Tattoos have come a long way from being a frowned-upon artform to a well-respected industry. In the world of tattooing, just like music, it takes guts in order to gain acceptance and acclaim. Ann Savage Tattoo knows this all too well. Known for their quality work, it's no rocket science that they are taking the local and international tattoo scene by storm. We at Macbeth PH support artists of her calibre because we know honest and hardworking art when we see it.
In the jungle, it pays to be savage and full on with what you do. Let's here from Ann and Joe of Ann Savage Tattoo hailing from the creative Cebu territory!
How did you get into tattoos and the artform itself?
ANN:
Just by accident, a very close friend of mine Jason who worked as an apprentice saw me sketching and he never expected I could draw coz I was to shy to tell anyone about it. He pushed me to try tattooing, he became my first human canvass.
At first, I was hesitant and scared. I had no confidence and knowledge on tattoos except appreciating them. I like the ones on my mom, she used them to cover scars.
Because of curiosity I accepted his offer, but the only thing he could teach me was how to setup a machine and the work station.. the rest is questionable because he never tried tattooing either. I remember he said, "It's all up to you now."
After the session, I fell in love and wanted to pursue it.
Those days tattoo materials were very expensive and difficult to find. It was difficult also difficult being a tattoo artist, more so a female one. But what worried me the most was that my family will not accept me. It was a conservative time and I felt that no one would understand me. So I stopped tattooing and focused more on my studies.
Then months after, I met Joe my partner who is also a tattoo artist. He motivated me to pursue tattooing. After a year of practice and hardships together, we persevered "against all odds" with only each other for support. We got lucky, we were able to open our first small shop.
On September 2012 we invited Jason to work at the shop with us. We worked happily as a team, we improved our skills by sharing our self taught techniques to one another.
Everything was going great, until one painful incident. On September 29, the 2nd day of Dutdutan in Manila, we received a phone call from his aunt, Jason had an asthma attack that led to cardiac arrest. I broke down in tears, we wanted to fly back to Cebu right away.
Everything he said to me flashed back "The very moment that needle penetrates my skin, you have to promise me one thing, you will not to quit tattooing"..
He was a true friend, more like a brother. The greatest gift of our friendship was the realization that my passion lies in the art of tattooing.
I thank God everyday for allowing me to meet Jason, and I pray for him always.
JOE BLACK:
I was once just a fan of those artists, but now, I can barely believe that I'm an artist like them, which I am very proud of.
I was in US for almost 8 yrs, had businesses but it all went bankrupt including the tattoo shops and jamming studio I owned in 2003/2004, had different artists working for me back then and trusted people to manage it. But betrayals came, family problems, people took advantage of me and everything fell apart...all my hard work went to nothing. I started back to zero, had no one else to run to but myself, I couldn't think of anything to get me back on my feet but tattoos.
I realized that I should learn how to do tattoos and get my life back on track. I started tattooing in 2008 but was not focused. It wasn't smooth sailing then, I was constantly underestimated by people and came to a point of giving up. I met my partner, Ann Savage then. She encouraged me and supported me all the way, it all started to fall back into place. Now I'm back and have never been this happy.
How did it turn into a full running business?
When the Hobby became a Passion.
It's like doing what you love for a living. We believe that passion and commitment will bring you anywhere that you'll never notice you're getting the business running.
Macbeth is all about supporting independent artists. What made you gravitate toward the brand?
We got attracted to the brand mainly because of its support for the tattoo community, most especially us Tattoo Artists. Macbeth helps the tattoo scene slowly become more acceptable. It's a big impact in influencing today's society, because tattoos are still frowned upon by many.
Heard about the international sponsorship, can you tell us more about it?
"When I first joined an international tattoo convention last 2016 and won the Championship twice as well as two 2nd placers. That's when I first got noticed and got my first sponsorship offer. I received a call from a trusted brand for tattoo aftercare, Balm Tattoo products originated from Europe. Then earlier this year, I received another call for sponsorship offer from World Famous Tattoo Ink. I'm extremely happy to be part of these two prestigious companies. This will inspire me more to become a better artist."
If Macbeth were a tattoo design? How would you design it?
We would design it as a vintage key with vintage roses. Representing both gender and equality.
"Key to Understanding" because it represents unlocking possibilities or a new chapter in your life--
A means of understanding something, keys can also be things that we press to make a sound which refers to Music. It can represent Freedom after you've experienced a time in your life where you've felt imprisoned.
"Key with Roses" it represents your Understanding for Passion
For you what is it with Macbeth that you really like?
It's quality and bad ass designs. Macbeth has established emotional connection with customers like Joe and myself.
Ann Savage Tattoo is...
Ann Savage Tattoo is a FAMILY, we focus more on building a strong foundation, where our customers will feel the comfort and satisfaction that they need. AST family is not just a business but more of an obligation, in the sense that we are held responsible to the tattoos we make because it is permanent and to let the clients be aware of the art itself.
Shoutouts to your fans and followers.
Just wanna give a big shoutout to all our supporters/followers who have shown their love and support throughout these years' ups and downs. Those who have followed our works since day one. You guys are amazing! Thank you so much, We love you all!!!
Check them out on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnSavageTattooStudio/?pnref=lhc
IG: @annsavagetattoo
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