Inked by Marcy

Some tattoos are about more than the artwork. They’re about preserving a piece of someone you never want to forget.

This one was for a dear friend, and I don’t think either of us made it through the appointment without feeling every bit of the love behind the design.

We began with the impression of her sweet pup’s actual paw print. From there, I carefully placed every detail to create a design that honored the original while making it something she could carry with her forever. He is dearly missed.

Swipe through to see the journey.

Being trusted with someone’s memories is never something I’ll take for granted. It’s one of the greatest privileges of what I get to do. Thank you, my friend, for allowing me to help keep a piece of your heart close. Shiner is with you forever.

From tiny fine-line pieces to bold color, I love creating tattoos that are as unique as the people wearing them. Every appointment is different, and that’s just one of my favorite parts of what I get to do. 💙

Thanks for trusting me to create something you’ll wear for a lifetime. It means more than you know.

If you’ve ever wondered why centerline tattoos make artists sweat… this is why. 😅 Every line has to be straight as a poker because there’s nowhere to hide.

Long, centered pieces like this are equal parts planning, precision, and trust in the process. Seeing it all come together makes every second worth it.

Designed to complement the body, not compete with it. I think she’s wearing it beautifully.

Life has been a little slower lately, and honestly, I’ve been enjoying it. Catching up on things around the house, spending some time drawing, and letting the creative side recharge. 🎨

Now it’s time to trade the sketchbook for live music. Heading to the Primus concert tonight! 🤘

Sometimes the best inspiration comes from stepping away for a bit. Can’t wait to see what ideas come home with me.

Some tattoos carry more than memories—they carry a voice.

A while back, I tattooed a client’s father’s handwriting. The day he passed away, she reached out to tell me how grateful she was to have his words with her forever.

Recently her niece came in and chose the same handwriting, carrying his legacy forward in her own way.

As tattoo artists, we put ink in skin every day. But sometimes we get the privilege of preserving a voice, a memory, a signature, a piece of someone’s heart. Those tattoos become so much more than art.

This Father’s Day, I’m thinking of all the dads who are here, all the dads who are missed, and all the handwritten notes, signatures, and words of love that continue to live on through the people who carry them.

Happy Father’s Day. ❤️

Delicate lilies and poppies flowing across the collarbone and shoulder.

Soft black and gray shading, fine line detail, and a design created to move naturally with the body.

Stunning.

Happy Birthday, Dad.

Getting to create art for people is something I’ll never take for granted, but getting to tattoo my own father is something especially meaningful.

Earlier this month, we added this eagle to his collection. The “SD” tattoo he already wears stands for Super Dave, and if you know him, you know the nickname fits.

Thank you, dad, for always supporting me, believing in me, and trusting me with your skin. It’s a privilege to create tattoos for so many wonderful people, but being able to tattoo my dad will always hold a special place in my heart.

Happy Birthday, Dad. I love you, and I hope this year is your best one yet. 🦅🇺🇸💙

Love doesn’t end when a heartbeat does.

I had the privilege of creating this memorial piece for a mother honoring her son. Born sleeping at 20 weeks, loved every moment before and every moment after.

Some tattoos aren’t just art. They’re remembrance, healing, and a way to carry someone with us forever.

Thank you for trusting me with something so precious.

Her skin was a blank page, and look at the story it started telling.