The Artists
Our artists can work with you to develop a new, unique and original tattoo for you. As much as you can look online for "ideas" for your tattoo, and bring pictures to your artist to say, "I want something like this," the idea is for you to work with your tattoo artist and allow that person to work their talent for you. We invite you to stop in and meet our crew.
For more information on our work process and procedure, please visit our FAQs page.
Aleks Figueroa
Tattoo Artist
Aleks Figueroa is the founder and owner of Dream Jungle Tattooing & Piercing. Born in Monterrey, Mexico, to a Mexican father and Filipina (Pinay) mother, he is considered one of the pioneers in the contemporary Filipino tattoo movement. His artistry, convictions, and down-to-earth persona have allowed him to travel and tattoo in South Africa, Dubai, the Philippines, Australia, Hawaii, and across North America.
What is a Filipino tattoo?
What I do is a modern interpretation, my vision of Filipino tattooing, which is an evolved genre. I have a more open philosophy on Filipino tattoos. Although I am well-trained and studied, I really don’t claim to be “authentic” because in reality it’s impossible to replicate an undocumented art form that spans hundreds, if not thousands, of years. The meaning those tattoos had then are not the same as now. I’m trying to recreate a spirit (of the many cultures, islands, and people of the Philippine Archipelago) not a form through my tattoos. As a form of both celebration and resistance, my Filipino tattoos incorporate pre-colonial indigenous images, symbols, and languages to tell a unique story for each client.
How did you get into tattooing?
I got into tattooing from a political, activist perspective. I saw indigenous tattoos, not just Filipino ones, being done poorly and merely for profit. Also, I wanted to get my tattoos done by a person of color. Then eventually, I started tattooing others because I wanted to be a catalyst for Filipino tattoos. Now, I’ve been tattooing for over thirteen years and have owned Dream Jungle since 2007.
What are you inspired by?
Women, or more specifically, the feminine energy and spirit inspire my art. Women have a softness and curves that men don’t have and I am inspired by those lines.
What influences your tattooing?
Japanese art. Other tattoo artists. Textiles. Photography. Architecture. Design. The ocean. The earth. The original elements. Surfing. The lines of a shark. If you think about it, nature has all the original lines and images I’ll ever need.
What is your tattoo style and aesthetic?
Organic. Holistic. Fundamental. Constantly and consciously moving forward. Aside from the obvious blackwork/tribal that I do, I am known for hybrid styles including Polypino (combining Polynesian and Filipino tattoos), Mexipino (Mexican-Filipino styles), Taino (indigenous Puerto Rican), and Filipanese (Filipino tattoos mixed with tattoos from across Asia).
What is your favorite piece?
I always say that my favorite tattoo is the last one I just did because it is the culmination of you. I’m always hoping it’s better than the last one I just did.
Tattoos are?
Personal testimonies.
Tattooing is?
Sacred.
“What I really appreciate about Aleks is that, even though he does do the traditional Filipino design, he doesn't BS you about it being this or that. He is clear about the disconnect between the homeland and here, and that what he's creating is influenced by traditional designs, AND is also an evolution of the art as it relates to Filipinos here in the US.”
Kiwi Illafonte
Gus Peña
Tattoo Artist
Tattoo artist Gus Peña was born in Long Beach, California and raised on the city’s west side. He has over twenty years of tattooing experience. When not tattooing, he enjoys skateboarding snowboarding stunting, street bikes, and “anything where you can break a bone.”
How would you describe your style of tattooing?
My style is always evolving. I’m about trying new things, pushing my limits and the limits of my imagination and the limits of my canvas--skin and the human body. Of course, I always stick to what my clients want, but when they let me loose, my personal style is a little rough, a little unfinished looking, where lines don’t mesh perfectly together, they end early and force the viewer to complete the image. I guess that’s kind of my trademark.
What was the first tattoo you ever gave?
A pair of dice I blasted on myself when I was fourteen (Laughs).
What other tattoo artists do you admire?
I never really followed the industry. I wanted to stay a recluse and do my own thing. But I do like Jose Lopez out of Santa Ana because that’s the style I grew up with and Aleks’ (Figueroa) tribal stuff because I’ve never really seen anything else like it.
What are some of your favorite pieces that you’ve done?
Most recently, I really like this series of robots that I’ve just done.
What pieces are you most known for?
My Long Beach pieces. The Queen Mary. The city skyline. Both within the state outline of California.
Tattoos are…
Forever. Never going nowhere. Never out of style.
Tattooing is?
My life. It’s all I really know.
Brandi-Jean
Piercer
Brandi-Jean has been in the tattoo/piercing game for nearly 15 years from her first tattoo at 15. She keeps the perspective of piercing realistic and loves the fact that she is in a tattoo shop by real people for real people.
Who inspires you?
All art inspires me from tattoo mostly Frida Kahlo, Mark Ryden, ALL GRAFF artists.
What is piercing to you?
$
How did you get into piercing?
From a friend who was a piercer and wanted to be a Tattooer.
What are you inspired by?
My children and my clients.
What influences your piercing?
The client’s requests.
What is your piercing style and aesthetic?
Clean, fast and sterile.
What is your favorite piece?
Nose piercings.
How would you describe your style of piercing?
QUICK.
What was the first pierce you ever gave?
A tongue piercing on my next-door neighbor 17 years ago.
What other piercing/tattoo artists do you admire?
Steve Potz, Matt Shamah, Small Paul, Tim Hendrix.
What are some of your favorite pieces that you’ve done?
Corset for gay pride!
Pierces are?
A cute adornment
Piercings is?
Not for everyone. It takes a special person to stab flesh for money.
Fernando Torres
Tattoo Artist
Although tattooing is a lifestyle for the Long Beach born native being a father is Fernando’s favorite activity.
He describes his style of custom tattooing as evil. He is known for his black and gray work and his collages. A devil back piece was his first tattoo that he ever gave.
Industry known people like Robert Hernandez, Paul Booth, and Bob Tyrell are a few tattoo artists that he admires.
To Fernando, tattoos are irreplaceable.
Please note, his portfolio is in the progress of being rebuilt due to the unfortunate circumstance of his files being deleted.
Ben Mene
Tattoo Artist
Ben Mene was born in Samoa and raised in Lynwood, South Gate, Compton and Long Beach. Growing up, tattooing wasn't part of his plan but art found its way by drawing and painting since the age of 5. People already in the game introduced him to tattooing after college and the Marine Corps like Akiu from Hawaii and Fred Frost of Carson.
His art background has enabled him to fuse both Polynesian art with various styles of tattooing.
He is honored to have worked with tattoo masters Si'i Luifau, Su'a Lafaele Suluape, Su'a Peter Suluape, Steve Looney Suluape and Aisea Toetu'u Suluape.
In his words, “I've been blessed to be where I'm at because of a man who encouraged that my talent will find my happiness and success. He was right.”
