If you've ever wondered why your friend who reads too much Hunter S. Thompson has a barbed wire tattoo, consider this: Tattoos are ancient. Like, pre-Bronze Age ancient. The concept goes back to the word tatau from Tahitian, meaning "to tap the mark." And tapping they did—everyone from Otztai, the Iceman frozen mid-palimpsest in the Alps around 3400 BCE, to a high-status mummy princess in ancient Russia, showcasing that tattoos have been flaunting VIP status for millennia.

These tattoos weren't just for kicks or tribal Spotify playlists; they were integral to ancient wellness from ancient Egyptian all the way to the indigenous cultures of the Pacific Rim.

Fast forward to now where tattoos are more about personal expression.

The burgeoning popularity of tattoos is driven by shifting societal attitudes that now accept and appreciate body art as a genuine form of artistic expression. Cities around the globe are alive with the buzz of annual tattoo events, attracting throngs of enthusiasts and highlighting the skills of artists who push the boundaries of this age-old art form. According to Pew Research, the rapid embrace of tattoos by Millennials and Generation Z marks a pivotal cultural transformation—tattoos have become vital expressions of self, as telling as one’s fashion sense or musical tastes.

In this dynamic environment, Juan Pablo Molina Cisternas, a Chilean talent, is ready to bring his artistic vision to the thriving tattoo scene in the U.S. Born in the scenic city of Viña del Mar, Molina merges academic finesse with self-taught creativity in his roles as a visual arts instructor, tattoo artist, and founder of Nomade Tattoo Studio.

From an early age, Molina was encouraged by his father to observe and interpret the world around him, steering clear of simply mimicking popular cultures like anime and comics. His educational journey took him from potential careers in Computer Science and Music to finally settling on Visual Arts, leading to a teaching position where he promoted the transformative potential of art.

Tattooing unexpectedly became a part of Molina's life at the age of 27. Inspired by a casual encounter on social media, he ventured into tattooing, initially practicing on fruit before moving to human skin, and eventually establishing Nomade Tattoo Studio. The studio quickly gained recognition for its commercial and communal impact, and for Molina’s efforts to foster unity in the industry through conventions and competitions.

"Many (tattoo artists) begin their careers heavily inked themselves. However, my entry into tattooing was without a single tattoo on my body or even a visit to a tattoo studio; my drive was to discover a new medium for artistic creation," Molina explained in an interview. He notes that he got his first tattoo at 34, seven years into his tattooing career.

Now leading a team of six artists, Molina's studio also emphasizes philanthropic work, mirroring his dedication to social improvement. His ongoing role as an educator extends to international platforms like Domestika, enhancing his global reputation. Supported by prominent industry sponsors such as Electrum Ink and HiTattoo, Molina is committed to the relentless exploration of artistic possibilities.

Looking ahead, Molina aims to establish his distinct visual style in the U.S., seeking to inspire as well as adapt. His transition from traditional art to tattooing, characterized by the absence of personal tattoos until his mid-thirties, underscores his deep quest for new forms of artistic expression, defying the typical narratives of entering the tattoo industry.

Molina's narrative is defined by his passion for forming personal connections through art, believing that the true measure of an artist lies in the joy of creation—a principle he brings to each tattoo, seeing every piece as a blend of trust and creative liberty. And fittingly, the expanding tattoo art world here in the U.S. is anticipating his next artistic foray.