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.
“All artists dapat mag-apprentice so they could learn the discipline of tattoo as an art. When I became a member PhilTAG, sila Ricky at Junval binigyan ako ng guidance para ma-i-straight yung paniniwala ko sa discipline ng pagiging artist,” says Joseph Sino, a member of the Philippine Tattoo Artists Guild.
He bunderwent apprenticeship at INKS Alabang. His inspirations 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 39-year-old Bicolano further learned about the discipline abroad, when he had the chance to work with foreigners.
“When you’re PhilTAG member, you’re representing the whole nation. You need to show how disciplined you are as an artist, kung papaano ka kumilos international especially sa mga convention and seminar. Nakikita namin yung kaibahan natin sa foreigners, so dapat malinis tayo sa gamit,” Joseph 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.
“First, you need to know how to draw at least if you’re a tattoo artist, hindi yung kokopya ka lang tapos ibabakat mo lang sa katawan ng tao, that’s not the process. 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.”
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 or her every step of the way.