Ren is a queer realism, sketchy linework and colorful illustrative tattoo artist based in San Diego. These styles can be combined into large-scale Constructivism and Trash Polka designs.

Ren brings half a decade of hands-on tattooing experience and well developed techniques from direct studies under greats, such as Ben Ochoa, Edward (Poch) Best, Dan Kubin, Dillon Forte and other talented artists in the tattooing industry.

Ink from Ren is Collaboratively Crafted with a unique vision and tailored to your unique Canvas through a proven Consultation and tattooing process.

The Canvas of Ren

Knowing your artist is as vital for your tattoo as the actual ink itself. My inner workings can largely be explained by my ambition to be an astronaut when I grew up. This was closely followed by a desire to be a Disney illustrator. Both dreams I pursued tirelessly.

This pursuit consisted of many weekends spent escaping into Michael Jackson’s Dangerous on cassette tape while sketching repeated iterations of various trees using charcoal and paper.

I delved into graphite, pencil and pen later on, followed by watercolor, acrylic and inked brush pen. Subject matter ranged from my love of X-men, Batman, Peanuts and the Muppets to the study of physiology and human anatomy. Pursuing degrees in Neuroscience and Marriage & Family Therapy lead me to figure drawing, anatomical studies and realistic renditions of the inner and outer human form.

For me, tattooing flows throughout my life naturally, in the same way as my family, or a really good cup of coffee.

-Ren

Experience & Training:

  • Present - Resident at Wolf & Shadow Tattoo Collective, San Diego, CA

  • 2023-2024 Residency at Pureheart Tattoo, Fallbrook, CA

  • November 2023, Guest Artist with Ben Ochoa at Manor No 9, Anaheim (@manor9tattoo)

  • October 2023, Exhibitor Dia De Los Muertos Old Town

  • September 2023, Dan Kubin Tattoo Revival (@dk_tattoo_revival), Costa Rica with Dan Kubin (@dankubin), Dillon Forte (@dillonforte), Wayne Fredrickson (@waynefredrickson), Alan Thompson (@alboyee)

  • September 2023, Color Realism Seminar with Ben Ochoa (@ben_ochoa)

  • July 2023, Exhibitor San Diego Pride

  • June 2023, Guest Artist with Honeydew Tattoo Collective, Portland (@honeydewtattoocollective)

  • April 2023, Color Realism Seminar with Poch (@poch_arts)

  • February 2023, Booked Out Seminar with Reese (@theartofreese)

  • July 2022, Exhibitor San Diego Pride

  • November 2021, Exhibitor SDCC Special Edition

  • 2021-2023 - Residency at Artillery Ink, Murrietta, CA

  • 2019-2020 - Apprenticeship at Black & Grey Atelier, San Diego, CA

Qualifications:

  • Blood Borne Pathogens Certified

  • Body Art Practitioners License # DEH2023-FBAP-004078