His work mediates nature, spirituality, and the human experience, transforming tattoos into a form of fine art that tells deeply personal stories. Jorge’s ability to merge ancient symbolism with modern aesthetics has earned him a global reputation, positioning him as a leader in the evolution of tattoo art.
You earned a master’s degree in music from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in the USA. When you think back to your time at Berklee, what fond memories do you have?
My time at Berklee was an exploration of sound, energy, and creativity. The atmosphere there was like a vibrant ecosystem of ideas, where each day was an opportunity to dive deeper into the mysteries of music. I have fond memories of late-night jam sessions where silence and sound merged, where we pushed the boundaries of harmony, and where the language of music connected us without words. One of the greatest lessons I learned at Berklee was patience—the realization that both art and life operate on their frequencies. What fascinated me most was the discovery that these frequencies, expressed through music, could also manifest as geometric patterns. That understanding of frequency, harmony, and silence continues to influence my approach to tattooing today, where I aim to create visual compositions that echo the rhythms of life.
Do you remember the first tattoo you ever did?
My first tattoo was on myself—a small rose delicately placed on my wrist. The process was as much about discovery as it was about creation. There was a calmness, a meditative flow in the act of tattooing that I hadn’t anticipated. It was a moment where I realized that the skin, like a canvas, carries its energy, and tattooing is a dialogue between the artist, the skin, and the soul. That first rose symbolized growth—both for me and for the person who would wear it.
Before tattooing, you composed music for children’s cartoons. How does storytelling through music compare to storytelling through tattoos? What inspired your transition from music to tattoo art?
Music and tattooing, at their core, are both forms of storytelling. Each note in music, each line in a tattoo, has the power to evoke emotion, to create a narrative that transcends language. In composing music, especially for children’s cartoons, I was creating worlds where sound told the story, where melodies expressed emotions that words couldn’t capture. With tattooing, I found a different kind of permanence. Tattoos are living art, and the story is written not just on the skin but into the fabric of someone’s life. My transition from music to tattooing was inspired by the desire to create something that lives with the person, something that becomes part of who they are. Music fades, but a tattoo remains.
What drew you to tattooing, and how has that passion evolved over the years?
Tattooing captivated me because it felt like the ultimate form of personal expression—both for me as an artist and for the person wearing the art. Over the years, my passion has grown from a fascination with the technical skill of tattooing to a deep appreciation for its spiritual and emotional depth. I’ve come to view each tattoo as a transformative process, where the person’s journey becomes part of the artwork. My goal has always been to push the boundaries of what tattoo art can be—not just decoration but a meaningful and profound reflection of one’s inner self. The integration of sacred geometry and organic realism in my work allows me to explore themes of connection, balance, and the natural rhythms of life.
Could you describe your creative process from concept to completion?
My creative process begins with listening – hearing what the client is saying, not just with words, but with their energy. Every person has a story, a symbol that speaks to who they are or what they wish to express. I take these elements and start crafting a design that merges organic forms, like animals or plants, with geometric elements that symbolize balance, structure, and the universe’s order. It’s important to me that the tattoo complements the natural flow of the body, so I spend time envisioning how it will move with the person. The process is both intuitive and technical, and each tattoo evolves naturally as I bring it to life.
Which place for a tattoo do you personally find the most beautiful?
For me, the forearm is a particularly beautiful canvas. It’s a place where art can be both personal and visible, a space that allows for fluid, elegant designs that complement the body’s natural curves. The forearm is an ideal location for storytelling, as it offers enough space for intricate details while still being intimate.
Living in Cologne and New York, how does your environment influence your work?
Cologne and New York are like two contrasting frequencies, each influencing my work in different ways. Cologne, with its rich history and slower pace, invites introspection and contemplation. It’s a city that allows me to explore spiritual and philosophical ideas in my designs. New York, on the other hand, is an ever-changing pulse of energy – ast, bold, and constantly inspiring innovation. The balance between these two cities keeps me creatively charged. One offers depth, the other momentum, and together they shape my artistic voice.
Your designs are influenced by nature and animals. Could you share how these inspire your creativity and influence your work?
Nature is the ultimate artist, and animals are among its most perfect creations. The way they blend geometric and organic forms in a way that feels harmonious is incredibly inspiring. To me, animals and nature represent balance, a connection to something ancient and sacred. They’ve lived on this planet far longer than we have, and their ability to live in harmony with their environment is something we, as humans, have drifted away from. My designs aim to remind us of this balance, to reconnect us to the natural world and its wisdom. Through my work, I try to capture the essence of animals – their strength, their grace, their symbolic power – and bring those qualities to life on the skin.
What is the work-life balance like for you? How do you maintain it? Do you have any special hobbies?
Balance is crucial for me, both in life and in art. When I’m not tattooing, I find peace in caring for plants, especially growing food. There’s something profoundly inspiring about watching a seed grow into a plant. It’s a process that mirrors the creative journey – slow, deliberate, and deeply rewarding. Sometimes, I’ll sit for hours just observing the plants, letting their quiet presence ground me. I believe humans have become too detached from nature, and blinded by the distractions of technology, and working with plants helps me reconnect to something more authentic and real.
You are represented by Rothschild Fine Art. How did that come about? What do you have planned for the near future?
Rothschild Fine Art discovered my work and was impressed with my attention to detail and the way I blend art with activism. Our collaboration was a natural fit because their focus on environmental protection and animal rights aligns perfectly with my values. Being represented by a gallery that champions these causes has been a privilege, and together we are planning an exhibition that explores the intersection of fine art and tattooing. It’s an exciting opportunity to show the world that tattoos can be more than just body art – they can be fine art that carries a deeper message.
Are there any upcoming projects you’re particularly excited about that you can share with us?
I’m excited about an upcoming collaboration with a nature conservation project. I’ll be working on a series of tattoos inspired by endangered species, with a portion of the proceeds going to support animal preservation efforts. This project allows me to combine my love for animals with my art in a way that feels impactful and meaningful. It’s more than just tattoos – it’s a way to raise awareness and contribute to the preservation of life on our planet. Additionally, my next project is coming within Rothschild Fine Art, where we’re exploring even more ways to bridge tattooing and fine art. I’m excited to share more details soon!
Jorge Segovia – www.mrjfineline.com, www.instagram.com/mr.j.fineline/
