About the Artist

First, thank you to all of the people who have helped me on this long and winding journey. You know who you are. Seriously, THANK YOU.

I’m a queer, trans (they/them), mixed (white and Korean) tattoo artist on the occupied territory of the Multnomah, Cowlitz, Confederated Tribes of Siletz and Grand Ronde, and Umatilla peoples, who were the original stewards of this land—also known as Portland, Oregon.

I’ve been mesmerized by tattoos since I was little. I was always doodling on my hand or drawing in the margins of my math tests. I love graphite, black and grey ink, mixed media, charcoal, and working with things I’ve scavenged from thrift stores. My favorite thing to create are gifts for others, which is why I think I was called to be a tattoo artist; I consider every design an offering.

I’m inspired by the creations of other artists: sci-fi/fantasy/surrealist/horror movies (like Pan’s Labyrinth), animation/stop motion things (like Miyakazi movies and the Quay brothers), music (like Ethel Cain, Title Fight, Have Mercy) and natural/spiritual things (like the elements, the cycle of birth, death, decay, and rebirth, etc.). I love symbolism, and working with it to see the world around us through a lens of deeper meaning. These are some of the things influence what I create.

Before I was tattooing, I spent my time working lots of different customer/food service and caregiving jobs, volunteering as an advocate for trans and queer youth (specifically around policy change and mental health resources), and working as a mental health technician with teenagers.

One of my goals is to eventually offer free tattoos for people affected by the justice system, and other survivors of abuse, as a way to reclaim a part of the body that might have a visual reminder of harm caused in their past (including self harm scars, pre-existing tattoos, exes’ names, etc.). I hope with enough time and work, I can get there.

I utilize a trauma-informed practice (thank you to Tamara Santibanez and their amazing work) and will continue to develop that practice as my career goes on. I acknowledge that there will always be room to grow, listen to, and learn from others. It’s important to me that I create a space where you feel safe, and know that every part of you is welcome. I’m always open to receiving feedback from you about what I can do better or differently!

Thank you again to everyone who has helped me get to where I am now.

-Grey