Virgin Islander Fabion G. Lettsome is a tattoo artist in the United Kingdom. Photo: Provided

One of the skilled works of Virgin Islands' tattoo artists Mr Fabion G. Lettsome. Photo: Provided

Another masterpiece by Virgin Islands' tattoo artist Fabion G. Lettsome. Photo: Facebook

Virgin Islander Fabion G. Lettsome is a skilled tattoo artist in the United Kingdom. Photo: Facebook

Mr Fabion Gladston Lettsome, who with some eight years of tattooing experience, has not only refined his craft but has also transformed it into a mission—one that merges artistry, client satisfaction, and industry evolution. Photo: Facebook

Raised in different locations—New York, Guyana and Tortola—34-year-old Lettsome's journey into tattooing was fuelled by an innate talent for art, something he believes to be his "God-given talent."

Art, he told VINO, has been an inspiration that fuelled the path of tattooing, and that this deep-seated passion became the foundation of his career, one that has now seen him establish his own tattoo studio—a yeoman milestone in his professional journey.

Evoking Emotion

Tattoos and other body markings were introduced to the Caribbean by African slaves and Chinese indentured labourers, and for many, the markings served as the only enduring connection to their ancestral homelands, a permanent testament to identities uprooted by forced migration.

For Lettsome; however, the artistry is not just about inking skin but about evoking emotion.

"I enjoy the satisfaction of seeing my clients smile and sometimes cry after getting a piece done by me; Knowing I’ve given them way more than what they expected is always a gratifying moment.”

His ability to connect with his clients and bring their visions to life has been a cornerstone of his success, but the path to mastery is never without its challenges, as he shares the daily hurdles of ensuring each design perfectly encapsulates a client's vision.

"Some of the daily challenges that may occur vary. It can be from getting that perfect design for the client, making sure I captivate exactly what they envision having, and sometimes it can be as simple as speaking to them and letting them know what can work and what can’t work in having a tattoo.”

Lettsome also had the honour of being endorsed as a tattoo artist by top-flight footballers Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Wilfried Zaha.

Despite already achieving significant milestones, Lettsome is not one to rest on his laurels.

"I feel like I’ve hit certain pinnacles already. One was opening my own studio—2-4 Temple Square, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England—which I’ve done, the next is to pass this knowledge on to those who would like to learn how to tattoo and get into the industry."

Vi's First Tattoo Academy

To this end, he is set to launch his tattoo course and academy in the Virgin Islands, further cementing his role as an industry leader and mentor in the Territory.

Beyond tattooing, Lettsome told VINO, his ambitions also stretch into various entrepreneurial ventures.

"Some more of my career goals would be to get into real estate—I know it was on the completely different side—and also, opening a breakfast cafe.”

Education, according to the young man, has also played a role in shaping his outlook and having attended multiple primary and middle schools, he later pursued architectural engineering at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC).

While his path eventually led him to tattooing, his background in architectural engineering likely contributed to his keen eye for detail and design precision.

Already Ahead of the Game!

Inspiration, he said, more often than not, comes from those closest to him—his parents Mrs Patricia Bonita Lettsome and Mr Jerome Elston Lettsome, and his sister Ms Teia A. Lettsome—whose support and influence, he concedes, have been instrumental in shaping his work ethic and aspirations.

"Try and look beyond what your present hurdles are and stay focused on what the end goal is.” His words of insight to aspiring artists and entrepreneurs are profound yet simple.

With this in mind, his counsel for Virgin Islanders is to simply embrace their journey with humility and dedication. "You are already ahead of the game; remain humble and always give it your best."

As Mr Fabion Gladston Lettsome continues to refine his craft, break industry stigmas, and expand his ventures, one thing remains clear—he is not just a tattoo artist; he is a visionary in the process of reshaping the industry, one inked masterpiece at a time.