Today we’d like to introduce you to Ian Kirkpatrick.
Hi Ian, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started tattooing in Houston, Texas, bouncing around and learning from as many artists as I could while building relationships and developing my skill set. With the help of some incredible friends, I eventually opened my own shop there. Later, I moved into a private studio working alongside the crew at Monumental Ink, which was an amazing experience. I had never worked in a shop that large before, with nearly 15 artists at one point, and it pushed me to grow in new ways.
Eventually, my wife, daughter, and I knew it was time for a new chapter, so we took a leap of faith and made a blind move to Utah. It has been an incredible experience ever since. The tattoo community here has been amazing. From the artists at Black Rabbit to the crew at Dark Horse, everyone has been beyond welcoming. My only regret is not making the move sooner.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest struggles at first was starting over with no connections, but in just 7 months we’ve already built some great friendships and relationships. I was honestly surprised that after only two months of being here, I started getting booked out. It was definitely nerve-racking in the beginning, but we pushed through it and everything fell into place smoother than we could have hoped for.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a tattoo Artist I specialize in large scale, high detail realism tattoos that focus on strong storytelling and dynamic composition. My work often blends dark and light contrast, cinematic lighting, and intricate textures to create pieces that flow naturally with the body. I’m known for taking on complex projects like full sleeves and large narrative designs, working closely with clients to transform their ideas into bold, cohesive works of art. My style pulls inspiration from dramatic, painterly influences while maintaining a hyper-realistic approach that gives each piece depth, emotion, and long-term visual impact.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I believe the tattoo industry will always have some level of walk in availability, but it’s becoming more common for clients to research artists before committing to a tattoo. More people are seeking out artists who specialize in specific styles rather than choosing purely based on convenience. Because of that, I think appointments will continue to become the norm, while walk-ins will become less frequent over time.
Pricing:
- Full day sessions are 1500
- Consultations are free
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Ironwoodtattoocollective.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tattooedbyian?igsh=MTZhamo5cHRzaXZpaA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1bgST54HgQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
