An Interview with Alex Roze: The Visionary Behind @jpeg_tattooer
In the tattoo world, where innovation often meets tradition, Alex Roze—or @jpeg_tattooer on Instagram—has carved out a space entirely his own. Known for his distinct fusion of anime, manga, cyberpunk, and Y2K aesthetics, Alex’s work is a testament to creativity and individuality. We sat down with Alex to delve into his unique style, influences, and the philosophy behind his tattoos.
Q: Alex, your style is so unique. How would you describe it to someone new to your work?
Alex:
I’d say my work is a mix of influences that have shaped me creatively—anime, manga, cyberpunk, and that nostalgic Y2K vibe from the early 2000s. I take inspiration from the sharp, dynamic lines of manga, combine it with futuristic glitch effects, and add bold color choices like lime green and lipstick red. My goal is to create tattoos that feel fresh, almost like wearable concept art, while still being deeply personal to the client.
Q: What drew you to anime and manga as a source of inspiration for your tattoos?
Alex:
My inspiration actually comes more from car culture and Itasha designs—the vibrant, detailed anime and manga art wraps you see on custom-tuned cars. I’ve always been drawn to how those designs interact with the curves and surfaces of a vehicle, creating something bold and dynamic. Manga art, in general, has this incredible energy in its line work and composition, which really speaks to me. On top of that, I’ve always loved sci-fi movies for their futuristic and surreal aesthetic. That mix of sleek technology and imaginative visuals has deeply influenced my tattoo style. For me, it’s not about being an anime watcher but more about taking those artistic elements and transforming them into something new and exciting.
Q: How do you incorporate cyberpunk and Y2K aesthetics into your work?
Alex:
Cyberpunk is fascinating because it’s about the intersection of technology and humanity—it’s gritty but futuristic. The Y2K aesthetic, on the other hand, brings a kind of nostalgic futurism that’s tied to my generation. The glowing greens, glitch patterns, and metallic vibes you see in my work are all nods to that. I like to think of my tattoos as a bridge between the past and the future, something nostalgic but still ahead of its time.
Q: Your tattoos aren’t just character portraits. They feel like art pieces with a story. How do you approach designing a tattoo?
Alex:
I always start with the client. What’s their story? Why do they connect with a specific anime, concept, or style? From there, I build a design that’s not just visually striking but meaningful. It’s not about copying an image from a screen—it’s about reimagining it in a way that speaks to the person wearing it. Sometimes it’s blending two worlds, like putting a samurai in a cyberpunk cityscape or adding glitch effects to a traditional manga-inspired design.
Q: Anime and manga tattoos are incredibly popular now. How do you ensure your work remains original?
Alex:
I don’t try to follow trends; I try to set them. My focus is always on creating something the client hasn’t seen before and something that pushes my creative boundaries. It’s easy to replicate popular characters, but I want my work to stand out as something uniquely mine. I like to experiment with elements like fragmented shapes, layered textures, or even minimalistic storytelling within the design itself.
Q: What challenges do you face as an artist creating such distinct work?
Alex:
The challenge is keeping it fresh—ensuring that every piece feels as unique and exciting as the last. It’s also about educating clients. Some people come in expecting a direct copy of their favorite anime or manga image, and it’s my job to show them how we can turn that into something original and deeply personal. Luckily, most of my clients trust the process, and that’s what keeps it fun.
Q: What’s your favorite part about being a tattoo artist?
Alex:
For me, it’s the collaboration. I love hearing someone’s story, seeing how they light up when we start brainstorming a design, and then watching their reaction when the tattoo is finished. There’s something incredibly rewarding about creating art that becomes part of someone’s identity.
Q: If someone wanted to get tattooed by you, what should they know before booking?
Alex:
First, be open to collaboration. Bring your ideas, your inspirations, but trust the process—we’ll create something that’s truly yours. Second, understand that my style is about pushing boundaries, so if you’re looking for something bold, vibrant, and a little futuristic, we’ll probably work really well together.
Q: Any advice for aspiring tattoo artists who want to create a distinct style?
Alex:
Don’t rush to mimic trends. Take time to find out what excites you—what feels personal to you—and let that guide your work. Experiment with different mediums, study everything, not just tattoos but also graphic design, animation, and art in general. The more you bring from other disciplines, the more distinct your style will be.
Q: What’s next for you as an artist?
Alex:
I want to keep evolving. I’m always looking for new ways to push my art, whether it’s experimenting with different techniques or exploring collaborations. I also want to bring my style to more people globally, maybe through guest spots or conventions. The goal is always growth—both as an artist and as a storyteller.
Get tattooed by Alex Roze (@jpeg_tattooer) and experience a style unlike anything else in the industry.
From the sleek futurism of cyberpunk to the dynamic energy of car culture, Alex’s tattoos are bold, innovative, and deeply personal. Follow him on Instagram to see his latest creations and book a session to wear a piece of art that’s truly one of a kind.
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