Meet Yshmael Ilagan | Tattooer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yshmael Ilagan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yshmael, what role has risk played in your life or career?
My whole career is a risk. It’s either you make it or you don’t. Being a tattoo artist, you have to apply yourself and stay consistent. You don’t apply yourself, you stay in the same spot you’re in. YOU HAVE TO keep picking up your machine

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In this industry, a tattoo artist is known for their uniqueness. Your work will need to stand out to be recognized. Lots of artists are know for their style of tattooing, wether it’s big scale tattoos, portrait, anime, color, cover up etc. In my case, I do a little bit of all styles. I really enjoy what I do and I don’t want to limit my creativity by sticking to one genre of tattooing. I’ve worked at Tattoo Houston on Federal Rd for a couple of years and it taught me to work my butt off!! We would be open from 11am and close at 2-3 am. Everyday I’m in the shop and also outside the shop, I made sure that I’m always making progress. Working on drawing and figuring out what works for me when I tattoo. It took many moons and dedication to be where I’m at and this is just the beginning. Phillynk has more capabilities than just tattooing and the world will know soon enough.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My wife, Jessica Ilagan, who take cares of the house and doesn’t get enough credit. She motivates me to be a better person, husband and artist. Whenever I think I’m failing, she’s right next to me lifting my head high and reminds me who I am. She’s the reason I made that leap to get to the next level. If it wasn’t for her, I would’ve never made it as an tattoo artist.

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