My name is Israel Chavez. I was born in 1977 in Grand Junction, CO and remain in Colorado today. Payaso (my pen name, meaning “the clown”) represents the many hats I've worn in this life. I have spent considerable time, inspired by my creative motivations, developing my own unique style of art. My style falls within the realm of “Hip Hop Street Art” but without any gang influence. In 1990, I started to bring my style to the tattoo world. I primarily work on paper in black and gray – I’m not a big fan of color. I also enjoy doing larger scale murals. In 1997, I created my own art label, Los Unicos, meaning "The Only One." The term Loyalty United (L/U) represents me and my work, as we are both true to one another. What's the L without the U?

I’ve always enjoyed sports, playing baseball and basketball throughout school, and still love watching games today. Presently, I’m focused on growing my clothing line under my L/U label. It is my mission to bless the Hip Hop world with this real street heat. I believe in myself and I know that if I expose this distinct style of art it will be successful.