Six years ago, Ink Heist opened in a converted warehouse with two chairs, one artist, and a conviction that tattoo studios could operate differently.
That conviction hasn’t changed. Almost everything else has.
What’s Changed
The crew grew. What started as a solo operation became a collective. Switch joined in year two. Cipher in year three. Shade in year four. Each brought something the studio needed but didn’t have yet.
The work evolved. My early pieces were simpler. Bolder. As the collective grew, we pushed each other. Switch’s realism made me think differently about contrast. Cipher’s illustrative approach changed how I think about composition. Shade’s precision raised the bar for detail.
The wait list got longer. We went from “booking this week” to “booking two months out.” That growth was organic. No ads. No influencer partnerships. Just people finding the work and coming back.
What Hasn’t Changed
Custom only. Still no flash wall. Still no walk-ins. Every piece starts from a conversation.
Appointment only. We don’t have a storefront presence for a reason. If you found us, you were looking.
Quality over volume. We could take more clients. We choose not to. Each artist maintains a pace that lets them do their best work.
The space. Same warehouse. Same industrial feel. We’ve upgraded equipment and furniture, but the bones are the same. The space is honest.
Where We’re Headed
Year seven is about depth, not expansion:
- More guest artists. We’re bringing in 4-6 guest spots this year. Artists whose work challenges our own.
- Larger projects. We’re setting aside dedicated weeks for back pieces and full-sleeve work that needs uninterrupted focus.
- Better documentation. More process work, more finished pieces, more behind-the-scenes content that shows how the work gets made.
We’re not opening a second location. We’re not launching a merch line. We’re not building a brand. We’re making tattoos. That’s the whole thing.
Thanks to everyone who’s trusted us with their skin over the last six years. The work continues.
