Meet Jesus Alonso Cabrera A.k.a ( Jac Alonso)

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jesus Alonso Cabrera A.k.a ( Jac Alonso). We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jesus , thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?

I believe the ability to take risks is influenced by a person’s character. I have always been the most daring in my family, something that has stayed with me throughout my life. At the age of 18 I started working for a multinational chain of hypermarkets, where I stayed for 14 years, holding various positions in different cities. During the last seven years, I worked as a manager and director, but in the end, I no longer felt happy with what I was doing. I took one of the biggest risks of my professional career: leaving that stable job to pursue the artistic path I had been passionate about since childhood.

At 36, I moved to another city, far from my family, to work in a tattoo studio, where I met my wife. Three years later, with the birth of my first child, I took another major risk by opening my own tattoo studio.

At 45, I made what is probably the biggest risk of my life: moving with my wife and two young children from Spain to New York to continue developing my work and grow professionally in another continent, with a completely different culture and language. However, the process of adaptation and the language barrier have been manageable, as my wife is English, and my children are bilingual.

In summary, I believe that taking risks is a skill that also develops through experience. Stepping out of my comfort zone has always brought me positive outcomes and strengthened my ability to face new challenges. Although taking risks often creates uncertainty, it is also the driving force that helps you grow and move forward, regardless of age.

The key is to have good health, the motivation to keep striving, and the determination to pursue your goals. Ultimately, taking risks requires being a dreamer, having faith that something positive is always on the horizon, and being willing to face difficulties to achieve it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My name is Jesús Alonso, although in the tattoo world I am known as Jac Alonso. I am from Seville, Spain, and I specialize in realism and hyperrealism, particularly in black and grey. From a very young age, I’ve always had a special connection with art. At the age of 14, I began drawing portraits on my own, capturing the faces of family members and celebrities with pencil and charcoal.

Later on, thanks to the unconditional support of my parents, I had the opportunity to study with a renowned portrait artist in my city. They always recognized my passion for drawing and wanted to give me the chance to improve my skills, particularly in portraits. They also enrolled me in an academy where I discovered the art of working with oil paints, which marked a turning point in the way I understood painting. At the same age, when I was 16, they also enrolled me in the School of Arts and Artistic Crafts of Seville, a place that played a key role in laying the foundation for what would later become my artistic career.

In 2010, at the age of 32, and after working for over 13 years at a multinational hypermarket chain, where I held the position of store director, I made the decision to leave it all behind. Despite having a stable and well-regarded position, I reached a point where I realized I wasn’t happy. I felt trapped in a routine that left me no time for myself or for what I was truly passionate about: art. It was a difficult decision, but I knew I couldn’t continue that way. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but I knew what I didn’t want—to keep working in a place where I didn’t feel fulfilled.

Thanks to my sister, who suggested I take a tattoo course, I found a new way to channel my art. What began as a simple hobby to channel my creativity coincided with a moment of uncertainty. After leaving the multinational company, I started preparing for university entrance exams while also studying for the National Police exams—something that, at the time, seemed more serious than tattooing. However, while pursuing those paths, I discovered that tattooing not only allowed me to connect with my love for art, but it also began to take on deeper meaning for me. This hobby, which initially I didn’t see as a permanent direction, soon transformed into my true passion and profession.

In 2016, I opened my first studio in Spain, and since then, I’ve been dedicated to perfecting my technique and style. This dedication led me to gain recognition at international conventions and be invited to collaborate with prestigious studios in countries such as Germany, Switzerland, and England. Over the past few years, I also had the opportunity to host numerous seminars, both group and private, specializing in realism. It was incredibly rewarding because I was able to share my knowledge and help others improve their techniques.

In 2023, at the age of 45, and after obtaining an O-1 artist visa to work in the United States, I moved with my wife and two children, aged 5 and 7, to New York to work at Noble Art Studio in Manhattan. I believe this is the most significant decision and perhaps the greatest risk I’ve taken in my life, as I had responsibilities to care for. Fortunately, the adaptation process has been very positive for both my wife and my children. My wife is English, and my children are bilingual, so they haven’t had to face the challenges of a language barrier.

Since then, I’ve been the lead tattoo artist and a key figure at Noble Art Studio, a globally recognized name in the tattoo world, with studios in several cities worldwide. This role allows me to contribute to the growth and development of Noble Art’s reputation as an international benchmark.

Many people choose my work because of my ability to capture textures and details that make each piece come to life. I specialize in realism and hyperrealism in black and grey, achieving not only solid technical execution but also harmony in every project. For me, it’s not just about creating a technically accurate design but ensuring that every tattoo has movement and integrates fluidly and naturally with the anatomy of the area being tattooed. This combination of technique, detail, and composition defines my style.

