How many days did you spend in the area with Lalo, and were there any moments that stood out during or outside of the tattoo session? What was the studio space like?

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The tattoo session itself lasted three days. I stayed in the area for about a week—I spent three days getting tattooed, took a day to recover, and then left around the sixth or seventh day. What stood out the most was the tattoo studio itself—it was quite small, and people would wander in, asking questions not only about tattoos but also engaging with Lalo. He was incredibly interactive with his customers and was working alongside an apprentice who was very knowledgeable.

It was interesting working with the apprentice, discussing the meaning behind my tattoo, and seeing how she works. I also watched her do a couple of tattoos while I was hanging out in the studio. It was a unique experience seeing other artists at work during my time there.

How would you describe the “Lalo Experience” in one word or phrase, and how did the setting contribute to it?

I’d describe it as exhilarating. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but the whole experience felt more fluid and dynamic than I anticipated. The hotel I stayed in was just a quarter mile from the studio, located on a beautiful beach resort in Colombia. The weather was warm and perfect, the food was excellent, and the area had a vibrant energy.

Did getting tattooed by Lalo change your perspective on tattoos or tattooing as an art form?

Not really. I’ve always believed that tattoos are deeply meaningful to the person getting them and are a collaborative effort between the artist and the client. Lalo exemplified exactly what I was looking for in an artist, and I’m glad I waited for the right time. This tattoo was years in the making, and the bond we formed during the process made it a good experience. I’ve already decided to get another tattoo from Lalo.

Do you plan to get more tattoos done in Colombia with Lalo?

I’m getting one more tattoo in Columbia, and after that, I’m pretty much done.

What advice would you give to someone considering being tattooed by Lalo in the Colombian Caribbean?

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Give Lalo with as much detail as possible about what you want and be open to new experiences. The Colombian experience is amazing, and while some people hesitate to go because of safety concerns, there’s really nothing dangerous about Santa Marta. You’re on the Caribbean coast and it’s a beautiful space.

I think people should take some time to actually fly out there. There are two nearby airports, and drivers will take you straight to the resort. It’s incredibly convenient and much more affordable than getting a similar tattoo done in a place like Chicago.

How do you feel about your tattoo now, and what does it mean to you personally?

I feel great about it—it’s healed beautifully. I’m just waiting on a few touch-ups, but overall, I’m really happy with it. If you don’t already have a tattoo, I think you should consider getting one. I know tattoos can be divisive, and people have strong feelings about them, but everyone should experience it at least once. Even something small can be meaningful. The experience itself is unique and can be deeply impactful.