The tattoo world is constantly evolving, pushing the boundaries of self-expression. One of the brightest representatives of modern tattoo art is Danny, better known as mrpixel.tattooer. This Singapore-based artist has carved out a niche in pixel art tattoos, inspired by the aesthetics of retro gaming and digital art. As a pioneer of pixel tattoos in Singapore, his work quickly gained popularity among enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Danny's achievements speak for themselves: a 2nd place award in the Best of Color category at The Lion’s Gate Singapore Convention 2024, frequent participation and judging at international conventions, and collaborations with renowned brands like Poseidon Tattoo, Drpickles, and World Tattoo Events. What truly sets him apart is his passion for translating pixel art from screens to skin, maintaining incredible precision and artistic quality.
In our interview, Danny shared his creative journey, the challenges of working in the pixel art style, and his vision for the future of the tattoo industry.
How did your journey into tattooing begin, and what inspired you to specialize in pixel art tattoos?
- Being a '90s kid, I grew up playing a lot of computer and console games. When I first started tattooing, I needed to choose a style to work on. I knew right away I had to choose a style that is close to my heart.
Was there a specific moment or project that solidified your love for pixel art as a tattoo style?
- When I decided to start doing pixel art tattoos, I wasn’t sure if anyone would share the same passion as me or appreciate my work. There wasn’t any pixel tattoo artist locally as well. I was proud to pioneer pixel art tattoos in Singapore and gained popularity right away. I’m proud to be supported by my sponsors, such as Poseidon Tattoo for tattoo equipment, Dr. Pickles for aftercare products, and World Tattoo Events for worldwide conventions exposure. Being part of these pro teams further motivated me to work harder.
What were the challenges you faced in establishing yourself in this niche style?
- Pixel art tattoos are a niche style in the tattoo industry. Executing a pixel art tattoo can be extremely tedious, requires high accuracy, and leaves no room for errors. Executing a winning piece for convention competitions can be challenging due to the nature of the art, as it requires a lot of time to complete. I’m really proud to have won 2nd place during The Lion’s Gate Singapore Convention 2024 in the Best of Color category, and I want to prove to pixel tattoo artists that pixel art can excel in conventions!
What drew you to the aesthetic of retro gaming and pixel art, and how do you keep it fresh and modern?
- The aesthetic of retro gaming and pixel art is timeless. It reminds us of childhood and brings nostalgia to the heart, reminding every one of my clients of their roots.
How do you balance staying true to the minimalist nature of pixel art while making it dynamic and engaging as a tattoo?
- Pixel art is often defined by its clean, straightforward shapes. Choosing a clear, easily recognizable design that can be translated well into pixel form is essential. A pop of color in a small area can add dynamism and focus without overpowering the simplicity of the design.
Do you see your work as a bridge between traditional tattooing and the digital art world?
- Art comes in many forms. Different people with different backgrounds and cultures will perceive and appreciate it differently. Pixel designs mark the start of the digital world. They have their own rich history and sophisticated charm.
Can you walk us through the process of designing a pixel art tattoo for a client?
- The process of designing a pixel tattoo, like any other tattoo, follows a similar workflow. Upon receiving an inquiry from a client, I draft a design after understanding more about my client. Once the design is approved, we book a tattoo date, and on the day itself, I stencil and tattoo the client.
How do you ensure that the fine details of pixel designs translate well onto skin, considering its texture and movement?
- Choosing the right equipment, practicing, and mastering techniques play an important role. I’m also proud to be sponsored by Poseidon Tattoo for my equipment, such as machines and needles. Their outstanding quality gives me the upper hand in achieving great accuracy in my work.
Which retro games or digital artists have been the biggest influences on your work?
- The Super Nintendo. The SNES is often regarded as having one of the best game libraries of any console, with titles that remain highly influential to this day. Games like Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Super Metroid, and Super Mario Kart defined the console and the platforming, adventure, and racing genres, respectively. A renowned pixel street artist, Invader, has also been one of my greatest influences.
Do you draw inspiration from other art forms or movements outside of gaming and digital aesthetics?
- Yes, I do. I often redesign non-pixelated designs into pixelated work, redefining their expression. I frequently get requests to turn my clients’ pets into pixel art, giving them a digital touch.
How do your clients influence the designs you create? Are there recurring themes or favorite motifs?
- Every client has a different background and childhood; hence, every design is unique. However, some trends, such as Pokémon and common Super Nintendo game characters, are often more popular.
What’s the most challenging pixel art tattoo you’ve ever done, and how did you overcome the obstacles?
- One of the most challenging pieces I’ve done was a shin piece made of a 32-bit Pokémon collage. It was extremely challenging due to its bit size, and I spent many hours on it. However, I was glad to win 2nd place in the Best of Color category during a Singapore convention in 2024.
How do you see the role of niche styles, like pixel art, evolving in the tattoo industry?
- The role of niche styles like pixel art in the tattoo industry is evolving in a way that reflects broader trends in both tattoo culture and visual arts, as well as the increasing desire for personal expression through unique, culturally relevant art forms. There are so many different styles to choose from nowadays, which personally I feel is great.
You are a frequent participant and winner of international conventions. How many awards have you won, and which one is the most valuable to you?
- During The Lion’s Gate Singapore Tattoo Convention, I’m proud to have won 2nd place in the Best of Small Color category with pixel art. Apart from winning in conventions, I’m also honored to be invited to judge various conventions, such as the Ancona International Tattoo Convention in Italy, the Inkdian Tattoo Convention in Goa, and the ArtisticInk Festival. This gives me a chance to give back to the tattoo industry as an opinion leader.
You are supported by several well-known tattoo industry brands. What does this mean to you as a tattoo artist? Are you able to influence the development of the industry through this collaboration?
- I’m proud to be supported by my sponsors, such as Poseidon Tattoo for tattoo equipment, Dr. Pickles for aftercare products, and World Tattoo Events for worldwide conventions exposure. Being part of these pro teams further motivates me to work harder. As the ambassador for my pro teams and sponsors, I can share new and great products from these professional brands.
What’s been your proudest moment as a tattoo artist specializing in pixel art?
- My proudest moments have been being an opinion leader in this niche tattoo art style. Sharing and expressing my views on pixel art and spreading pixelism.
Do you have any plans to collaborate with other artists or expand your style into new territories?
- Being the first tattoo artist to ever tattoo live at a global event, Gamescom Asia, gave me the opportunity to work with various gaming brands. I’m currently in talks with several gaming entertainment companies for collaborations.
What’s your ultimate vision for your career? Do you see pixel art tattoos evolving into something even more experimental?
- I want to leave a legacy in the tattoo industry and am working hard to become the best pixel tattoo artist internationally. The imagination and creativity of pixel art are endless, in my opinion. I hope to see more pixel artists in the coming generation, and I’m excited to share and impart my knowledge and skills.
Comments (0)