VoyageLA - Meet James Alpert of San Pedro

Voyagela.com/MeetJamesAlpertofSanpedro

Today we’d like to introduce you to James Alpert.

Hi James, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m James Alpert, a 22-year-old artist based in Los Angeles County. My work spans tattooing, oil painting, graphic design, and marketing. At the core of everything I do is a love for storytelling, using each medium as a tool to explore identity, emotion, and culture.

I began tattooing at 18, starting with American Traditional styles out of respect for the roots of the craft. But I’ve always been drawn to people, their stories, their faces, and the emotion behind every expression. Portraits became my focus, and that passion pushed me to keep evolving. I wanted my tattoos to reflect the same depth and quality as my drawings, and to create work I could truly be proud of. That drive led me to The Artistry Gallery in San Pedro, where I was lucky enough to begin studying under Rino Gonzalez, a third-generation oil painter and a master of storytelling through art.

After some time learning under Rino, I was offered the opportunity to apprentice under both him and Alan Padilla, a world renowned tattoo artist whose mentorship continues to shape how I approach my craft. As co-owners of The Artistry, Rino and Alan have helped me bridge the gap between skin and canvas, refining my techniques and deepening my artistic voice.

Beyond the studio, I work with Victory House Agency in collaboration with iHeartRadio and its subchannel My Cultura. I stepped into this role after CEO Nicole Garcia saw potential in me and brought me in. As a Mexican artist, it’s been especially meaningful to help raise awareness of Latino culture in Los Angeles by creating podcast branding, visuals, and social media content. It’s a space where I combine my digital design skills with my cultural roots, using art to tell stories that matter. I’ve had the honor of working on shows such as “Chiquis and Chill” and “Connections with Eva Longoria”, helping bring powerful voices and narratives to life.

Every piece I create, whether it’s a tattoo, painting, or design, is rooted in authenticity. I strive to reflect real narratives, honor emotion, and create art that resonates and endures.

I currently tattoo alongside Alan Padilla in a private studio located in San Pedro and take commissions for custom oil paintings. The best way to keep up with my latest work, projects, and availability is through my Instagram and on my website.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not a smooth road. Tattooing is one of the most misunderstood careers, especially when you’re just starting out. A lot of people still associate tattoos with gang culture or think it’s not a “real job,” especially if you come from a background where art isn’t seen as a serious career. My parents were definitely surprised. My dad is an old-school New Yorker who has a few tattoos he regrets from his time in the Navy, and my mom is a traditional woman from Mexico City. They knew very little about the tattoo world, but they love art.

I wanted to prove that art is bigger than the starving artist stereotype or the outdated view that tattoos are only tied to gang culture. It’s easy to see it that way from the outside, but once you’re in this world, you realize it’s full of incredibly hardworking, passionate people. And of course, some not-so-great ones too.

Tattooing isn’t like a normal job. When you start, it’s more like going to school without a scholarship. You sweep, mop, and do all the things that prove you’re serious. There’s a lot of loyalty involved. Many artists are protective of their craft because they’ve worked insanely hard to get where they are. That’s understandable. They want their skills and traditions to be respected, but that’s also where egos come in. Some can be cautious or guarded. Earning your place means showing dedication and respect for the artists who came before you.

That said, once you’re in, you become family. But like any family, there are arguments, differences, and clashes of opinion, especially in an environment as emotional and vulnerable as art. People get attached to their work, their style, and their progress. If you’re growing quickly, that can create tension. I started tattooing at 18, and as I slowly began climbing in the industry, I noticed the ego and jealousy that can come with it. Progress doesn’t always sit well with people who think you haven’t “earned it” yet. But I kept going.

I got a lot of “no’s” early on. Most shops didn’t want someone without experience. But shout out to Drew Bobadilla, the owner of No Regrets Tattoo in Pico Rivera, Muggz, and Nick Bruno. They gave me my first real opportunity and trained me up. That chance meant everything, and it’s the reason I’m here today still doing what I love. I hope one day to teach and help others get started, just like they helped me.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in different mediums such as oil painting, tattooing, graphic design, and digital art. My strength lies in portrait work and realism. I’m known for my ability to bring emotion and life into my work, especially through the eyes. Eyes carry everything: vulnerability, strength, and story. I always aim to make them the center of connection in any piece I create.

Working across these different mediums has given me a strong understanding of composition, balance, and visual storytelling. Whether I’m creating on skin, canvas, or screen, I approach each piece with a designer’s eye and an artist’s heart.

What I’m most proud of are my paintings. They’ve become my greatest personal achievements, especially because I never thought I could paint. It felt out of reach for a long time, but I pushed myself to learn and grow. Two of my favorite pieces, “Held but Not Kept” and “Whispers on the Wall”, represent deeply personal chapters in my life. I honestly can’t choose between them. Each one holds emotional weight in its own way. Being able to represent myself and showcase these works with The Artistry Gallery has been a powerful and validating experience. Standing alongside other talented artists and sharing my work with the public has made the journey even more meaningful.

What sets me apart is how I combine all my creative skills into a single voice. Tattooing, painting, and graphic design are all tools I use to tell meaningful stories. I was raised by two hardworking business owners and supported every step of the way by my brother, Jose Gonzalez, who’s always believed in me and my vision. Together, they instilled in me a strong sense of discipline, hustle, and pride in my work. I was taught to build something of my own and to make sure it reflected who I am. I create to connect, to represent, and to leave behind work that carries emotion, meaning, and longevity.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about the city is its creative diversity. LA feels like a crossroads where different worlds meet. I’ve connected with artists from all over the globe, including tattooers who practice traditional Tebori from Japan, tribal specialists, painters, designers, and creatives in the film, music, and entertainment industries. It’s like living inside a constantly evolving museum. The energy here keeps me inspired and pushes me to keep growing.

What I like least about our city? The traffic haha. It’s the price we pay to live in a city full of opportunity. If that ever gets fixed, LA might just be unbeatable.

Image Credits
Benny Farillas