When tattooing animals, I achieve an extremely realistic effect on the fur, making the texture appear alive on the skin. On the other hand, with portraits—whether of family members or famous figures—I aim to capture expressions and emotions with a strong mastery of light and shadow, something I’ve honed thanks to my early artistic experience. This is the essence of what I strive to bring to every project.

My work has provided me with unique opportunities, such as tattooing celebrities and prominent sports figures. In Spain, I worked with several soccer players, and here in the United States, I’ve had the privilege of tattooing football players like Jalen Ramsey and Don Thompson, a basketball player from California. I also have upcoming projects to work with football players from the Giants and soccer players from Inter Miami. For me, it’s an honor that these individuals trust me with something so meaningful.

In recent months, I’ve attended several conventions in the United States, where I’ve won over 12 awards, including first prizes in the categories of Best Portrait and Best Black & Grey Realism. Additionally, I’ve been awarded multiple times in categories such as Best of the Day and Best of the Show, where my work was showcased on stage, allowing attendees to admire, photograph, and appreciate it as part of an exhibition.

Thanks to the growth I’ve experienced in recent years here in New York, I’ve also had the opportunity to be featured in several magazines, including Ink People Magazine and Tattoo Life Magazine, among many others, which are leading publications in the tattoo world. Years ago, something like this would have been unimaginable for me.

Ultimately, what excites me most about my work is the impact it has on the people who trust me with their projects. Creating designs based on their ideas and, in many cases, exceeding their expectations is something that gives me immense satisfaction. Currently, I have a waiting list of over six months, and to me, that is the greatest recognition of my work. Knowing that clients value my art and are willing to wait to wear it on their skin means more to me than any convention award. My biggest reward is that people want to carry a piece of my art with them forever.

Another aspect I greatly enjoy at this stage of my career is helping other artists. I love teaching, sharing what I’ve learned, and seeing others grow and thrive as a result. Being part of someone else’s journey and helping them achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding and inspires me every day.

Looking back, when I think of all the changes I’ve made in my life, the risks I’ve taken, and the sacrifices I’ve had to make, I never would have imagined reaching this point. Being able to do what I’ve been passionate about since I was a child is priceless. It is, without a doubt, the greatest reward for all my efforts. I enjoy every day of what I do, and for me, it doesn’t feel like work. I live it with passion—not as a burden, but as something that truly makes me happy.

And, of course, representing Noble Art Studio in New York is an incredible honor. Being part of a community that continues to grow, evolve, and leave a lasting mark on the tattoo world fills me with pride and motivates me to keep moving forward.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

When I reflect on my journey, I believe three key qualities or skills have been essential to getting where I am today: dedication, technical mastery, and adaptability.

1. Dedication: Dedication is essential because this is not an easy or quick path. It requires countless hours, not just practicing but also evaluating your own work. I’ve always believed that self-criticism is fundamental. You need to recognize what can be improved and work towards making it better. What you create today might be good, but tomorrow it should be even better. That mindset of continuous improvement is what drives real growth. My advice to anyone starting out is to be consistent but also demanding of yourself. Without daily dedication, it’s tough to progress in this craft.
2. Technical mastery: Technique is the foundation of everything. From learning how to handle light, shadows, and textures to understanding how to adapt a design to the body, it’s all crucial. Improving technically isn’t just about practice; it also requires investing in education, attending seminars, and learning from other artists. Additionally, using quality tools and materials is essential. Sometimes we try to cut corners on the basics, but the quality of what you use directly affects your results. My recommendation is to never stop learning and don’t hesitate to try new things.
3. Adaptability: The tattoo world is constantly evolving. Styles change, trends come and go, and technology keeps advancing. Being adaptable is crucial to staying relevant. For me, adaptability has allowed me to continue growing and connecting with clients who are looking for something fresh or unique. For those just starting out, my advice is not to fear stepping out of your comfort zone. Exploring new styles or techniques not only helps you grow as an artist but also helps you discover your unique identity.

Overall, I think surrounding yourself with people who push you to improve is vital. For me, the support of my family has been incredibly important. It’s also essential to stay curious, keep learning, and never lose the drive to improve every day. The path can have its challenges, but when you’re working towards something you’re passionate about, it’s always worth it.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, I usually think of my father, who passed away suddenly in 2018. That experience, in addition to being a very painful blow, taught me to put things into perspective. I consider myself a problem-solver and always try to overcome obstacles, but facing the helplessness of not being able to save my father marked me deeply. It made me accept that not everything is within our control.

Since then, I reflect on what truly matters. Compared to that loss, almost everything has a solution, even if it’s not immediate or the one we desire. I’ve also learned that what initially seems like a failure or bad news often turns into an opportunity for something better—or even protects us from something worse. This philosophy helps me stay calm, focus on what I can control, and face challenges with greater serenity. In the end, everything has a solution—except death.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.jacalonso.com
• Instagram: @jac_alonso
• Other: Booking.jacalonso@gmail.com