Hi, I'm Kelsi! (She/Her)
I have been tattooing in Seattle, Washington since 2017 and a self-taught illustrator since I was young. I love practicing art that features natural elements; particularly plant and animal life, the human form, and anything weird, magical or mythological. I specialize in black ink and fine-line detailing, but enjoy creating in many different styles. In addition to offering eco-friendly tattoo services, I strive to provide a safe, friendly, and relaxed space for all bodies during the tattoo process.
"I view my tattooing practice as a personal artistic expression and a creative service for others. I find inspiration through the entire process. It’s a way to merge someone's vision with my own, whether purely aesthetic or has a deeper meaning. Tattooing keeps me creatively engaged, continuously learning and further expanding my style."
My Story
​
Designing a tattoo feels like a magical collaboration between myself and my client. It’s vulnerable and rewarding for both parties when ideas come together. My illustrative aesthetic has a heavy focus on the intricacies of nature and plant life, and I enjoy using etching details and linework to create art that is precise without feeling strict. There is a sense of humor and nostalgia that comes through in some of my more lighthearted pieces.
When I'm not tattooing I love listening to music and going for adventures. I really enjoy the woods and the water of the Pacific Northwest, and growing up near Puget sound turned me into a beachcomber. I like to photograph flowers and plants along the way to use as references when drawing tattoos.
​
I spent my entire childhood drawing, using encyclopedias and magazines as reference photos and using my imagination for the rest. My obsession transitioned from drawing on paper to my arms and legs and experimenting with dramatic makeup, to my parents dismay. Designing and collecting tattoos was something I dreamed about, while my main focus was illustrating small commission projects for family and friends. I was mainly self-taught until I began my apprenticeship in 2017 and was trained in the basics of drawing for the purpose of tattooing. Over my two year apprenticeship, my drawing style shifted into an art form that translated to human skin. Translating someone’s vision into an image is a never-ending learning process which I cherish deeply.
​
When I started getting tattooed, I realized I was developing an empowering, more confident relationship with my skin. Tattooing is a celebration of body positivity, and I've found it can be a major step to confidence and transformative healing. Being able to help other people achieve their transformation and a positive relationship with their body is a huge part of why I love what I do. The meaning and interpretation of a tattoo is fluid, and some tattoos are more lighthearted in the spirit of being playful or fun. l love creating a tattoo that can make you smile or doesn’t have an obvious meaning.
​
An image can tell a lasting story, and the ritual of creating and receiving a tattoo is a unique and memorable experience. I love making designs that flow with the natural contours of the body, but also thrilled by bold or unusual placement. I strive to honor my clients vision, while using my experience to make a unique and personal design that will be cherished for a lifetime.
Whatever their reason for being tattooed, I aim to provide my clients with a comfortable and safe experience during the practice. To be able to trust one another, and enjoy the journey.