Bringing Designs to Life: A Conversation with an Artist.
At the heart of every great tattoo is a story; sometimes bold, sometimes quiet, often personal. And behind every story is an artist, translating feelings and fragments of ideas into something tangible, and ever-lasting. For this special article, we caught up with four phenomenal artists, each with their own unique voice, style, and approach to creativity with their clients. We wanted to get an inside peek behind the curtain…how do they bring their clients designs to life in such unforgettable ways?
From Dayton Ohio to Huntsville Alabama, black and grey to vibrant color, loose ideas to fully realized visions, this is a look into what really happens when an artist meets with a client, and when the magic starts to take shape.
Hip (Justin Shelpman) – Vivid Realism with a Surreal Edge / Social Graces Tattoo, Miamisburg OH
Justin Shelpman; known in the tattoo world as Hip, is the creative force behind Social Graces Tattoo Studio in Miamisburg, Ohio. A longtime artist with a passion for both surrealism and bold, vibrant realism, Hip brings a deeply human element to every project he touches. His tattoos are known for their flow, their emotional tone, and their ability to turn even the most abstract feelings into impactful imagery.
When it comes to starting a design, Hip prefers to meet in person whenever possible. “It gives us a chance to connect and talk things through more naturally,” he says. That connection is everything. For him, the most meaningful tattoos come from mutual trust and openness. When a client doesn’t have all the answers, but is willing to explore the possibilities with him. “I enjoy working with clients who are open-minded and trust the process, even if they’re not totally sure what they want yet,” he explains. “Once that connection is there, I get genuinely excited about what we can create together.”
Hip approaches each concept like a thoughtful conversation. He asks key questions to spark new ideas. Things the client may not have considered. It’s a collaborative discovery process, aimed at uncovering something personal and unexpected.
The most vital part of the process is design for Hip is how a tattoo fits and flows with the human form. “If the design is weak on the front end, the tattoo (even if well executed) will be weak,” he emphasizes. “Fit, flow, and form are uber important. The design should complement the body part it is going on.” That sensitivity to form is something he’s honed in on over the years, and it's what makes his large-scale pieces feel so intentional and alive on skin.
When asked to describe the signature marks of his own style, Hip offered a humble shrug. “I have no idea. I can’t see my style. I know others can,” he says. “I feel as though I am just another drop in the bucket.” But anyone familiar with his work would disagree. His surreal, color-saturated imagery, often grounded in emotion or personal symbolism, carries a voice that is unmistakably his.
There’s a quiet intensity behind what Hip does. A desire to create a lasting connection through his art. With every single client, he’s not just designing a “piece”; he’s offering them a moment of transformation, guided by empathy, intuition, and a damn good eye for flow.
Kyle Cotterman – Light, Legacy, and Legendary Realism / Owner @ Distinction Tattoo, Dayton OH
If you truly know realism tattoos, you know the name Kyle Cotterman. Based in Dayton, Ohio, and owner of Distinction Tattoo, Kyle has been a standout in the industry for over a decade; pushing the boundaries of color realism and setting new standards for what’s possible with ink. His work is instantly recognizable: luminous, bold, full of movement and emotion. You don’t just see a Kyle Cotterman tattoo… you feel it.
When a client brings him a rough idea or even just a feeling they want to capture, Kyle doesn’t immediately jump into sketching. He tunes into the emotion behind the concept. “Usually what first comes to mind is to figure out the mood,” he says. “Are we making things happy and cheerful, dark and scary, etc.?” Once that emotional tone is clear, the design can start to take shape, elevated by Kyle’s signature eye for detail.
And while many artists find joy in the early brainstorming stages, Kyle finds his sweet spot at the very end. “The last 15 minutes is the best,” he says. “All the hard parts are done. The blood, sweat, and tears are in the rearview. All you have ahead is a few enjoyable minutes where you can finally put the finishing touches on the tattoo and watch it all come together.” Especially in realism work where the full picture only truly clicks in during those final strokes. This part of the process is where everything locks into place.
