FOR THE ART OF SELF LOVE AND HEALING. Owner Patty Tiu-Thomson shares a gist on Arte Tattoo. Video by Ric Gonzales
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — Every tattoo and piercing go beyond aesthetics from a journey that tells tales behind the markings, inks, studs, or rings.
“Tattoo is a form of healing,” said Arte Tattoo owner and piercing specialist Patty Tiu-Thomson.
“I have been a tattoo enthusiast for a long time. I was one of Charles’ loyal clients at first. I would refer to him from those in my network like my friends or those in the music industry until eventually we figured since I have been referring to him some clients, we can just partner and make it bigger and take it out from his home studio,” she added.
Founded by Charles Arteta and Kel Laquin at a small house studio in 2012, Arte Tattoo now has three branches: Poblacion in Makati, Malingap in Quezon City, and Baliti here.
“The one in Malingap was already planned but then lockdown happened. So within three months time it was locked down, we didn’t know if we would continue or not. So we’ve decided to push through and eventually we agreed to have a branch outside Manila so just in case lockdown happens again, we have already one that is here and operating,” she said.
Arte Tattoo houses a total of 10 tattoo artists and two piercing specialists. They are known for their bespoke designs on fine lines and minimalism, japanese oriental tattoos, realism and illustrative tattoos, traditional and neo-traditional, as well as hand poked manifestation tattoos.
“Our artists draw their own designs. We conceptualize along with the client. If our clients find a design that they like online, they can show it to our tattoo artist and they can make something out of it but not completely copy what was shown,” she said.
Defining self love through inks marked on the body, Arte Tattoo brings part of the healing process as they share some through their “Arte Stories” via social media.
“With everything that’s going through right now, everyone has different ways of healing or coping so we use our tool which is tattooing to help cope with what they are going through,” she shared.
“Tattoos are like windows to your soul. You can be known just by looking at your tattoo. It’s nice to know that you have one that is just yours, a design that is meant for you alone, something you won’t see on other people,” she furthered.
Known in Manila as one of the go-to places to get inked, Arte Tattoo ensures its standards on hygiene and sanitation as well as safety protocols against Covid-19 in all of its three branches.
“Now we have doubled our safety protocols. We have added PPEs, gloves, face shield, and face masks. We also have a contact tracing form. We have days when we accept walk-ins as well,” she noted.
Arte Tattoo has its monthly “Arte Tattour” activity where tattoo artists from their Manila branches visit for a session for Kapampangans who want to experience their skill and creativity.
Located at the 2nd floor of Quez building along McArthur highway Baliti here, Arte Tattoo is open every Wednesdays to Sundays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. while Mondays and Tuesdays are strictly for appointments only.
Arte Tattoo Valentine’s Day promo is still ongoing. All self love tattoos from medium to large size are at 50 percent off while piercings are at buy one get one promo and an additional piercing if you bring a friend for a piercing/tattoo. Promo runs until March 14.
Visit Arte Tattoo on Facebook or @artetattoo.ph on Instagram for promos, other updates, and booking inquiries.
*All photos and video by Ric Gonzales
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