From Animal Tattoos to Dog Memorials: An Unexpected Journey

Very early on in my tattoo career, I naturally found myself working within the space of human–animal connections. Almost without planning it, this became “my thing.” I was drawing and tattooing bodies combined with animals—many kinds of animals—and the language felt immediate and intuitive. These weren’t decorative choices. People chose animals to represent emotions, personality traits, memories, or inner strength, and the tattoos became personal symbols rather than just images.

Over time, I tattooed a wide range of animals. Rabbits, tigers, bears, birds—and yes, dogs as well. Dogs were always part of the mix, but they were only one option among many. What mattered most to me was the relationship between the person and the animal, and how that bond could be translated into an illustrative tattoo that felt honest and specific to the individual.

In 2024, something unexpected happened. I participated in a short video created by Elias The Dogist, filmed for his Instagram page. The video followed a tattoo session in which I tattooed a client’s dog. Elias has around eight million followers, and once the video was published, things shifted very quickly.

Almost overnight, my audience changed. The majority of requests I started receiving were for custom dog tattoos, specifically detailed dog faces and dog portraits. Without planning to, I became known as a dog tattoo artist. I didn’t resist it—on the contrary, I was genuinely happy. It felt meaningful that people trusted me with something so personal.

What I didn’t expect was the next layer. Many of these dog tattoo requests were not just portraits—they were memorial dog tattoos. Dogs who had passed away. Tattoos made to honor a companion, a family member, a presence that had been lost. Again, this wasn’t something I set out to specialize in, but it became a central part of my work.

Tattooing memorial dog portraits is a profound responsibility. Helping someone carry their grief, love, and memory on their skin is an honor I don’t take lightly. Each piece is emotional, quiet, and deeply personal. I’m grateful to every client who chooses me for this moment in their life.

I never planned to become a tattoo artist known primarily for dog memorial tattoos—but this is what happened. It’s a little sad, by nature. And at the same time, it fills me with pride. These sweet dogs mattered, and their stories continue through the tattoos we create together.

That said, I’m always open—and genuinely excited—to tattoo other animals as well. Alongside dogs, I would love to keep tattooing rabbits, tigers, bears, and other animal forms that carry meaning for people. If you’re looking for a custom animal tattoo, whether it’s a dog, another animal, or a symbolic human–animal blend, you’re very welcome here.