Meet Angelica Spears | Professional Painter and Tattoo Apprentice

We had the good fortune of connecting with Angelica Spears and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angelica, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I chose an artistic career because I start to lose my mind when I’m not creating or working around other creative people. Art makes me feel fulfilled and happy. It drives me to become a better better person and to always have a goal to work towards. I also pursued an artistic career because I love the community that comes with it. I’ve felt so much support from so many amazing people who believed in me, and who taught me things because they’re passionate about their craft.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am currently a tattoo apprentice, working at Istari Tattoo Studios. I was fortunate enough to be taken in and mentored by Roman Casillas about a year and a half ago. The other tattooers at Istari also teach me valuable lessons in tattooing and in life, in addition to Roman.

My apprenticeship has been a challenge in regards to learning something that is completely new, but other than that, I’ve been very supported and encouraged along the way by everyone at Istari. Balancing my day jobs and my apprenticeship has been one of my biggest struggles as I’m always busy and often, poor (lol), but it’s been so worth it.

I’ve learned that time management is very important, keeping a positive outlook is essential even when it may be hard at times, to ask for help when you need it, to never give up, and always keep a goal in mind. The most important lesson of all is to be grateful.

At the moment, I am focusing on traditional style tattoos, but eventually I will specialize in realistic tattoos, as that has been my speciality.

I graduated from Laguna College of Art and Design in 2018, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Painting and Drawing. The education I received helped me in my apprenticeship when it comes to design, knowledge of creating depth and realistic shading, and keeping my eyes sharp on what to improve on. It also strengthen my love for painting in general. My paintings are parts of me and who I am that I love to give and make for others.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would first take them to Sabino Canyon, to see the waterfalls and the DMT toads. Then I would take them to the Desert Museum to learn about Tucson and see the obese prairie dogs. If they haven’t had enough of seeing cute animals, I’d take them to the Funny Foot Farm Petting Zoo.

We’d grab some coffee at Red Captain Coffee, where they have the best Horchata Lattes, and then grab some lunch at The Hub Restaurant.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I don’t even know where to start with my shout out since there are so many people who have made an amazing impact on me.

In regards to my apprenticeship, Roman Casillas, Jonathan Carrillo, Jim Quinn, and Savannah Hamiltime have been so wonderful in my journey. Moses Martinez also taught me lessons in Flash Painting. Last but not least, Hector Lopez kick started my tattoo journey when he began mentoring me while I lived in California. I owe him so much and he’s one the best people in this world that I’m lucky to know.

As for my Fine Art career, I received a valuable education from Richard Morris, Hope Railey, Betty Shelton, Kenny Harris and Greg LaRock. I can’t thank them enough for teaching me how to paint.

Instagram: Angelicaspearsarttt

Facebook: Angelica Spears Fine Art