Meet Philippe Fernandez | Tattoo artist

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

Hi Philippe, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success and the success of my brand has always been authenticity. Staying true to myself and my vision, even when it’s not the easiest or most mainstream path, has allowed me to carve out a unique space in both the tattoo world and the broader art scene. I’ve always been unapologetically drawn to exploring topics about my culture-things that many shy away from-but I know these stories need to be told, and these visuals need to be seen. I’ve found my niche. My clients are people who resonate with my work on a deep level, and they’ve been the driving force behind my success. They’re not just looking for a tattoo; they’re seeking an experience, a connection, and a way to express their identity in ways that often don’t get enough visibility. That’s been a huge part of what keeps me going-knowing that I’m offering something meaningful and unique to the people who understand it. The community that supports my work—my clients, the collaborators, my partner, my family and friends-are at the core of everything I do. They’ve believed in me even when I had doubts, and they’ve helped shape my vision into what it is today. Without them, there would be no platform for the art I create. Last but not least, a key factor is resilience. The journey has been anything but smooth, but every challenge l’ve faced has pushed me to evolve, adapt, and come back stronger. Whether it’s dealing with creative block, business pressures, or personal struggles, I’ve learned that the only way to keep growing is to keep showing up, day after day.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art has always been about pushing boundaries and giving visibility to things that are often kept in the shadows—especially in the queer and fetish communities. I started out as a tattoo artist, and that’s still a huge part of my identity, but over time I’ve expanded into other forms of visual art. I’m drawn to raw, intimate, and sometimes taboo subjects like gay sex, kink, and fetish culture. I want to challenge people’s perceptions of what’s acceptable or “normal” and help normalize the things that are often hidden or misunderstood. What sets me apart is that I don’t shy away from what others might find uncomfortable. My art isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about starting conversations and giving visibility to things that deserve to be seen.

What I’m most proud of is that my work has helped people feel seen, especially within the queer community. My tattoos and art have become a form of self-expression for many who haven’t always felt they had a voice, and that’s something I’m deeply proud of. The ability to create work that not only resonates with people but also empowers them to embrace their identity—that’s what excites me the most.

Getting to where I am today professionally wasn’t easy. Tattooing itself is a demanding craft that requires precision, patience, and constant growth. On top of that, navigating the art world as someone who focuses on queer and fetish content comes with its own set of challenges. There’s a lot of judgment and misunderstanding out there, and it took time to find my audience and build a community around my work. But every challenge I faced has made me stronger, and I’ve learned to stay true to my voice and my vision, even when it’s not the easiest path.

The most important lesson I’ve learned is to trust your gut and never compromise on your authenticity. There were times I was tempted to dilute my work to make it more “palatable” to a broader audience, but that would have defeated the purpose of why I started creating in the first place. I’ve learned that being yourself, no matter how polarizing it might be, is the only way to really make an impact.

What I want the world to know about my art and my brand is that it’s all about visibility, freedom, and self-expression. Whether it’s through tattoos, illustrations, or exhibitions, my goal is to break down stigmas and celebrate the beauty of things that society often tries to hide. I want to keep creating work that not only resonates with people emotionally but also pushes them to think, to question, and to embrace parts of themselves they may have been afraid to explore.

At the end of the day, I’m just someone who’s passionate about art, culture, and the power of visibility. My story is one of embracing the chaos, the challenges, and the beauty of standing out in a world that often wants to put you in a box. And if my work can inspire others to do the same, then I feel like I’m doing something right.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve been fortunate to have so many people in my life who’ve shaped my journey, but if I had to dedicate a shoutout, it would definitely go to Jon John. He was more than just a mentor to me—he was a brother, a father figure, and a creative force that changed my life. He saw potential in me when I didn’t even fully see it myself. His trust, guidance, and belief in me opened doors I never knew were there. Without him, there would be no AKA studio in my life, and I wouldn’t be the artist I am today.

Of course, I wouldn’t be here without the amazing support of the tattoo community and the people who trusted me to leave my mark on them. Every client, every collaboration has been a part of this journey. I want to give a nod to Berlin too, a city that shaped not just my career but who I am as a person. It’s not an easy place, but it’s raw, real, and full of energy that either makes you or breaks you—and I wouldn’t be where I am without it.

Website: Http://philippefernandez.store

Instagram: Philippefernandez

Twitter: PhilippeFdz

Image Credits
Profile pic: Philip Nuernberger
Pic 3 and 9: David Lotric