In the heart of Soho, London, there's a tattoo artist who has become the go-to for some of the biggest names in the industry. From Central Cee to Rick Owens, and even David Beckham, they all turn to Certified Letter Boy, aka Pablo, for his signature fine-line tattoos. We sat down with the man himself to uncover the story behind his unique moniker, his rise to fame, and the secrets of the tattoo industry.

Unlocking the Secrets of the Tattoo World's Rising Star

The Inspiration Behind the Certified Letter Boy Moniker

When Certified Letter Boy, whose real name is Pablo, first started working with his creative director, Alex, they knew they needed a unique name to set him apart in the industry. With the release of Drake's "Certified Lover Boy" album that week, the duo found their inspiration. "We both decided we needed a name or 'nickname' to go by. [Drake's] Certified Lover Boy album had literally dropped that week and everyone was vibing with it. I love tattooing anything with letters and am a keen graffiti artist, so we were bouncing around names and listening to that album, and we both landed on 'Certified Letter Boy,'" Pablo explains. The name was meant to be a bit of a playful nod, not to be taken too seriously, but it has since become a recognizable brand in the tattoo world.

Navigating the Challenges of the Tattoo Industry

While the glamour of tattooing celebrities and athletes may seem alluring, Pablo is quick to dispel the myths. "It's hella long hours and if people don't turn up, you don't get paid," he reveals. The unpredictable nature of the job and the physical demands can take a toll, but Pablo has learned to navigate the challenges with a resilient mindset. "Fine line tattoos are very gentle nowadays, so a lot of people handle it just fine. What I will say is that shredded, jacked up fellas are always the biggest moaners. Women are made of steel, they can handle anything – honestly, it's insane!"

Forging Connections in the Fashion and Music Worlds

Pablo's journey to becoming the go-to tattoo artist for the biggest names in fashion and music was not an overnight success. "Once I started putting my more delicate work out there, my network grew organically, and people started reaching out," he explains. His unique style and attention to detail have earned him the respect of industry heavyweights, and he's had the privilege of working with the likes of David Beckham and Rick Owens.

Exploring the Synergies Between Fashion and Tattoos

Pablo believes there is a strong correlation between the worlds of fashion and tattoos, and he's seen it firsthand. "That's been going on for years in LA and New York, and now the U.K. is starting to catch up and realise there's lots of synergies between the two worlds. A lot of very famous streetwear brands, in particular, have taken from tattoo culture for decades. Some intentionally and others without realising. 'Gangster lettering' and lots of other graffiti styles and graphic designs have been plastered all over massive brands' apparel for a long time now."

Paying Homage to the Tattoo Legends

When asked about who he would most like to tattoo, Pablo doesn't hesitate to name the pioneers of the industry. "Mr Cartoon is one of the OG's of the tattoo world. So I think him, Dr Woo or Mark Mahoney would be right up there. They're all artists that paved the way for what the tattoo artists today benefit from."As Certified Letter Boy continues to make his mark on the industry, his story serves as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a unique creative vision. From the streets of Soho to the world's biggest stages, Pablo's journey is a true inspiration for aspiring artists and tattoo enthusiasts alike.