Last year in Davao I’ve noticed an incredibly talented young artist named John Eric Basilio! I was stunned by an incredible Frankenstein leg tattoo that was presented at the contest. Let’s find out more about this master of “Street Pop Art”!
For the readers who are not familiar with you, how would you introduce yourself?
I am Basilio, the head artist at Obsidian Tattoo Collective. Let’s go, boy!
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
My fascination with tattoos really grew from my background in art. My dad was an airbrush artist, and he inspired my love for creativity. I eventually developed a fascination with tattoos as a means of narrative and self-expression, which inspired me to pursue tattooing as a career.
How and when did you start tattooing?
My decision to become a tattoo artist was inspired by my older brother. He taught me how to tattoo when I was seventeen. Back then, we even built our own tattoo machines out of toy cars’ rotary motors. I’ve never stopped getting tattoos since then. I’ve now realized that I’ve had tattoos for exactly half of my life.
Where are you based?
Philippines’ Quezon City is where I’m based.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in your country these days?
In the Philippines, I believe we have the best tattoo artists. We have local tattoo competitions every week, and surprisingly, we never run out of participants. That, I believe, is why Filipino tattoo artists are so highly regarded. Additionally, competitions in the Philippines are evolving. It’s great to see that there are several international tattoo conventions taking place in our country. It is past time for the rest of the world to recognize our country’s incredible talent. Furthermore, it’s about time the world sees how great of a talent we have in our country.
How would you define your tattoo style?
Personally, I’m currently tattooing in the “Street Pop Art” style. It’s an original style I created by fusing pop art and street art. In the simplest terms, Basquiat, Andy Warhol, Banksy, and others are the inspirations of ideas. As you can see, my tattoo style’s colors truly do make an impact. In addition, I make an effort to consistently use my signature colors—orange and blue—in the background so that anyone viewing my work would be able easily identify it as mine.
What’s the main source of inspiration for your tattoos?
My emotional reactions have the primary source of inspiration for my tattoos. They frequently provide me with a way to vent emotions that I might not feel comfortable sharing verbally, either out of fear of hurting other people or just because of my own hesitations. I can express these feelings visually through my tattoo art, which gives me the ability to communicate what’s inside in a way that really speaks to people.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2024?
I sense that staying original will be the hardest part of being a tattoo artist in 2024. Making original art that stands out can be challenging given the abundance of artists and designs available. It calls for ongoing innovation, adhering to my own style, and satisfying client demands. My art must strike a balance between those factors in order to remain relevant and new.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
The most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist is when clients trust me with their design. It’s a huge compliment to have someone believe in my vision for their body art. Creating something meaningful for them and seeing their joy once it’s done is incredibly fulfilling. It really reinforces the connection between artist and client.
Let’s talk about conventions. What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
My experience at tattoo conventions has been great! I started attending international conventions in 2017. At first, I didn’t win any awards, but as I learned how the conventions work and honed my skills, I began to succeed. It’s been a fantastic learning process, and I love meeting artists from all over the world and sharing ideas and techniques. The atmosphere is always inspiring!
Do you remember the first tattoo convention you have ever been to?
Yes, I remember my first tattoo convention—it was the Singapore Ink Show in 2017. It was my first international convention outside the Philippines, and I attended a seminar by Nikko Hurtado. It was an incredible experience to learn from such a talented artist and to see the diverse styles and techniques from artists around the world. It really opened my eyes to the possibilities in tattooing!
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
My primary reason for attending tattoo conventions is to learn and grow as an artist. They offer an incredible opportunity to connect with other artists, share techniques, and gain inspiration from diverse styles. Competing is also a big part of the experience for me, and winning is a wonderful bonus. It’s all about pushing my skills and seeing how I measure up while being part of a vibrant community!
How do you think tattoo conventions could get even better for the artists and the public?
