FROM BRIDGEND TO THE MIDWEST

Born in Bridgend, Wales, and raised in the grit of Hayes, UK, my foundation was built on resilience and distinct cultural perspective. Since moving to the Kansas City area in 1999, I have fused that background with the relentless work ethic of the Midwest. I do not dabble. I do not "try" things. I execute. Operating out of Warrensburg and serving the greater Kansas City area, I have built DJ Ink (and the forthcoming Artistic Renaissance Kingdom) on a single principle: Permanence demands perfection.

 

THE SPECIALIZATION: BLACK & GREY REALISM

In an industry diluted by generalists, I chose mastery. My work is exclusively focused on Black & Grey Realism. I don’t just copy images onto skin; I translate narrative into shadow and light. Influenced by the high-contrast drama of Luis Royo and the street-level authenticity of Mr. Cartoon, my approach is technical, precise, and uncompromising. Whether it is a portrait that captures a soul or a pop-culture homage (Chiefs kingdom, Game of Thrones, Cinematic Classics) rendered in hyper-detail, the goal is always the same: Art that outlasts the canvas.

 

THE PHILOSOPHY

I believe a tattoo is a collaboration of trust. You bring the vision; I bring the architecture.

• Precision: Every needle drop is calculated.

• Safety: Hospital-grade sterilization isn't a "bonus"—it's the baseline.

• Legacy: I treat every piece as if it were my only portfolio image.

 

THE ARK VISION

My work extends beyond the chair. As the founder of ARK (Artistic Renaissance Kingdom), I am building a lifestyle brand for those who understand that art isn't just what you look at—it's who you are. I am currently accepting serious inquiries for large-scale realism projects.