Meet Jhon Restrepo | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jhon Restrepo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jhon, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
From a young age, I knew I wanted to live a life rooted in art. It was more than a hobby; it was how I made sense of the world. Throughout my school years, I was deeply involved in art clubs and any creative event I could find. By the time I reached my junior year of high school, I knew without a doubt that art was the path I wanted to follow.

That decision led me to the Savannah College of Art and Design, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in illustration. After graduation, I did some freelance work, mainly graphic design for clothing and small brand projects, but that chapter was just the beginning.

Soon after, I found myself drawn to the world of tattooing. There was something powerful about working directly with people and creating something permanent and personal on their skin. Tattooing gave my art a heartbeat, and it’s been an incredible journey ever since.

Fast forward to today, I still absolutely love being a tattoo artist, but my creative path continues to evolve. Recently, I’ve been diving deeper into painting and participating in gallery shows. It’s been refreshing to reconnect with that side of my creativity, and I’m excited to see where this next chapter as a painter takes me.

Looking back, I didn’t just pursue a creative career. I followed what came naturally. Art has always been my compass, and I’m grateful that it continues to guide me into new and inspiring directions.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art has always been a reflection of who I am. Whether it’s through tattooing, painting, or illustration, I put a lot of heart and intention into everything I create. What sets me apart is my passion and strong work ethic. I’m very self-driven and committed to pushing myself creatively.

One of the things I’m most proud of is overcoming the challenges of becoming an entrepreneur. Building a career in this field hasn’t been easy, but I’ve had solid support and guidance along the way that helped me keep going when things got tough.

Right now, I’m excited to continue growing as an artist. I’ve been exploring painting more seriously and taking on commissions, which has opened up new creative opportunities for me. It’s been refreshing to expand my work beyond tattooing and reconnect with painting on a deeper level.

A big lesson I’ve learned is to trust myself and believe in my own path. I want people to know that everything I create comes from a genuine place, and that my journey has been one of hard work, passion, and constant growth.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Honestly, Miami is such a mix of cultures and creative energy. From murals to ocean views, there is always something happening. I would start with a beach day, soaking up the sun and waves, then take them to explore the vibrant Wynwood Walls and the surrounding galleries. A visit to museums like PAMM or the Rubell would add a nice dose of culture. I would want them to soak it all in, including the sunshine, the art, the food, and the community that makes this city feel alive.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve had some great mentors along the way who really helped shape my path. Shoutout to Mrs. Campbell, Professor Rick Lovell, and Professor Chin Chen Hung—they each played a big part in helping me grow as an artist. Their encouragement and guidance stuck with me, and I’m super grateful for that.

Website: https://www.restrepocreations.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restrepo_creations/?hl=en

Other: https://www.instagram.com/theartofrestrepo/?hl=en