Mauricio Leal Cervantes, a.k.a. "Pony" is our in-house tattoo artist. Pony was born in Azcapotzalco in Mexico City. His mother is a well known fashion designer and an excellent painter, but Pony first became interested in drawing from watching his uncle draw as a small child. He began drawing himself and it soon became an obsession.
When Pony came to Playa for the first time in 1996, he saw that a friend of his had begun tattooing. Pony was eager to try the tattoo medium and he was given his chance when he was asked to help his friend in the tattoo shop. There Pony worked as an apprentice and learned about the tattoo business and hygiene. He continued to develop his skills as an artist as well, knowing that one day he would be able to apply those skills as a tattoo artist.
Pony’s friend Paco offered him another apprenticeship in his shop, ScreamInk. Paco taught Pony how to tattoo. Pony studied under Paco for two years before applying needle to skin. Finally, he began tattooing, and later, managing the shop for Paco. Paco left Mexico to live in Austin, Texas with his family in 2002, and Pony continued to tattoo and manage ScreamInk for the next four years.
Recently in 2006, Pony bought the shop from Paco.
In watching him work, it is clear that Pony loves tattooing. When asked why, he will say that it is because he loves working with and on people. The folks in playa can vouch for that. Ask around -- everybody knows Pony...
