Talking About The Future With Tattoo Artist Pierrot Pokes
What’s the tattoo scene in Singapore like now? Gen Z tattoo artist, Brennan Tan shares about the ups, downs, and how he got his start in the business.
In the increasingly oversaturated ink game, how does one make a mark? The 24‑year‑old (real name: Brennan Tan) might know a thing or two. After all, the business management student went from inking himself for fun to becoming one of the most popular tattoo artists in Singapore in less than four years, if his Instagram followers are anything to go by (more than 40K and counting – his signature kawaii cats and anime‑inspired characters are pretty fire). Here, he shares about how he started in the scene, how this gig is going and where he wants to end up.
Brennan Tan – aka the up‑and‑coming tattoo artist Pierrot Pokes – grew up rushing through dinner to catch anime such as D.Gray‑man on TV. Now, he brings that same love of anime and manga into every tattoo he designs. “Artists spend years learning how to draw, animate, storyboard, and create manga. That dedication really inspires me in my own art. I’ve always wanted to bring what I love – anime, cats, those sort of things – into my work and that’s why my illustration style is so influenced by manga,” he says. Brennan wears technical pique canvas blouson, spinnaker canvas tank top (worn under blouson) and cotton pants, Hermes. Everything else, subject’s own.
HEY, BRENNAN! TELL US: HOW DID YOU GET INTO TATTOOING?
“Initially, I was just trying out the art form for fun and tattooing on my own legs, experimenting and trying to figure out my style. I didn’t really know what being a tattoo artist meant. After practising for some time on myself and close friends, I started tattooing in my room on a pay‑as‑you‑wish basis. Bit by bit, I saved up and managed to open a private studio in Tanjong Pagar. Later on, a close friend and I started a studio near Haji Lane. It was truly an experience starting and being part of a bigger studio, and those two years are forever precious to me, as chaotic as they were. And now, I’m with Sabi Studio!”
WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND THE NAME “PIERROT POKES”?
“It was inspired by the Pierrot character from commedia dell’arte (a form of Italian theatre popular between the 16th and 18th centuries), which is typically depicted as a loner and an outcast whose lover gets stolen … I think I’m strong and independent, but I relate to Pierrot in the sense that I also see myself as being a bit weird and an outcast.”
DID YOU TRAIN UNDER A MENTOR OR WERE YOU SELF‑TAUGHT? ARE APPRENTICESHIPS NECESSARY IN THIS INDUSTRY?
“Traditionally, tattooing is very much legacy‑based, with knowledge passed down from mentor to apprentice over many years. These days though, tattooing has become much more commercial. It’s no longer just a lifestyle associated with a certain subculture – it’s a full‑fledged business. There are even tattoo classes now … Some guidance is 100 per cent essential. After all, you’re putting permanent art on someone’s body, so there must be professionalism and care to ensure you don’t mess them up for life. Plus, it’s important in order to provide clients with a complete and respectful experience … I’ve been lucky to have met many people who have been willing to teach and guide me. They’ve showed me how to use the machine, what to look out for and how to tattoo properly. I wouldn’t say I’ve had a formal apprenticeship, but I’ve learnt from different people through trial and error. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am now.”
HOW VIABLE IS TATTOOING AS A CAREER?
“It comes with its challenges because while it’s creative, it’s also like a sales job. There’s always the matter of having to balance the artistic side of the business with commercialising it – what are you willing to sacrifice to earn money? For the newer generation of tattoo artists, things are even tougher because there are so many people entering the industry now, making it very saturated. Turning tattooing into a career is thus a tough decision. For me, my biggest takeaway from doing this isn’t money; it’s the experiences I have with my clients – their feedback and their support. So while it might not be the most lucrative career financially, it’s incredibly fulfilling.”
