Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jesus Alonso ( Jac Alonso ). We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jesus , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Throughout my career, I believe there have been two key moments when I took significant risks. The first was when, after fourteen years working for a multinational hypermarket and supermarket chain in Spain, I decided to make a drastic change. For the last seven years, I held the position of store manager, but at the age of 32, I realized I wasn’t happy with what I was doing. Without knowing exactly what I wanted to do, I decided to reach an agreement to end my contract because I was certain about what I no longer wanted to continue doing. It was a risk, but a necessary one.

That decision allowed me to refocus my professional life on the artistic world, something that had always been present in my life. Since I was 14 years old, I had been creating portraits and had developed artistic skills, having attended the School of Applied Arts and Artistic Trades in Seville and taken oil painting classes at the age of 16. Before working for the multinational company, I was already a portrait artist, and after leaving that job, I knew I wanted to reignite my passion and utilize my artistic talents. Through tattooing, which initially started as a hobby, I was able to channel and develop my artistic side.

The second significant risk came years later, after I had already established myself as a tattoo artist and opened my own studio in Spain. I met Matías Noble, a fellow tattoo artist who planned to open a studio in New York, and together we worked on obtaining my O-1 artist visa to move to the United States. This was an even bigger and more challenging change, as in 2023, at the age of 45, I moved to New York with my wife and my two young children, aged six and eight, to live and work there. It was a complete life change, but one that had a very positive impact.

Moving to New York has allowed me to continue growing as an artist. I have won awards at several conventions and have been invited to serve as a panel judge on multiple occasions. At Noble Art studio, I serve as a lead tattoo artist, sharing my knowledge through seminars and fostering the growth of aspiring tattoo artists. Additionally, my work at Noble Art has represented the brand on a global stage, ensuring that the artistic standards that define my reputation and the studio’s reputation are reflected in every project, maintaining the brand’s commitment to excellence. This professional growth has enabled me to establish myself as a key figure at Noble Art, contributing to the development of its international reputation.

Both risks have been transformative. The first allowed me to focus on what I am truly passionate about: art, drawing, and painting, now applied to tattooing. The second has been an opportunity to continue growing as an artist. My move to New York not only marked a new chapter in my life but also allowed me to further develop professionally on an international level and become a leading figure at Noble Art.

In summary, although these risks involved significant changes, both have taken me to places where I have been able to grow both personally and professionally, and for that, I consider them fundamental and positive decisions in my life.

Jesus , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

For those who may not know me yet, let me introduce myself. I am Jac Alonso, a tattoo artist specializing in realism and hyperrealism. My journey into art began at a very young age, being self-taught since I was 14 years old, when I started drawing family portraits and celebrities using techniques like pencil, charcoal, and pastels. Thanks to my parents, who took me to a renowned portrait artist in Seville to refine my drawing skills, I was able to acquire advanced knowledge and further develop my talent.

At the age of 16, my parents also enrolled me in an academy to learn oil painting, which marked a crucial stage in my artistic development. During that same period, I decided to join the School of Applied Arts and Artistic Crafts in Seville, where I studied for two years and further solidified my artistic foundation.

Years later, in 2010, my sister encouraged me to take a tattoo course. What initially began as a hobby quickly became a passion that defined my life. Before fully dedicating myself to tattooing, I worked for over a decade in a multinational supermarket chain, serving as a director and manager for the last seven years.

In 2016, I opened my first tattoo studio in Spain. Since then, I have continued to refine my technique and explore new forms of artistic expression. During the last three years before moving to New York, I was invited as a guest artist to various studios across Europe, including countries such as Germany, Switzerland, and England. These experiences allowed me to collaborate with other talented artists and learn from the cultures and styles of each place.

Currently, I live in New York, where I offer custom tattoos, especially in realism and hyperrealism. My goal is not only to create visually impactful pieces but also to connect emotionally with my clients, helping them tell their stories through art on their skin. My work is distinguished by meticulous attention to detail and my focus on capturing the essence and depth of each design, which has led me to win numerous awards at international conventions in the United States and to be featured in specialized magazines.

