An adaptation and customization of a Parang, a Southeast Asian design with diagonal and often interlocking S-shaped lines. While the world speeds ahead on current information and technology, Poke Ahontas (real name Iwani Munir) moves with serene intention. The 32-year-old Singaporean tattooer with Javanese roots uses the slow, meticulous handpoking technique, offering each client a […]
Author: Adriana de Barros
Frederik Heil Specializes in Hand Tattoos, Particularly Palms
Many are struck by Frederik Heil’s resemblance to Jax Teller, the rebellious lead in “Sons of Anarchy.” Each summer, Heil rides his 1980 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead; winters are spent building and customizing bikes in his workshop. This spirit of freedom and creativity also shapes his professional life. Originally from Germany, Frederik Heil transitioned from construction management […]
Greed’s Mythological Animal Tattoos and Korean Art Influences
Calling himself “Greed,” a name representing his strong drive to succeed. He sees this force positively. While moderation matters, he and many creatives neglect it in their pursuit of perfection and continual improvement. Greed tends to be quiet, except when discussing something he cares about. Tattooing is one such topic. He began working as a […]
ShiRyu’s Tattooing: A Revolution in Style, Color, and Flow
Look at this masterpiece and let your mind absorb it. ShiRyu’s large-scale projects are notable for their mesmerizing and refreshing style. At 36, SeongBeom Kwon, known as ShiRyu, is a tattooist who keeps his professional and personal lives separate. He approaches his art through creativity, intensity, and a perfectionist’s eye. Outside of work, he is […]
The Enchanting Tattoos of Ulises Gonzalez Based on Textiles and Past Eras
A tattoo depicting Saint Michael slaying the devil (embodied as a dragon) in a scene reminiscent of the Mexican Novohispanic and Cuzco style (16th to 18th centuries in Peru). Ulises González came into this world in 1994 in the municipality of Ecatepec de Morelos, north of Greater Mexico City. He grew up with his grandmother […]
Ego Sum Lux Mundi: Iconography Line Tattoos
A native of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, Fernando Cardona came into this world in 1994. Fernando Cardona, also referred to as Ego Sum Lux Mundi, has been tattooing since 2017. His body of work, which includes line art tattoos, presents a modern interpretation of mythology and religious imagery. Cardona does not select […]
Modern Art Inspires XAMO’s Doodly Tattoos
This is “TYPE 01 / Blue Dragon,” one of the larger works by XAMO. This 29-year-old Seoul native goes by the name XAMO (pronounced “SAME-O”). He is trilingual (French, English, and Korean) and majored in French language and literature at Gachon University in 2014. His time spent working and living in Europe, particularly Paris, provided […]
Conversation with Xéu on Reclaiming the Roots of Tattooing
A tattoo flash by Xéu, with its illustrative figure and backdrop, seems to be a nod to Art Nouveau. Michele “Xéu” Jean Leite spent part of her youth in Montreal, Québec, although she was born in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, in 1981. When she was eleven years old, her parents, who were Portuguese immigrants, returned to […]
Interview with Corey Miller on His Big Breaks and Six Feet Under
A 2025 portrait of Corey Miller and his daughter Chloe at Six Feet Under. Corey Miller was already a fan favorite for his black-and-gray tattooing and drawing skills, as demonstrated on the TV reality show “LA Ink” (2007-2011). Nonetheless, upon meeting him in person, he had a much more rebellious and joker demeanor than expected […]
Aleki’s Micro Tattoos: Significance for Every Symbol
A tattoo prompted by the great heroes of Greek Mythology and their enduring resilience and bravery. Although Artem Alekhin (aka Aleki) earned a degree in pharmaceutical studies, he chose instead to become a tattooist in 2021. He always had a regard for the arts and hoped to pursue a more exciting, interpersonal, and creative career. […]