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“Ink Report”
“Ink Report”
First access to exclusive designs, insider details, and a vibrant blend of tattoo tales served up weekly(ish).
Artist Feature
12
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13
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2024
In this interview, Rob, an application engineer from Chicago, shares his transformative tattoo journey with renowned Co:Create artist Lalo Yunda. Known for his unique Magical Realism style, Lalo’s extensive background includes fine arts studies in Cuba and the Art Students League of New York. Recognized by publications like Refinery 21 and VICE and featured on Ink Master (seasons 2 and 9), Lalo has become a standout in the tattoo world.
With expertise in a range of styles, Lalo collaborated with Rob to craft a deeply personal tattoo that seamlessly blended innovative design with a powerful story. Come along as Rob shares his journey with this talented artist and how the Lalo Experience became an integral part of his healing process.
What is the "Lalo Experience"?
The Lalo Experience is a unique tattoo experience in the heart of the Colombian Caribbean. Combine your next tattoo session with a luxurious beach getaway and let Lalo bring your vision to life in a stunning tropical setting. Choose from 5 packages offering 1-5 days of tattooing, plus vacation time to soak up the Caribbean sun. All packages include:
Be sure to review each package on Co:Create for details. Explore all packages here.
Interview below >>
Tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Rob, and I'm from Chicago, Illinois, where I've lived for quite some time. I travel extensively and work as an application engineer for one of the top firms in the world, specializing in global integration. My job is quite stressful, so tattoos, among other things, have become an important outlet for me. I started getting tattoos about a year ago.
How did you first learn about the “Lalo Experience,” and what attracted you to it?
This tattoo was years in the making. I had been designing it for quite some time with the idea of creating a collaborative piece involving an AI, myself, and the tattoo artist. The biggest challenge I faced was finding an artist skilled enough to bring the design to life. I used AI to develop the core elements of the tattoo, but I spent nearly three years searching for an artist who could execute it properly. Unfortunately, in the Chicago market, I kept running into issues—most artists I found were either too new, lacked the necessary skill level, or didn’t have the style I was looking for.
I’d review their work, and each time, I’d think, 'This isn’t the right fit.' So, I’d walk away, and the search continued. Then, one day, while scrolling through Instagram, I stumbled upon Co:Create. I connected with Tara, the co-founder and CEO, who told me, 'We’ve got a bunch of artists in New York.' That got me thinking about flying out for a destination tattoo. I even met with an artist in North Carolina and another in New York, leaning toward making the trip to New York.
That’s when I discovered Lalo through Co:Create. After we started talking, I was impressed by his process—it stood out compared to everyone I’d spoken to in Chicago. His approach was thoughtful, precise, and exactly what I was looking for.
I decided to fly to New York to meet him, but Lalo suggested doing the tattoo in Colombia instead. Surprisingly, it was more affordable to get the work done in South America. I thought, 'I’ve never been there, my passport is valid, so why not?' And off I went.
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What stood out to you about Lalo’s approach compared to other tattoo artists?
I chose him because of his process and his approach to designing the tattoo. It’s actually a combination of four pieces—technically five—that all work together as a cohesive whole. Instead of tackling them one by one, we discussed how they would integrate and share consistent elements to create a unified design.
Other artists I spoke to didn’t approach it this way. They wanted to work on each piece individually and figure things out as they went along, but that approach didn’t sit well with me. It sounded too risky—what if we got to the end and realized something was missing, overlooked, or poorly designed? That kind of uncertainty could cause the entire tattoo to fall apart, and I wasn’t willing to take that chance.
What tattoo did you get?
This tattoo is pretty meaningful for me because it incorporates elements that are personal. First and foremost, I’m a cancer patient. My cancer is malignant and terminal, and it has spread to multiple areas. For the past three or four years, I’ve been undergoing chemotherapy, which has left me with noticeable chemo scars on my chest, along with incision and surgery scars. Part of the goal with this tattoo was to cover those scars and shift the focus away from them.
