish his degree Cabello met with his college advisor. With the help of his advisor Cabello was able to graduate with his bachelor’s degree in animation in 2012, as well as get his foot in the door at an established Los Angeles tattoo studio.
His financial planner introduced Cabello to the owner of Hollywood Stars a thriving tattoo studio in the heart of LAX. The owner Eric Guitierrez and many of the tattoo artist working at Hollywood Stars were also graduates of AILA. Surrounded by fellow AILA alums and faculty Cabello learned the in-and-outs of the tattoo business. His three years spent at Hollywood Stars is what cemented his passion for tattooing as well as taught him how to communicate with clients and turn their concepts into reality. Cabello’s skill is constantly evolving with each client he works on. Having tattooed for the last eight years, he has built a reputation of excellence. His style spans the spectrum from realism to abstract, Cabello enjoys the challenge of transferring an piece of art onto skin. Cabello credits his fellow tattoo artist for his desire to push the limits. “If I’m not tattooing I’m looking at other artists’ work; comparing them to my own or thinking, ‘How did they do that, or how can I do that better?’”
Currently Cabello tattoos exclusively in the Central Valley at Body Art Gallery in Tulare CA, travels to the Los Angeles area for guest spots, and travels throughout the country participating in tattoo conventions. “Sometimes I feel like I need a break from it, but after a day without tattoo I’m itching to do it.” Cabello both owns the tattoo studio in his hometown of Tulare and tattoos fulltime. Body Art Gallery. 1267 E. Prosperity Ave. Tulare Ca. 93274. Cabello looks forward to his growth as an artist and hopes to and filmmaking into his repertoire.
Sheyanne Romero
The Foothills Sun-Gazette