RIP Jose Luis Carrera.

I met Jose 2 days before my 18th birthday at Silhouette Tattoo on Bird Rd in Miami back in 2000. I was hellbent on getting the Misfits Crimson ghost tattoo on my upper arm and had heard great things about this shop. I walked in and I’ll never forget the Misfits blasting out of the speakers. I felt at home. So I start talking with this guy. This new guy. Jose.

I remember showing him the design and him laughing and telling me how he loved the Misfits and trying to get my vibe on what I thought of the new line up. I told them that the Misfits without Danzig was nothing but a bunch of clowns trying to make a dollar. He laughed and at that moment a friendship was created. I’d have to wait 2 days to get my Misfits tatt though.

Throughout the years Jose changed locales, made a name for himself and really became one of the most sought after artists in South Florida. As busy as he got he always had time for you. I’ll never forget (I’m sure plenty can attest to this) the smoke breaks outside the shop, were he opened up and sought advise and gave it. I’ll treasure these talks till the day I die.

Last I saw Jose was about 1 year ago. I wanted to get my record labels’ logo on my arm. He was so excited. We both started talking about business and how we both had really started doing something with ourselves. We wanted to start a Tattoo convention in South Florida with an emphasis on art & music. Among our busy schedules, it of course fell through.

Of all my tattoos on my body. All of them were done by Jose. That’s the faith I had with him. Every part of life up to now was etched into my skin by this man. I remember living in Sarasota and everyone talking about this shop here or that shop there and my response was always the same, “I gotta guy in Miami. He’s the best.”

I always looked up to you buddy. A real business man. And a real friend. And always a smile.

May you rest in peace.
-Chuck
Livid Records.