Meet Agus Tan, a Singaporian tattoo artist with nearly 15 years of professional experience. Agus is the author of some truly stunning black and grey compositions and his work stands out not just for its technical excellence but for the emotional depth behind every piece. Influenced early on by punk rock culture, Agus followed his fascination and made his mark in the Southeast Asian tattoo industry. In this interview, Agus shares his journey from teenage experimentation to becoming a trusted name in the industry.
For the readers who are not familiar with you, how would you introduce yourself?
Hey, I’m Agus Tan. I’m a professional tattoo artist from Singapore, and I specialize in black and grey as well as colour realism work. I’ve been tattooing professionally for close to 15 years now. It’s been a long journey filled with growth, creativity, and a lot of incredible stories along the way.
How did your journey in tattooing get started?
I got into tattoos during my formative years when I started listening to punk rock and Rock’n’Roll. Bands like Blink 182, Avenged Sevenfold, and Bring Me The Horizon were covered in tattoos and had this rebellious energy that I looked up to. I wanted to look like that too. As a kid, I used to draw album covers freehand, no tracing, so art was always a big part of me. But back then, especially in Singapore, tattoos weren’t really widely accepted in society. That pushed me to become a professional tattoo artist—to live the lifestyle I admired and still build a career from it.
At what point in your life did you become a professional tattoo artist?
I picked up my first tattoo machine at the age of 17. I didn’t have a credit card because I wasn’t of legal age, so I went to the post office and set up a Western Union account just to send money to the seller. I bought the tattoo kit off eBay, and it felt like a lot of money for me at that age. With no practice and no real knowledge of how to actually tattoo, I started working on some close friends and a few clients they referred to me. The results were rough, to say the least. That was when I realized I needed proper guidance, so I looked for a full-time apprenticeship and committed myself to learning the craft the right way.
Where are you based?
I’m based in Singapore, but the tattoo community and conventions have allowed me to travel to many countries and work with incredible people from all over the world.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in your country these days?
The tattoo scene in Singapore has grown significantly over the years. When I first started, tattoos weren’t as widely accepted, but now, it’s part of mainstream culture. There are more shops, more conventions, and a growing number of talented artists emerging from Singapore. It’s exciting to see the shift in mindset and the rise of new tattoo trends and styles.
How would you define your current tattoo style and how did you end up focusing on it?
I focus primarily on black and gray and color realism tattoos. I’m drawn to high contrast and shadows, and I love how the skin helps bring the piece to life. Over the years, I’ve naturally gravitated toward realism because of my love for detail and capturing lifelike images. I also enjoy experimenting with neo-traditional and bright color realism. Honestly, there’s no style I’m afraid to explore I believe in staying open because in this craft, the learning never really ends.
Please walk us through your process when you start a new tattoo for your customers.
When a new client wants to get tattooed, the first step is booking an appointment with me. Before the actual tattoo session, I’ll usually set up a video call or meet them in person for a consultation. That’s where I take the time to understand the meaning behind the tattoo and the direction they’re aiming for. Using that input, I’ll create a custom design based on my technical skills and tools. On the day of the appointment, I’ll present the final artwork and walk them through the reasoning and intention behind the piece. From there, I guide them through the entire process from getting the tattoo done to proper aftercare.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
The most challenging aspect is staying relevant in such a fast-evolving industry. Tattooing is constantly changing, and there are always new techniques, tools, and styles emerging. It’s important to keep pushing myself to grow, while also staying true to my roots and identity as an artist.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
One of the most rewarding parts of being a tattoo artist is watching your dreams unfold over time, year by year, step by step. The journey comes with its share of self-doubt, pressure, and burnout, especially in such a competitive world. But we’re incredibly lucky to do what we love for a living. This career has taken me to so many countries, introduced me to amazing people, and given me memories that I’ll carry with me for life, things money can’t buy. And nothing beats the feeling of seeing a client smile when I bring their idea to life, knowing that my art will stay with them.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
I’ve been lucky enough to attend some incredible tattoo conventions over the past seven or eight years of my career. These conventions are a goldmine of knowledge, they push me to keep improving, especially when I see other talented artists refining their technical skills. They’ve also exposed me to different styles, cultures, and ways of thinking. On top of that, conventions have been a great space for me to connect and network within the tattoo community.
Did you ever participate in any tattoo contests?
Yes, I’ve taken part in several tattoo contests over the past few years, and I’ve been lucky enough to snag a few awards along the way. It’s always a great feeling to have your work recognized.
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
My main reason for attending conventions is to learn and connect. I enjoy seeing the works of other artists, improving my own craft, and meeting new people in the tattoo community. It’s a great environment for inspiration and growth.
How do you think tattoo conventions could improve for the artists and the public?
Tattoo conventions could improve by offering more opportunities for artists to showcase their work and collaborate. For the public, it’s about giving them more insight into the process and the history behind tattooing. I think creating interactive spaces, like workshops or live demos, could help both artists and visitors engage more deeply with the art form.
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?
My favorite convention would have to be the Singapore Ink Show organized by Asia Tattoo Supply. I’ve seen it grow and improve over the years, and I know how much effort goes into planning something on that scale it’s really impressive. What makes it so special is being able to catch up with old friends in the industry, especially those I don’t get to see often because of work, along with tattoo artists from all over the region. It’s always a great weekend filled with familiar faces, good energy, and the shared joy of getting better at our craft together. The local scene deserves more recognition and support.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
If you’re thinking about becoming a tattoo artist, just know it’s not always an easy ride, but it’s such a rewarding one. You’ll spend a lot of time working and perfecting your craft, and yeah, sometimes it can take a toll on your relationships and your personal time.
But if you truly love what you do and stay focused, it’ll all be worth it. You’ve got to have heart, patience, and a little bit of stubborn belief in yourself. The journey’s tough, but the magic you create and the people you meet along the way makes it all so special.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
I admire many artists for different reasons, but I have a special respect for those who consistently push the boundaries of tattooing and experiment with new techniques. The most inspiring ones are those who have maintained their authenticity while still evolving in the craft.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
My biggest accomplishment is not the awards, the attention, or the praise. Those moments are really sweet and definitely appreciated, and they give me a good sense of where I stand in my craft. But what truly means the most is the trust my clients place in me. Some of them wait months, even years, before finally deciding to get a piece done. Often, that decision comes after a long time of thinking and searching for the right artist. The fact that they choose me, out of so many amazing artists out there, never stops flattering me. That kind of trust and connection is something time cannot erase, and it is a kind of reward that money simply cannot buy.
How do you stay at the top of your game?
I stay at the top of my game by constantly pushing myself to grow. I make it a point to keep up with new technology, learn new things, and really understand my equipment so I can use it to its full potential. I’m always exploring new techniques to improve different areas of my work, especially on the technical side. And most importantly, I surround myself with like-minded people who inspire me and keep me motivated every step of the way.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
I’ve always been involved in art outside tattooing. I love sketching, painting, and working with different mediums. Those skills help me to express my creativity and translate it into my tattoos. They also give me the opportunity to explore new artistic techniques.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
In the near future, I aim to further improve my skills, explore more tattoo styles, and collaborate with other talented artists. I’d also love to continue traveling, working at conventions, and pushing my creativity to new heights.
Do you have a sponsor? If so, what could you tell us about your sponsors?
Yes, I’m currently sponsored by Balm Tattoo. They make really awesome aftercare products and creams for tattoos, and I totally recommend them. I also just ended a six-year needle sponsorship with FYT. It’s been a great journey with them and they really took care of me. I’m also open to new sponsorships, if you know what I mean!
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