Jhony Ramirez, a tattoo artist from Bogotá now working at Fallen Sparrow Tattoo in Florida, discovered the world of realism after fulfilling a client’s request for a tattoo inspired by Paul Booth. Initially working in black and grey, he eventually moved to color work. This marked the transition to his current style, where he aims to make his realistic tattoos increasingly custom-made, not only for the client but also in relation to the work he is creating.
Hi Jhony, where did your journey in tattooing start?
Hello Tattoo Life! My long journey began in the city where I come from, Bogotá, Colombia, in the early 2010s. At that time, I was a delivery driver and often delivered lunch to a local tattoo artist named William, also known as “The Priest.” It was thanks to his persistence in selling me a COIL tattoo machine he no longer used that I got started.
When I say “persistence,” I mean he asked me for 8 weeks straight: “Jhony, you should buy the tattoo machine I’m not using!” I always replied, “I don’t know how to draw! I’ve never even used a pencil for math. How do you expect me to do tattoos?” But he kept trying.
Eventually, I got the machine and a small tattooing kit. I learned my first tattoo lesson by tattooing my wife. I remember the excitement of creating my inaugural fairy tattoo—it took me 9 hours just to outline! A memorable moment from that day was seeing my hands shaking and stained purple from the transfer paper. Hahaha, it was really funny!
Thanks to that first tattoo, I started tattooing many of my friends, gradually immersing myself deeper into the tattooing world.
Another memorable encounter was with my friend Karl, another talented Colombian tattoo artist, who introduced me to magnum needles. Before that, I had been using a 9 RL needle for all my tattoos. “You can imagine how many hours it took me to do a colour piece!” Hahaha, those were lengthy sessions.
Meeting Karl opened my eyes to new techniques and efficiencies in the craft. It was really cool because I saw so many colours and styles, and it opened my eyes to the fact that tattoos weren’t just Chinese letters or small tribals. It encouraged me to learn to draw and explore more techniques to become a better artist.
Did you choose from the beginning to focus on Realism?
I didn’t. In the beginning, I started with cartoons and new school tattoos, using only black, white, and red kurosumi ink, which was all we could find in Colombia at the time. Everything changed when I copied tattoos by Paul Booth. By replicating those tattoos, I started to attract attention for realistic pieces, and I began using black and grey inks.
My first realistic tattoo was a tiger, which was the scariest project for me because I had never drawn a tiger before. There was even a design change at the last moment! But it was such a great feeling when the client saw the result and said, “This is better than I thought!” That gave me the impetus to dive into the world of Realistic tattoos, even though I missed my cartoons!
You use both black and grey colours. How do you decide what fits best with the work you do?
I always say, “Every design and client are different.” Some designs, like galaxies and oceans, look better in colour than in black and grey, in my opinion. The visual impact of colors is more vibrant and enhances the tattoo. However, other pieces, like vintage portraits, look better in black and grey. That’s why you have to choose what’s best for your design.
Do you have a background in art?
Yes, I do! I’ve been studying and painting for several years with a master painter, Araujo Santoyo. Personally, I feel like a better person and artist now. I feel more confident in the tattoo field. I still need to learn more, that’s for sure, but painting has taught me that you have the freedom to try out new, crazy ideas without limits—no blood, no swollen skin, no healing process, and no picky clients! Painting has helped me understand important aspects like light and shadow, composition, and color theory.
This knowledge has made me a better tattoo artist, allowing me to enjoy my free time while learning.
Why did you decide to move to Florida to work at Fallen Sparrow Tattoo?
It wasn’t an easy decision since I had built a life in my country, but the experience of living elsewhere and doing what I love, tattooing, made me change my mind. That’s why I decided to move to Florida. I saw a great job opportunity and potential for professional growth. I was fortunate to arrive at one of the best tattoo shops in Florida, with a fantastic boss, “Legion,” the owner.
Do you like to attend tattoo conventions? Where do you like to go?
Of course, I love attending conventions! It’s the best way to meet people, get new clients, sell art, learn from the best in the industry, and buy tattoo supplies – especially when you find color inks that you might not usually use! I’ve had really good experiences at tattoo events. I’d love to attend the best conventions like Milano, Le Mondial du Tatouage, London, Gods of Ink, and others I can’t remember right now. I’m preparing to become a better tattoo artist and I’ll definitely be there!
What are your projects and dreams for the near future?
My main project right now is to create my own style—a personal language in tattooing that is easily recognizable and appealing to people. I also aim to finish my studies. I plan to continue offering art workshops for tattoo artists, which I have done on several occasions, helping them enhance their drawing and painting techniques. My dream is to “travel to the moon!” Hahaha, just kidding! Actually, my dream is to support my son and family in building a better future, providing them with the tools they need to study and succeed.
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