Jairo Carmona Velez

London, England

Biography

I was born in Medellín, Colombia, on December 9, 1987.I’ma graphic designer by trade and a comic illustrator at heart. My tattoo journey began at 17, when I met a semi-famous tattooist while looking to get my first piece. In his bright, flash-covered shop, I nervously sketched my idea instead of explaining it. The drawing wasn’t great, but he liked my lines and invited me to help and learn. While finishing school and starting university, I learned the essentials—lining, making needles, shop hygiene, setup, and color theory, which I was also studying at uni. Influenced by graphic design, punk rock, graffiti, and comic art, I saw tattooing as another way to tell stories. I believe understanding a tattoo shop means navigating many colors, personalities, and stages. My curiosity pushed me to travel, meet artists, draw, paint, and experiment. For me, tattooing is aboutcontrast—the mix of experiences and influences that shape an artist’s voice.