Meet Fred Legarda | Owner/ artist Self Made Tattoo

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

Hi Fred, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process was that no shop I applied to would give me a chance. I was told my portfolio wasn’t good enough. I was working in a shop with a reputation at the time and no shop that I applied to would have me so, I decided I would open a shop. Hence “Self Made tattoo” I found a building I could afford on my own with what clientele I had at the time (bless them all!) and went for it! I hired some artists and a piercer and we took off.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
About my tattooing, I’m well rounded and not without my share of trials and tribulations. There are artists who focus on one style and seek perfection in what they choose to do. My approach is to become fluent in all styles so no client goes out the door disappointed. It’s been a long process but I feel like I am fluent in at least 3-4 styles and always learning and looking for new techniques and tools. The think I am most proud of is watching peoples self esteem rise up through getting tattooed, seeing people smile when they leave the shop, seeing how proud they are of they’re tattoos and how tattoos have made them stronger or more social or given them hope. It’s all a bout an artist connection. All about the clients. I want to touch as many people as I can and do as many tattoos as I can. I want every person to know that Self Made tattoo is an attitude, a lifestyle where if you want to accomplish anything you can do it. If someone is not about what your dreams are then you can make them happen. I want people to know that they have everything in them to accomplish anything they want to accomplish.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is tough, for sure a tattoo at Self Made tattoo! Haha I would say seven falls,
Good camp road,
Eleven mile canyon,
Green line grill for sure!
420pizza a must
Cowboy star for steak!
Arceos for mexiCAN !
Most definitely the cottonwood center for the arts and probably some garden of the gods!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The clients. Period. We have had such an awesome client base that they deserve a lot of the credit. We have also had our share of artists come through the shop and each one of them brings their clients and when it all comes together it’s awesome!

Website: Www.fredlegarda.com

Instagram: @fredlegardart

Image Credits
Brian tryon @staringatmountains