When I’d go to the beach and take off my shirt, the scars would always draw attention. We designed a custom dial piece that overlays my chest, covering many of the chemo scars. The design extends over my shoulder and flows down into my arm. The chest piece is intricately connected to the elements on my arm, creating a cohesive look that ties everything together.
Although we didn’t have enough time to finish all the pieces, we plan to add a hexagonal lattice network beneath the tattoo. This 3D design will enhance the overall composition, making the existing elements seem like they’re going to pop out.
Is getting tattooed a therapeutic process for you?
The entire process of sitting down and working with a tattoo artist is incredibly therapeutic. It’s not just about the tattoo itself—it’s a process. The artwork speaks for itself, but depending on the piece, the artist, and the session, we’re usually sitting for quite some time together. For example, my first tattoo took about nine hours, and my second one was about 33 hours. That’s a lot of time to spend with one person, just hanging out and connecting.
There’s definitely a bonding experience that comes with it—the design process, the conversations about why the tattoo is meaningful, and the act of bringing it to life. It’s a communal and very intimate process.
Was your tattoo inspired by a desire to cover scars, or had you always wanted tattoos?
A little bit of both. I mean, I’ve always wanted to get a tattoo, but the thing is, I don’t want to get one impulsively or just walk into a tattoo parlor and pick something random, like a Mario Brothers design that doesn’t have any meaning. All my tattoos are carefully thought out and hold personal significance. Because of that, I’ve taken my time—it’s been a process, absolutely.
How involved were you in the design process? Did Lalo include any elements that were special or unexpected?
Essentially, I brought in the initial designs and said, 'This is where we’re going to start.' I want to emphasize that this wasn’t like walking into a tattoo parlor with a picture or an image and having them tattoo it exactly as it is. That’s not what we were doing here. This was just a starting point, and I wanted the artist to incorporate their own creativity into the design.
So, I brought the images to Lalo and asked, 'What can you do with this?' He transformed some elements, rearranged others, and ultimately made everything work.
What was the vibe like during the session? How did Lalo make you feel comfortable or engaged?
I mean, he was definitely engaged—there was nothing quiet about it. We were jamming out to music, laughing, and just having a great time the entire session. It was more than just getting a tattoo; it was an experience—a little bit of a party.
What was it like having your tattoo experience tied to the Colombian Caribbean? Did the setting influence the experience or the design of your tattoo?
The tattoo was already designed; going to Colombia just made the process more affordable. Everything in Colombia is cheaper—the Uber rides, the food, everything. I think my hotel for the entire week cost about $200, and meals were just $3 or $4 a day. Uber rides were around $2. Everything was incredibly affordable. Compare that to New York, where hotels can cost $500 a night—you know what I mean? Everything is much more expensive in New York.
No, there’s nothing specifically South American or Colombian about this tattoo. It’s neopunk—it’s a neo-god. I’d describe it as a cyberpunk neo tattoo with some additional elements. There’s a phrase I’m looking for, but you’ll see what I mean when I show you the actual tattoo. But no, there’s nothing Colombian about the design itself.
How many days did you spend in the area with Lalo, and were there any moments that stood out during or outside of the tattoo session? What was the studio space like?
The tattoo session itself lasted three days. I stayed in the area for about a week—I spent three days getting tattooed, took a day to recover, and then left around the sixth or seventh day. What stood out the most was the tattoo studio itself—it was quite small, and people would wander in, asking questions not only about tattoos but also engaging with Lalo. He was incredibly interactive with his customers and was working alongside an apprentice who was very knowledgeable.
It was interesting working with the apprentice, discussing the meaning behind my tattoo, and seeing how she works. I also watched her do a couple of tattoos while I was hanging out in the studio. It was a unique experience seeing other artists at work during my time there.
How would you describe the “Lalo Experience” in one word or phrase, and how did the setting contribute to it?
I’d describe it as exhilarating. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but the whole experience felt more fluid and dynamic than I anticipated. The hotel I stayed in was just a quarter mile from the studio, located on a beautiful beach resort in Colombia. The weather was warm and perfect, the food was excellent, and the area had a vibrant energy.
