Dado

Ricardo “Dado” David is the master artist and co-founder of Needle Z, renowned for his expertise in realism and black & grey tattooing across both local and international stages. Driven by a passion for excellence and mentorship, the UST and PWU Fine Arts alumnus dedicatedly works to elevate the Philippine tattoo industry while inspiring the next generation of artists.

Joyzee

Joyzee Colorado is a multi-disciplinary artist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Needle Z, renowned for her vibrant color tattoos, expressive brand identities, and deep emotional storytelling. Driven by a passion for genuine human connection and individuality, the PWU Fine Arts alumna seamlessly blends fine art with tattooing to create meaningful pieces that celebrate softness, strength, and love.

Aaron

Aaron Calderon is an accomplished realism tattoo artist and seasoned veteran with 11 years of experience, known for his award-winning work and global convention appearances. A protégé of Ricardo “Dado” David, Aaron blends technical mastery with Japanese-inspired elements to create high-quality art, driven by the philosophy that one must actively pursue and work toward their dreams.

Daboy

Daboy, a tattoo artist from Porac, Pampanga, began his journey watching his uncles tattoo with handmade machines. Gifted his first coil gun by his family, he honed his craft through hard work, YouTube lessons, and seminars. Now 8 years in the industry, he specializes in black & gray and micro realism. A former construction helper and charcoal artist, he rose to win titles at Ligligan Tattoo Expo and work with Manila’s Needle Z—living by the motto: “Stay humble. Keep grinding.”

Marco

Marco, a self-taught artist born in 1993, rose from construction work and traveling henna gigs to master black & gray realism and stippling. Inspired by sketching and artists like Aldrin Ace and Daniel Silva, he’s spent 8 years building his craft. Now a Needle Z artist, multi-awarded champion in Iloilo, Cebu, and Bacolod, and a local competition judge, he lives by: “Dream it. Believe it. Achieve it.”

Reynan

Reynan Castro, began tattooing in 2014 after being inspired by a close friend and watching Dutdutan. A former city rescuer and firefighter, he now has 11 years of experience in tattooing and piercing. Skilled in linework, neo traditional, and both colored and B&G realism, he learned under mentor Chock Magdaraog. A father of two, a consistent competitor, and part of Needle Z for 6 years, he lives by: “Try and try until you succeed.”

James

James Jarwin Chicano, from Borongan City, Samar, began tattooing through an apprenticeship and the guidance of Kuya Dado and Ate Joyzee, who pushed him to grow. With 6 years of experience, he specializes in linework, pointillism, neotrad, and is expanding into realism. A former extreme sports enthusiast, he has competed in local events and Dutdutan, earning his first win as best new artist. Now 5 years with Needle Z, he lives by: “Never lose hope.”

Francis

Francis Francisco, once a construction worker, found his path in tattooing through supportive friends who saw his talent. With 9 years of experience, he now excels in colored and black & grey realism, guided and inspired by Master Ricardo David and Victor Portugal. A 2nd-place winner at the Lotus Ink Battle and an active participant of Local and International tattoo convention, he has spent 4 years with D’third Ink and Needle Z, driven by his motto: “Maging isang magaling na tattoo artist sa Pilipinas.”

Rusted

Mori, once a quiet music lover, discovered tattooing through friends who saw potential in his drawings. With 8 years of experience, he now excels in black & gray realism, micro realism, and finelines, guided by mentor Ricardo David. A former construction worker, painter, factory worker, and agent, he transformed struggle into art. His greatest achievements—providing for family, fixing their home, and growing as an artist—fuel his belief: “Life without art is just existing.”

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