Today we’d like to introduce you to John Vasquez
John, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hey, I’m John Vasquez, born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan. Art has been in my DNA since childhood—I won my first award in a stamp-drawing contest back in third grade. Despite not having access to formal art education, my passion never faded.
After high school, I worked various jobs before landing an apprenticeship at a tattoo shop, where I could finally immerse myself in art full-time. As I honed my tattooing skills, my creative interests expanded—spray paint, graffiti, and street art became my new playground. Over time, this passion evolved into large-scale mural work and organizing community-driven events to showcase local artists like myself.
Now, my focus is on creating bold, meaningful art that brings people together and transforms spaces.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Growing up in a city with limited resources like Saginaw makes any career path challenging—especially in the art world. Success isn’t just about talent; it’s about adaptability, staying ahead of the curve, and finding ways to turn creativity into a livelihood.
I’ve faced my share of obstacles, but each one has only strengthened my determination and deepened my passion for art. While Saginaw lacks traditional gallery spaces, it’s home to a thriving, resilient art scene. I’ve always believed that coming from a struggling community pushes artists to be even more innovative—when resources are scarce, creativity becomes your greatest tool.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
For the past eight years, I’ve been running my own business in Old Town Saginaw, creating tattoos, murals, and commissioned artwork across various mediums. Over time, my mural work has expanded, allowing me to paint in communities throughout Michigan and even as far as Miami.
One of my proudest moments came last year when Saginaw became home to the second-largest mural in the country. I had the honor of serving as the local lead on the project, collaborating with an incredible team from Spain alongside fellow Michigan artists.
When it comes to murals, I specialize in using spray paint and industrial sprayers to transform massive spaces into vibrant works of art. What sets me apart is my ability to shift between extremes—working on the intricate details of a tattoo one day and scaling up to paint entire buildings the next. Whether big or small, my goal is to leave a lasting mark through my art.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Starting a business is always a gamble, but relying on art to pay the bills? That’s a whole different level of risk. And when your canvas is the side of a building, risk takes on a more literal meaning—towering heights, unpredictable elements, and the ever-present challenge of pushing creative boundaries.
Painting on a large scale isn’t just about skill; it’s a mental game. Every time I step onto a lift, rising high above the treetops, watching birds soar below me, I can’t help but reflect. Up there, with nothing but the wind and the skyline, you realize just how much you’re putting on the line—all for the love of art.
Pricing:
- Mural work pricing by consult.
- Tattooing $150 Hourly
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @johnwolfpaints @johnwolftattoos
- Facebook: https://Www.facebook.com/saginawtattoo
