INTERNATIONAL tattoo artist Albert John Aggasid is one of the most accomplished and talented tattoo artists in the Phillipines. He has been invited to conventions in Europe, the United States and Asia, after a long and storied career of winning both national competitions in the Philipines and international competitions.
His career as a tattoo artist grew from a hobby into an internationally-desired artist as clients from different parts of the worlds fly to the philippines to get a tattoo from him. Inspired by an acquaintance who had fascinating tattoos all over his body, he started his career in Cebu using an improvised tattoo machine on willing- often drunk, by-standers who became his first clients. Mr. Agassid went beyond commercial fame and taught his skills to other aspiring artists as an Art teacher every summmer.
His works grew from tattooing local and international celebrities with unique styles on portraits, realism, 3D and Tribal tattoo designs. He resided in Malaybalay City and introduced the art of tattoos there by Bloody Works, a renknown tattoo business which gained more admirers of his works, tattooing notable people like the families of politicians as well as other businessmen there. While doing so, he also established himself at the top of his field by winning several tattoo competitions. These included the nationally known Kadayawan Festival in Davao city, and "Tatak" held in Cagayan de Oro City. In 2012, he reigned at the highly regarded “Pinatikan: Araw ng Davao Tattoo Competition" where his portrait of Mayor Duterte won him as a Champion. In 2013, he won as champion with his ethnic design during Bukidnon's first ever tattoo competition under the Black and Gray category and was tagged as the "Black & Gray Tattoo Master".
Perhaps the most well known trophy is the international competition 'Dutdutan’, which is internationally known as the biggest tattoo convention in Asia, held in Manila where he topped among the hundreds of artists under the "Tattoo of the Day" Category. With all these awards, he was moved to open 'Ink Digger Tattoo Studio' in Cagayan de Oro City. Mr. Agassid is known especially for his portrait and Tribal designs nationwide as well as in the USA and Asia. But even with his success, he still makes it a point to deliver quality service and responsible teaching. "Not just to give a nice tatto or to simply satisfy a client. I want to make sure I could offer them quality work that is worth the pay", he told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro in aninterview.
Ink Digger offers 3D, Portraits, Realism, Tribal, Watercolor tattoos, Tattoo repair and Cover-ups. His works can be viewed on the shop's official website (www.inkdiggertattoo.com). (Patricia Ysabel Tabian/ AdMU intern)