FROM tattooing on his dorm’s couch to opening up his own studio in Dubai, Gio Parcia’s come a long way since he started his craft in 2019.
After blowing up on TikTok back in 2021, thousands of people have been exposed to the beauty of Gio’s intricately detailed works. And it all started with a tattoo thirst trap!
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Life after TikTok
“I still feel weird about it sometimes, because I didn’t plan to be this ‘TikTok tattoo guy,’” Gio said. “But yeah, it’s good, since most of my clients are from TikTok, and I’m getting more exposure and more people are seeing my work.”
The best part is, people think I’m so cool and artsy, but in reality, I’m not all that–I’m just a guy trying to make a living by hurting people,” he said in jest.
“The worst part [of it] is dealing with people trying to get a discount, or a free tattoo, even, in exchange for TikTok clout.”
He currently has over 17, 000 followers on the app. His most viewed video up to date is one tattooing TWICE’s Chaeyoung on a client’s arm.
Setting up in Dubai
It was in June of 2021 that Gio decided to head to Dubai to continue tattooing, mainly because he felt he’d grow more as an artist there than in the Philippines.
“I love seeing their faces light up after every session, it makes me feel like I did something nice for someone,” he said.
“The biggest difference for me is the clientele. In the Philippines, people would ask for discounts every day. Sometimes, I just had to agree to their prices, because if I don’t do it, I don’t get paid. Here in Dubai, people are actually willing to pay for their tattoos.”
Plans for the future
Gio plans to return to the Philippines this year. Stay tuned on his Instagram or Tiktok for updates. Slots to be tatted by him are sure to run out fast.
His next stop for the future?
“World domination.”
