handwriting duplication tattoos

Maybe it started when I would forge my mom’s signature to get out of school. Maybe because I am a lettering nerd?  Regardless of the reason I have always been fascinated with how diverse and potent handwritten language is. Each person has their own distinct series of marks that are as unique as a fingerprint. There is sometimes as much personality in how someone writes their “k” as the way a person’s mouth curls in a smile.

Handwriting makes for a wonderfully personal tattoo subject. Because of this, I have happily offered handwriting duplication tattoos since moving to Austin (around 2019) Clients will bring in a handwriting sample of a loved one. These samples can be from documents like greeting cards, post-it notes, or recipe cards. I think of these tattoos like a portrait each stroke is unique to the person who wrote them. If you would like your loved one’s handwriting to live with and on you as a tattoo please fill out this form, include the sample (s), and other information needed. To see examples of handwriting duplication tattoos Ive done, click here!

Pet Portrait Tattoos

Pet portraits have become one of my favorite genres of tattoos that I do, and there are several reasons for this affinity. The first being technical.

Portraiture and micro-realism are places the fine line tattoo style really shines. I can capture a likeness in extreme detail, and even recreate paw and nose prints by using a fine-line technique. And while most portraits are palm sized or smaller, don’t let the size fool you into thinking they are quick. The technique I use requires a layering approach where I build up the tones over several passes. I enjoy the slow meticulous planning and process, and it’s so rewarding to “coax” an image into looking the way I intend it to.

But the heart of why I like to see myself as a pet portrait artist is because of that very thing - the heart. As I said, I do enjoy the technical challenge of a portrait, like recreating the expressive eyes and particular grin of a dog. Also, it is equally rewarding to have a client affirm that I was able to capture the personality and spirit of their beloved companion, and see their faces light up with delight. 

If you would like a pet portrait tattoo from me we will need a good image of your pet. For realism tattoos I trace a photo so your tattoo will look just like the photo. It is ideal for the photo to be in focus, especially that there is clear focus on the eyes and nose and that there is ample lighting. If your companion is still alive then I have some tips and tricks on getting the best photograph for the tattoo. If unfortunately your pet has passed away, I will ask for a collection of photos and will choose the best one for the tattoo and can usually edit the photo to our liking.

Choose one of these methods to book your tattoo with me, and I look forward to working with you!

About me

Hello! My name is Ceka (see-kah) Kitami. I make detailed tattoos, created with intention and precision. In 2021 I opened Yokatta Studios, a private tattoo studio tucked away in North Austin, near the Domain and China Town Center (respectively). I am fortunate to perform a trade in which I am both challenged and find enjoyment. One of the benefits of tattooing is that I am fortunate to meet many interesting and unique people. It’s such a privilege to spend time with clients from all walks of life and create tattoos that have various meanings and stories behind them.  

Many people come to me for my small fine-line and pet portrait tattoos. However just as my clients vary, there are a variety of tattoos I enjoy doing. Recently I’ve been taking on larger projects and have enjoyed working on these over multiple sessions. It takes dedication and commitment on the part of the client to be able to sit for multiple hours and sometimes painful sessions, and are rewarded by emerging on the other side with a permanent work of art to carry with them for a lifetime. The completion of these projects can be bittersweet, while both the client and I are proud of the work we’ve done there’s usually a sadness that we will no longer be seeing each other regularly. 

In addition I also offer lettering or “script” tattoos. I have casually studied typography and the visual impact of words as design for many years. From learning some Japanese brush pen lettering techniques and hanging around graffiti artists as a teenager and, to studying Madarasz style nib pen calligraphy. Lettering, either in the form of words, characters, or names is a very accessible and arguably the most straightforward visual manifestation of a topic, feeling, or thought. I am excited by the opportunity to hand-draw customized script for a tattoo and seize upon most opportunities to do so. 

Both fine line and lettering tattoos draw from a rich lineage that is the ”black and gray style” which has been perfected by (often under-recognized) non-white tattooers and clients. Read more about fine-line tattoos in my blog entry. 

Primarily I work by appointment only although you can watch my Instagram feed for information about walk-in days. If you want to get tattooed sooner than I'm available I can refer you to my apprentices or other artists I know who might be available sooner. Just ask! I personally answer all messages and form submissions, please be patient! If you have emailed me and don’t see a response in a week check your spam folder or try me again!

photo by Virginia Hernandez

In the News!

Read my interview with Voyage Austin where I talk about my tattoo journey, past and present.

http://voyageaustin.com/interview/life-work-with-ceka-kitami-of-north-austin/

Tattoos on Rich/Melanated Skin

“Once I was in a seminar with the legendary Black American tattooer Jacci Gresham, where she remarked, “Where are all the Black People?!?”

When I used to work in the makeup industry, I saw how the industry catered heavily, sometimes exclusively to people with fair skin. Unfortunately, I have also witnessed those same shortcomings in the tattoo industry. Because tattoos directly deal with skin, this issue must be addressed and discussed.

This blog post is necessary to openly acknowledge that tattooing in the US (and other parts of the world) is often problematic. Like many sectors, it is a microcosm of the bigger societal issue of racism and exclusion. Melanin-rich clients are often precluded from the mainstream of tattooing and are met with prejudice or hostility to their ideas. There is a general lack of photographic representation in portfolios and advertising of deep skin tones.

Too often I have heard stories recounted by clients of color who were discounted, stereotyped, and discriminated against when seeking a tattoo. What’s more, I have heard the negative and inappropriate comments that tattoo artists make to each other about clients with deeper skin tones.

Once I was in a seminar with the legendary Black American tattooer Jacci Gresham and after 20 minutes of photos of tattoos on white people she remarked (politely yet firmly),“where are all the dark skinned people?!? Ms Gresham brought up an issue that was so systemic it was too often ignored. There is a gross lack of representation of tattoos on melanated skin, and therefore an upholding racist ideals within tattooing.

Representation matters.  Therefore I have created a requirement for intentional inclusion of deep, brown and highly melanated skin tones with variant undertones in my portfolio. My goal is to have several examples of shade ranges in each of the style categories in my portfolio; this goal is not yet accomplished at the level I intend, but it’s an ongoing bench mark for me.

I strive to be well versed in several techniques in order to provide an array of options for every skin tone. Contact me or schedule a consultation to talk about your idea!