Jeroen Franken
Booking
At the moment the waiting list is closed until further notice. If you have a question, you can write him an email in Dutch or English.
E-mailaddress
sevenseastattoos@me.com
Upcoming guest
Back in South East Asia in 2026 – dates to be announced
Cities
Bangkok – Phnom Penh – Hanoi – Danang – Ho Chi Minh – Kuching
About Jeroen
The first tattoos Jeroen Franken made were deep in the jungles of Borneo doing research on the tattoos of the Iban in 1995, the biggest ethnic tribe in Sarawak. The reason being that he found no referance that served the deeper meaning of what had been called ‘tribal tattoos’.
When he finished writing a book by the name of ‘Pantang Iban’, with Sven Torfinn as a photographer, he apprenticed professionally at Hanky Panky Tattoo in Amsterdam. Serving a couple of years for the master and learning tremendously from Michel Thieme, a.k.a. Captain Caveman, he set sail to round the world three times. During his travels he has worked with many tattooers and woodcarvers, setting foot on New Zealand, Borneo, Phillipines, Fiji, Samoa and Hawaiian soil. What once started out as a voyage, before he started tattooing, has taken Jeroen deep into the art of passion called tattooing.
Along the way, Jeroen has developped a deep fascination for the tattoos of ethnic cultures the world over. The styles have paved his inspiration into his tattooing. From understanding the natural environment and its abstraction into visual form, he has also delved into the practice of new form abstracted from the natural environment. The tattoos he makes using these visual motives are in seamless unification with the body of its wearer.
Books & Prints
Jeroen Franken’s publications are a natural extension of his lifelong journey through tattooing, shaped by deep engagement with indigenous traditions and a passion for visual storytelling.
His books and prints reflect the same spirit found in his tattoos—rooted in culture, transformed by experience. His work is available through:
Collaboration
Whether through design, apparel, or curated objects, Jeroen Franken’s collaborations are an extension of his visual language—bridging the worlds of tattoo, craft, and cultural narrative. These projects reflect a shared ethos with likeminded creators and brands.
Check out the websites below for more information:
Bunga Terung Project
Founded by Nagaia (@nagaiatato) and @reeftattooer in Kuching, Sarawak (Borneo), the Bunga Terung Project is a grassroots initiative supporting the villagers of Bulan Sebuyau longhouse.
The goal: to help 22 families complete their communal home. Your support can provide essential materials and make a real difference.
Learn more at: @bungaterongproject on Instagram.