Hello!
I created this section so you can get to know me better! I’ll talk about my background, where i’m from, what inspires me, and anything else I can think of! <3
I’m Gnaski (pronounced guh-nash-gee), an Orlando-based tattoo artist. As an LGBTQ artist, I strive to create a welcoming and inclusive space for all my clients. My passion for art began at a young age and has been a huge part of my life ever since. My earliest memories of drawing started with making fanart of my favorite shows and movies like Bakugan Battle Brawlers and Transformers. I was a big geek then, and I’m an even bigger geek now!
I grew up in rural Oklahoma, surrounded by farm animals and wide-open spaces. As a quirky kid and a HUGE animal lover, I was always surrounded by a menagerie of horses, cows, chickens, pigs, dogs, and cats—practically all the farm animals you can imagine. Before I discovered my passion for art, I was set on becoming a veterinarian. However, I thankfully changed course to focus on what I truly love. Though my path shifted, those experiences have shaped me and are now a cherished source of nostalgia.
In my downtime, you can usually find me nose-deep in manga or binge-watching anime with my partner. And if I'm not doing that, chances are I'm falling down the rabbit hole of TikTok videos—it's a bit of an addiction, I'll admit. When I'm not glued to my phone screen, I'm all about digital illustration. Drawing is my go-to escape from the chaos of everyday life. Oh, and did I mention I'm a proud pet parent? My place is practically a mini-zoo with a number of furballs running around.
My Story
Specialty:
Anime, Pop Culture, Character Portraits, Kawaii, Illustrative, Video games, Pin-up, OC (Original Character) Portraits
Experience: 3+ years
My favorite anime? My Hero Academia, Inuyasha, Wolf's Rain, Chainsaw Man, and one of my new favs Dungeon Meshi!
I lean towards an anime-inspired illustrative style; however, I'm always down to exploring different styles. I love doing anime/manga/kawaii tattoos, but I can do a variety of different designs and styles; the only style I'm not comfortable with is realism. But I've already been working towards getting better at it just so I can have the skill under my belt
What styles do you do?
I’ve been an artist my whole life. I was the aloof kid in class more focused on doodling than actual school work. Growing up in a small town in Oklahoma, the idea of turning my art into a career seemed like a distant dream. It wasn't until I neared the end of high school that I seriously considered pursuing art professionally.
After graduating from high school, I pursued my passion for art by earning a bachelor's degree in digital art and design from Full Sail University. Throughout my education, I immersed myself in various aspects of design, gaining expertise in branding, video editing, motion graphics, and even delving into the realm of 3D design. However, my heart has always been dedicated to illustration, where I find the most fulfillment and creative expression.
What’s your background?
Ironically, becoming a tattoo artist wasn't even on my radar at first. Growing up in a town where tattooing was a niche and pretty elusive field. I knew I loved drawing, and the only job I knew about that seemed possible for me was graphic design, so that's what I pursued. But my fascination with tattoos never went away, and I often found myself sketching tattoo designs for friends and for fun.
When I moved back to Florida from Oklahoma, I had to figure out how to start over professionally. Even though I had a background in multimedia design, finding a job in my field was tough, and my job history gap kept growing. Still, something told me to give Orlando another shot. During this time, I stumbled upon a chance for a tattoo apprenticeship. Despite the fear of starting over and the huge time commitment, I leaped at the opportunity.
What really pulled me into tattooing was the sense of community and freedom to express myself fully. I'm a bit awkward, but I love interacting with people and hearing their stories. I really cherish that sense of community, and I hope to one day build a tight-knit community of my own.