From Humble Beginnings to Masterful Tattooing

Jhony Ramirez began his tattoo journey when tattoos were still heavily stigmatized—and with only a handful of supply shops to turn to, he faced an uphill battle. Unlike many artists who grew up sketching, he had never even picked up a pencil before stepping into the tattoo world. In an industry where drawing skills are invaluable, he had to work twice as hard to catch up. But through sheer dedication and perseverance, he turned that challenge into motivation, proving that passion and hard work can take you further than natural talent alone.

Early Days & Growth as a Tattoo Artist

Jhony’s journey into tattooing began in 2011 in Bogotá, Colombia, at a time when tattoos were still heavily stigmatized. “If you had a tattoo, people would ask if you had been in prison or part of a gang,” he recalls with a laugh. Beyond social perceptions, access to supplies was also limited. “There were only two or three tattoo supply shops, and you had to work with whatever needles were available. Sometimes, I even had to modify them myself.”

His first tattoo—a gothic fairy with a flower—was done on his wife, Gina. “I was shaking so much,” he admits. “The stencil got wiped off, and I had to freehand the whole thing without knowing how to draw. It took nine hours just to do the linework.” Despite the nerves and challenges, that moment sparked a realization: tattooing wasn’t just about ink—it was an art form that told stories and expressed deep emotions.

Mastering the Art of Tattooing

Unlike many artists who begin sketching as children, Jhony had never even picked up a pencil before entering the tattoo world. Determined to improve, he devised his own method—tracing reference images, filling them in with markers and colored pencils, and then replicating those techniques with ink on skin. Over time, he sought guidance from painters and artists, refining his techniques and building confidence.

A turning point came when he saw his first healed color realism tattoo. “That was when I knew my effort was paying off,” he says. With each new project, he grew more confident, evolving his technique into the vibrant and detailed style he is known for today.

Mentors & Influences

Jhony credits much of his growth to the guidance of fellow tattoo artists. Karl from Golden Ink played a pivotal role in his early days, teaching him about needles, machine tuning, and shading techniques. Another major influence was Julián González, who not only provided technical training but also encouraged him to dream big. Attending an international tattoo convention in Santiago, Chile, in 2011 solidified his ambitions. “The event made me realize my progress was only the start,” he reflects.

He also drew inspiration from legendary artists such as Robert Hernández, Paul Booth, Ángel Pavel, and Nick Baxter. “Thanks to them, tattooing evolved completely in my eyes.”

Tattooing Style & Process

Jhony describes his style as full-color realism with elements of impressionism, blending fine details with depth and vibrancy. While he enjoys working with both color and black-and-gray, he tailors each project to the design’s needs. “A galaxy tattoo? Full color. A Baroque statue? Black and gray.”

His creative process is meticulous. It begins with a consultation, where he listens to clients’ ideas and provides guidance on composition and placement. Using Procreate, he drafts multiple designs—one based on their initial concept and another in his signature style. “I never impose my ideas,” he emphasizes. “But I’ve found that earning a client’s trust often leads to more creative freedom in future sessions.”

One of the most challenging aspects of his work is stencil application, where images can distort, requiring him to adjust designs on the spot. This is where his ability to draw becomes invaluable. After finalizing the stencil, he focuses on selecting the right color palette and tools, a step he believes makes up 70% of the final result. “Once I start tattooing, I forget about time, money, and everything else. I simply enjoy what I do.”

Beyond Tattooing: An Artist in Every Medium

In addition to tattooing, Jhony explores other artistic mediums, including charcoal, pencils, and painting. “Painting changed the way I see tattooing,” he says. “Now, I approach each project as a work of art on a walking canvas.” Studying painting has also enhanced his understanding of color theory, crucial for ensuring tattoos age well on different skin tones.

Looking Ahead: Goals & Future Aspirations

Jhony has ambitious goals for the next three years. “I want to expand my artistic reach, participate in more international conventions, and continue refining my skills in multiple artistic disciplines,” he shares. Above all, he remains committed to his growth as an artist, constantly learning and evolving.

For Jhony, tattooing is more than a profession—it’s a lifelong passion. From a nervous first session to becoming a sought-after artist, his journey is proof that with dedication and perseverance, raw ambition can transform into extraordinary artistry.

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