STUDIO REPORT 001

GDWKS STUDIO REPORT 001

(because 'newsletters" are for marketing companies trying to sell you shit.)

This will be different.

I promise that.

CONTENTS

|| brief

|| roadmap

|| flash release

|| travel

|| brief

There's so much to talk about but to choose what is most important is hard. With everything going on in the world i feel a communal and inherent guilt that comes with being an artist. I spend hours drawing, tattooing and most importantly conversating clients -- to distill that experience into 4:3 post or a 15 second video almost feels unauthentic and dilutionary. i want to show you but often i refrain.

the unfortunate reality is that my job relies on posting in an unrewarding, cluttered, and overpopulated space. the vicious cycle of feeding to machine in hopes that it returns the favor.

In this imperfect and clunky world, we must continue with purpose. 

This space i intend to serve as an extended, directors cut version of what i wish to share on Instagram-- a continuation of the experience i cultivate during my tattoo sessions, a way to extend that experience to those in which that experience may be financially or physically out reach at the moment.

Tattooing has made me a lot of things but most importantly its been a driving force in my life to change. Not in a pursuit to change because i thought i was awful but because i wanted to be be ME. everyday, every tattoo i make, every client i spend time with makes me feel closer to that-- and for that i am forever grateful. For that, i want the same for you.

Tattooing is a lot of things but above all, its authorship. I encourage you to not only get tattoos that align with your true self but to also ask yourself how that version of you interacts with the world. What life do they live? who do they surround themselves with? how does becoming that person make you feel?

I encourage everyone to take that level of autonomy over their bodies. at its core tattooing is an act of rebellion. Stand out, resist the curated forms were told to become and most importantly, become YOU.

It's challenging.

its worth it.

It's transformative

It's worth it.

become you

It's worth it.

|| 2026 roadmap

The beginning of the year started with a very unexpected but extremely grateful opportunity. Bed of Roses closed its doors for its final days. A place that housed me and many peoples creativity for years. BUT that door closed so we could team up with the talented crew over at Heart Tattoo.

A new name, a new location, a new crew and a whole lot more to offer. Together Tattoo Studio.

all that, although exciting delayed a lot of what i had planned for the year. I had a project "PIECES" that i was hoping to start and complete before my wedding in march (which im very excited about!). I will be starting that shortly and very very excited to share that with you all once its done.

merch. merch. merch.

 I have always loved merch, cause who doesn't love little ways to personalize your space. i have been mulling over ideas that feel non-dilutionary and ultimately further extensions of my art. Its not a matter of if but a matter of when.

shirts, stoneware, decor, prints.

Out of those, 5"x7" prints of my paintings are AVAILABLE. sold at the shop, and hopefully online soon.

more soon.

|| flash

march-april

At the center of tattooing is servicing your community--and because of that i will as always be taking on custom tattoo requests. People often ask, what do you really want to tattoo right now? honestly the answer is anything. i just wanna tattoo and as long as its something I'm capable of, I will guide you with the best advice to make it look best.

BUT

i will continue drawing/painting what has been inspiring me and encouraging those to get them. As seen in previous works, I am a big fan of organic patterns. I've continued that exploration in two ways: large and small designs.

// large

The majority of my work moving forward will be large concepts starting with sleeves, to multi limb projects. My intention is to explore the energy flow of the body and accentuate those forms through blackout shapes, negative space and organic patterns.

these are heavily curated projects made with intention but I'm not delusional and there are just so many cool things that i don't have time to draw. Please, let these be a playbook of inspiration for our next convo. I'm happy to develop these further and collaborate with you to fit your body and needs.

// small

My paintings serve as a world building exploration of contrast through the use of negative shapes, organic patterns, and a limited palette. currently, animals have been a large focus of mine.

|| travel

currently I have no plans to travel but am not opposed to it. i have been wanting to tattoo in these cities below. If you or your friends would like to get tattooed please reach out and lets see if we can make it work.

Austin, TX

Portland, OR

San Diego, CA

Chicago, MI

Boston, MA

|| thank you

from the bottom of my heart, thank you. to new faces, and especially the ones that have been rocking with me for years.

I (literally) cant do this without you and im forever grateful for the life you all continue to let me live.

don't hesitate to reach out with any questions, im looking forward to hearing from you all.

with love,

Ian