Artist Spotlight: Luke Martinez

Every tattooer carries a unique path into the craft. Some are drawn by the art. Some by the culture. Some by the people who came before them.

For Luke Martinez, tattooing has always been about tradition, growth, and respect—for the craft, the history, and the people who trust him with their skin.

Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, Luke has been tattooing since 2005 and has built a reputation for creating bold, long-lasting tattoos rooted in traditional values. Whether he's talking about mentorship, family, or the lessons that continue to shape his career, one thing becomes clear: Luke approaches tattooing with humility and purpose.

We had a chance to ask Luke

about his journey, the influences that shaped him, and what keeps him motivated after nearly two decades in the industry.

When did you start tattooing, and what pulled you into it?

Luke Martinez: I started tattooing in '05 and the thing that drew me to it the most was the rebellious and wild nature of the craft. At the time it made you a part of a different world that was dangerous and exclusive.

Who taught you or influenced your path the most?

Luke Martinez: Lawrence Valdez was my mentor, but ultimately the people who influenced me the most early on were this dude named Gremlin who was from Oklahoma somewhere and this other guy named Joe Two Tone. They really took the time to give me old skills.

How would you describe your style in your own words?

Luke Martinez: I dunno if I have a style really. I guess close to American Traditional? I try and design every tattoo for longevity.

What part of tattooing do you respect the most?

Luke Martinez: I guess it has to be the tradition, and the exchange of energy between you and the client. You can't ever forget that you are permanently changing someone and they trust you with that. That's always been crazy to me. I respect that trust.

What's something about tattooing people don't see or understand?

Luke Martinez: I honestly don't think people understand how much goes into it—from understanding design and how to fit something to the body, to different skin types, all the way down to designing something that will stand the test of time. Also how difficult it can be to take someone's idea and make it a reality and apply all of the above.

What keeps you motivated to keep growing in this craft?

Luke Martinez: What keeps me growing the most is my friends. I am very lucky to have people who constantly hold me accountable and push me.

What does being part of First Street mean to you?

Luke Martinez: Being a part of First Street means holding myself to a higher standard. Not out of some sort of arrogance or elitism, but because that's how it should be.

What's one piece or moment that's stuck with you?

Luke Martinez: That's a tough one because there are so many, but one moment that stuck with me was one day I was feeling like I was the hottest shit ever and was being super cocky very early on in tattooing. I had an old head call me out to my face and he told me:

"The minute you think you know everything is the minute your career is over. Never think you can't learn more, you little fuckwhit."

I think of that at least once a day.

You have a strong connection to your family. How does that show up in your art?

Luke Martinez: I think that because my family means so much to me and I need to tattoo to take care of them, it really pushes me to try and continue to grow and expand.

Coming from Utah, how did that help shape or influence your style?

Luke Martinez: I think that coming from Utah and the background that I personally have, it just seemed natural to gravitate towards American Traditional because of its aggressive and simple nature.

For nearly twenty years, Luke Martinez has continued to approach tattooing the same way he always has—with respect for tradition, a commitment to growth, and an appreciation for the people who helped shape his path.

If you'd like to get tattooed by Luke or learn more about his work, stop by First Street Tattoo Parlor or reach out through his social media.