WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — In a town known for its ballers, influencers and big stars, like West Hollywood, you find artists who are at the top of their game in every category.

Unsurprisingly, pets are cherished in the diverse community of creatives, because pets provide unconditional love and companionship. Loyalty like that can be hard to come by in a big city like L.A., and the bonds that form with a beloved companion feel eternal—at least, you wish that connection could last forever.

One way to pay lasting tribute to that special dog (or cat, hamster, bird, lizard, etc.) is with a hyper-realistic portrait tattoo, like the works of Luis Dominguez Lewis, featured tattooist at Ganga Tattoo Studio, in West Hollywood.

“West Hollywood is one of the best places in the world for this kind of work. The community here truly treats their pets as family — ‘fur babies’ is the perfect word,” Lewis told At Play Today.

“Many clients are local, but a lot of people also travel from across the U.S. and even internationally because they know Ganga Tattoo LA has become a destination for ultra-realistic pet portraits. The fact that it’s a ‘celebrity’ studio adds to the trust and excitement — people know they’ll get museum-quality realism,” he added.

On the Ganga Tattoo website, there’s an impressive list of all-star clients that are also body art enthusiasts, including known names like LeBron James, Drake, Post Malone, Peso Pluma and Kai Cenat, among others.

“Yes, I’ve had the honor of tattooing pets for several well-known clients — athletes, musicians, and public figures,” Lewis revealed. “Out of respect for privacy, I can’t always mention names, but I’ve worked with artists and athletes such as Offset, Stephon Diggs, and Nick Kyrgios. Some of those sessions have included deeply personal pet portraits, which are always meaningful.”

But it’s not just celebrities. Lewis said his focus is exclusively on immortalizing pets because of the emotional aspect of the tribute tattoo for every client. Whether the portrait in done in life or as a memorial, it’s a permanent visual reminder of family member, a timeless bond and a significant relationship. Lewis said he is touched by the deep sentiments of clients that choose a pet tattoo.

“Many of my pet tattoos are memorials, but not always. Some clients just want to celebrate their best friend while they’re still alive. Whether it’s joy or grief, there’s always a strong emotional connection behind every portrait,” he said.

“There are many that have stayed with me emotionally,” the artist explained. “One I’ll never forget was a portrait of a dog who had passed away right before the client’s wedding. The tattoo became a tribute so the dog could still ‘be there’ on the big day. Those moments remind me that what we do goes far beyond skin — it’s pure emotion translated into art.”

The hyper-realism of Lewis’ style brings light glistening to the sky blue eyes of a striking Husky, soft white frost on the muzzle of an aging Shepard, or a touch of nervousness to the expression of a mini-Pinscher mix.

“My work is entirely focused on animals and pets — that’s my artistic identity,” Lewis revealed. “I’m passionate about capturing their personalities through fine-line realism, often combined with linear compositions, geometric patterns, and minimalistic decorative elements. It’s a clean, modern style that enhances the portrait without distracting from the emotion in the eyes.”

Expert application of fine single lines capture their faces on skin, as a way to make that heartfelt bond live on — together forever. The effect is profound for a pet owner.

“That’s the reaction I love most — when a client tears up because it feels like their pet is looking back at them. My technique is ultra-realistic, focusing on fine lines, subtle contrast, and expression in the eyes. Most are intimate, close-up pieces on areas like the forearm or calf, though sometimes we go larger for full depth and detail,” he described.

Originally from Spain, Lewis is also a pet owner, though he has not yet had their tattoo portraits done.

“I have both a dog and a cat, and they’re a big part of my daily life. I actually don’t have tattoos of them, even though I specialize in pet portraits. For me, it’s something very personal, and I prefer to keep that connection through photography and the time we spend together. But seeing how much emotion my clients put into their pet tattoos is one of the reasons I’m so passionate about creating them for others.”

For pet people interested in having a portrait done or for more on Luis Domingues Lewis and his work, APT asked the best way to get in touch for a consultation:

“The best way to reach me is through Instagram @lewis.tattoo — you can send me a direct message there. You can also email me at lewistattooartist@gmail.com, or contact me through Ganga Tattoo LA’s website and their Instagram @gangatattoola,” Lewis shared.

“My team and I personally review each request to ensure every project receives the attention it deserves.”

Photos: Courtesy of Ganga Tattoo/Luis Dominguez Lewis