Meet Makile Rivera | Tattooer and painter

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

Hi Makile, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I chose a career in art because it was always a huge part of my life. It makes me the happiest and gives me the most freedom. Aside from having clients tell me their ideas, everything else is up to me to bring that to life and I love that. I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I think what sets me apart from others is I put a lot of my self and interests into my work. There is a lot of influence from Native American to Hispanic culture in my work all the way to motorcycles, music, and skateboarding. I’m proud of the fact that other people resonate with it and want to wear it on them selves or use my art for their own brand or events. It wasn’t easy to get to where I am. From being the poorest I’ve been to all the long nights of working at home after working at the tattoo shop. There is still challenges in it, overwhelming days as well as long nights. The best lesson I’ve learned is to not take everything too serious and have fun.

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’ll usually great my friends visiting with more friends, so having a bbq and hanging out at the house is always on the list. Taking motorcycles around the poudre canyon or horsetooth. Going to shows at any of the music venues in town. I always liked showing people the swetsville zoo before it closed. We’d have to go eat at music city hot chicken at some point and have some drinks at match ups pool hall. Or just wonder around in old town.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people involved in the making of where I am today. I grew up drawing right next to my Dad. He was my first inspiration and still is. Both my Mom and Dad and entire family encouraged me so much. Becoming a tattooer is a whole can of worms and there are too many people involved in that to list. From my mentors wade and Jacoba for getting my foot in the door to all the people after who have taught me things and introduced me to new people and artists. I would definitely have to involve Shawn McDonald my coworker a huge portion for teaching me so much about painting, how to apply color theory into my art and branching out from not only being a tattooer.

Instagram: Makileriveratattoo

Facebook: Makile Rivera