Lexington tattoo artist opens shop, Heavy Crown (2024)

LEXINGTON — On Saturday, Lexington community members gathered at 605 N. Taft St. to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of Heavy Crown, a new tattoo shop operated by local artist Rick Perez.

In an interview with the Clipper-Herald, the 2013 Lexington High School graduate, shared insights into his journey as an artist and his aspirations for Heavy Crown. Perez will mark his ninth year as a tattoo artist this October.

Perez’s interest in tattooing grew from a childhood passion for drawing, inspired by the vibrant world of animation and graffiti art. One of his significant influences is Mark Machado, also known as Mr. Cartoon, whose work blends graffiti with tattoo art.

The name “Heavy Crown” reflects one of Perez’s favorite quotes: Heavy lies the head that wears the crown.

Perez began his formal training with an apprenticeship at Boss Ink in Lexington and has since worked in various locations, including Kearney, North Platte and Grand Island.

Perez has developed a versatile skill set, allowing him to work with various tattoo styles. Perez said he is particularly known for his exceptional line work and custom lettering.

“That’s the good thing about me working at other shops,” he said. “I was put in a position where I worked with whatever came through the door to shape my craft.”

Perez focuses on the client experience. He emphasized the importance of building relationships with his clients, understanding their stories and creating meaningful art.

Heavy Crown’s atmosphere sets it apart from other tattoo studios. Perez has chosen a bright, minimalist design, allowing natural light to enhance the tattooing experience for both artist and client.

He is also committed to challenging negative stereotypes associated with tattoos, particularly within the Hispanic community. Perez aims to educate his clients about the artistry and cultural significance of tattoos, working to promote broader acceptance of tattoos as a legitimate form of self-expression.

“A lot of people, especially from a Hispanic background, have a lot of stigma against tattoos. They think it’s just for hoodlums and gang members, but in reality, it’s an expression and a form of art itself, not just the connotation that you see on TV,” Perez said.

Perez is also passionate about promoting Lexington as a vibrant and welcoming community. He highlights the town’s attractions to his clients, especially those traveling from out of town for tattoo appointments.

“Whenever I bring up Lexington, some people react negatively, but I do my best to hype up Lexington to my customers and show them that this town has a lot to offer,” Perez said.

Perez’s efforts to promote Lexington extend beyond his shop. He actively builds relationships with local businesses, offering to display their flyers and business cards in Heavy Crown. He envisions the shop as a hub for out-of-town visitors, where clients can not only get a high-quality tattoo but also discover features of Lexington.

For short-term goals, Perez is focused on building a strong client base and establishing the shop as a go-to destination for high-quality tattoos in Lexington and beyond. In the long term, Perez is committed to educating his clients about the deeper meanings and cultural significance of tattoos, helping them understand that tattoos can carry profound personal stories.

For those aspiring to follow in his footsteps, Perez offers his own advice: research, find a mentor and be open to criticism. He encourages aspiring tattoo artists to create a strong portfolio and to be ready for constructive feedback.

“You’re always going to hear criticism, but not every criticism is bad,” Perez said.

He wants Heavy Crown to be a welcoming and inclusive environment where people can explore the art of tattooing.

“Heavy Crown is my life and blood,” he said. “I put so much work into this shop. I want people to feel comfortable coming in here and talking to me about anything I can help with.”