Today we are glad to present Jerry, a very gifted tattoo artist from the Philippines, crafting some truly amazing, realistic, and black & gray tattoos. Let’s discover his artistic journey along with his insights about the tattoo industry.
For the readers who are not familiar with you, how would you introduce yourself?
Hello, my name is Jerry Francisco Jr., and I am a tattoo artist originally from the Philippines. Right now, I am working in the United Kingdom as a resident artist at No Regrets Studio. I specialize in realism, black and gray, and pet portrait tattoos, but I enjoy trying out different styles to create something unique for my clients. My journey into tattooing has been full of unexpected turns, but it has also been very rewarding. Every day, I feel lucky to do what I love while meeting amazing people along the way.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
My fascination with tattoos started back in 2018 when a friend of mine invited me to assist him at a tattoo competition. I had never been to a tattoo event before, and I didn’t know much about tattoos at the time. But when I saw the amazing art created by so many talented artists, I felt very inspired. I realized that tattoos are not just drawings—they are deeply personal pieces of art that people carry with them forever. That connection between art and personal meaning is what drew me to tattooing.
So from that moment you choose to become a professional tattoo artist?
Yes, I became a professional tattoo artist after deciding to pursue this path seriously. Before that, I worked in a completely different field and even studied programming for two years. However, my love for art never went away, and after seeing the beauty of tattoos at a competition, I knew it was something I wanted to do. Once I committed to tattooing, it became my full-time career, and it has been one of the best decisions of my life.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in your native country these days?
The tattoo scene in the Philippines has grown so much over the years. There are many talented artists who are now exploring different styles, and people are starting to really appreciate unique and creative tattoos with help of advance technologies and social media advantages. The quality of tattoos in my country is improving quickly, and there are also more events, competitions, and opportunities for artists to connect with each other. It’s a very exciting time for the tattoo community.
How would you define your tattoo style?
I would describe my tattoo style as primarily realism, with a focus on Colored and Black and Gray tattoos. I love creating lifelike, detailed designs that look almost like photographs. Whether it’s a portrait or an animal, I aim to capture the emotions and character of the subject. I also enjoy experimenting with other styles, mixing realism with other elements, depending on the client’s vision. But in general, I focus on making tattoos that feel real and have depth, giving them a timeless and classic look.
What’s the main source of inspiration for your tattoos?
My main source of inspiration comes from the world around me—nature, animals, and even the people I meet. Every tattoo I do has a story behind it, and often, the client’s personal experience or meaning behind the design inspires me. I also find a lot of inspiration in other art forms like photography, paintings, and the work of other tattoo artists. The diversity of the world and the unique stories people carry with them give me endless ideas for new tattoos.
What would you say is the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist today?
One of the biggest challenges of being a tattoo artist today is keeping up with new techniques and trends while still staying true to your own style. The tattoo industry is constantly changing, with new tools, machines, and styles being introduced all the time. It can be difficult to balance staying current with the ever-evolving scene and remaining true to the art that you love to create. Another challenge is maintaining a high level of skill, as tattooing requires a lot of focus, practice, and patience.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
The most rewarding part of being a tattoo artist is the connection I get to make with my clients. Tattoos are deeply personal, and knowing that I can create something that is meaningful to someone is incredibly fulfilling. Seeing the joy on my clients’ faces when they see their tattoo come to life is a feeling I can’t describe. It’s not just about creating art, it’s about creating something that becomes a part of someone’s story and life. That personal connection makes every challenge worth it.
You’ve been to a few tattoo conventions. What’s your experience so far at conventions?
Tattoo conventions have been a huge part of my journey as an artist. They give me the chance to meet other talented tattoo artists, see their work firsthand, and exchange ideas. Conventions are also a great opportunity to challenge myself by working in a live setting, which can be different from working in a studio. I’ve been lucky to participate in a few major conventions, like the Big London Tattoo Show, where I was able to showcase my work and compete in different categories. Every convention is a learning experience, and it always motivates me to keep improving.
To you, what’s your best memory out of any tattoo convention you have been to so far?
My best memory was at the Big London Tattoo Show, where I won two major awards. It was an unforgettable experience because it was my first International Tattoo Convention, and it felt like all my hard work was paying off. Winning 1st place for Best Small Piece in Black and Grey and 2nd place for Best of Show was such an honor. The atmosphere at the event was amazing, and it was incredible to meet so many talented artists from all over the world.
