Persist through the Pain

In 2019, Kaitlin first reached out to me about getting tattooed. Fast forward four years, and in 2023, we finally made it happen. It was an intense, unforgettable week—one where we both pushed into new and unfamiliar territory. She left with a full back piece, and I was left wondering how the experience would reshape my creative process moving forward. You can read more about it HERE

Just last week, Kaitlin returned for her second trip from the U.S., this time with her partner John, to see me at UN1TY. Unlike the first time—and despite my best efforts—I came into the week with some lofty expectations.

I wanted to build on what we had achieved with the back piece. To push beyond those boundaries and venture even further into uncharted waters. As I greeted Kaitlin at the door, I noticed the sides of her head had been shaved—and instantly, I began visualizing shapes that could flow up and around her ear.

One of the biggest challenges in tattooing is understanding the complex relationship between design and anatomy. Anyone can print off a design and slap it onto the flattest part of a leg, arm, or back. But creating a piece that not only works with the body—but is guided by it—takes thought, experience, and, maybe most importantly, care.

With my orange Sharpie in hand, I began drafting rough lines directly on her skin. I never prepare a drawing ahead of time. Instead, I have a daily drawing practice: every morning, before my household wakes, I sit down with a coffee and sketchpad and draw—just for myself. No pressure to share, no audience to please. These quiet moments have become the foundation for much of my growth as an artist.

So much of our creative work today is filtered through social media. The moment we begin thinking about the viewer, our approach starts to shift. We tailor our art to match their appetite. That’s why I rarely share my morning sketches—I keep them personal.

But when I see those early morning sketches subtly influencing my tattoos, it’s a quiet reward. Watching a design come to life on someone’s skin—watching them become one with the art—is always powerful. When I refined the lines on Kaitlin using a blue ballpoint pen and saw her eyes light up in the mirror, I knew we were on the right track.

By the end of the week, Kaitlin once again surpassed my expectations and inspired a tattoo that will become a defining piece in my body of work. I know future clients will use it as reference point for their tattoo and one I’ll be more than happy to use.

Strength of character isn’t about doing what you want. It’s doing what’s needed. No matter what I ask of Kaitlin, her answer is always the same: “Yeah sure, whatever you need.” That kind of trust is rare—and essential. As is her constant ability to persist through the pain of each consecutive session.

I can’t create without my clients. The quality of the work I produce is directly tied to the quality of the people who walk through my door and the trust they place in my hands. With Kaitlin, once again, we managed to make lightning strike.