During my career, I’ve turned to some of the best artists, both old masters in art and new artists in the tattoo industry, as well as many other forms of art, craftsmanship and nature for inspiration. Knowing that tattooing is a vast industry, I had to push myself to learn and recreate realism — to be able to stand out amongst great tattoo artists. I strictly tattoo in the realm of black and grey realism that pushes the limit on texture and detail. It’s all about getting the right reference photo and I have always been a very visual person. I strived to achieve something that other artists weren’t doing at the time and I continue to work hard to perfect my craft. When I began tattooing 14 years ago I would have never thought I’d be where I am today. It took a lot of hard work, dedication and perseverance over the years. I was exposed to tattooing when I was 16 years old and decided to goof around and built my own machine out of a Walkman motor and guitar strings. But don’t do that! I enjoy the art aspect of tattooing most, honestly. It amazes me that you can accomplish such a beautiful piece of art on skin, it intrigued me to continue and learn more about the industry. Currently, I own and work out of Dark Water Studio in Willow Springs, IL, a southwest suburb of Chicago. After many years of traveling the world guest spotting and doing conventions, I’ve met so many amazing people and tattoo artists, and enjoy being a part of this industry. Over the past year and a half, I have been focusing on teaching on my YouTube Channel (YouTube.com/JPJTattoos) and seminars , both one-on-one at my studio and to groups at conventions. I want to give back to this industry that has been so good to me, and help lead the way for the future of this industry. Stay tuned, been working on a lot of large scale pieces that I will be finishing up over the rest of this year. And hopefully, pumping out some paintings along the way.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to set up your appointment with me. Find me out of Dark Water Studio in Willow Springs, IL. (www.jpjtattoos.com/book) Also, go follow me on Instagram/Tiktok @joseperezjrtattoos
A shout out to a new publication, CanvasRebel. I had the honor to be interviewed by them. So here is the interview! Thanks! ✌🏽@canvasrebel 👉🏽 https://canvasrebel.com/meet-jose-perez-jr/
When you’re creating a realism piece, you need the right reference image. One of the most important factors is the LIGHTING. Natural lighting in photos will help you translate the contrast and depth in your work.
Another important factor? PERSPECTIVE. Realism artwork has to have dimension and depth. The best way to achieve this: use reference images that show the subject in interesting positions. Using images that show subjects face on can come out flat and lack dimension. This lion is looking off into the sun. The light casts awesome shadows on his face while providing high contrast in other areas.
The light reflecting in his eyes gives the piece another layer of depth.
What’s the most important thing, though? TAKE YOUR TIME. You’ve got one shot at these projects. Don’t rush through things just to get it done. Take your time. Zoom in to the image. Realism artwork is created in LAYERS.
OK one last thing: choose your placement wisely! If your client wants the tattoo in a specific place but you know that the muscle movements will cause distortion, speak up. It’s your name on this artwork.
Keep hustling fellow artists! Tattoo artwork is becoming SURREAL these days and I’m so lucky to be a part of such a talented community 🫶🏽🫶🏽
Still have available slots open for the remaining of the month of July: 22nd, 24th, 25th, 28th and 29th if anyone is interested in moving up their appointments or starting a new project! Go to 👉🏽 www.jpjtattoos.com/book to book 😎
Adding to this #sleeve #workinprogress #happymonday
Availability for July: 22nd, 24th, 25th, 27th, 28th, 29th! Spots open if anyone is interested in moving up their appointments or starting a new project! Go to 👉🏽www.jpjtattoos.com/book to book.
#happyhumpday Availability for July: 18th, 22nd, 24th, 25th, 29th and 31st! Spots open if anyone is interested in moving up their appointments or starting a new project! Go to 👉🏽www.jpjtattoos.com/book to book.
“Octopuses DO NOT have a blind spot! To protect themselves from predators, an octopus can see 360 degrees around themselves!” https://octonation.com/octopus-facts/
Visit my site www.jpjtattoos.com/book to book your session with me! Still have some available spots for month of July: 18th, 22nd, 24th, 25th, 29th and 31st if anyone is interested! Thanks for looking!
Availability for July! Spots open if anyone is interested in moving up their appointments or starting a new project! Go to 👉🏽www.jpjtattoos.com/book to book. Also, having a Fourth of July Sale for my Ink Sets and Giclee Prints go check it out! www.jpjtattoos.com/shop
#happymonday What is the most painful spot you’ve ever gotten tattooed?? My client was a champ for this session. Thanks for peeping! I have open spots for July if anyone is interested in moving up their appointments or starting a new project! Visit my website 👉🏽www.jpjtattoos.com/book to book
Here is a *Before and After* Enjoy your weekend! To make an appointment fill out the submission form on my website www.jpjtattoos.com/book and lets make some amazing art together! 👊🏽
#happytuesday Brought back four hour sessions if anyone is interest in shorter sessions. I have a few open spots if anyone is also interested. Link in my bio or go to 👉🏽 www.jpjtattoos.com/book to book other wise keep hustling! *not done/one more session to go
blakekathryn
s-u-f-j-a-n-s-t-e-v-e-n-s
turnnoffyourmind
tangentwithtanner
izzy806
amandla