from the Filmmakers behind HORROR33, Fear Marvelous brothers
Overview
From the filmmakers behind Horror33, the Fear Marvelous brothers. I AM INKED is a captivating documentary film that explores the rich culture of tattoo artistry in the Greater Philadelphia region.
The docu-film shines a spotlight on the tattoo entrepreneurs who not only perfect their craft but also run thriving businesses in this creative yet competitive industry.
I AM INKED follows a different artist or shop, exploring the personal stories behind their rise to success, the struggles they face, and the artistic vision that sets them apart.
The documentary film goes beyond the ink to reveal the passion, talent, and entrepreneurship driving the tattoo community, offering an intimate look into the lives of those who have turned their passion into a lifestyle and a brand.
Edwin Barba is a Nicaraguan-born tattoo artist whose passion for art began at a young age. After watching his uncle tattoo from home in Nicaragua, he knew that was the path he wanted to follow. At 14, he moved to Los Angeles, California, where he started as a graffiti artist with the BND graffiti crew in Hollywood. A visit to Camden, New Jersey, changed his course when he met Fabian, the owner of an airbrush shop called The Da Shop on Fed. Fabian saw his potential and encouraged Edwin to pursue tattooing. Without formal training or guidance, Edwin taught himself how to tattoo by watching YouTube videos and practicing on his own.
Edwin is known for his passion and expertise in the tattoo style of realism, where he excels in creating lifelike designs that capture incredible detail and depth. His ability to bring portraits, nature, and everyday scenes to life on skin sets him apart in the tattoo industry. While his journey was filled with challenges and competition, Edwin's dedication to his craft allowed him to overcome the obstacles. In New Jersey, he met his wife, and together they welcomed their first son, Lucas, making the state their home. Interestingly, Edwin's artistic talent was evident even in his youth. As an altar boy in Nicaragua, he would sketch gargoyles during church ceremonies and place them in his mother's Bible, a humorous foreshadowing of his future as a creative force in the tattoo world.
@fearmarvelous I AM INKED
Docu series, Season One, Prime Video, 2025
Executive Produced by Fear Marvelous Brothers
Episode: @ed_barba_856
"Behind every Tattoo is a Journey, that goes beyond the INK"
Deanna Verrico was born and raised in New Jersey and is one of six siblings, including her twin.
She began tattooing in 2010 while still in high school and has since built a successful career, tattooing clients from her local community and beyond. Along the way, she has taught both her husband and a close high school friend the art of tattooing, watching them thrive in their own careers, which has been a source of great pride for her.
When Deanna isn't tattooing, she enjoys drawing, spending time with her loved ones and dogs, or driving her 1982 Volkswagen van in search of antiques. She loves being active and outdoors whenever possible. Tattooing has been a core passion in her life, and she plans to continue perfecting her craft for as long as she can.
@fearmarvelous I AM INKED
Docu series, Season One, Prime Video, 2025
Executive Produced by Fear Marvelous Brothers
Episode: @deannaverrico
"Behind every Tattoo is a Journey, that goes beyond the INK"
Italo Romero was born in Lima, Peru, and moved to the U.S. at age five or six due to political and economic challenges in his home country. As the youngest of three, he grew up surrounded by creativity, with siblings who had a natural artistic flair. His father, though not artistic, had an architectural mindset that shaped Italo's ability to see things dimensionally. This blend of influences sparked his imagination, which found outlets beyond traditional art, including poetry and pushing boundaries.
Graffiti became Italo's form of rebellion and self-expression, though his parents weren't fully supportive. His focus shifted after high school when he studied chemistry and biochemistry, but art remained central. Science deepened his understanding of body art, especially how the body interacts with ink. As his career progressed, moving from his first walk-in shop gave him the freedom to develop his unique style. The early years were tough, balancing his new career with supporting his daughter, but that pressure gave him the focus needed to succeed.
@fearmarvelous I AM INKED
Docu series, Season One, Prime Video, 2025
Executive Produced by Fear Marvelous Brothers
Episode: @italotattoos
"Behind every Tattoo is a Journey, that goes beyond the INK"
Miguel Angel Calderon is originally from Cali, Colombia, where he grew up in a challenging environment. Life wasn't always easy, but those experiences shaped him into the person he is today. At the age of 15, he moved to the United States, which opened up new opportunities and gave him a fresh perspective on life. This transition was a pivotal moment, allowing him to embrace change and pursue his dreams.
As a child, Miguel had a unique talent for noticing patterns and skills in others. This ability led him to an intriguing realization: while talent is something a person is born with, skills can be taught-and, more importantly, they can be self-taught. He explorea various industries along the way but found his true passion in the tattoo and art world. The creativity and expression in this field resonate deeply with him, and he loves how it combines both skill and artistry.
