Huzzink & TattooTwon: Originators of the Pro Tattoo Movement in the Arab Tattoo Industry

TattooTwon at Huzzink tattoo shop in Amman, Jordan in 2013.

For generations, the art of tattooing has held deep cultural significance worldwide. Yet, in many regions, including parts of the East, it often remained an underground practice, lacking formal structure, professional standards, and mainstream acceptance. This narrative began to shift dramatically with the visionary efforts of two transformative figures: Hazim, universally known as Huzz of Huzzink, and TattooTwon. Through their groundbreaking individual endeavors and their shared commitment to excellence, they ushered in a new era of professionalism, fundamentally elevating tattoo artistry within the Arab tattoo industry.

Huzzink: Forging the Path for Professional Tattooing

The journey to professionalism in Arab tattooing truly begins with Hazim, or Huzz. His fascination with the art form ignited in the late 1990s, sparked by American television shows like "Kung Fu: The Legend Continues." At a time when "no tattooing [was] taking place in his native Jordan," Huzz's passion drove him to innovate. In an incredible testament to raw ingenuity, he famously crafted his very first tattoo machine from a car dynamo, a spoon, a sewing needle, and a pen.

Huzz quickly gained a reputation in Amman for being "the first person to give proper tattoo designs to people." His dedication led to a broader impact on the region; indeed, Huzz has been actively servicing the Middle East with his tattoo artistry since 2001. This grassroots beginning evolved rapidly. By 2005, a pivotal year for the region's tattoo scene, and after diligently obtaining blood-borne pathogen certification, Huzz proudly opened the very first professional tattoo shop in Jordan, situated within the prestigious Sheraton Hotel in Amman. This monumental step brought legitimate, sterile tattoo practices into a region where they were previously unheard of, setting an unprecedented standard.

Huzz's unwavering commitment to excellence propelled him onto the international stage. In 2010, he made history as the first Arabic artist to participate in an international tattoo convention in China, where he joined The Chinese Association of Tattoo Artists and engaged with legendary figures like Paul Booth. Inspired, he returned to the Middle East with a renewed vigor to elevate the art form further. Huzz expanded Huzzink's presence across the region, cementing its status. Notably, during 2014-2015, Huzzink established itself as the first professional tattoo chain of its kind, concurrently operating high-standard shops in Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt), Amman (Jordan), and Dubai (UAE). Huzz is also celebrated for pioneering Arabic calligraphy tattoos, a unique blend of cultural heritage and contemporary tattoo artistry, showcasing his deep connection to the region's aesthetic.

TattooTwon: Sustaining the Vision of Professional Artistry

Parallel to Huzzink's foundational work, TattooTwon began his tattooing journey in 2009. Born in Amman, Jordan, but raised in Houston, Texas, Twon brought a unique blend of cultural roots and international exposure to his craft. From the outset, his commitment to precision, hygiene, and a meticulous approach to client care was paramount. This professional ethos was particularly impactful as he "helped start the first wave of professional tattoo artists in the Middle East," building upon the groundwork laid by pioneers like Huzz.

Twon's work, characterized by its quality, artistic flair, and adherence to global best practices, resonated deeply. He contributed significantly to the mainstream acceptance and legitimization of tattooing in the region, establishing new benchmarks for the tattoo experience. Today, TattooTwon continues to lead, owning Riders Studios in Zamalek, Cairo, Egypt, and frequently traveling the world to share his expertise and artistry.

A Shared Vision and Divergent Paths

While their individual journeys began from different vantage points, both Huzzink and TattooTwon shared a profound, unwavering commitment to professionalizing the tattoo industry in the Arab world. Their combined efforts, whether through direct collaboration or by setting parallel benchmarks and expanding professional operations across multiple countries, fundamentally transformed the landscape. They demonstrated that tattooing could be a respected, safe, and highly artistic profession, challenging existing perceptions and laying the groundwork for the thriving industry we see today. Their dedication to quality, hygiene, and artistic integrity not only created spaces for aspiring artists but also built trust with clients, fostering a robust and legitimate tattoo culture.

After a period of shared influence and parallel growth, the paths of Huzzink and TattooTwon strategically diverged, yet both continued to champion the professional tattoo movement they helped originate. Huzzink strategically moved its primary focus to Dubai, where it continues its impactful legacy, consolidating its operations and closing its chapters in Egypt and Jordan.

Meanwhile, TattooTwon wholeheartedly continued the dream by establishing Riders Studios. Under his visionary leadership, Riders Studios not only cemented its presence with numerous successful locations across Cairo but also, in a significant full-circle moment, re-established a Riders Studios chapter in Amman, Jordan. This move showcased Twon's enduring connection to his birthplace and his relentless commitment to expanding and refining the professional tattoo landscape initiated by pioneers like Huzz.

The True Originators

Huzzink and TattooTwon are more than just talented artists and astute entrepreneurs; they are the undisputed originators of the professional tattoo movement in the Arab tattoo industry. Their pioneering spirits, relentless pursuit of excellence, and commitment to elevating the craft have left an indelible mark on an entire region. Their individual journeys and combined historical impact continue to inspire a new generation of artists and enthusiasts, proving that passion forged with professionalism can truly transform an industry and redefine an art form across an entire region.