Hi I’m Joan Dumez! I was born in Cologne, Germany, and grew up in Ghent, Belgium. My passion has always been illustration and tattooing, though it took a few career twists to finally follow that dream.
Hi I’m Joan Dumez! I was born in Cologne, Germany, and grew up in Ghent, Belgium. My passion has always been illustration and tattooing, though it took a few career twists to finally follow that dream.
ABOUT ME
ABOUT ME
I studied at Sint-Lucas Art school, spending four years in Architecture before switching to Visual Arts for my final year. I had to convince my mom to let me go to art school - choosing Architecture at first definitely helped ease her mind!
Later, I graduated cum laude from Digital Arts & Entertainment (DAE), majoring in Game Graphics Production. As a big nerd and lifelong gamer, I thought the gaming industry was my path. But during my studies, I realized my passion didn’t quite match the fire my classmates had for game art. That led me to reassess what truly made me happy creatively.
I studied at Sint-Lucas Art school, spending four years in Architecture before switching to Visual Arts for my final year. I had to convince my mom to let me go to art school - choosing Architecture at first definitely helped ease her mind!
Later, I graduated cum laude from Digital Arts & Entertainment (DAE), majoring in Game Graphics Production. As a big nerd and lifelong gamer, I thought the gaming industry was my path. But during my studies, I realized my passion didn’t quite match the fire my classmates had for game art. That led me to reassess what truly made me happy creatively.
My first job was at a design studio where I focused on illustration and 3D visuals for websites, eventually learning web design as well. But after a while, I hit a major art block and decided to try something completely different: retail. That unexpected turn ended up being incredibly fulfilling. It boosted my confidence in customer service, and I genuinely loved building relationships with returning customers. I was later promoted to visual merchandiser, which reignited my creativity through styling mannequins and creating themed in-store displays.
My first job was at a design studio where I focused on illustration and 3D visuals for websites, eventually learning web design as well. But after a while, I hit a major art block and decided to try something completely different: retail. That unexpected turn ended up being incredibly fulfilling. It boosted my confidence in customer service, and I genuinely loved building relationships with returning customers. I was later promoted to visual merchandiser, which reignited my creativity through styling mannequins and creating themed in-store displays.
Still I craved more creative freedom - which led me to my original passion, tattooing. I bought my first tattoo machine, tattooed myself (my first ever tattoo!), and started tattooing friends. Not long after, I began an apprenticeship at 38Tattooshop under the guidance of Max and Edu. I’m forever grateful for everything they taught me and the opportunities they gave me to grow both as an artist and as a person.
Eventually, I made the decision to stay in Ghent, which led me to Studio19:28, where I now work as a resident artist. That said, I still guest at 38Tattooshop in Brussels from time to time - because part of my heart will always be there.
Still I craved more creative freedom - which led me to my original passion, tattooing. I bought my first tattoo machine, tattooed myself (my first ever tattoo!), and started tattooing friends. Not long after, I began an apprenticeship at 38Tattooshop under the guidance of Max and Edu. I’m forever grateful for everything they taught me and the opportunities they gave me to grow both as an artist and as a person.
Eventually, I made the decision to stay in Ghent, which led me to Studio19:28, where I now work as a resident artist. That said, I still guest at 38Tattooshop in Brussels from time to time - because part of my heart will always be there.
Like what you see? Book your tattoo appointment now!
Not convinced yet? Check out more work of me in my portfolio.
Like what you see? Book your tattoo appointment now!
Not convinced yet? Check out more work of me in my portfolio.