6 Dope Filipino American Tattoo Artists Worth Traveling For
Gone are the days where tattoos were the symbol of rebellion and subculture when I was growing up in a strict Filipino household in the 80’s and 90’s. And whereas tattooing was once a hobby associated primarily with military and prison inmates, tattooing today is even featured in major museum exhibitions. Did you know that roughly one in five Americans has one and that rate is much higher for millennials than their Boomer counterparts?
With its range of subject matter, tattoos range from irreverent and crass to sentimental, traditional and spiritual in nature. In turn, tattooing easily qualifies as both a fine art and a folk art- and everything in between. And given the skill and artistry of certain tattooists like the artists we’ve rounded up today, its obvious why skilled and well known artists can command hefty prices and a following that spans the globe. This is particularly the case when you’re looking for artists who can skillfully render batok, the traditional tribal tattoos of precolonial Philippines.
When you’re ready to ink up next, whether you’re looking for batok or something else, remember these talented Filipino tattoo artists that can help you design meaningful masterpieces that you (and maybe even your parents) will be proud of.
1. Sarah Gaugler of Snow Tattoo (Tribeca, New York)
Sarah Gaugler is a multi-talented artist. She is a creative director, painter, illustrator, certified PMU (permanent makeup artist) and New York licensed fine line tattoo expert. Gaugler grew up as an orphan in the Philippines, and managed a very difficult childhood. Despite all of her challenges, she graduated with honors from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art mastering in Advertising.
In 2008, Gaugler was the first female modern tattoo artist in Manila to use tattoo machines. In 2012, she established her own studio, Snow Tattoo, in Manila. Three years later, Snow Tattoo made its way to Manhattan, New York and then moved to the current location in Tribeca. Snow Tattoo is based on Gaugler’s belief that, “like a snowflake, no two tattoos should be exactly alike.” She customizes every tattoo design on the spot, and adds her signature delicate line-art and dot-work, free flowing style using vegan ink.
Aside from tattooing, Gaugler is a model, actor, songwriter and vocalist. She is part of a rock duo called Turbo Goth. Check out their latest Ready for Something New music video. Gaugler also believes in wellness, good energy, and compassion. In 2019, to deepen her connection of spirituality in her craft, she added yoga teacher and Sanskrit Studies to her accolades.
Instagram: @sarahgaugler @snowtattoonyc
Website: snowtattoo.com
2. Sherri Austria-Portela (Los Angeles, California)
Sherri Austria-Portela is a visual artist specializing in tattoos. Of course, being a good Filipina daughter, she graduated from De La Salle University in Manila, Philippines, in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in Business. After graduating, she worked a corporate finance job. Portela didn’t give much thought or energy to tattoos until she decided to cover up a scar. During her tattoo session, she watched the show LA Ink, starring a female tattoo artist. That served as Portela’s sign and push to pursue her interest and hone in on her craft while still working her 9 to 5 job. Like most going through a life crisis, with no plan in mind, Portela quit her corporate job and moved across the world! She found herself in Los Angeles in 2013. She ended up doing an apprenticeship at a tattoo shop in Venice, and has been tattooing ever since!
Portela specializes in fine line work, color and black and gray realism and micro-realism. She loves doing pet portraits, florals, and geometric designs. Portela finds satisfaction and fulfillment in tattooing because she is able to bring her artwork to life. She is able to tell a person’s story through her art, and it is something that lives on forever.
Instagram: @sherriaustria
Website: Sherriaustria-portela.com
3. Orly Locquiao of Humble Beginnings (San Jose, California)
Orly Locquiao’s most recognizable work is probably his banig (mat) inspired design tattooed onto former NFL 49ers quarterback, Colin Kaepernick’s chest. Other notable celebrity clients include J. Boog and Chance the Rapper.
Orly Locquiao was born in the Philippines. His family made their way to Silicon Valley via the United States Navy. Locquiao’s art and entrepreneur career began at the young age of 16 when he was hired to do airbrush art at the Great America theme park. Locquiao moved away for college to attend the Illinois Institute of Art to study graphic design. At night, he worked as a tattoo artist. Leaving home was a big part of Locquiao’s growth and discovery. He also spent time in Hawaii to learn more about his roots and culture, which influenced his art form and how he eventually mastered the art of South Pacific and Polynesian tattooing.
An entrepreneur at heart, Locquiao knew that he wanted to open up his own business. He started tattooing from his parents garage in Eastside San Jose. Talk about humble beginnings! In 2002, he founded his own tattoo shop, which he named Humble Beginnings.
