Meet Dan Alarcon | Tattoo Artist and Illustrator

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

Hi Dan, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
What makes me happy is being able to make art as a job. It’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Tattooing was also one of those professions that I didn’t think I would be able to get into, but here I am. I’m super grateful to be in the industry and excited to see what I can produce.

Also, my partner of 8 years makes me super happy. They’ve supported me throughout and pushed me to go ahead and ‘just do it’. Without that push and encouragement, I think I’d still be doubting myself.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey was a long one. I’ve always been interested in art since I was a kid. I think the cartoons and games I played early on like Pokemon helped me get into it. I would spend my time sketching and trying to recreate the artwork from those cards and try and design my own. When I was in middle/high school, is when I discovered my fascination with tattoos and tattoo art.

I grew up on the east coast, in a city outside of Center City Philadelphia. The area I grew up in was a little on the rougher side. I was surrounded by people with tattoos and always thought they looked cool. I would spend time in class doodling little designs on my notebooks or drawing sleeves on myself or my friends. I thought I’d get an apprenticeship after high school but my mom wanted me to go to college and go the professional route.

I went to college for Graphic Design and worked in that industry for about 8 years before I decided to finally go back and revisit tattooing. All it took was the pandemic and me hitting 30. An early mid-life crisis.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well since it’s Colorado, the mountainscapes are a must. A little hiking and/or camping trip is something I always try to plan. My main reason for moving out here. I tend to take people are some of the main touristy areas like downtown Denver, Golden, and Boulder and see what the vibe is. I go with the flow and go wherever the energy is.

I like to head down to Tennyson street or old town Arvada for food and drinks. It’s close to our house and lively at night.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The biggest shoutout goes to my partner, Breanne Garger, for being the amazing person they’ve always been. Wouldn’t be able to do anything without them.

Second would be my mentor, Brian Judge, over at SnB tattoo, and his lovely wife Pamela for taking me in and helping me on my tattoo journey. They are the sweetest and most wonderful people you’ll ever meet. Also, all the artists over there are super encouraging and talented and push me to be better in all aspects.

And can’t forget my family and friends. Without them and their willingness to volunteer parts of their body for my practice, I’d be lost.

Website: ddotart.com

Instagram: @D_Dot_Art

Image Credits
Amb.tattoo SnB Tattoo Breanne Garger