While the sentiment on the ground is that the tattoo scene today feels a lot more mainstream and saturated, Tan still sees tattooing as a craft rooted in care. His advice to aspirants? “Be authentic … Don’t let the social media numbers mess with your creativity. Just tell your own story.” Brennan wears cotton canvas blouson, cashmere and silk sweater, mohair and silk pants, and calfskin leather loafers, Prada. Everything else, subject’s own.
YOU’RE STILL IN UNIVERSITY. HOW DO YOU JUGGLE YOUR STUDIES AND YOUR CRAFT?
“Since starting life as Pierrot Pokes the tattoo artist in October 2021, I’ve been rushing between school and work. It’s a bit sad, as I don’t have time for co‑curricular activities or to see my friends … My weekends are also completely full, so I end up having to do a lot of last‑minute studying. I work about four days a week and on the other three days, I’m creating content. I think it’s important to care about the algorithm and to respond to messages on social media as part of the client experience. Handling everything honestly makes this a 24/7 job.”
INTERESTING. TELL US MORE ABOUT THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE TATTOO INDUSTRY.
“An older tattoo artist once told me tattooing was easier in the past, in that they’d do one tattoo and clients would come every day after through word of mouth: no social media, no marketing needed. Now, with so many artists and clients, the game has changed. The whole industry has evolved because of social media and it does give artists a leg‑up. That’s also where my challenge lies: Algorithms change and suddenly, it’s not just about the art anymore. One is expected to follow trends – for example, if an algorithm favours carousel posts, you have to try that too – but I don’t want to blindly follow trends. I’d like to remain authentic even if viral videos bring views and returns.”
SPILL: WHAT’S A BALLPARK FIGURE FOR HOW MUCH A TATTOO ARTIST IN SINGAPORE CAN EARN TODAY?
“It really varies. If you’re doing well, you could earn up to $20K a month. However, in some months, you might only bring in $2,000, especially after deducting the cost of rent, equipment, et cetera. It’s unpredictable … Pricing is often kept private, partly to avoid price wars, but cheaper doesn’t always mean better. At the end of the day, tattoos are a luxury. As much as I’d love for them to be accessible to everyone, people shouldn’t compromise on quality just to save on price.”
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE DIFFICULTIES OF YOUR JOB THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T SEE?
“Definitely the long hours. People often think it takes only two to three hours to get a tattoo, but they don’t realise that designing one can take 10 to 20 hours, so even if the actual inking takes only a few hours, days’ worth of time has been put into the entire tattooing process. And it can be exhausting, especially at the start. You’re constantly creating, trying to improve, and – because many of us are self‑employed – there’s no such thing as the end of a workday … Then there’s the emotional stress. You’ll mess up at some point – it happens. But what matters is how you fix it and how you take care of the client because this is going to be something permanent on his or her body.”
Brennan wears technical pique canvas blouson, spinnaker canvas tank top (worn under blouson) and cotton pants, Hermes. Everything else, subject’s own.
YOUR CLIENTS ARE MOSTLY GEN ZERS LIKE YOURSELF. WHAT HAVE YOU OBSERVED ABOUT THIS DEMOGRAPHIC’S ATTITUDES TOWARDS TATTOOS?
“Gen Zers in general take a more casual approach to tattoos. Before, tattoos were big and serious – think phoenixes, dragons, tigers and full‑back designs. And if one saw a guy with tattoos, you might assume he was into drugs or part of a gang. Among older generations, tattoos are often considered a big deal and linked to major life events. Now, tattoos are smaller, cuter and less about significance; almost like wearable art or accessories – like a watch that expresses who you are.”
LAST QUESTION THAT WE’RE ASKING EVERYONE FEATURED IN THIS EDITION: WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE WORD STARTING WITH “F”?
“‘Friends’. It might sound childish, but I’ve always wanted to be popular and to have a really big group of friends – finding connection with people has always been a goal of mine. That said, work and life have caused me to drift apart from some friends, but I hope that I’ve made an impact on them, just as they have on me.”
THIS INTERVIEW HAS BEEN EDITED FOR BREVITY AND CLARITY.