I recently had a fascinating conversation with Seth Villacosta, a remarkable tattoo artist from the Philippines who is well-known for his Hyper Realism designs. Come explore the narratives intertwined within Seth’s breathtakingly realistic, boundary-pushing works of art. Let’s learn more about Seth together!
For the readers who are not familiar with you, how would you introduce yourself?
Good day, guys! I’m Seth Villacosta from Iloilo City, Philippines, in Asia. I’m your go-to guy for hyper-realism tattoos, and I have been in the industry for 8 years. Get ready for a jaw-dropping photorealistic or hyperrealistic journey.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
I was always a fan of tattoos. Even though it was quite taboo in our country way back. When I was in high school, my friends were doing henna tattoos, and it was a hit back then. No matter how popular henna tattoos were back in the day, I promised myself that I would never get a henna tattoo and would get a real tattoo one day.
How and when did you start tattooing?
Honestly, I never dreamed of being a tattoo artist. I just love art, and I am a visual artist. The majority of my tattoos were done before I even started laying a finger on a coil machine. It all started when my artist was late going to the studio for our schedule (finishing my sleeves) due to medical issues. So I was bored waiting for already an hour. Nobody knows in the studio that I am a visual artist. So I asked if I could have a sketchpad and a pencil to kill the time. And I drew a full-body human anatomy with muscles, and I was told to give tattooing a try, and the rest is history. And I’m really glad that I tested the leap of faith.
Where are you based?
I’m currently based here in the Philippines, but I do foreign and local guest spots.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in (your country) these days?
Man, tattooing is booming in the Philippines. A lot of great tattoo artists came from the Philippines, maybe because we have a lot of local competitions here in the Philippines, and because of that, the competition is tighter. And the other reason is that, as of the moment, tattooing is not yet regulated, so basically everybody can tattoo.
How would you define your tattoo style?
My main focus is Photo Realism/Hyper Realism but here in the Philippines, we need to learn other styles to compete with the market. Photo Realism/Hyper Realism flaunts intricate details of the subject. I never forced my way into this style, but this style brings me happiness whenever I pull off intricate details.
What kind of tattoo projects do you like to do the most?
I like doing anything Realism. It always brings excitement and enjoyment to me. To achieve the perfect emotion of the eyes, the sweat, the hair, and the fur strands. Tiny details. Well yeah. Talking like this makes me sound that I really like my job.
What’s the main source of inspiration for your tattoos?
Inspiration for my tattoos is number 1. We have a rich culture of tattooing, given that we have the oldest living tattoo artist in the world. And putting a modern approach to this kind of art form is like making our culture live more. And looking up to great realism artists such as Steve Butcher, Dmitriy Samohin, and Nikko Hurtado.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2023?
I can say that at the moment, the most challenging aspect is how I will climb to the next step of my career, how to best my skills every day, and how to grow as a great artist. The goal is to be known worldwide as one of the great artists from the Philippines. So basically, it’s a challenge for me regardless of the year.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
Man, I never imagined that tattooing would bring me high respect in my country and would be considered a job because tattooing was taboo back then. The rewarding part was that I could provide a better future for my family by being a tattoo artist.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
Man, it’s quite a ride. Nerve-wracking pressure just to showcase the talent that you have, have bagged champions in a few local competitions, and even travel internationally for conventions. But the best part of it is meeting other artists and making friends and connections.
Do you remember the first tattoo convention you have ever been to?
Oh yeah, I was quite nervous, but I made sure that I would just enjoy the ride and push myself to the limit.
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
It was to show everybody that I exist in the industry and that I can do what I can do. And to be recognized as a legitimate artist.
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?
Thailand Convention. Because I find Thailand a nice country to tour, it has a rich culture. And a lot of Filipino’s joined there, so I felt that it felt like home as well.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
Hard work beats talent. Imagine yourself planting a tree. Plant a seed first, and soon, if you put love and hard work into what you are doing, you will harvest the sweet fruit of your hard work.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
Alex Van Dutch opened my eyes to higher levels in the industry and how to move further in my career. Steve Butcher showed me the way to hyperrealism. Dmitriy Samohin‘s work ethic is top-notch. It motivates me to work harder. Nikko Hurtado and Mike Demasi for introducing colored portraits in the industry.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
Being recognized as one of the top tattoo artists in the Philippines and providing a future for my family. Family always comes first.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
I do painting; I was a member of the Visual Arts Club in my city before; and I love music. Singing is one way to relieve stress.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
My goal for now is to work in a bigger country in the western part of the world. And showcase my talent there. I’m a goal-oriented guy, and for sure, I will have a new goal once I achieve it.
Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
Put your heart and soul into what you are doing. Stay true, respect everybody, and work your way to your goal.
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