Today, we have the privilege of delving into the world of tattoo artistry with none other than Jac Alonso. Renowned for his mastery of the craft, Jac's journey into the world of tattoos began with a passion for art that dates back to his early years in Spain. Now based in New York City, Jac brings his unique blend of skill, creativity, and dedication to the Noble Art studio in Manhattan.
In this exclusive interview, Jac shares insights into his artistic evolution, from his humble beginnings to his current status as a sought-after tattoo artist. Join us as we explore his inspirations, techniques, and the philosophy that drives his work. Get ready to be captivated by the artistry and passion of Jac Alonso, a true master of ink.
Let's start with a little introduction. Tell us a bit about yourself. How and when did you get into tattooing?
- I’m from Seville, Spain, although I currently reside in New York. I work at the Noble Art studio in Manhattan. I started tattooing in 2010. After 13 years working in commerce, I decided to change my life and focus on the artistic skills that I’ve been passionate about since childhood, when I drew and painted portraits in charcoal, pastels, and oil. It was my sister who told me about a tattoo course, and I was intrigued by the idea of learning that technique and applying my artistic knowledge to skin.
Do you remember your first tattoo and how you felt after the session?
- Yes, I remember vividly my first tattoo during the course I took. On the last day, the practice was on a real model, and honestly, the experience felt very different compared to tattooing synthetic skin. It was a feeling of uncertainty, as I still didn’t feel confident in my skills and didn’t have full control over what I was doing.
When did you realize that realism was your style?
- From the beginning, my goal has been to reflect on the skin the realism that I could express on paper or canvas since childhood. Although it took me five years to dare to make my first realistic portrait tattoo, since then I have continued and continue to work tirelessly in the pursuit of perfecting this technique even further.
Do you have formal art education? Is it possible to pursue realistic tattooing without an academic background?
- Since the age of 14, I was self-taught. I created family and celebrity portraits using techniques like charcoal and pastels. A professional portraitist in Seville, whom my father took me to visit, saw qualities in my drawings and taught me many of his technical skills for portraiture. At the age of 16, my mother enrolled me in an academy to learn oil painting technique.
Simultaneously, I attended the school of arts and crafts in Seville for 2 years. From my perspective and experience, I believe that having basic drawing skills, such as understanding light and shadow for applying highlights and shadows, is always helpful for creating realistic tattoos. However, I have met tattoo artists who achieve good realism without prior drawing experience or knowledge.
For you, is tattooing an art, a job, or something else?
- Tattooing has been the avenue that has allowed me to comfortably pursue my lifelong passion. For me, it’s not just a job; it’s a joy to bring happiness to clients who entrust me with their ideas to be inked onto their skin.
Your work is stunning with its detail! Share your secrets on how you manage to create so many realistic and detailed pieces?
- Every day at the studio, we exchange knowledge with other artists. I’ve also conducted seminars where I explain my technique and all the tips I’ve learned over the years.
You mentioned seminars. Tell us about them, who are they for?
- Since 2017, I have offered both group and private seminars for tattoo artists looking to enhance their realism skills. During these events, I have shared all my acquired knowledge, tips, and tricks. My goal in this regard is to host an online seminar accessible to anyone worldwide.
What themes or subjects for tattoos are at the top of your personal list? What brings you the most satisfaction in your work?
- I enjoy creating portraits, animals, sculptures, and depictions of space and the universe, inspired by ancient cultures such as Egypt, Vikings, etc. Overall, I love crafting digital compositions across various themes.
What is the most important aspect of tattooing for you?
- As a tattoo artist, I believe the most important aspect for me is client satisfaction, as well as the opportunity to create my art. This entails not only designing something they love but also ensuring the process is safe, comfortable, and meets their expectations. Additionally, effective communication is vital to ensure that their desires are heard and understood throughout.
Do you have favorite tattoos, clients, projects, or perhaps some unusual stories in your career?
- I have some favorite tattoos that I’ve had the privilege of doing throughout my career. Each client and project is special to me, as they represent a unique opportunity to express my art and create something meaningful for them. Some unusual stories include tattoos with deep emotional meanings, such as commemorating loved ones who are no longer with us. Additionally, with some clients, after spending hours and days tattooing, I’ve developed a connection with them that has transformed into friendship. Every experience in my career as a tattoo artist has been unique and memorable in some way.
Do you travel a lot? Where have you been already, and where do you feel most comfortable?
- Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to travel throughout Europe, visiting countries like Germany, Switzerland, England, and Portugal. However, for almost a year now, my family and I have made our home in New York, where I am a resident artist at the Noble Art studio in Manhattan.
Many artists, when answering questions about sponsorship and pro Teams, talk about their efforts to influence this part of the industry. You collaborate with several brands, so tell us what sponsorship means to you?
- I believe sponsorship should be a natural process. When you’re focused on your work and produce quality pieces, you attract attention, and it’s the brands that reach out to offer sponsorship. It’s gratifying to have your art recognized and to represent their brand, gaining access to quality products. They also provide visibility in the industry and connections with other artists.
How do you assess your popularity? And in your opinion, how can it be measured?
- Essentially, my way of gauging my popularity is based on the number of appointment requests I receive and how my followers interact on social media. I monitor the level of engagement and interaction on my profile, such as comments, reactions, and the growth of my followers. However, I understand that popularity can be fleeting, so my main focus remains on consistently improving my work and providing exceptional service to my clients.
What is the most important thing in your career as a tattoo artist? What goals do you set for yourself?
- For me, the most important thing is to continue refining my technique and expanding my creativity to deliver tattoos to my clients that exceed their expectations. My focus is on artistic excellence, customer satisfaction, and continuous growth as a tattoo artist.
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