Who's holding
the machine

Otaku tattooist, and I mean it

It isn't a style I picked up because it sells. Animation, video games and Japanese and tribal art are what I'm actually into, and that's what I've built the work around. If you come in wanting a character, I already know the series.

I work out of Local Roots Ink in Des Moines, Washington, and I tattoo in Tacoma and Seattle too. Every booking starts as a message, so I've had time to draw before you sit down.

How I want it to go

A comfortable and enjoyable experience. That's the whole aim for every appointment. Nobody does their best sitting if they're tense about being in the chair, and nobody comes back either.

The octopus

When I started tattooing I wasn't a fan of showing my face. I wanted the art to speak for itself. Nowadays I'm a little more comfortable.

It's an homage to the promotion boards outside ramen shops in Japan. And I just thought it'd be a cute mascot for my art — octopus, ink. 🐙

How I got here

I've always had a passion for art. Growing up, my dream was to work for Cartoon Network, but life took me in a different direction. After college and a few years in jobs that didn't feel fulfilling, I discovered tattooing in 2021 while going with my now-fiancée to her appointment.

I was fascinated by the process and fell in love with it fast. After I got my first tattoo machine as a gift, I spent countless late nights studying and apprenticing at different shops, looking for the right place to grow as an artist.

That led me to Local Roots Ink. I came in looking for an apprenticeship, but the owner, MiGs, took a chance on me and brought me on as a full-time artist. Four years later, I'm grateful to Local Roots and to my fiancée for believing in me and helping me build a career doing what I love.