artist in view: Sampaguita jay
How did you get involved in tattooing and how did you find your personal tattoo style?
I’ve been drawing since my childhood. My dad knows how to draw and I think that have this from him . So art has always been a part of my life more than anything. I knew that I wanted to be a tattoo artist since I was 17. I was always looking video clips, tattoos on singers and I was like - damn, that’s magic! (haha !)
I did art school and design but it wasn’t the kind of art that I wanted to do. I wanted something more special and human, tattooing its the perfect match!
I started to learn tattooing alone when I was nineteen and found a tattoo shop when I was 20! And that’s where adventure started! Finding my style took a long-long time . Specially because I didn’t know myself, my identity. So I started with black and grey stuff, like chicanos style. I was really amazed to see how some legends were tattooing in this style! But I wasn’t comfortable and really not satisfied with it .
5 years later I met Elle Mana-Festin, a master in Filipino tribal - it was a real revelation! Because I always wanted to know more about my Filipino roots and it came just in the right time! Especially because it is rare to know Filipino culture before the Spanish colonies . My family doesn’t know a lot about this - our ancestral culture . So I felt really lucky to get the opportunity to be his apprentice for tribal and also to have the opportunity to know more about my ancestral culture history and tattoos!
This experience helped me to be in peace with myself and my identity. This is how I found my style in tattoo portrait and tribal meaning in different culture. Because of the help of so many artists and people who loves me. Love helps with everything (haha!).
What is the thing that you value most about the tattoo industry?
Oh, so many things! Especially the opportunity to meet other artists in the world, to have the chance to exchange with others, traveling and to see my clients smiling!
Do you have a specific ritual or thing that you do each time before you start tattooing?
Haha yes ! I really believe in energies! So before tattooing I burn a dry white sage in the shop. It smells really good and cleans the bad energy and the air! Clients feel really relaxed :)
What you haven't done yet but would like to tackle? (Related to tattoo)
Making jewellery that’s inspired from my tattoo culture. It would be very amazing to make this happen in a few years with my husband. We have so many ideas for paintings too :)
What is missing in the tattoo industry? What would you like to see changed?
I would like that, particularly in France, being a tattoo artist is not recognised as a profession. I would like things to change in France. It would highlight the real tattoo professionals.
What are your greatest inspirations or artists that you admire and why?
Oh, wow! So many in these 8 years (haha!) but it started with Laura Satana in Paris. I met her when I was 18, she did my first tattoo on my ribs. She was a real inspiration for me because she was one of the most badass women in the French tattoo industry. I’m always really amazed by her talent and her charisma! Then Carlos Tores for his amazing compositions - like a painting!
Nikko Hurtado for his colour work and painting work, I’m still really inspired by them both - I stared to make oil paintings! Something not that different than tattoos but it really helps me to have a different vision and to learn colours!
Then the master Thomas Carlier for his technique and vision of tattooing - it’s always really impressive to see how he’s so meticulous with tattooing, he inspired me a lot! Then in other styles there’s so so many too I can give you many names but for sure the master Elle Mana-Festin in tribal for making super straight lines free hand. That thing is really crazy, everything free hand so fast and so clean! And I will finish with KasasInk (Cristian Casas) for his super contrast in his work and his beautiful universe - very powerful! I’ve never seen work like him!
What is most important to avoid poor tattoo healing?
Oh, I think to put too much cream or not at all, is not good. I think it’s super important to listen to your body. That’s why I really like Tattoo Armour because you have the perfect balance for healing. It protects from the bacteria, skin rubbing against textiles and the sun!
Which favorite tattoo convention (s) and why?
The Mondial du Tatouage, especially because it’s been a dream since I was 18! I have good memories of seeing all the best tattoo artist in the world. Same for the London Tattoo Convention !
And a lot more (haha!).
What is the most requested subject or theme of the tattoo?
Oh definitely the Viking woman portrait! I made my first one 2 years ago and now people can’t stop asking me this theme (haha!). Maybe because of the Viking series, I don’t know, but is okay because I really love this culture, actually all cultures!
Is there a specific body part that you like to tattoo and a part that you really don't like tattooing, and why?
Definitely legs and forearms. No need to stretch the skin too much! It’s a really comfortable place because of the skin to tattoo (haha!).
The body part that I really don’t like is the neck and the chest. The foot I think it’s a sensitive place for the client and have some redness I really don’t feel comfortable haha!