Inked Aspirations: Young And Creative 20-Somethings Embark On Tattoo Artist Careers
More Gen Zs are choosing tattooing as a career path.
For Generation Z, tattooing symbolises not just a means of self-expression and community, but also a viable career path. However, like most creatives, the journey towards becoming a tattoo artist is fraught with challenges. Many young tattooists of this generation face intense competition, fueled by the omnipresence of social media as an indispensable tool for self-promotion. Ahead, we delve into the experiences, inspirations, and unique challenges of three Gen youth tattoo artists.
DEAN PHANG
This 21-year-old studied arts at the School of the Arts and is currently apprenticing at Good Life Tattoo Studios in Jalan Besar. Initially fearful of tattooing on human skin due to the permanence of mistakes, she extensively practised on her own skin before gaining enough confidence to tattoo others. Follow her on IG at @bodyd3cor and TikTok at @deendeandeendean.
What initially attracted you to the world of tattooing?
My dad is heavily tattooed, so I grew up thinking tattoos were very cool. I've always been interested in the arts, and as I got older, I realized that tattooing is just another medium of art.
What inspired you to pursue tattooing as a career after school?
I've always wanted a career related to art, but I didn't think pursuing an art-related field in Singapore was a smart move. After graduating from art school, I was quite directionless. I took a gap year to figure things out, and during this time, I started getting a few tattoos myself. My grandma, who didn't even notice my new tattoos, suggested I try tattooing. That's when I decided to pursue it seriously.
Dean Phang's works are heavily influenced by Renaissance art
How would you describe your artistic style, and what are your main influences or inspirations in your tattoo work?
I mostly do realism tattoos, heavily inspired by Renaissance paintings and sculptures. Even in art school, I was very interested in Renaissance artworks, so naturally, I carried that interest over when I began tattooing.
Who are your favourite artists and why?
Some of my favourite tattoo artists are Chris Kiyoharu Hirakawa (@kiyoharu_tattoer) and Kazin (@kazin_tattoer). Both artists specialize in black-and-grey realism, which is the style I also do. I admire how they render their subjects on their skin and their interesting compositions. I also like Yujhi (@nowthisyujhi) for his distinct and unique art style.
Dean Phang's tattoo work is characterised by its highly realistic style.
What are your long-term goals as a tattoo artist?
Ideally, I'd like to compete in tattoo competitions and join conventions internationally. I also want to travel and do guest spots in other countries.
What advice would you give to other young Singaporeans who are considering a career in tattooing?
My advice is to really think about it and be sure about your decision to pursue tattooing. It’s a craft you need to commit to 100 per cent. Dedicate a lot of time to honing your skills and be prepared for hardships and tears.
JASMINE VERTELUNA
The 25-year-old embarked on her journey into tattooing after studying Consumer Behaviour and Research at Republic Polytechnic. After completing her apprenticeship at a well-known studio in Singapore, Jasmine then chose to work independently. For the past two years, she has been tattooing in her own studio in Ubi. Follow her on IG at @verteluna and TikTok at Vertelunatattoo.
What initially drew you to the world of tattooing?
Honestly, it was my music taste and watching Miami Ink on TLC. Growing up, I listened to heavier music in primary and secondary school, and many of these artists were heavily tattooed. Alongside Miami Ink and the influence of my favourite artists back then, I've always been a creative kid. I used to draw for my parents, create photo frames from cardboard boxes, and loved art classes – even in kindergarten. The idea of pursuing tattooing came about when I was 16, during my N and O Levels when I needed the Art module to save my grades.
What inspired you to pursue tattooing as a career after school?
After graduating from polytechnic, I got a job but didn’t feel content. I was a customer service representative for a big brand, dealing with countless online chat boxes and getting cursed at every day. It wasn’t fun. I worked there for about a year but always followed many tattoo artists on Instagram. I felt mesmerised by their work and wanted to learn the craft. I started drawing again, built a tattoo portfolio, quit my job, and went looking for an apprenticeship.
Jasmine Verteluna is building a reputation with her romantic eye for tattoo art.
How would you describe your artistic style, and what are your main influences or inspirations in your tattoo work?
I would describe my artistic style as blackwork, illustrative, and ornamental. It consists of darker shades, contrasting tones, ornamental designs, and illustrations. My main influences and inspirations come from my Indian culture and traditional designs in jewellery, textiles, and henna. I also enjoy drawing marine creatures, plants, flowers, and insects.
Who are your favourite artists and why?
My favorite artists are @katabdy, @gaya_tree_, @sadhakaya, @sarahrose_tattoo, @danasha.tattoo, @blacksymmetry, @lue.tattoos, and @mariatatua. Their work resonates with the art I enjoy, and I hope to move into similar styles one day.
Besides being drawn to flora and fauna in her works, Jasmine Verteluna also draws on her Indian heritage for inspiration.
What are your long-term goals as a tattoo artist?
My long-term goals are to further widen my artistic knowledge and skills and venture into different mediums.
What advice would you give to other young Singaporeans who are considering a career in tattooing?
Firstly, create a strong tattoo portfolio before seeking an apprenticeship. A strong portfolio is crucial when a mentor chooses their apprentice. Secondly, never give up. There’s always so much to learn about tattooing, but it’s all worth it.
MASON TAN
This 22-year-old began his tattooing career after completing his N and O Levels and attending Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP), where he dropped out in his second year. Currently based at Aposh Bizhub in Yishun, he works in a private studio with four other artists. He started his tattooing journey while serving National Service, where he took the initiative to buy his own supplies and taught himself whenever he found the time. Follow him on Instagram at @masonn.tattoos.
What initially attracted you to the world of tattooing?
I developed an interest in tattoos during secondary school, influenced by the people I hung out with outside of school – some of whom were already tattoo artists. When I got my first tattoo, I started to understand the culture behind Singapore’s tattoo industry, which really intrigued me.
Mason Tan's main artistic styles are illustration- and American traditional-inspired tattoos.
What inspired you to pursue tattooing as a career?
After dropping out of NYP and while waiting for my enlistment date, I began visiting my friend’s shop to learn more about tattooing. I started buying my own supplies to self-learn. Initially, I inquired about apprenticeships at a few shops but was turned down because I hadn't completed my National Service (NS) yet. During my NS, a close friend started a shop with three other people and invited me to practice whenever I could. That’s where I officially started in May 2022.
How would you describe your artistic style, and what are your main influences or inspirations in your tattoo work?
I’ve dabbled in various styles, such as illustration, American traditional, Japanese, and fine line. However, I really want to focus on and improve my skills in Japanese art. I admire @girin_tattoo for his unique art and vision in Japanese style.
Mason Tan started his journey in tattooing during his National Service days.
What are your long-term goals as a tattoo artist?
I hope to become skilled enough to join conventions and meet new artists worldwide. Many tattoo artists have interesting backgrounds, and I want to learn from them.
What advice would you give to other young Singaporeans considering a career in tattooing?
It will be a long and slow process but don’t give up. Keep pushing forward.