We recently connected with Frederick Fajardo and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Frederick thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?
I wish I knew about tattooing earlier in my life. My parents weren’t super conservative, but I wasn’t around a lot of people with tattoos. I definitely associated it with people that were into bad things. The negative outlook was so wrong from the beginning. I was into art starting in elementary school. I loved drawing comic book and video game characters, I loved graffiti style lettering.
I immigrated to the states in around 1991 from the Philippines. I was 8 years old. When I was a teen and I tried getting employment, I found out that my Student Visa was expired for years. I struggled with a secret identity of being Undocumented. Fitting in was difficult, you’d be surprised how it can affect your psyche, feeling like you are less than. Thats a bit of a long story, but man, if I knew I could have started tattooing under someone that was cool with my legal status, I WOULD HAVE DONE IT. I’d probably have a lot more knowledge at this point as well. I love tattooing and all of its phases and trends. There is always something to learn.
I was able to fix my legal status, but I didn’t get into tattooing until I was 27. Thats when I got my first tattoo.
Frederick, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I got my first tattoo at 27. I decided to become a tattoo artist. I chose a design so big and visible that it would force me to pursue a career in tattoos. At the time, big neck tattoos were also considered Job stopping tattoos. I had a goal, I needed out of my boring office job.
Soon After, I got an apprenticeship under a great black and grey artist named Eric Blair. He is well known in Jacksonville. I would end up getting employed at Untouchable Studios in Orange park. I sucked at tattooing until I didn’t. It was a struggle to get good, but every step into the right direction has built my abilities today.
Im proud to say that I am well rounded. My instagram will show you all kinds of different tattoo styles. I don’t try to judge you for what you want to get tattooed. Thats not my Job. However, the time in this career does help me help you choose better designs for yourself. I want you to leave happy. I don’t squander the trust that my clients give me.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
In this social media atmosphere, we just want to be seen. Sometimes it’s so difficult. I am really bad about social media. Like most of the people in my industry, I try to get better at it. The goal line is always changing. Views and likes do affect business. At times, I feel like social media is pointless for me, its an uphill battle.
Ive had so much better luck with talking to people in person, handing out cards. I don’t want to give up on Social media. I use instagram as a way to keep a live portfolio.
Even if you don’t want to get tattooed. Sharing any of my work will help me with visibility. I always appreciate that.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to learn that art is a viable way to make a living. In my younger days, I viewed creative endeavors as hobbies. I would often hear the words “starving artist” and immediately think “Fuck that”. I just never saw it as pathway. I didn’t know anyone personally that has done it.
Now, I believe that if you have the fire of creativity, you can harness it and do exactly what you want to do. There were so many different careers that I could have gone into, and I would have been fine. However, it was hard for me to see it because the doubts and the negativity would blind me.
That being said, even when I didn’t see the future in creativity. I kept making art. I kept doodling. I kept up other endeavors like dancing. The reward that I’m reaping now, is a result of my unwillingness to stop at creating.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fredneck83.com
- Instagram: Fredneck83