MEET OUR ARTISTS
Ricardo “Dado” David is the master artist and co-founder of Needle Z, known for his expertise in realism and black & grey tattooing. A self-taught artist since 2013 with a Fine Arts background from UST and PWU, he built his name through dedication, continuous learning, and passion for high-quality tattoo artistry. Inspired by renowned artists like Nikko Hurtado and Dimitri Samohin, Dado has represented the Philippines in major local and international tattoo conventions. Beyond tattooing, Dado is passionate about mentoring artists and helping elevate the Philippine tattoo industry globally through Needle Z. Guided by the belief of Napoleon Hill – Think and Grow Rich —“Success starts with a burning desire”—he continues to push artistic excellence while inspiring the next generation of tattoo artists.
Joyzee Colorado is a multi-disciplinary artist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Needle Z whose creativity extends far beyond tattooing. A Fine Arts graduate majoring in Visual Communication from Philippine Women's University, she transformed her lifelong passion for art into a career built on imagination, storytelling, and emotional connection.
As the creative mind behind the brand identity of D’Third Ink and Needle Z, Joyzee blends artistry with vision—moving seamlessly from painting, mixed media, and digital art to expressive tattoos known for their vibrant color, anime influence, and artistic composition. Her work reflects both softness and strength, inspired by life experiences, human emotions, and the beauty of individuality. Deeply inspired by Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso, she believes art is most powerful when it comes from genuine human connection. “There is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.” because despite Van Gogh’s suffering and heartbreak, he still chose to believe in love.
Aaron Calderon, a realism tattoo artist from Laguna, discovered tattooing in an underground competition during college—and never looked back. A self-taught artist later guided by mentor Ricardo “Dado” David, Aaron draws inspiration from masters like Samohin and top Filipino artists. With 11 years of experience, global expo appearances, and multiple awards, he creates high-quality realism while exploring Japanese-inspired styles. “Kilusan mo ang pangarap mo.”
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, 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 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 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 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.”
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.”
