As a mode to honor the memory of loved ones, portrait tattoos have gone trendy despite being one of the most complicated types of skin art.

However, for 33-year-old Seth Villacosta who finds a niche in hyper realism tattoo art, the more challenging the workpiece is, the more exciting the process gets, the more rewarding the pursuit becomes.

Seth’s gift in the visual arts has been harnessed though a special arts program at the Iloilo National High School. It is at Iloilo National High School that he earned rich insights into the value of art in the Filipinos’ everyday life.

Seth grew up in Iloilo but now lives in Negros Occidental. 

He said that he should be meticulous in the details because portraits should be closer to reality as possible. 

“Siyempre loved one mo, kahit mole lang yan na mawala, mano-notice talaga nila. Matindi ang commitment dyan,” Seth said.

Some of his clients in the United States of America travel to the Philippines to seek his inking services. 

His friend, Israel Vinco, said Seth seeks recognition in the international scene for his skin art. 

“Sinabihan nya ako, gusto niya one day na maging world-renowned artist. And I believe in him,” Vinco said.