What sets me apart is my commitment to excellence and my ability to transform abstract ideas into unique and meaningful works of art. One of the things I am most proud of is how I’ve managed to reinvent myself and turn my passion into a career that inspires and empowers others. I am also deeply proud to serve as the lead tattoo artist at Noble Art Studio in New York. This role allows me to not only bring my expertise to the table but also set artistic standards and uphold the studio’s reputation for excellence. My work ensures that Noble Art remains a beacon of innovation and talent in the tattoo world.

Another aspect I take great pride in is having tattooed celebrities and individuals from the sports world. These are people who have the option to choose any tattoo artist in the world, and when they decide to trust my work, it is something I deeply value and that reaffirms my dedication and the impact of my art.

I am also incredibly proud that my clients deeply appreciate my work. Thanks to their trust and support, I have a full schedule and a waiting list of over six months here in New York, which speaks volumes about my dedication, effort, and the impact my art has on those who wear it.

I want my clients and followers to know that every piece I create is made with dedication, attention to detail, and respect for their personal vision. My work is not just about tattooing; it’s about creating art that transcends time and leaves a lasting impression on everyone who wears it.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of being an artist is seeing how my work connects with people. Knowing that something I’ve created can tell their story, capture their emotions, or represent a meaningful moment in their life is amazing. As a tattoo artist, it’s even more special because the art becomes a part of them—it’s something they’ll carry forever.

I also love seeing my clients’ reactions when the tattoo is finished. That mix of surprise, excitement, and happiness is priceless. Knowing I’ve not only met their expectations but exceeded them, and that I’ve brought their vision to life (or even something better), is such a great feeling.

The creative process itself is another thing I really enjoy. Every project is a challenge, an opportunity to learn and grow. Watching an idea take shape and turn into something that has a real impact on someone’s life is incredibly rewarding.

Lastly, knowing that my work can inspire others—whether it’s clients, fellow artists, or people just starting out in the industry—means a lot to me. At the end of the day, the best part of being an artist is knowing that what I do isn’t just art; it’s a way of connecting with people and leaving a lasting mark on their lives.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the moments that really shows my resilience was when, at 32, I decided to completely change my life. I’d been working since I was 18 in a multinational supermarket chain, holding a significant position as a manager and director. My work was valued, but I reached a point where my personal life was completely on hold. I had no time to paint, which had been my passion since I was a kid, no time to learn new things, or even to properly disconnect. It was frustrating because my role required me to be available 24/7. Even when I wasn’t at work, I was always on call. I realized I wasn’t happy.

So, in 2010, after 14 years, I decided to leave. It wasn’t an easy decision because I didn’t really know what I wanted to do next—I just knew what I didn’t want to do. I wanted to get back into art, study, and do something that fulfilled me. That’s when my sister suggested I take a tattoo course, which at the time was starting to become popular in Spain. I started it as a hobby, never imagining where that decision would eventually take me.

For the first two years, I juggled tattooing with other things: I studied for university and prepared for the National Police entrance exams. But while I was tattooing friends and family, I realized how much I enjoyed it—and that I was actually pretty good at it. By 2013, I made another big decision: to fully dedicate myself to tattooing. Three years later, in 2016, I opened my own studio in Málaga, right around the time my first child was born. It was a big risk but also an exciting step. I ran my studio for six years, refining my style and traveling as a guest artist to studios across Europe, in places like Germany, Switzerland, and the UK. My work was starting to gain international recognition.

Another pivotal moment came in 2023, when I decided to move to New York with my wife and two kids to work as the lead tattoo artist at Noble Art, one of the most renowned studios in the world. Leaving behind everything we had built in Spain wasn’t easy, but we took the leap with excitement and a drive to grow. Looking back, I can see that both this move and my decision in 2010 to leave the corporate world were two of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Of course, there were challenges along the way—like during the 2020 pandemic, when both my wife and I had to temporarily close our businesses. But even in those tough times, I kept pushing forward. Those experiences only strengthened my determination.

What I’ve learned through all of this is that change, no matter how scary, is always worth it if it brings you closer to what you love. Leaving a stable job to follow my passion and moving to another continent with my family were two huge leaps of faith. But today, I can say those risks were absolutely worth it. I get to do what I love every day, and for me, it’s not just a job—it’s my life. My message to anyone who’s feeling stuck is this: don’t let fear hold you back. Change can be scary, but it’s also what makes achieving your dreams possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www,jacalonso.com
• Instagram: @jac_alonso
• Other: Email: : [email protected]