Lalo, a contestant on Spike TV’s Ink Master, was a respected tattooist and painter for 19 years before finding a different popularity through television. Entirely self-taught, he is one of the first generation of tattoo artists in his native country, Colombia. Lalo believes that communication is the cornerstone of being a great tattoo artist. He works closely with his clients in creating his designs and specializes in what he calls “magical realism,” a specific style of tattooing which blends magical elements with the real world. Lalo is also in high demand for portraits and photographs of birds and animals. He currently tattoos out of New York City and travels often.