By Robbie Pangilinan
They say artists just go with the flow, waiting for inspiration or that spark of brilliance. But for this international tattoo artist, art takes discipline.
“Lahat ng artist dapat mag-apprentice para matutunan nila yung disiplina ng pag-tattoo. Nung naging member ako ng PhilTAG, sila Ricky at Junval binigyan ako ng guidance para ma-i-straight yung paniniwala ko sa discipline ng pagiging artist,” says Joseph Sinio a member of the Philippine Tattoo Artists Guild.
Joseph underwent apprenticeship at INKS Alabang. His inspiration were the artists in Cubao who made billboards. He started with caricatures, then became proficient in making portraits, tribal designs, both realistic and abstract. He then saw a Facebook post inviting artists to go to the British Virgin Islands. He was a tattoo artist there for two years, doing conventions in many countries such as Singapore and Taiwan.
The 38year-old Bicolano further learned about discipline abroad, when he had the chance to work with foreigners.
They say artists just go with the flow, waiting for inspiration or that spark of brilliance. But for this international tattoo artist, art takes discipline.
“Lahat ng artist dapat mag-apprentice para matutunan nila yung disiplina ng pag-tattoo. Nung naging member ako ng PhilTAG, sila Ricky at Junval binigyan ako ng guidance para ma-i-straight yung paniniwala ko sa discipline ng pagiging artist,” says Joseph Sinio a member of the Philippine Tattoo Artists Guild.
Joseph underwent apprenticeship at INKS Alabang. His inspiration were the artists in Cubao who made billboards. He started with caricatures, then became proficient in making portraits, tribal designs, both realistic and abstract. He then saw a Facebook post inviting artists to go to the British Virgin Islands. He was a tattoo artist there for two years, doing conventions in many countries such as Singapore and Taiwan.
The 38year-old Bicolano further learned about discipline abroad, when he had the chance to work with foreigners.
“Kapag PhilTAG ka, dala mo ang pangalan ng bayan. Kailangan ipakita ang disiplina, kung papaano ka kumilos international especially sa mga convention at seminar. Nakikita namin yung kaibahan natin sa foreigners, so dapat malinis tayo sa gamit,” Sinio shares.
Even in his lifestyle, discipline is demonstrated. He saves his hard-earned money and does not splurge on vices.
For Joseph, tattooing is not only a job, but a vocation. He takes being a tattoo artist seriously.
“Dapat talaga marunong mag-drawing yung mga tattoo artist, hindi yung kokopya ka lang tapos ibabakat mo lang sa katawan ng tao, hindi ganun yung proseso. Ang proseso dapat marunong ka mag-drawing, tapos marunong ka mag-color. Para kang bumubuo ng painting sa utak mo. Dapat customized lagi sa client. Marami ako nakikita artists sa paligid kapag nakabili na ng gamit, mag-tattoo na sila agad sa mga tao tapos pera agad iniisip nila. Dapat isipin nila gawin ang best nila o perfect work, hindi lang pera ang iniiisip mo o kaya yung kasikatan. Kailangan ipagmalaki mo ang trabaho mo.
He also finds meaning in every art work that he does, saying that clients search for meaningful designs that have an impact in their lives. As an artist, Joseph he helps his clients chose designs that are perfect for them.
Newly married, Joseph says he would like his child to also go into art – painting or tattooing – and he will guide him/her every step of the way.
Located at: 2nd Floor, 494 Ramos Bldg. Unit A. (In Front of PizzaHut, Near SHELL) Almanza Uno Alabang Zapote Road LasPinas City
