Jonathan Kathu - Winner of the DGN Tattoo Magazine Competition

Quito-Ecuador

IG: @kathutattoo

FACE: @kathutattoo

Meet the Grand Winner of the DGN International Tattoo CompetitionWe are proud to introduce Jonathan, the Best of the Best and overall grand winner of the DGN Tattoo Magazine International Competition. Selected by an exceptional jury composed of global icons Paul Booth, Victoria Lee, Jesse Smith, and Shi Ryu, Jonathan stood out among more than 100 tattoo artists from around the world.

His remarkable talent in full color realism also earned him first place in the Full Color category, affirming his place as one of today’s most promising tattoo artists. With a deep artistic vision, technical precision, and a journey that reflects dedication and resilience, Jonathan continues to inspire and elevate the tattoo scene on a global scale.

1. Jonathan, you were recognized as the overall winner—the “Best of the Best”—of our DGN Tattoo Magazine international competition, selected by a high-level jury composed of Paul Booth, Victoria Lee, Jesse Smith, and Shi Ryu, among more than 100 artists from around the world. Additionally, you won first place in the Full Color category. What was that moment like for you, and what does this achievement mean in your career?

I’m happy to have been part of this amazing project. Without a doubt, it’s another step forward in my artistic career. I was already aware of the prestige, legacy, and level of competition that “DGN TATTOO MAGAZINE” promotes, so when I was invited to participate, I didn’t hesitate for a second. I knew it was a great opportunity to showcase my work to the world. The jury also played a key role in my decision to participate—they’re artists I’ve admired since the beginning of my career, and it means so much to me that those I look up to were the ones evaluating my work.

Once in the competition, everything turned out extraordinarily well for me. Even though I was competing against incredibly talented artists, my work stood out to the judges, earning me this recognition, which for me is a very personal triumph. Right now, I strive to constantly improve my work, to transcend my limits and fears—and this recognition represents the embodiment of that effort.

2. How did you get started in the tattoo world in Ecuador? Do you remember your first tattoo or the first studio you worked at?

It all started when I was just 14 years old. That’s when I got my first tattoo, and I realized I wanted tattooing to be part of my life somehow. At the time, I didn’t know I’d become a tattoo artist—I just imagined myself getting heavily tattooed because I liked how it looked. That lifestyle resonated with me. But it wasn’t until 2016, nine years later, that the idea of learning to tattoo really took root, influenced by the neighborhood where I grew up. That’s when I first got my hands on a tattoo machine. I searched on my own for ways to learn, how to get a machine, and how to start the process. But affording a professional setup was impossible due to the high cost and limited access in my country.

Even so, with the help of my partner at the time, I managed to save up some money and buy my first starter kit. It was very poor quality, but it was enough for me to start practicing and immersing myself in this world. The first tattoo I ever did was on that person—some small letters that came out pretty terrible, haha. To this day, we're great friends, and he still asks me to cover it up, but we haven’t managed to do it yet because of the distance. Secretly, though, I’d like to keep it as a reminder of that special moment.

I practiced a lot—on fake skin, fruits, and even on myself—gathering information online. Getting started was the hardest part. I also looked for people who might let me apprentice in their studios, but those doors were shut. So I kept going solo for nearly a year.

Eventually, I met my great friend and mentor Alexa, a prominent figure in Ecuador’s tattoo scene. She opened the doors of her studio, which still has a strong reputation. That place, “Blessink Tattoo Shop,” became my first home, the place where I began to truly learn and grow. From that day forward, I haven’t stopped tattooing. The first few years were tough because I was also in college, which left me with little free time. But my desire to learn was so strong that I managed to juggle both.

There was also resistance from my family. Coming from a conservative, traditional background, it was hard for them to accept tattooing as a viable career. But despite their concerns, they never stopped supporting me. I gradually improved—slowly, due to my other commitments—but I never stopped. Over those early years filled with learning, I realized just how much I wanted tattooing to be part of my life. I even thought of quitting sometimes, but I never could, because it brought me peace and discipline. Deep down, I knew that if I gave it my all, I could go far. So I kept pushing myself to improve, motivated by watching others around me at the studio. I spent hours painting and drawing, knowing that was the path forward.

3. What first attracted you to color realism, and how did you develop your style to reach this level of precision and detail?

At first, I got into tattooing with the idea of doing lettering. I was influenced by my childhood in a working-class neighborhood in Quito, Ecuador, called “5 Esquinas,” in the south of the capital. Urban culture was a way of life—graffiti, tattoos, and rap shaped my mindset. I loved everything about that lifestyle.

But once I started tattooing, I realized how vast the world of tattooing really was—the range of styles out there. By coincidence, I was surrounded by artists in my studio who specialized in realistic and illustrative styles. That’s when I discovered I loved the technical complexity of realism. From there, my curiosity led me to study the theories behind it and focus my work on that style. I let go of the lettering idea and committed fully to realism, including color.

Throughout this process, my style has evolved, though always centered on realism. I've made adjustments based on my desire to develop a more personal concept. Today, I still don’t feel fully satisfied with my artistic voice, but I know I’m on the right path if I keep training and evolving.

4. We know you’ve tattooed in different countries. What have you learned or how has your work changed through traveling and working with different cultures and clients?

