Tattooing has been around for so many years, but just recently for me, more anime tattoos have been popping up. I’m not sure if it’s because we really started working within this anime community not too long ago, or I just haven’t been keeping an eye out, but I think it’s definitely a nice change of pace seeing anime in the tattoo community.

There is a tattoo artist based out of Los Angeles, that goes under the alias, “Goretaku” that provides this artwork. It’s not just any type of anime he specializes in, but he creates LEWD ones, which is definitely something to look into.

I had to contact him to get a more in depth view of anime in the tattooing world, and this was how the interview went.

INTERVIEW WITH GORETAKU:

1. Give a little background about yourself. Why Goretaku?

My name is Jordan LeGore, I am a tattoo artist based in the San Fernando valley / Los Angeles area. My IG handle ” Goretaku ” is based off of the mixture of my last name, and the Otaku term. This actually is my primary focus lately as a tattooer, To bridge the gap between Anime imagery, characters, and style to skin.

2. Why/How did you start getting into tattooing?

I am a musician aside from an artist, and growing up, a lot of the bands I listened to had members that were heavily tattooed. I was always interested in the art form and style. Once I got my first one I was hooked. I was fortunate enough that the artist that tattooed me took me under his wing and taught me some things about tattoo culture. Shout out to Carlos Vargas @Noblephrenia I wouldn’t be where I am without the knowledge we’ve shared over the years.

3. How would you describe the tattoo work that you do?

It took me the last few years to definitely find a style that I felt most happy doing and being able to share on human canvas. The way I would describe my style for my custom work is very anime / hentai influenced. The Japanese animation and doujin art form has always been a huge fascination of mine ever since I picked up my first manga or watched my first anime. Aside from that, I love doing iconic characters from animations or graphic novels that people love. Otaku Irezumi if you’d wish to call it.

4. I’ve noticed you do a lot of anime tattoos. Which one is your favorite that you’ve done, and why?

It is my main focus for my portfolio, and one I did just recently has to be one of my favorites this year. I had an awesome client get a custom ahegao piece on their forearm. It was such a great placement for the tattoo, in terms of aesthetic and even the shock value it might receive. I love pushing the boundaries of what people think others would get tattooed. I want to do something different than the other artists out there that are putting their work on skin. I was very fortunate to make such a piece in such a visible area for all to see!

5. Since you create these anime tattoos, you must have a favorite anime. What is your favorite?

In the last few years only a few have stuck out among the hundreds. I’m a huge fan of Tokyo Ghoul and the Kantai Collection animation. ( more tattoos like this please! ) It’s hard to pick a favorite! I try to watch everything. I’m open to all styles.

6. Do you have any original tattoo content that you create for people to use?

All of my work is designed upon request. The majority of my work is done custom specifically for every client. Even a well known character I always like to make the piece special for the client!

7. What is the craziest tattoo story you experienced or had? What people have you met in your tattoo career?

Craziest experience, that’s a hard one. Probably the time I tattooed my fiancé. It was her first tattoo and I was overly nervous because of it! I never had been nervous for making a tattoo in my life. Not even for my first one I ever did. In regards to people I have met, I’m always fortunate to meet awesome clients. I have also met some of my favorite artists in the tattoo industry and have been fortunate to collect some work from them on my own body as well.

8. Do you have any anime tattoos as well? If so, what anime tattoos do you have?

Crazy thing, not yet! I have a leg I have been saving for all my anime ideas. A lot of the artists I want to get tattooed by work out of state or in Japan. However I have a sonic adventure 2 leg sleeve in progress, I’m a big nerd.

9. If you were to have an anime mascot to represent Goretaku and your work, who would it be?

I actually am releasing my first personal shirt design for my tattooing. It features a character I designed myself, I might use them more often in future apparel! *Photo featured at the beginning of the blog post.

10. If you can give any words of advice to anyone who wants to get a tattoo, what advice would you give them? Also, if anyone wants to become a tattoo artist, what words of advice can you give them as well?

If you were interested in getting tattooed by me personally, the best way is to contact me via my Instagram or email. I am always looking to book in projects and ideas, and I look forward to hearing from anyone that may contact me. I’m always ready, so book in! As for becoming a tattooer, draw. Everyday. Always create something and build up a portfolio. Get tattooed, a lot. You will meet many people that way, and hopefully get your foot in the door! I’m very fortunate for what I do, and I love being able to create the works I do on skin. If it’s something you’re passionate about, put your all into it.