In a quiet tattoo studio in Pasig City, Angelo Frederico Jocson lets his art do the talking. A Deaf tattoo artist, he proves that creativity does not need sound to be powerful. His work speaks loudly—through ink, precision, and passion.

Each design etched onto his clients’ skin brings the 31-year-old artist closer to his dream. Working in silence, Angelo shows that his disability is not a limitation. Instead, he uses his hands and creativity to transform challenges into meaningful works of art.

I first encountered Angelo at the Philippine Disability Expo last December, where he quickly caught the attention of many attendees. I wanted to interview him, but I hesitated at first, unsure how to communicate since I do not know sign language. In a space where people shared a quiet yet beautiful connection through signing, I felt like an outsider. It was a humbling experience—and a reminder of what it feels like to search for connection from the margins.

Still, I knew communication would find a way. I approached Angelo and asked if we could do a short interview using the notes app on our phones, where we both typed our questions and answers.

Angelo shared that his journey into tattooing began at age 14. At the time, he was doing henna designs as a small business while still in high school. He eventually got his first tattoo at 20, further deepening his interest in the craft.

A graduate of Miriam College with an associate degree in Computer Technology, Angelo said he had always been drawn to the visual arts and colors—an interest that naturally led him to tattooing and, eventually, to starting his own business.

After experiencing discrimination at a previous job in a private company because of his disability, Angelo decided to pursue his passion full-time. Tattooing became both a creative outlet and a safe space—one where skill mattered more than circumstance.

“I was employed in a private company, but it brought me disappointment because discrimination against persons with disabilities was obvious,” he shared. “That led me to start my own tattoo business using my love and passion for art. It became easy for me to learn the process and flow of tattooing.”

Being different in a hearing world did not stop Angelo—it pushed him to stand taller. Asked how he overcomes challenges in the tattoo industry as a Deaf artist, he shared a daily reminder he lives by: “As a Deaf artist, I challenge myself every day. I believe in my skills, and I take pride in standing on my own two feet.”