5 Queer and Trans Tattooists Who Are Killing it in the East Bay

For decades tattooing has frequently been dominated by CIS white males, however these lovely queer and trans artists are making their impact on the world of body art.

Most queer folx know how difficult it can sometimes be to get tattooed. The banter of shop conversations can be cringeworthy, insensitive, sexist, and so much more. The last thing anyone wants is added discomfort during a typical uncomfortable process for beautiful new skin adornments.

Good news! All of these east bay tattooists are not only queer, but also aim to always provide their clients with a comfortable and safe experience.

Rexttt

From gorgeous Mexico City, Regina is a tattoo artist whose work is downright dreamy. They specialize in mostly illustrative line work and black work, if you are looking for something more botanical or geometric you’ll love their portfolio!

They recently opened a new tattoo studio called Thorns in Berkeley this month, which is by appointment only (but trust us waiting for your appointment will be well worth the wait).

Pretty in Ink

Amy, Alex, and Tessia

This isn’t exactly one person, but rather an entire shop! That’s right; all of the folx of Pretty In Ink are queer. This gorgeous pink studio is nestled in Alameda in the historic odd fellows building. If you on the market for something vibrant, bold, delicate, floral based, or traditional Pretty In Ink is your shop! Amy, Alex, and Tessia work on individuals from all walks of life and strive to make their environment as warm and inviting as possible. If you’re shying away from a cis male tattoo shop look no further.

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Tanya Wischerath

“Who does good portraits in the Bay?” it’s a question that gets quite a bit of buzz across the peninsula. Some say that only good portrait artists can be found in Los Angeles, however Tanya Wischerath’s work says otherwise!

Tanya is a Berkeley based tattooist and fine painter who predominantly specializes in illustrative realism and portraits. She also draws a lot of inspiration from catholic iconography. This CCA alumna has also been awarded SF Bay Guardian’s Best of the Bay for 3 consecutive years for her work as a tattoo artist. She can be found transforming skin in Modern Electric Studio in Berkeley.

Rocio Artega

Rocio is the co-owner of Diving Swallow in Oakland, one of the first queer owned and operated shops in the East Bay. This artist has been tattooing for well over two decades. In her portfolio you can find a rich array of botanicals, animals, dotwork, portraits, and everything in-between. Have an ex’s name that needs to be a mistake of the past or a cringe worthy piece that you want to be rid of? Rocio’s got you covered, she’s quite the cover up artist.

Seriously, is there anything she can’t do?

Ali Samantha

This bad ass hard femme is as bold and dazzling as their portfolio. Chains, lady faces, roses, daggers, hearts, cherries, and spiderwebs are just a few of the gorgeous pieces you will see throughout her portfolio. “The tattoos I make have a heavy traditional foundation, and I love mixing different styles in with that and working with different subject matter to create work that is deeply queer,” Ali explains.

“As someone who has spent years in the tattoo industry it is my priority to make tattoos feel safe and accessible to folks who don’t necessarily feel safe or comfortable walking into a tattoo shop staffed entirely by cis white men.”

PS: her Instagram stories are incredibly empowering and frequently feature social commentary, which typically relates to race relations, queer activism, and speaking out against rape culture.