In addition to the tattoo shop, in 2009, Locquiao founded Cukui, a streetwear brand committed to staying rooted. Locquiao believes his purpose is to help people reconnect with their roots through their tattoos. He is also committed to continuous growth and giving back, staying humble, and never forgetting where he came from. Hence, humble beginnings.
Instagram: @orlycukui
Website: humblebeginningstattoo.com
4. Aleks Figueroa of Dream Jungle Tattoo (Traveling Tattoo Artist)
Aleks Figueroa is the founder and owner of Dream Jungle Tattoo, which he founded in 2005 in Long Beach, California. Figueroa’s tattoo career stemmed from his first artistic love for writing and poetry. He named his tattoo studio after Filipina author Jessica Hagedorn’s book, Dream Jungle.
Prior to establishing his tattoo shop, Figueroa worked as a community health worker in Oakland, California. In the late 1990’s, he helped kick off two programs for Alameda County’s Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) high risk men, youth, and young adults.
As a tattoo artist, Figueroa focuses on cultural tattoos with specialties in Filipino-Austronesian, tribal, and blackwork. He is considered one of the pioneers in the contemporary Filipino tattoo movement and proclaimed by some as the “Godfather of Filipino tattoos”. Tattooing has afforded him the ability to travel to the Philippines, South Africa, Dubai, Central and South America, Canada, Australia, Europe and across North America.
Aside from tattoos, he is a consummate artist in illustration and graphic design. He also likes to spend time in the kitchen as a creative and innovative chef. Figueroa is available by appointment only, with the following cities in heavy rotation: Long Beach and Oakland (California), Honolulu (Oahu), and Las Vegas (Nevada).
Instagram: @figawho
Website: dreamjungletattoo.com
5. Ron “Tha Kuya” Galido of The Good Life Tattoo Shop (San Diego, California)
Ron “Tha Kuya” Galido is the eldest of four siblings. If you’ve listened to Bambu’s Exrcising a Demon - Article II - Brother Hoods album, the Galido brothers (Ron, Dennis, and Mikey) take us along their gang life journey, reemphasizing how systems of power work to keep minorities oppressed. At a young age, Galido was already leaving marks on walls and people. “If I wasn’t tagging on walls, I was tattooing the homies.” He started tattooing out of necessity because it wasn’t safe for them to go into others’ territory and “we wanted to let people know where we were from, without them having to ask”.
At the age of 21, Galido found himself locked up in jail. The 10 years he spent incarcerated gave him time to reflect on his life and forced him to learn new things. When he was released from jail, he discovered Christianity. That’s when he realized that God gave him a purpose, and that changed the trajectory of his life. “I tattoo to become connected to people. It’s a heart to heart moment. I pray for every single one of my clients”. In 2013, Galido professionally started The Good Life Tattoo Shop in San Diego with his good friend, Brandon “Sarap Buhay” Ortega. Galido specializes in what he calls “Polypino”: Polynesian tattoos with a Filipino twist. Galido attributes all of his success to the Lord. For Galido, the true measure of success is the lives he inspires, encourages, and touches.
Instagram: @thakuya @thegoodlifetattooshop
Website: Thegoodlifeandcompany.com
6. Rain Mang of Strawbaby LA (Los Angeles, California)
Filipino-born, Rain Mang, is a self-made artist and experiments with various mediums – his latest experiment is ink. Mang is fairly new to the tattoo scene, but has been drawing since high school. You may have come across Mang’s TikTok video that received thousands of views on all the tattoos he did during Filipino American History Month in 2022.
Growing up in the Philippines, he’s well versed as he’s been fully immersed in the culture. Mang’s work includes many Filipino cultural references from mythological creatures,Tagalog deities, farmers, magtataho (silken tofu vendor), and baybayin script.
Mang believes that tattoos are medallions – only those who deserve them get them, and they should be worn with pride. Mang says, “They’re your armor”. Mang also believes that tattoos are a form of beauty and social class. It’s an extension of who you are as a human being. Mang is just getting started, and I am excited to follow along his artistic journey. Please check out his portfolio and shop.
Instagram: @bluulan
Website: rainmang.myportfolio.com/work
With that said, I hope that you will put deep thought into what art you want to display on your beautiful body. Hopefully, you will have the opportunity to work with these talented artists. By doing so, you will be supporting artists and our community. If your parents scold you for getting a tattoo, don’t tell them that you read this. Don’t blame me for giving you inspiration or encouragement. Whatever you decide, make it worth it!
Written By Jennifer Redondo
Co-Founder and Co-Author of In Her Purpose
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