My Weekend Tattoo

Tattoo is about pain tolerance in an hour or more for the life-long of loving the final outcome of it. Clients must know their artists well before giving in. Sometimes, persons who have a tattoo machine can’t already be called a tattoo artist. It takes a lots of hardwork, patience and discipline. Wannabes  should have a taste for this kind of art and know some visual techniques. He must practice more on paper the ways of shading and toning. Skin isn’t like a canvass for oil and arches paper for watercolor. You can’t undo it when things go wrong. You can’t just crumple it when turned out to be unlikable. We must value our clients for in them we can see our fulfillment in this passion upon seeing them pleased.

More often, I do a tattoo session every weekend. This is the only time when I can fully focus my passion. Clients, who want some design that satisfy their longing for this art, can negotiate and have some short talk for the concept they needed before enduring the pain. Always trust the artist before being inked. He has more in mind of creating designs but make sure that you’re design is met. Ask advice before and during the session on what to do that in a way you’re comfortable enough as the session goes. Needless to say, clients in my homeplace trusted me enough for they are my personal friends and thus, I can freely do in any add-ons with the approved design.

Cebu Ink Conference 2011

Cebu Tattoo Artists

 with Zairex Gantuangco and Ryan Bernardino - the masters 

 with Mr Tommy Ringwalt,

President and CEO of Tommys Supply and Starbrite Colors

mini tattoo machine - lucky me!

August 15, 2011 – Cebu Ink Conference was held at KOA Tree House , formerly Kukus Nest, Lahug Cebu City. It was made through the effort of a Cebu tattoo artist Zairex Gantuangco, whom I admired most for his unceasing sharing of knowledge for this art and this was sponsored by Pinoy Body Arts of Sir Don Baranda with Mr Tommy Ringwalt, the President and CEO of Tommys Supply and Starbrite Colors.

Cebu’s top tattoo artists were there that, in a way, gave some boost for the freelancer and newbie in the industry. I can name only a few them because I don’t know some of the artist personally. Others I only knew through social website networking especially in Facebook while some of them I personally met in tattoo conventions. Presents there were Zai, Ryan Bernardino, Carlo Gabiana and his brother Vanvan, Ronnie Macapagal, Wendell Yap, JC Verdida, Dencio Ceniza, Harry Ruiz, Paolo Abellana, Mikki Blanco, Duance Gacasan, Frances Flordelis and Benson Gascon.

Things were discussed on how the Starbrite skin ink came in existence and its development to be one of the most renowned skin inks in the tattoo world today. Information on how the ink was made through a keen scrutinization under the microscope and tested in avoidance of skin allergy, made us wooed for their products. A lot of tips and instructions on tattoo’s aftercare since our country is tropical thus, must be protected from sun’s heat. The higher the SPF, the better it cares the newly done tattoo. Colors that usually give rashes for a tattoo are red and purple because of its mercury sulfide content.

Raffles were initiated for attendees' consolation. Names were drawn for mini tattoo machines and fortunately it was my name on the first pick. Such a nice souvenir for us since it can’t be found in our local market and can only be classified as collectors item because of its availability.

Let’s us all support our local tattoo artists. We’re so grateful for the time given for this event by all artists present, Mr. Tom Ringwalt and to Sir Don Baranda for the support in this industry who made this event a successful one.