Jarrad Serafino July 15,16 2025

Where are you originally from?

Perth, Western Australia

How did you find your start in tattooing?

I feel quite lucky as the opportunity presented itself. I was always interested in tattoos from a young age and had friends who were already working in shops. I had secretly done a few tattoos already just for fun with no intention of taking it seriously, they were terrible. We would paint together and I would ask for advice, so they offered for me to apply for an apprenticeship at the studio to learn properly, the boss said yes and I started that day. Shops don’t clean themselves!

Any funny or interesting things that are unique to your history in tattooing?

I started my apprenticeship at 17 before I was even old enough to get tattooed. For the first few years of my career I worked for shops owned by outlaw motorcycle clubs, witnessed some pretty wild stuff.

What kind of inspiration influences your art the most?

Other than Japanese Ukiyo-e prints my favourite place to find inspiration would be travelling Japan. Visiting temples and museums and being in nature, seeing imagery, symbols and landscapes that are the source to these woodblock prints really inspires me, it can feel like your walking in the footsteps of the great Japanese artists.

Have you traveled much in the past? If so where are the coolest places you’ve been?

I’ve travelled a bit, America, south east asia but mainly Japan which is my favourite place of all. I’ve been 8 times, mostly to get tattooed but also to learn more about the culture. I completed my backpiece over there. Each trip we try visit different prefectures and explore the quiet out of the way places.

What’s your favorite part about Australian tattoo culture?

Australian tattoo culture is full of high calibre amazingly talented artists, my favourite part would be the close knit community, even though Australia is a big country the tattoo community is pretty close and it’s easy to get out there and meet inspiring artists.

Who are the most important tattooers from the really older generation that you are grateful for?

I started out doing a lot of American traditional style work and would always reference the greats like Sailor Jerry, Bert Grimm, Deitzel and Coleman and obviously Ed Hardy. Studying their work gave me an insight into bold classic tattooing. As my interest shifted into Japanese style work I read Ed Hardy’s ‘Wear Your Dreams’ which inspired me to dive deeper into the Japanese style. From there I discovered the works of Horiyoshi 2, Yokosoku Horihide, Ivan Szazi.

How does your work connect to them?

From referencing their work heavily in my own it helps me to understand the Japanese style. Through imitation it helps me to learn the flow of background elements on the body and composition. With enough time and practice I can filter it through my own hand, working towards creating my own style.

Something unique about yourself personally that has nothing to do with tattooing.

I’m really good at making pesto!