Styles of Tattooing I Offer

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Nlaka'pamux Blackwork is a manifestation of ancestral knowledge, professional experience, and creative intuition.   

     Nlaka'pamux Blackwork is my own distinctive style created as a way of sharing my Nlaka’pamux ancestors designs symbols and motifs with my clients from all communities, cultures, ethnicities and walks of life. The designs, patterns and motifs and their interpretations found in this style are distinctive and unique to Nlaka’pamux and Interior Salish peoples. The fact that I am Nlaka’pamux gives me the right and responsibility to share my ancestral visual language with whoever I chose to share it with. It also gives the rights, relationship and responsibility to my clients to wear these marks and to share their stories. During the consultation process information about each individual is offered, including their life's journey, dreams, hopes, aspirations and the reason they wish to receive their marks.  

     From the things shared with me during this process I design a skin marking that is tailored to the wearers story from my understanding of my ancestral visual language, this is a guided intuitive practice. It is a ceremony that operates on a multitude of levels which changes and develops with the wearers understanding, needs, and development as a human being.  

     Nlaka'pamux Blackwork uses an ancestral understanding of the power of color to support the wearers life’s journey, and when the design calls for it, red and black may be included.

Blackout tattoos are a dramatic and bold choice within the tattoo community, characterized by large areas of the skin covered entirely in black ink. This style can be used to make a striking visual statement, to cover up existing tattoos, or as a canvas for future white ink designs over the black base. The appeal of blackout tattoos lies in their simplicity and the stark contrast they create against untouched skin, highlighting the body's natural lines or creating new shapes and silhouettes. Despite their apparent simplicity, blackout tattoos require a high level of skill and patience from the artist, as achieving an even, saturated black area over large portions of skin is technically challenging. This style has gained popularity for its modern, edgy look and the unique way it interacts with the body's form, offering a distinct and minimalist aesthetic that stands out in the diverse world of tattoo art. I have used blackout on arms, legs and large sections of the wearers to transform the wearers relationship with their mental, emotional spiritual and physical selves. Many times this is utilized as an alternative to cover-ups or laser tattoo removal. Many times blackout is used in combination with Nlaka'pamux Blackwork and Non-Symbolic Abstract Blackwork.

Blast over tattoos are a creative and innovative approach in the tattoo world, where new designs are tattooed over existing ones without completely covering them up. This technique allows for the original tattoo to still be partially visible beneath the new layer, creating a layered effect that adds depth and complexity to the artwork. Artists often use bold, dark lines and patterns in the blast over to ensure the new design stands out while still allowing elements of the underlying tattoo to peek through. This style is particularly popular among those looking to refresh or reinvent their older tattoos, adding a new narrative or aesthetic dimension without erasing the past. Blast over tattoos require a skilled artist who can balance the visibility of both the old and new tattoos, crafting a cohesive piece that harmoniously blends the two layers. This approach offers a unique way to evolve one's body art, symbolizing growth, change, and the continuous journey of self-expression. Blast overs can allow for the taking on of a Nlaka'pamux Blackwork or Non-symbolic Abstract Blackwork piece without completely covering your old tattoos and allows your tattoos to grow with you.  

Color tattoos are vibrant artworks that utilize a wide range of colors to create striking and dynamic images on the skin. Unlike black and grey tattoos, which rely on shades of black for contrast, color tattoos can encompass the entire spectrum to bring designs to life with depth, realism, or whimsical vibrancy. This style can be applied to a variety of tattoo genres, from traditional and neo-traditional to realism, abstract, and pop culture-inspired designs, allowing for a broad expression of creativity and personal significance. Artists skilled in color tattooing master the art of blending, shading, and color theory to achieve vivid results that can either be bold and bright or soft and subtle. The use of color not only enhances the visual impact of the tattoo but can also add layers of meaning, emotion, or symbolism to the piece. Color tattoos are popular among those wishing to make a bold statement or capture the full vibrancy of their chosen design, making each tattoo a unique and personal piece of art.

     Watercolor tattoos stand out for their vibrant, flowing aesthetic that mimics the look of watercolor paintings on the skin. Characterized by a spectrum of colors blending seamlessly, these tattoos often lack the bold outlines traditionally found in other tattoo styles, resulting in a softer, more ethereal appearance. The technique achieves gradients, splashes, and strokes of color that can vary from subtle washes to vivid hues, creating a sense of movement and spontaneity. Watercolor tattoos can depict a wide range of subjects, from abstract designs and landscapes to more recognizable forms like flowers and animals, often overlaid or integrated with more defined structures for contrast. This style requires a skilled artist familiar with the nuances of color blending and shading to ensure longevity and prevent the colors from becoming indistinct over time. Watercolor tattoos appeal to those looking for a unique, artistic expression that captures the fluidity and dynamic qualities of watercolor art on their skin.

Black and grey is a tattoo style that utilizes various shades of black ink to create different gradients and contrasts, resulting in a spectrum that ranges from dark black to lighter shades, mimicking a monochromatic photograph. This technique, also known as grayscale tattooing, often incorporates diluted black ink to achieve softer shades and smoother transitions between light and dark areas. Black and grey tattoos are known for their depth, realism, and ability to capture fine details, making them suitable for portrait work, nature scenes, religious themes, and realistic depictions of objects or people. Originating from the Chicano communities of East LA during the 1970s, this style has become popular worldwide, admired for its timeless aesthetic and the skill required to create nuanced, lifelike images solely with shades of black and grey.  

Fine line tattoos are characterized by their delicate and precise lines, often created using a single needle or a very fine group of needles. This style is known for its subtlety, intricacy, and detailed work that focuses on the artistry of thin, crisp lines without the use of shading or color. Fine line tattoos can range from minimalist designs, such as geometric patterns, small symbols, and lettering, to more complex and detailed imagery like portraits and botanical illustrations. Popularized in the late 20th century, this tattoo style appeals to those seeking a more understated or elegant aesthetic. Fine line tattoos require a high level of precision and skill from the tattoo artist, as the focus on thin lines leaves little room for error. The result is a sophisticated, often dainty piece of art that can convey a sense of elegance and simplicity

     Ornamental tattoos are renowned for their intricate designs and decorative patterns, drawing inspiration from artistic and cultural traditions such as geometric shapes, mandalas, lace motifs, and filigree work. This style beautifully enhances the body's contours with elaborate or simple embellishments, often resembling detailed craftsmanship found in jewelry and historical artifacts. Whether executed in black and grey or incorporating colors, ornamental tattoos demand high precision and skill from the artist, making them a popular choice for those seeking elegance and personal significance in their body art. The versatility of this style allows for stunning customization, making each piece uniquely reflective of the wearer's taste.