2nd place for Best of Show Big London Tattoo Show 2025
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
The main reason I attend tattoo conventions is to continue learning and growing as an artist. They provide the perfect environment to connect with other artists, share knowledge, and discover new techniques. I also enjoy seeing how other tattoo artists approach their work and the creative process they follow. Conventions are an excellent opportunity to challenge myself, push my boundaries, and see how my work stands up to others in the global tattoo community.
How do you think tattoo conventions could improve for the artists and the public?
I think tattoo conventions could improve by focusing more on providing educational opportunities for both artists and the public. Workshops, panels, and demonstrations could be included to help newer artists learn and improve their skills. For the public, more interaction between artists and attendees could be encouraged, so people can better understand the process behind getting a tattoo. A more relaxed environment where artists can freely showcase their craft and explain their techniques would help both the public and artists feel more connected.
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?
So far, my favorite convention has been the Big London Tattoo Show. The reason I love it is that it’s a well-organized event with a great atmosphere. It was my first big international convention, and it gave me the chance to meet amazing artists, showcase my work, and connect with people who truly appreciate the art of tattooing. The size of the event and the diversity of talent made it a unique experience, and it really pushed me to step up my game.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
If you’re thinking about becoming a tattoo artist, my advice is to practice as much as you can, and be patient with yourself. Tattooing is a skill that takes time to master, so don’t rush the process. It’s important to learn the basics of drawing first because good tattoos start with strong designs. Also, find a mentor or someone you can learn from, someone who has experience in the industry. And most importantly, be passionate and dedicated to the art. This job is not easy, but if you love it, the effort is worth it.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
I admire many tattoo artists, both local and international. Seeing the work of exceptional international artists inspires me to push myself and showcase my own art beyond the Philippines. Their dedication and skill motivate me to continuously improve and represent Filipino talent on the global stage. I believe inspiration can come from anyone, whether they’re seasoned professionals or just starting out, and it drives me to keep growing and sharing my work worldwide.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
One of my biggest accomplishments is making tattooing my full-time career. It’s something I dreamed about since I started, and now I feel proud to do it as my job. Another big achievement was being a guest artist in Australia for two months. It was an amazing experience to work in another country, learn from others, and share my work with more people. Now, working as a tattoo artist in the UK is another big step for me. Traveling and tattooing in different places is a dream come true.
How do you stay at the top of your game?
To stay at the top of my game, I make sure I’m always learning and improving. I spend time studying new techniques, practicing different styles, and pushing myself to do things I haven’t done before. It’s also important to stay open-minded and try new things, even if they’re outside your comfort zone. I make sure to attend conventions and workshops to learn from other artists, and I constantly challenge myself to grow. Staying connected with the tattoo community helps me stay inspired and keeps my work fresh.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
Yes, I enjoy doing other forms of art besides tattooing. Drawing is my main passion, and I still love sketching and working on illustrations. I sometimes experiment with digital art as well, creating designs on my tablet. Painting is something I’m also trying to explore more. Even though tattooing is my main focus, I find that doing other types of art helps me improve my skills and keeps me creative. Every form of art has a unique challenge, and I enjoy exploring them.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
In the near future, I want to continue growing as a tattoo artist and push myself to be even better at what I do. I hope to collaborate with other artists on big projects and maybe open my own tattoo studio someday. I also want to travel to more countries to tattoo and learn from different cultures. My goal is to always challenge myself with new styles and techniques so that I can keep improving and making the best tattoos possible for my clients.
Do you have a sponsor? If so, what could you tell us about your sponsors?
I am sponsored by Radiant Colors Ink USA, a partnership that started in 2021. Their high-quality inks have been an essential part of my work, helping me create vibrant and lasting tattoos. Earlier this year, I also became sponsored by Bheppo Tattoo Aftercare . Their products have been amazing for promoting proper healing and ensuring my clients’ tattoos look their best. I’m grateful for the support of these brands as they allow me to continue growing and perfecting my craft.
Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
I’d just like to say thank you for taking the time to read about my journey as a tattoo artist. Tattooing is more than just a job for me—it’s a way of life. Every tattoo is a story, and every client is an opportunity to create something meaningful. If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo, don’t be afraid to ask questions and make sure you find an artist whose work you admire. And if you’re thinking about becoming a tattoo artist, remember that it’s a lifelong learning process, so keep pushing yourself and never stop growing.
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