Kirsten was born and raised in Austin, Texas, a fact she will probably share with you within the first half hour you know her (despite the fact that she has no interest in returning). She has wanted to be an artist since age six, when she abandoned the idea of becoming an accountant, moving to Colorado, and having fourteen children. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with her degree in Rhetoric and Writing, she moved to Portland, Oregon, where she apprenticed under Icon Tattoo Studio owner Melanie Nead. She is so pleased to report that she still works at Icon! If you would like a Rhetoric-themed tattoo, she will do it with bountiful enthusiasm. In her free time, she loves to paint, craft, bake, cook, ride bikes, pat the head of her very good dog, and read books and blogs.

She loves designing tattoos of animals, produce, and anything crafty, nautical- or nerd-themed (please interpret this any way you like. She is an equal-opportunity nerd). In addition to designing new tattoos for you, she loves doing cover-ups, so if you’ve got one you’re not in love with anymore, she’s excited to work with you to create something you adore! Because her influences include, among others, traditional tattoos, botanical illustrations, and art nouveau, she loves to do tattoos that are high-contrast, colorful, and boldly lined.

You can check out her portfolio by clicking here!