Tattoo conventions could enhance the experience for both artists and the public by offering more diverse activities, like art showcases and interactive Q&A sessions. Introducing competitions that focus on creativity and innovation could also encourage artists to push their boundaries. Additionally, having designated networking spaces would help artists connect more easily. Finally, increasing community involvement through local artists and culture would enrich the overall atmosphere and make it more inclusive for everyone.
What’s your favourite tattoo convention so far? And why?
My favourite tattoo convention so far is definitely the Singapore Ink Show. I’ve attended it four times, and I love how consistently organized it is. Each year, it keeps getting better, with more engaging activities and a fantastic line-up of artists. The atmosphere is always vibrant, and it’s a great place to connect with others in the tattoo community.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
My advice for someone considering a career as a tattoo artist is to focus on honing your art skills first. Take the time to learn different styles and techniques, and don’t rush the process. Building a solid portfolio is crucial, as it showcases your unique style. Also, seek out mentorship opportunities to learn from experienced artists. Lastly, be open to feedback and always strive for improvement. Passion, patience, and dedication are key to succeeding in this field!
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
The people I admire most within the tattoo community are Dimitry Samohin, whom I consider the God of realism tattoos, along with Ilya Fominyh, Nikko Hurtado, Steve Butcher, Victoria Lee, and Denys Sivak. Their incredible skills and artistry inspire me to push my own abilities in realism tattooing and strive for excellence in my work. Each of them brings something unique to the table, and I always learn something new from their approaches.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
My biggest accomplishments as a tattoo artist include winning Best of Show and Best of the Best at the Tatak Tatu Expo 2024 in Florida, as well as Best of Show at the Savage Ink International Tattoo Convention in 2023. I’m also proud of winning Best of Day at the Singapore Ink Show in 2019 and at the Dutdutan Philippine Tattoo Expo in both 2016 and 2023. Each recognition motivates me to keep pushing my artistry to new heights!
How do you stay at the top of your game?
To stay at the top of my game, I prioritize continuous learning and practice. I regularly attend workshops, conventions, and seminars to learn new techniques and trends. I also keep a close eye on the work of other artists for inspiration and ideas. Setting personal challenges, like trying different styles or themes, helps me grow. Additionally, I seek feedback from peers and clients, which allows me to refine my skills and stay adaptable in this ever-evolving industry.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
Yes, I do other forms of art besides tattooing, primarily painting—both digital and acrylic. I focus on this for personal growth and exploration of my creativity. It helps me develop my skills and brings new perspectives to my tattoo work, allowing me to experiment with colors and designs outside of the tattoo medium.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
In the near future, I aim to promote my street pop art style, which I’ve been developing over the past couple of years. I want to make this style more recognized within the tattoo community and beyond. My goals include showcasing my work at more conventions and art shows, collaborating with other artists, and possibly creating a series that highlights this unique approach. Additionally, I hope to give back to the community by mentoring aspiring tattoo artists and sharing what I’ve learned throughout my journey.
You seem to have quite a few sponsors. Would you like to share a few words about them?
Yes, I’m grateful to have several sponsors that support my work. Xtreme Tattoo Ink was the first big brand to trust me, and I truly appreciate their support. I also work with Emalla Cartridges, Ink Wipe, Dong Ho Tattoo, Black Magic Tattoo Products, OG Produce, SGoons Tattoo Supply, and Macbeth, a clothing brand. Each of these partnerships helps me push my artistry further and allows me to continue doing what I love. Thank you to all of them for their trust and support!
Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
Absolutely! I’d like to remind everyone to never stop dreaming and to keep pushing until those dreams become a reality. Stay passionate and keep fighting for what you love, as long as you’re living. The journey may be challenging, but every step you take brings you closer to your goals. Embrace the process, learn from every experience, and stay true to yourself! Lastly, don’t forget to give all the glory to God. Staying grounded in gratitude and recognizing the support we receive along the way is essential. With faith and perseverance, we can achieve our dreams while uplifting others in the process.
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