Tattoo culture, often defined by bold, iconic designs, has deep roots in the traditional American style—a visual lexicon of daggers, eagles, panthers, and hearts that originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Drawing inspiration from military and nautical traditions, this style marked a pivotal moment in tattoo history and remains a defining influence in the art form today. For this final installment of my tattoo artist series, I spoke with Vincent Aguilar, whose tattoo artistry both reflects and builds upon this storied tradition.
Many might recognize Aguilar as the lead singer of the local punk band Power of Dusk, known for their high-energy performances. Aguilar’s dual identity as a punk musician and tattoo artist are inextricably linked, a connection that traces back to his early experiences in the Bloomington punk scene. “I wanted to be cool like them,” Aguilar recalls of his college days, when he first became enamored with tattoos. He credits his initial exposure to tattooing to his fellow musicians, one of whom gave him his first tattoos—a collection inspired by some of his favorite album covers. “There’s a direct throughline of punk music in my life to tattooing,” Aguilar reflects.
Unlike many tattoo artists who begin their careers with a background in fine art, Aguilar’s journey into the tattoo world started from a different angle. Living in Chicago at the time, Aguilar had become deeply immersed in the American traditional tattoo style, even as he was working in restaurants and being heavily tattooed himself. His interest in tattoo culture grew, and he considered a career in the industry, even if only behind the scenes. “I didn’t draw at all,” Aguilar admits. “It’s stupid to be a tattooer and not draw,” he continues, acknowledging the gap he needed to bridge. Over time, he developed his drawing skills, focusing on the traditional style he admired, and ultimately found his way into tattooing after relocating to Champaign in 2016.
Aguilar was already familiar with New Life Tattoos, a shop that had the kind of atmosphere he sought. It was here that his journey would take a decisive turn. “I started weaseling my way in,” he laughs, describing how he became a frequent customer and developed a rapport with Tilt, the owner and lead artist. Tilt was already mentoring another apprentice, a connection Aguilar leveraged to deepen his ties with the shop. Eventually, Tilt offered Aguilar the opportunity to work as an apprentice after Aguilar helped him with a publishing project.
The apprenticeship was a rigorous experience. Balancing multiple jobs, managing personal relationships, and maintaining his musical commitments, Aguilar threw himself into his apprenticeship, starting in 2017. He initially learned piercing, though it wasn’t his area of interest, but it brought him closer to his ultimate goal. By 2018, he was proficient enough to work independently. “I don’t even remember half of the stuff I did during those two years,” he jokes, but his progress is undeniable. After asking Tilt, “Am I done?” Aguilar was given full-time responsibilities at New Life Tattoos.
Working at a walk-in tattoo shop like New Life has proven to be an ideal environment for Aguilar, who compares it to his previous restaurant experience. “It prepared me well to manage the unexpected and juggle multiple tasks,” he explains. While the walk-in nature of the shop means he doesn’t always get to create in his preferred American traditional style, it has pushed him to expand his artistic boundaries and connect with clients in new ways. “It allows me to connect with people in a way that I wouldn’t be able to otherwise,” he says.
Punk music, ever-present in Aguilar’s life, continues to influence his tattoo work. He started Power of Dusk during his apprenticeship “literally to have a band while doing the apprenticeship,” though his mentor tried to dissuade him, citing his lack of drawing skills. What began as a distraction turned into a more serious musical endeavor, and today, Aguilar has tattooed all the band members—except one, who remains uninked but is reportedly considering it. “But we’ve been talking,” he quips.
Working at New Life has also deepened Aguilar’s connection to tattooing’s rich history, something that originally drew him to the art form. As part of the ongoing tradition of American traditional tattooing, he regularly creates flash sheets, blending classic designs with contemporary influences. “When I started getting tattooed, I was drawn to the style’s whimsical, more simplistic qualities,” he explains. Over time, his appreciation for the kitschiness and historical significance of the style grew. Tattoos, he notes, have a unique permanence; some of the designs he uses have been passed down through generations. “The fact that you’re putting something permanent on your body that someone might have drawn a hundred years ago is pretty cool,” he says, taking pride in contributing to a tradition that dates back over a century.
Aguilar speaks fondly of the process behind his work, particularly when asked about the tattoos he’s most proud of. While he notes that some of his personal favorites have shifted over time, one experience stands out: tattooing his mother. Though these pieces are outside his preferred style, the significance of the moment makes them especially meaningful. “What might have been a favorite a year ago has been superseded by something else,” he says, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of his craft.
For Aguilar, punk and tattooing are two sides of the same coin—essential to his identity. “So much of this stuff is such a part of who I am,” he says, “it’s like asking me what it’s like to be a person.” Both the music and the art continue to shape his life and work, making him a unique figure in the tattoo world—a punk artist perpetuating the legacy of traditional tattooing while contributing to its modern evolution.
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