Ruben Barahona: Crafting Dark Realism and Horror Tattoos in the Heart of NYC

In the heart of New York City, Ruben Barahona is making his mark as a tattoo artist with a passion for dark themes, realism, and a love for horror and heavy metal. Originally from Guatemala, Ruben’s journey led him to New York eight years ago, where he found inspiration in the city’s vibrant energy and its constant push for artistic growth. Ruben’s work is deeply personal, influenced by classic horror, iconic album art, and renowned artists across various mediums.

In this interview, Ruben shares insights into his creative process, his unique style, and the intense drive that comes from working in one of the world’s most competitive cities. From the early sketches to the final artwork, each tattoo is a collaboration with his clients, a testament to his commitment to creating pieces that resonate both visually and emotionally. Join us as Ruben discusses his influences, his evolution as an artist, and what it truly means to make art in New York City.

Tell us a little about yourself. ‍

I'm Ruben Barahona, a tattoo artist based in New York City, originally from Guatemala. I moved here around eight years ago and fell in love with this city. New York is such an inspiring place, filled with incredible people. It pushes you to work hard every day and motivates you to grow, both as an artist and as a person.

How do you describe your tattoo style?

I always try to connect with the subject matter and understand my client’s vision. My style leans toward dark themes, which can take on various graphic directions. I enjoy creating realistic work, but ultimately, it depends on each client’s vision and collection. I consider what will look best overall. My style could be categorized as dark art or horror, but I believe the subject matter truly defines each piece.

What has drawn you to your style?

I feel that my curiosity for the strange and unknown, along with philosophical questions about who I am as a human and what my contributions are in this journey called life, have always drawn my imagination to depict characters, places, and stories. My stories are a mindscape, an escape from the sad realities and calamities happening in the world. Nothing in any horror story or movie will surpass real life, and for me, the symbol of death represents the importance of living a life that makes others happy and treasuring each day as if it were the last. This scarcity of time is what makes life special.

What does your creative process look like?

I thrive on exploration. When I receive a client's idea, I start by sketching rough thumbnails in pen and ink to quickly capture different concepts. Once I get their feedback, I refine the piece further. I might use markers, oil paints, or even sculpt clay models as references to create something unique and abstract. I find working with different mediums, especially oil paint, really exciting.

Can you tell me a little bit about your shop, Graveyard, here in New York?

At Graveyard, I’ve created a space for myself and occasionally guest artists to work in a setting that fosters creativity. I enjoy surrounding myself with people who share the same artistic drive. The shop is designed to give clients a memorable experience—whether we're listening to music, watching a movie, or just having a meaningful conversation. My artwork is displayed around the shop to keep the atmosphere inspiring for both me and my clients.

What’s it like working in NYC?

Working in New York is both challenging and rewarding. The city attracts the best of the best, so there’s a constant drive to prove yourself. New York taught me the importance of standing out, of raising my voice to say, “This is my art.” It's intense, but that pressure makes you better. When I look back, I see how much I’ve grown as an artist here. While I enjoy relaxing in Guatemala occasionally, New York’s energy always pulls me back, ready to keep pushing forward.

How long have you been tattooing and how has your style evolved over the years?

I’ve been tattooing for about 14 years. My style has evolved from realism, particularly color realism, which I was passionate about early on. Studying oil painting from life helped me refine my technical skills, especially with color. These days, I’m exploring new subject matter, still avoiding strict labels for my style, allowing my art to grow naturally.

What’s it like working with you?

For me, it’s all about connecting with the client and the subject matter. I'm open to taking the art in different directions if it feels right for both of us. While I love horror, dark art, and comics, I also enjoy creating bold, colorful tattoos with strong contrasts that will hold up over time.

What do you like to do for fun?

I feel like I would need to live 500 years to do, learn, and create everything I want, so free time is almost nonexistent. Between family, managing a business, and my artistic practice, every opportunity I get is dedicated to artistic exploration. Drawing and painting are some of my favorite activities when I’m not tattooing. From time to time, I also enjoy going to concerts, especially since there’s always a good show in NYC. I believe music can impact our feelings, and as graphic artists, we can channel those emotions into our work.

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See more of Ruben's work and book time with him now on Co:Create.

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