Getting a tattoo can seem like such a permanent commitment—and it is. Whether you're a newbie or looking to get inked again, it helps to have a tattoo artist that's knowledgable and will work with you to get the design you want. A tattoo is only as good as the tattoo artist who made it, and lucky for us, there are countless talented tattoo artists in the Philippines. Tattoos are no longer taboo in our society, or at least not as much as before. Now, people seek out the best tattoo shops with the hopes of finding the right artist to etch their designs on their skin.
Finding the right tattoo artist is about more than just beautiful designs. The best ones will guide you, point out which designs fit you best, call you out when you're making a not-so-wise decision, and direct you on how to look after your tattoo. They'll keep your tatts precise and clean, and will give you an image you won't regret having on your skin. There are far too many amazing tattoo artists out there to name, so we'll stick to 10 of the versatile ink artists in the country.
Here are 10 Filipino tattoo artists to check out:
Ezekiel Oclaray
Hand-poke artists' instruments are only a needle, ink, and a very steady hand. If you're looking for someone who can do this style of tattoo for you—and you happen to want to sport a Baybayin design, then have Olaray, who also goes by Zeke, to do it for you. He is one of the best hand-poke tattoo artists in the Philippines and is particularly known for his Baybayin designs, which he sees as a way "to promote our pre-colonial writing system and our Filipino culture."
Rates start at: P1,000
For a list of schedules, locations, and appointments, visit maharlika.handpoke's Instagram page.
Eloise Cadilo
This young artist has been tattooing for only a short while, but you wouldn't believe it if you saw her stunning work. Her customized designs look like they stepped straight out of a sketch book. Delicate and detailed, each design is heaped with meaning and purpose, like this one inspired by the Filipino fictional creature, Ibong Adarna.
Rates start at: P500. Cadillo recommends doing your own estimate computation before messaging for exact rates.
Eloise Cadilo's private studio is at Maginhawa Street, Teachers Village, Quezon City. Complete address will be provided upon confirmation of appointment. For appointments, send a Direct Message to siningtinta's Instagram page.
Leo Vincent "Yok" Genabe
Precision is Genabe's specialty, made obvious by his light and detailed works—this life-like portrait of Medusa is proof. You can find him doing his magic at the Parañaque tattoo shop Whiplash.
Rates start at: P2,000
Whiplash Tattoo is at 134 Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes, Parañaque City. For appointments, visit Whiplash Tattoo's Facebook page.
Charmth Skincraft
It's hard not to be charmed by Charmth (see what we did there?). She's a master of watercolor-style tattoos, and her control over color is incredible. If you want a feminine or delicately colored tattoo with a unique, Charmth is your gal.
Rates start at: P5,000 for microtattoos
Charmth Tatoo Studio is at National Road, Batangas City. For appointments, send a Direct Message to charmth.skincraft's Instagram page.
Gigie Santiago
Also known as GigieBear, Santiago inks at the Crimson River Tattoo studio, and has carved a place for herself in the local tattoo community. She's one of the leading blackwork artists in the country and is known for her elegant designs and clean lines.
Rates start at: P2,500 for blackwork tattoos
Crimson River Tattoo is a private studio at 3/F LDR Building, 50 C. Aguinaldo Street corner J.P. Rizal Street, Project 4, Quezon City. For appointments, visit the Crimson River Tattoo website.
Jhay Colis
If you want a sleeve, Colis is the one to turn to. His skills range from geometric to neo-traditional designs and even portraits. No matter how big his work, everything is still precise and detailed. His
Rates start at: P2,000
Jhay Colis Tattoo is at 1010 Wharf Plaza, Aurora Boulevard, Project 4, Quezon City. For appointments, visit Jhay Colis Tattoo's Facebook page.
Eric Jason Manio
Regulars at Arte Tattoo will know who Manio is. This tattoo artist knows how to keep it classy, and most importantly, clean. Blackwork and line art are his specialties, but he also dabbles in portraits.
Arte Tattoo is at General Luna Building, Don Pedro Street, Poblacion, Makati City. For appointments and inquiries, visit Arte Tattoo's Facebook page.
Annie Concepcion
If you ever end up at 55 Tinta, try a session with Concepcion. She's an expert when it comes to minimalist tattoos, but she can also execute other designs as well. Her floral and botanical designs are particularly stunning, as well as her colored work.
55 Tinta is at 2/F Luisa 2 Building, 107 Maginhawa Street, Teacher's Village, Quezon City. For appointments and inquiries, visit 55 Tinta's Facebook page.
Minnie
A tattoo artist at Good Hand Tattoo, Minnie's style is unmistakable with the bright colors and defined lines. There's something mesmerizing and whimsical about her works, which range from animals to female portraits.
Rates start at: P2,500 for the Cap Coleman’s Girls on Fire series
Good Hand Tattoo is at 181 M. Almeda Street, Pateros. For appointments, visit Good Hand Tattoo's Facebook page.
Ryan Bernardino
If you're looking to cover quite the expanse of your skin, no one does large tattoos quite like Bernardino. Whether it's a sleeve or a full back, his work remains detailed and mesmerizing. With this artist, it's either you go big or go home.
Rates start at: P2,000 for three inches
Ryan Bernardino is in San Miguel, Bulacan. Complete address will be provided upon confirmation of appointment. For appointments, visit Ryan Bernardino's Facebook page.