Having been in the tattoo industry for six years, Miguel has learned a great deal. His passion for art has taken precedence over everything and everyone, transforming creativity into his everyday reality. He wishes to share this perspective with others, showing them how art can enrich life in incredible ways.
@fearmarvelous I AM INKED
Docu series, Season One, Prime Video, 2025
Executive Produced by Fear Marvelous Brothers
Episode: @angelhands.ink
"Behind every Tattoo is a Journey, that goes beyond the INK"
Hector Martinez, a tattoo artist from Camden, New Jersey, is the owner of Greywash Tattoo with 14 years of experience in the industry. After losing his mother to HIV/AIDS at a young age and growing up in a difficult environment, Hector turned to the streets before becoming a father in high school, which changed his life's direction. With an art background, he started tattooing at the suggestion of a neighbor and eventually pursued apprenticeships, learning the craft despite facing rejections and obstacles. His skills grew under mentors at Camden House of Ink and Spanky's Tattoo, where he gained valuable experience that laid the foundation for his career.
Hector's work gained recognition, and he developed a signature style combining black and gray realism with color work. Life took a challenging turn when his fifth child was diagnosed with Spina Bifida, causing him to take a break from tattooing. After his child underwent successful surgery, Hector resumed his craft and saved enough to open Greywash Tattoo in 2022, at the same location where he once worked. Now, as a business owner with a team of five, Hector balances managing his shop, caring for his family, and promoting his work at conventions, determined to make his mark in the tattoo industry.
@fearmarvelous I AM INKED
Docu series, Season One, Prime Video, 2025
Executive Produced by Fear Marvelous Brothers
Episode: @hm
_ink
"Behind every Tattoo is a Journey, that goes beyond the INK"
Stephanie Jordan, a South Jersey tattoo artist, has been in the industry for over 7 1/2 years. Raised by a hardworking mother, she developed a passion for art early on, drawing inspiration from cartoons, models, and graffiti. Despite being recognized for her artistic talent in school, she was initially hesitant to pursue a career in art, fearing the instability of the field. After a challenging period in her early 20s that included a federal prison sentence, Stephanie resolved to turn her life around.
In 2017, she began her tattooing journey, specializing in black and gray realism and color realism florals. By 2020, she opened her own shop, where she now mentors seven other artists. Watching them grow has been deeply rewarding for her. While balancing work and personal life can be difficult, Stephanie remains committed to self-growth and hopes her story will inspire others.
@fearmarvelous I AM INKED
Docu series, Season One, Prime Video, 2025
Executive Produced by Fear Marvelous Brothers
Episode: @stephtattoos_
"Behind every Tattoo is a Journey, that goes beyond the INK"
Matthew Evans is a proud tattoo artist from Freehold, NJ, and the owner of Drop 'n Ink Tattoos in Toms River, which has been open for 8 years. Married to his wife Monika for 21 years and a father of three, Matthew's passion for art began in his childhood, raised by his adoptive mother and grandmother. He studied Psychology at Morehouse College before his career took an unexpected turn. While working as a VP of Sales, he purchased a tattoo machine, began practicing on himself, and discovered his true calling as a tattoo artist. After being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and undergoing a year and a half of chemotherapy, Matthew dedicated himself to perfecting his art and pursued tattooing full-time.
For the past 16 years, Matthew has been known for his vibrant color tattoos, anime designs, and signature 'colorbombing' style. His family has been instrumental in his success, supporting him through every step, attending conventions, and helping with his shop. Matthew takes great pride in providing meaningful and impactful art for his clients, enhancing their confidence and bringing closure through his work. He continually strives to improve his craft, approaching each tattoo as an opportunity to achieve perfection in the art form he loves.
@FearMarvelous I AM INKED
Docu series, Season One, Prime Video, 2025
Executive Produced by Fear Marvelous Brothers
Episode: @inf_evans
"Behind every Tattoo is a Journey, that goes beyond the INK"
Ned De Leon was born in the Philippines and raised along the river in Sta. Ana, Manila. A lifelong lover of art, he never quite knew what he wanted after high school, feeling like an outcast and rebel. Though he enrolled in business management, he dropped out, feeling lost. It was then he met Ernie, a local punk who introduced him to street tattooing. Together, they improvised with whatever they had, from broken cassette motors to guitar strings.
In 2004, Ned migrated to South Jersey with the help of his grandfather. He started working at a casino before becoming friends with the crew at Lucky Lou's Tattoos, who offered him an apprenticeship in 2009. By 2010, he was tattooing full-time. After overcoming battles with depression, addiction, and substance abuse, he now focuses on God, family, tattooing, and surfing. Today, he lives a blessed life with his wife and three kids.
@fearmarvelous I AM INKED
Docu series, Season One, Prime Video, 2025
Executive Produced by Fear Marvelous Brothers
Episode: @nedtattoos
"Behind every Tattoo is a Journey, that goes beyond the INK"
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