Did getting tattooed by Lalo change your perspective on tattoos or tattooing as an art form?
Not really. I’ve always believed that tattoos are deeply meaningful to the person getting them and are a collaborative effort between the artist and the client. Lalo exemplified exactly what I was looking for in an artist, and I’m glad I waited for the right time. This tattoo was years in the making, and the bond we formed during the process made it a good experience. I’ve already decided to get another tattoo from Lalo.
Do you plan to get more tattoos done in Colombia with Lalo?
I’m getting one more tattoo in Columbia, and after that, I’m pretty much done.
What advice would you give to someone considering being tattooed by Lalo in the Colombian Caribbean?
Give Lalo with as much detail as possible about what you want and be open to new experiences. The Colombian experience is amazing, and while some people hesitate to go because of safety concerns, there’s really nothing dangerous about Santa Marta. You’re on the Caribbean coast and it’s a beautiful space.
I think people should take some time to actually fly out there. There are two nearby airports, and drivers will take you straight to the resort. It’s incredibly convenient and much more affordable than getting a similar tattoo done in a place like Chicago.
How do you feel about your tattoo now, and what does it mean to you personally?
I feel great about it—it’s healed beautifully. I’m just waiting on a few touch-ups, but overall, I’m really happy with it. If you don’t already have a tattoo, I think you should consider getting one. I know tattoos can be divisive, and people have strong feelings about them, but everyone should experience it at least once. Even something small can be meaningful. The experience itself is unique and can be deeply impactful.
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Why do you feel tattooing is such a therapeutic and healing experience?
I mean, you’ve got the time that you put into designing it. You’ve got the physical sacrifice that you make—the time, the pain, the needles, the ink. All of that becomes part of the experience that brings to life the embodiment of what you’re going through and what you’re feeling. The ability to sit through a tattoo, experiencing 10,000 needles over the course of a couple of hours, and to have the patience and virtue to be fully present for that experience, is truly life-changing.
I think that once you’re sitting there with your tattoo artist, trying to convey an idea, a feeling, or something deeply important to you, the entire process draws out a new understanding of yourself. Getting a tattoo is like a journey of self-discovery on so many levels. That’s why I call it therapeutic. As I said, it makes you reflect: Why am I getting this? Why is it important to me? Why do I want to put something permanent on my skin? Why is this so meaningful? And why am I willing to endure the pain for the next couple of hours—or even the next couple of days, because you’ll still be sore? That entire process encourages deep self-reflection.
You come out of it realizing more about yourself than you ever thought possible. That’s why I think everyone should take the time to get something meaningful—not just a funny bunny or a stick figure tattoo, but something that truly matters. Take the time to think about what’s important to you, and then permanently stamp that on your body. Say, 'This is what I believe,' and stand by it. That’s what tattoos are all about.
Is there anything else about the experience you’d like to share that we didn’t cover?
Absolutely, go to Colombia. The food is so delicious, and honestly, like I said, it’s an incredible experience. I spent time in Bogotá, Cartagena, and Santa Marta, and I’d have to say Cartagena and Santa Marta were absolutely amazing. Go check them out.
Honestly, the whole experience has been pretty amazing. I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical at first. When you see things on Instagram, you can’t help but wonder if it’s a scam. At first, they said, 'Pay everything upfront, and then we’ll figure it out,' and I was really skeptical about the whole process. But after everything was said and done, Co:Create has been absolutely amazing. Tara has been great, Lalo has been amazing, and the entire process has been seamless.
I can’t wait to see how it grows. I want to see them expand into more markets—places like Chicago, San Diego, New York, and Toronto. Watching Co:Create grow is going to be absolutely incredible.
I want to see tattoos in every major city. You should be able to log onto the app, say, 'I want a tattoo,' and then fly out wherever you want. It’s going to be great. Watching Co:Create’s growth is going to be an amazing journey.
Experience getting tattooed by Lalo in Colombia. Choose from 5 packages offering 1-5 days of tattooing, plus vacation time to soak up the Caribbean sun. All packages include:
Be sure to review each package on Co:Create for details. Explore all packages here
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