Traveling enriches the mind—it expands not just your physical horizons but your mental ones, too. When we travel, we see, feel, experience, and live through new things that unconsciously broaden our creative perspective. That’s why I believe traveling has been the best investment I’ve made in myself—both as a tattoo artist and as a person.

I’ve met many artists who have influenced my career, visited places that sparked my creativity, and had experiences I never would’ve had if I’d stayed in my comfort zone. From the personal to the artistic, traveling forces you to develop new ways of doing things. It pushes you 200%, especially since you also have to deal with the mental challenges of being far from what you know. So traveling has helped me grow not only in tattooing but also mentally and spiritually. I’ve migrated several times, and each time has brought meaningful rewards that make the whole journey worth it.

5. Did you always know you wanted to dedicate your life to tattooing, or was there a turning point that led you to make that decision for good?

I didn’t always know for sure. I knew I wanted tattooing in my life, but early on I wasn’t sure I could make it. That’s why I pursued a degree in business administration at the same time—I thought the traditional academic path would provide me with stability.

I completed my degree, and while that knowledge now helps me run my brand more effectively, it also made me realize it wasn’t the life I wanted. A few months after graduating, I made the decision to leave it all behind for tattooing. I quit my day job, stopped looking for work in that field, and committed fully to tattooing, just as I had dreamed. The moment I made that decision, I knew there was no turning back—I had to give it everything I had so I wouldn’t fail and have to go back to something I didn’t love.

With more free time, I was able to focus on improving, and before long, that effort began to bear fruit. To this day, tattooing continues to give me everything I need to feel fulfilled and stable.

6. Every artistic journey has difficult moments. What obstacles have you had to overcome, and what kept you going when things got tough?

I think the biggest obstacles I’ve faced were mental blocks and frustration, especially due to constant migration and moving from country to country—or watching loved ones move away. Those experiences created emotional lows that made it hard to adapt and focus on creativity in new places.

But my biggest source of motivation has always been my family. Being far from them made me push harder, thinking that improving my work could bring opportunities that would eventually reunite us—and it did.

I believe everyone has a reason to get up every day, to grow, and to give their best—what I call a reason and a driving force. If we can find both, it becomes easier to overcome hard times and get back on track.

It’s also important to recognize that this motivation can come from within. We have to discover our inner strength, recognize our self-worth, and become our own reason to keep going. When you combine internal and external motivation, you can find the balance to overcome life’s uphill battles.

7. After receiving this international recognition, what’s next for you? Are there any new projects, trips, conventions, or collaborations planned for the rest of the year?

I have many projects in mind—mostly related to travel and training. I’m at a point in my career where I’ve decided to invest in myself to improve and elevate my artistic and technical level. That’s why I plan to attend as many events as I can this year to showcase my work.

So far, I’m set to visit countries like Italy, France, Belgium, Peru, Germany, Colombia, and my home country, Ecuador, where I’ll be participating in events to share my vision. I’ll also be continuing collaborations with other artists who share my goals of growth and learning, so I can keep evolving. Anyone who wants to be part of this journey is welcome.

8. With so many hours spent on your art and other people’s skin, how has tattooing influenced your personal life? Has it changed you as a person or as an artist, beyond professional recognition?

Tattooing has absolutely changed my personal life. When you do it professionally, it demands a huge amount of time and some drastic changes. It means devoting most of your day—and your life—to tattooing and studying. It means that some people will inevitably fall out of your life. It means closing chapters you didn’t expect to close.

But I don’t see it as a sacrifice—I see it as a path to build better habits. Still, this process is tough, and not everyone is willing to give it all up for something they believe in. But those who do will see true rewards—not necessarily material ones, but in the long run, dedication builds discipline, good habits, loyalty to our dreams… and that all leads to personal fulfillment and growth.

It took me a while to understand this. But now I realize everything is a process, and that all effort has its reward. Life itself has a way of giving you what you need at the right moment—and of taking away what no longer serves you.

9. Jonathan, for those inspired by your work and wanting to follow your journey or even get tattooed by you—where can they find you? What’s the best way to contact or book an appointment?

Currently, I’m based in Madrid, the capital of Spain. I work with a scheduled agenda that opens every three months, so booking an appointment isn’t difficult. During that time, I organize the entire creative and design process to make sure each person's idea is expressed with the right concept.

You can reach me on Instagram at @kathutattoo or via my work WhatsApp at +34 6177 24 350, where I’ll provide full guidance on the tattooing process and how to book a session.

10. Finally, is there anyone you’d like to thank for being part of your journey? Any message you’d like to share with the tattoo community that has followed your evolution?

There are so many people I’d like to thank—personal friends, fellow artists, clients—but above all, I want to thank my family. They’ve believed in me from day one. They’ve seen every stage of my career up close, always encouraging me to keep going.

If I had to dedicate this life to anyone, it would be to them—my parents for being my example and motivation, and my sister for being my partner-in-crime and greatest supporter. She’s even my manager today and helps me with many aspects of my career.

I also want to thank every single person who believes in me, who celebrates my achievements, even with just a simple message of support. Although I now approach tattooing professionally as my personal brand, I still hold onto the essence of day one—that this is a dream I’m living fully, until I wake up.

Simply: Thank you for being part of this.

“KANKUNAPA” — I leave you with this word in Quechua, as a tribute to my roots and to my grandparents who are no longer with us. I come from an ancestral culture called Cayambe. It’s the land I belong to.“KANKUNAPA – FOR ALL OF YOU.”