John Eric Basilio is a tattoo artist from the Philippines, now living and working at Alter Ego Tattoo & Piercing in Knoxville, Tennessee. Over nine years of consistent work in the tattoo industry, he has developed his own style — Street Pop Art Tattoo, a combination of street art, pop art, and realism brought together with strong technical skill and thoughtful composition.
Clients and partners value his style for its uniqueness — almost all of his pieces are custom-made. People come to him with their stories and give him full creative freedom, which he expresses through the language of Street Pop Art Tattoo.
“I like listening to people’s ideas, but what I enjoy most are the projects where I can build the composition myself and creatively develop the theme. In the end, each piece is a collaboration between the artist and the client: their story becomes the foundation, and my art becomes the form.”
His professional path began in 2014, but he first picked up a tattoo machine in 2010 — a rotary machine he and his brother built themselves. Before tattooing, his life was ordinary: computer games, basketball, music. He even jokes that he might have become a rapper if tattooing hadn’t taken over.
A major turning point came when he met a mentor who recognized his potential and guided him in the right direction. From that moment, tattooing became not just a hobby, but his life’s work.
“When I started tattooing professionally, everything made sense. It gave me a purpose, a direction, and a creative space I had never found anywhere else.”
In the early years of his career, Eric worked with Japanese and neo-traditional styles, which taught him composition, balance, and storytelling. Later, he transitioned into realism, which strengthened his precision, depth, and attention to detail.
“Over time, I wanted to create something truly my own — bold, expressive, and modern.”
This led him to Street Pop Art Tattoo, a style in which he could fully express himself by merging fine art and street culture. His portfolio is a synthesis of street art, pop art, and realism — work that attracts attention with its color, scale, and intensity. As Eric says, “technique and artistic expression are two sides of the same process.” Technique ensures longevity and quality, while artistic expression gives the tattoo its character.
Eric shared that he is currently especially inspired by horror-themed pieces. This creates an interesting contrast: dark, unsettling imagery presented with bright colors and expressive composition.
“You could say I’m exploring the ‘dark side’ of the style. The contrast between horror and the energy of pop culture makes the work even more compelling.”
At conventions, Eric works at a pace that not everyone could sustain: three days almost without breaks, maintaining focus and consistent quality. Within that time, he can complete a full outer arm sleeve or a large leg piece. This speed reflects his ability to stay collected and productive under pressure.
In the studio, he switches to a different rhythm: a full sleeve takes 8–10 sessions, and a leg sleeve — 10–12, depending on the volume of work and the client’s skin.
“At conventions and in the studio, I work with the same dedication — every project gets 100% of my attention.”
His resilience was especially evident at the Savage Ink International Tattoo Convention in 2023 — one of the most memorable events in his career. The preparation was chaotic: he had no model, the design came together just a few days before the event, and he ended up tattooing his nephew’s wife for free. Eric says he felt lost until his wife reminded him of the most important question: “Think about why you’re doing this, or who you’re doing it for.”
“It hit me deeply. I thought about my sons — and everything became clear.”
He created a piece about a father’s love, presented through an unconventional visual language. He drew inspiration from Breaking Bad, Armageddon, and Planet of the Apes — stories of sacrifice, protection, and unconditional love. The tattoo was emotionally charged — and it won Best of Show out of 90 entries.
“It wasn’t my most technically perfect work, but it was the most meaningful.”
The following months further strengthened his position. Three major events in a row — the Nashville Tattoo Arts Festival, the Knoxville Tattoo Convention, and the C3 Collectors Convergence Con — brought him three consecutive Best of Show awards.
“Competing and judging shape me as an artist: competitions help me grow, and judging deepens my respect for the craft,” Eric says.
At the same time, he began working on the other side of the table as well: he was invited to judge at Scarefest Ink in Kentucky and the Middle Tennessee Tattoo Expo in Nashville.
In 2026, Eric has guest spots planned in New York, Florida, Dallas, and Los Angeles. He is also working on his own ink line in collaboration with Xtreme Tattoo Inks — a project he considers one of the most significant in his career.
Eric’s main goal is to continue growing as an artist and storyteller. He wants to expand his geography, take part in larger conventions, strengthen partnerships with brands, and share his style with a wider audience.
“My goal is simple: to grow, experiment, and leave a mark on the industry. I want people to see my work and feel something immediately — whether it’s energy, curiosity, or a sense of story.”
Clients can book with the artist through Instagram @basilioxtattoo or via email at info@basilioxtattoo.com. His schedule is tight: he is currently booking for January–February 2026.
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