Born and raised in Curitiba, southern Brazil, José Manoel developed an interest in urban arts during his childhood. Always attentive to the city's movements, combined with its cold and grey climate, José grew an innate habit of observing every urban detail. This evolved into a critical eye and an avid passion for design. It wasn't long before these traits led him to the tattoo world, where he quickly gravitated toward the style that best reflected his worldview: realism, allowing him to replicate the same textures and details observed in his daily life.

José found a natural ease in using machines, ink, and needles to capture the smallest details of everyday life, leading him to master the art of portraiture. Through intense practice, he soon became a reference in his city and region. In 2014, he founded the "Só Pela Arte" (Only for Art) studio, a name that perfectly reflects his mission as an artist: while supporting his family is a result, his love and fascination for art always come first.

By 2025, already established and multi-award-winning in Brazil, he began receiving invitations for guest spots at studios worldwide, including Ireland, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United States—the latter being where he is currently based and considers his second home. Now a resident artist at a studio in Houston, he was personally invited by Fábio Guerreiro to record a course teaching his most innovative technique: hyper-realism. Featuring a striking design that incorporates a chrome effect, the course offers a dual-power learning experience: students master extreme realism in minute details while learning how to create an impressive chrome finish.