Yong Tao AKA School Fiddy

@schoolfiddy

Born in 1996 in the tranquil Sichuan countryside of South West China, Yong Tao, also known as School Fiddy, has carved out a significant space for himself in the global tattoo and art community. Specializing in Chicano-style black and grey tattoos, School Fiddy brings a unique combination of fine lines, clean shading, and a classic yet fresh approach to the art form. With over eight years of professional tattooing experience, he has become a prominent figure in a cultural niche rarely explored in his homeland. 

Growing up in China in the early 2000s, tattoos were far from mainstream, and societal views on them were often negative. It wasn’t until Yong Tao stumbled upon American movies and hip hop music videos online that he got his first glimpse into the world of body art. It was through this medium that he discovered the Chicano culture, which deeply resonated with him. Instead of conforming to a traditional path, he picked up his pencil and began building his own Chicano-inspired world through drawing and design.

Today, School Fiddy works as a freelance tattoo artist, traveling across China and Asia to bring his art to a diverse array of customers. He has built a reputation for tattoos that exude both technical precision and artistic spirit, making his work instantly recognizable. His ultimate goal is to earn worldwide recognition, with art that speaks universally yet retains his personal fingerprint. Yong Tao believes tattooing is more than just body art; it is an extension of his artistry, seamlessly blending drawing, painting, graffiti, and design into his work.

Platforms like Instagram have played a significant role in his artistic career. Social media allowed Yong Tao to share his tattoos and sketches with an audience far beyond his roots, connecting him with a global network of supporters, collaborators, and fellow artists. Through this platform, he has had the opportunity to work on projects with major brands and notable figures. For instance, Yong Tao collaborated with Mr. Mago for us and worked with Chicano rapper Payaso 915 on T-shirt designs. He has also joined forces with Spiderhood for his brand Chigones and frequently creates private commissions for clients.

Beyond tattooing, School Fiddy expresses his creativity through graffiti and product design, showcasing his work in cultural hubs like Chongqing, Chengdu, Shanghai, and Bangkok. He draws inspiration from elements close to Chicano life, such as jokers, clown girls, lowriders, prison life, and intricate lettering. Recently, he's been blending these themes with his own life experiences to develop an innovative style that incorporates Chinese cultural elements. This fusion of Chicano and Chinese influences reflects his personal story while pushing creative boundaries.

For School Fiddy, Chicano art is deeply symbolic. He admires how art can thrive even in the hardest times, such as jail, comparing it to a beautiful flower growing from a dark place. He hopes his art can inspire others just as Chicano art has inspired him. Looking ahead, Yong Tao dreams of traveling globally to collaborate with other artists and experience the rich culture of Los Angeles, the birthplace of Chicano art. School Fiddy is just getting started, and his artistic evolution promises to leave an indelible mark on the world of tattooing and beyond.