NATE BANUELOS
Hey Maverick Fam!
As we kick off 2025, we're starting the year with a bang by spotlighting the legendary Nate Banuelos! Based in sunny San Diego at @castandbrandtattoo, Nate’s been perfecting his craft for over 30 years, specializing in large-scale, dynamic tattoos. From Biomech to Japanese and Neo-Traditional, Nate’s style is all about illustration and nature, with every piece telling its own story.
- IG: @natebanuelos
- Shop: @castandbrandtattoo San Diego, CA ☀️
- Eyes: Behind the glasses! 🤓
- Hair: Slicked 💁🏻♂️
Tell us about yourself:
52 years old currently tattooing 32 years. San Diego based tattooer specializing in large format, dynamic imagery. Styles range from Biomech, Japanese, and Neo traditional and most any imagery I can be illustrative with. Nature and the outdoors are my favorite places to be. You can find me on IG and Facebook @natebanuelos
What do you love about Maverick?
The products themselves are worth loving and your whole vibe is cool but, I'm really digging your marketing and product packaging. It makes it fun again. The attention to detail, and the cards and mints every time I get an order. You guys make us feel appreciated. Helping support those who support you is what it's about.
What are your favorite groupings to use for your tattoos?
Depending on what I'm working on I'll line with 3,5,7 tight liners or 7-9 round shaders. black and grey tattoos get shaded with bug pin curves. Everything else is #12 curved mags.
The penguin is the Maverick founders spirit animal. What is your spirit animal and why?
Capybara.. knows how to chill
Can you describe your first tattoo experience?
A celtic knot on my lower leg around 89-90 so I was definitely over 18. Don't ask me why I chose that, it is now covered. I just knew I wanted to get tattooed. There wasn't much for guidance in this area in those days, and I went to the one shop we always drove by as a kid. Blackstone ave. in Fresno, Ca. It was called "Body Art" it was owned by an artist named Chuck. I can't recall last names at the moment but a guy named Mike did it, and few other tattoos for me after that. They were cool, couple old school bikers. Tiny shop, wood panel walls, flash everywhere, taxidermy, and all kinds of old signs that read things like "we got to slap it to make the ink set" and "save the drama for your mama". They talked so much shit the whole time it was the best! I loved it. They had an apprentice kid at the time who was making their needles etc... We smoked weed together on breaks. He had cool tats, he was doing it right. That's when I had the breakthrough. I actually heard from Chuck a few years back.
Top 3 tattoo artists you admire?
H.R. Giger, Alphonse Mucha, Robert Williams. These three have had the most influence in how my style developed.
What are some funny tattoo moments you have?
It's endless around the shop. No matter where i've worked the banter is pretty much the same.
If you were to choose a band to describe your artwork, which band would you choose and why?
I don't know, quick guess would be Pink Floyd. They're pretty psychedelic and trippy, can be heavy but mostly easy and flowey.
If you were to win best tattooer in the world, who would you thank & why?
I'd shake hands with God, because that means I must be dead. HAHA But jokes aside, yeah, GOD!
Secret hidden talent. What is it?
I'm not sure if it's a secret, but I do love singing. I've always dreamed of being lead vocals in a band.
What is your kryptonite?
technology
Any person you would like to trade places with for the day?
No, I can barely handle my own problems, and you didn't specify is it their "good day" or "bad day". There are people I wouldn't trade my worst day for their best.
What book or movie would you recommend? Why would you recommend that specific one?
I don't find much time to dedicate to novels and such but I have read some really good spiritual and, for lack of a better term, "metaphysical' literature. One really good read was Holographic Universe by Michael Talbot I believe...? That one changed how I see the world around me, which doesn't happen often.
With having to promote yourself on social media , how do you maintain a positive mindset?
Social media is great! It's another tool we can use to better our visibility. Though, as individuals our content is often drowned out in a sea of stimulation. I still believe it's more about how you treat people and the quality of service that's the best advertising. Clients are your walking talking billboards.
Which state are you located in? What do you like most about where you live and why?
California born and raised. The best thing about this state is the wide range of environments and activities you can find here. From the coastal ranges to the desert. You can find it all here. Other than the taxes and policies, there is no better place on earth!
What is something weird you do before bedtime?
eat garlic
What would you say is the best way to deal with stress?
You just got to let it go. Take a breath, remember all that I'm grateful for and surrender it. Usually it's all out of my control anyways. A little surf, skate and hotrods helps too.
Do you have a moment that changed your life? Do you mind sharing?
There's been a few. Life is always changing, whether I like it or not. If i'm not changing I'm not growing. I wish I knew in my 20's what I know now. Maybe I can pass it on.
Who is the most unique tattooer you have ever met?
Unique, as in style or tattooing? Lifestyle? I mean there are so many characters in this biz. Everyone has something to bring to the table. We're a family of misfits, none of us are unique.
