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