We’re in the heart of Long Beach, California, about to step into The Raven and The Wolves, the renowned studio founded by Carlos Torres, a household name in the world of tattoo Realism.
But this space is much more than just a tattoo shop: it’s also an art gallery, a hub for workshops, and a creative hotspot that regularly hosts guest artists. There’s always something happening here, and the energy is unmistakable.
For Carlos and the resident artists, though, this is first and foremost home—a place where they feel comfortable and inspired, and where they can create in the best possible environment.
The atmosphere reflects the studio’s essence: a space where aesthetics, artistic research, and technical mastery come together to offer a truly unique experience—where every tattoo tells a story and becomes a powerful expression of identity.
“The name comes from my deep love for these two animals and the qualities they represent,” Carlos tells us in the feature published in Tattoo Life 153. “Ravens are curious, clever hunters, symbolic of intuition and transformation. Wolves are loyal, social creatures that stand for wildness and devotion. Both are highly intelligent animals—and when I discovered they actually hunt together in the wild, I knew I had found the name for my shop. I like to think we embody the strengths of both wolves and ravens in the way we live and work in tattooing.”
The studio is deeply rooted in art. “I’ve always tried to create opportunities to grow as an artist,” Carlos explains. “My main goal has always been to promote art in all its forms. Every artist who comes to work here is encouraged to explore other mediums. I believe that practicing outside of tattooing—whether it’s painting, drawing, or sculpture—makes you a better tattooist and a better artist overall.”
Behind the scenes, the studio is supported by a solid and dedicated team that ensures every workshop, exhibition, and guest spot runs smoothly and professionally.
Located right in downtown Long Beach, the studio benefits from its vibrant surroundings—sun, sea, restaurants, bars, and plenty of creative energy. The building itself has character: a former blues bar from the 1960s that has hosted countless musicians over the decades.
Currently, 11 artists call The Raven and The Wolves home. When it comes to adding someone new to the team, they always start with a period of guest spots to get a real feel for the dynamic.
Ricardo De Cruz – @ricardodecruzart
Shay Bredimus – @shaybredimus
Andrew Kim – @lionsdenart
John Smith – @inktagram
Zach Medbery – @zach.the.ripperr
Kasperio – @kasperio
Marc Nguyen – @marc_n._cheese
John Hudic – @johnhudic
Jose Alvarado – @artbyalvarado
Sebastian Lopez – @sebaslopeztattoo
Carlos closes with a quote that has always resonated with him: “I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.”
Thomas Jefferson
