Jennifer Kraybill
January 23rd, 2025
Inking Mythology: Ego Sum Lux Mundi’s Visionary Approach to Tattoos
Tattoo artist Fernando, also known as Ego Sum Lux Mundi, blends history, mythology, and contemporary themes to shape his visionary artistry. From notable collaborations to innovative merchandise and global ambitions, he reveals the passion fueling his success.
As a tattoo artist whose creative style spans history, mythology, and contemporary themes, Fernando, also known as Ego Sum Lux Mundi, continues to make waves in the tattoo industry. From notable collaborations to groundbreaking merchandise lines and international aspirations, Fernando offers a glimpse into the evolution of his artistry and the driving force behind his success.
A Global Journey: The Road to the U.S. and Beyond
In 2024, Fernando embarked on an extensive journey across Europe, visiting countries such as Ireland, England, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, France, Italy, and Spain. Each city, each country, presented new inspirations, challenges, and opportunities. However, this was just the beginning—Fernando has set his sights on broader horizons.
“My goal for 2025 is to travel globally, with a focus on the U.S., Asia, and Australia, if all goes according to plan,” says Fernando. “While Europe has been incredible, moving to the States is a major milestone for my career. I’m working on securing an O-1 visa, and Seattle is where I’m hoping to land. From there, I want to collaborate with tattoo studios across the country and attend conventions, both to elevate my craft and to challenge myself as an artist.”
This journey isn’t just about expanding the scope of his work; it’s about immersing himself in different tattoo cultures, learning from new influences, and bringing that knowledge back to enrich his own designs.
Childhood in Menorca: The Roots of Creativity
Growing up on the small island of Menorca, Fernando was surrounded by a truly privileged environment where nature was ever-present and cultural heritage ran deep. The island, rich with history, is home to ancient archaeological sites spanning from prehistory to the Roman era, as well as medieval influences from both Islamic and Christian traditions, and traces of British and French occupations during the 18th century. This unique historical tapestry ignited Fernando’s early fascination with cultural heritage.
“Menorca offered a landscape that was both a playground and a canvas for my imagination. I was constantly inspired by the ruins, the ancient structures, and the sense of timelessness,” Fernando recalls. “It was the perfect environment to nurture a love for history, art, and storytelling.”
On a more personal level, Fernando fondly remembers spending countless hours drawing as a child. Creativity was essential to his life, and he would often lose himself in a world of colored pencils and paper.
“Drawing wasn’t just a hobby—it was my escape and my way of processing the world around me,” says Fernando. “As I grew older, these two elements—my love for history and my passion for creating—naturally led me down the path of art.”
Crafting Art for the Tattoo Community: Collaborations and Sponsorships
A milestone in Fernando’s career was the collaboration with FiveMoths, a tattoo supply brand known for its handcrafted products made in Valencia, Spain. The result? The “Fulmenta x Ego Sum Lux Mundi” power supply, which featured an engraved design of cherubs and the signature “Ego” lettering.
“FiveMoths came to me after we spent some time together as I guest-artisted at their studio,” explains Fernando. “They saw my artistic approach and wanted to collaborate. The power supply was a huge success, selling out within days. We followed that with a signature clip cord, still available as a made-to-order product. I’m proud to say that these tools represent more than just functionality; they carry my artistic vision and become a part of the tattooing experience.”
Another key collaboration has been with JCONLY, whose premium tattoo cartridges have become a vital part of Fernando’s daily work.
“Being part of JCONLY’s pro team has been invaluable,” says Fernando. “Their consistency and precision allow me to focus on the art itself, without worrying about the tools. Plus, their compact size makes them perfect for traveling.”
Alone Cult: A New Era in Merchandise
The creation of Alone Cult, a merch line in collaboration with artist Ihatesally, has allowed Fernando to expand into new creative territory. What began as a fun project during the COVID-19 lockdowns evolved into a full-fledged brand, featuring T-shirts, hoodies, stickers, and even books. For Fernando, Alone Cult has become an essential extension of his artistry.
“We started Alone Cult because we wanted to create something new and personal from our sketches,” explains Fernando. “It resonated with our audience, and it quickly grew into a successful product line. It’s become more than just merchandise; it’s another way to express my identity as an artist.”
However, managing this line alongside a tattooing career is no small feat.
“It’s challenging, especially with all the travel involved,” admits Fernando. “I’m constantly handling administrative tasks, which isn’t as glamorous as creating designs. But in the end, it’s all worth it when people connect with the products on a deeper level.”
A Creative Day in the Life
When Fernando isn’t tattooing or working on collaborations, he finds solace in more personal, creative pursuits.
“On days off, I like to take it slow,” says Fernando. “I’ll start with a quiet morning, coffee in hand, and a bit of reading. Drawing is a huge part of my routine, too. It’s essential for my creative process, and I often listen to podcasts or watch anime, which is a big passion of mine.”
Drawing inspiration from the world around him, Fernando finds beauty in the simplest things, such as the architectural elements of old buildings, nature, and, of course, his love for anime.
“Sometimes inspiration comes from a single sentence in a book or a shot from an anime. If your mind is open, creativity can strike anywhere,” says Fernando.
Long-Term Goals: Growth, Education, and Expansion
Looking ahead, Fernando has big aspirations, both within the tattoo industry and beyond. While his immediate goal is to expand into the U.S., there are other ambitions on the horizon.
“Teaching is something I’ve always wanted to do,” shares Fernando. “Not just about the technical side of tattooing, but also the deeper layers of iconology and symbolism. I want to help others craft their personal narratives through art.”
Beyond tattooing, Fernando is exploring other mediums, including painting, embroidery, and 3D modeling.
“There’s so much more I want to learn and experiment with,” says Fernando. “I see myself constantly evolving as an artist—whether through tattooing or other creative fields.”
Honoring History Through Tattoos: Client Stories and Educational Content
Fernando is frequently approached with requests for tattoos inspired by historical figures and legendary moments.
“The requests I get are often fascinating,” says Fernando. “I’ve done tattoos inspired by Julius Caesar’s assassination, Saint Sebastian’s martyrdom, and even epic stories like the Labors of Hercules.”
But beyond the tattoos themselves, Fernando uses his platform to educate followers about the historical and mythological significance behind these designs.
“I love sharing the stories behind my work,” says Fernando. “Whether through videos or captions, I try to give my audience a deeper understanding of the legends and myths that inspire my art. It adds a whole new layer to the tattoo, making it more meaningful.”
The Ultimate Tattoo: Gilgamesh and a Dream Historical Tattoo
When asked about the historical figure they would most want to tattoo, Fernando immediately names Gilgamesh, the ancient king of Uruk from Mesopotamian mythology.
“Gilgamesh is a fascinating figure,” says Fernando. “His journey is one of self-discovery, friendship, and the quest for immortality. If I could tattoo him, I’d definitely draw on the mythological elements of his story—like his battle with Humbaba or the journey to find immortality.”
A Tattoo Legacy: Inspiring Connection Through Art
At the heart of Fernando’s work is a desire to create tattoos that resonate with the wearer, and through merchandise, expand that reach.
“I want people to feel a connection to my tattoos and my merchandise,” says Fernando. “It’s about individuality and personal meaning. Whether through the tattoo or the product, I hope people recognize the uniqueness of the art and connect with the stories and symbols I’m sharing.”
For Fernando, each tattoo and each piece of merchandise is more than just a design—it’s a way to tell stories, evoke emotion, and connect with the world on a deeper level. As his global journey continues, the possibilities for this visionary artist are boundless.
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