REALISM • BLACK & GREY
ABOUT DADO
From a young age, Ricardo “Dado” David knew art would shape his life. Long before tattoo machines, conventions, and international stages, he was already immersed in creativity—studying Fine Arts major in Industrial Design at both University of Santo Tomas and Philippine Women's University. But while schools helped refine his artistic foundation, tattooing became the path he chose to master on his own.
Dado entered the tattoo industry in 2013 as a self-taught artist driven by obsession, discipline, and an unshakable hunger to improve. He studied relentlessly—learning through practice, observation, seminars, and nonstop experimentation. For him, tattooing was never just about placing ink on skin. It was about transforming ideas into timeless art and exceeding every client’s expectations.
Over the years, Dado became known for his mastery in realism and black & grey tattooing, developing a style recognized for smooth shading, strong composition, and lifelike detail. Yet despite years of experience and achievements, he continues to approach tattooing as a student—always evolving, always searching for new techniques and better ways to create.
His artistic journey brought him to major local and international tattoo conventions, including the Dutdutan Tattoo Convention, Savage Ink Tattoo Expo, Singapore Ink Show, Golden State Tattoo Expo in California, Empire State Tattoo Expo in New York, and SLC Tattoo Expo in Utah. Competing for years in Dutdutan, he earned recognition across multiple categories, while internationally, he achieved Best of Day and 2nd Place Black & Grey at the SLC Tattoo Expo Utah in 2023.
Among the artists who deeply influenced him are Nikko Hurtado and Dimitri Samohin. Eventually learning directly from Nikko Hurtado himself through advanced seminars and mentorship opportunities in the USA that helped elevate his craft to another level.
But behind the artist is also the person who fuels his purpose:
Joyzee—his wife, co-artist, creative partner, and strongest inspiration. Together, they built Needle Z and D’third Ink not just as a tattoo studios, but as a place where artists grow, clients feel valued, and tattooing is treated as true art.
For over 13 years, Dado has dedicated himself not only to mastering tattooing, but also to sharing knowledge with fellow artists. His vision is bigger than personal success—he wants the Philippines to be recognized globally as one of the homes of world-class tattoo artistry.
Guided by the principles of Napoleon Hill – Think and Grow Rich – “Success starts with a burning desire.”
From a self-taught artist with a dream to an internationally recognized tattoo artist and mentor, Ricardo “Dado” David continues to leave his mark—not only on skin, but on the next generation of tattoo artists who follow his path.