A huge part of Kyle’s reputation comes from his work with pop culture portraits. From superheroes and sci-fi icons to hip-hop legends, actors, and musicians, he brings fan-favorite figures to life in a way that feels both nostalgic and cinematic. His portraits often glow with a subtle internal light, something he’s currently drawn to as part of his evolving artistic style. “Right now, I’m into anything that puts off a glow or light,” he shares. “Little hints of something glowing can really add character to a piece and change it dramatically.”
What sets Kyle apart is his technical talent, and his ability to fuse inspiration with clarity. His tattoos embody the subject matter. He captures essence… whether it’s the fierce stare of a legendary hero, a subtle wrinkle or laugh-line, or the quiet power of a musical icons facial expression. There’s something nearly indescribable about the power of his work. Bold, emotional, and undeniably his own.
And like any true artist, he welcomes growth and change. “I love the evolution of an artist and the different directions they can go,” he says. “It keeps things exciting.” Through that constant evolution, one thing stays the same: when you see a Cotterman piece, you know.
Timmy Grounds – Depth, Contrast, and Quiet Confidence / Social Graces Tattoo, Dayton OH
At Social Graces in Dayton, Ohio, Timmy Grounds is steadily making his mark through a quiet but powerful approach to black and grey, and monochromatic tattooing. He’s not one for big proclamations or flashy hype. In fact, he’d probably be the last to describe himself as anything special. But those who’ve sat in his chair or studied his work know the truth: Timmy’s tattoos carry weight. They hold emotion, atmosphere, and the kind of detail that pulls you in.
When a client comes in with a loose idea, maybe even just a thought or a feeling, Timmy doesn’t try to steer them toward a specific image right away. Instead, he listens with a capitol “L”. “I start asking them what kind of imagery might make them feel that way,” he says. “Or what do they instantly think of when they have that specific thought?” The process is a true conversation, a back-and-forth where he offers ideas, responds to their reactions, and helps shape abstract feelings into something visual and meaningful, and timeless.
Timmy’s favorite parts of the process is, fittingly, both the beginning and the end. “I love doing the consultation and having that back-and-forth,” he explains. “Seeing their eyes light up when we can design a concept together is such a special moment.” But just as meaningful to him is the final reveal, especially when the tattoo is tied to a deeply personal story. “At the end of the tattoo, I like to see how happy and excited they are with their new artwork,” he says. “Especially if it's an emotional piece about sacrifice or survival.”
His style is rooted in contrast, visually and emotionally. “High contrast shows up in every design I do,” he says. “I love using it. I think it really brings some dynamic imagery to life.” In his hands, blacks feel richer and shadows seem to breathe. There’s an intentionality in every stroke, every transition. The tattoos aren’t trying to be loud, but they carry a quiet strength that sticks with you.
Timmy’s work is unassuming and intimate. Focused not on spectacle, but on impact. He doesn’t chase trends or force a particular aesthetic. He simply lets each piece evolve naturally, guided by the story behind it and his own steady hand. In a world that often rewards noise, Timmy shows that there’s power in stillness, clarity in simplicity, and artistry in restraint.
Errick “Rock” Long: Bold Color, Emotional Precision & Deep Connection - Platinum Koi Tattoo / Huntsville, AL
Errick “Rock” Long isn’t just known for his jaw-dropping tattoos—he’s known for the way he makes people feel. As the owner of Platinum Koi Tattoo in Huntsville and the founder of the HuntsVegas Tattoo Expo, Rock has become a respected force in the tattoo world. But ask anyone who’s worked with him—client or colleague—and they’ll tell you the same thing: he’s the real deal. Thoughtful, skilled, and genuinely invested in the stories behind the art.
At the heart of Rock’s process is empathy. “The first step I take in bringing a client’s vision to life is listening closely to the story behind their motivation,” he explains. “By understanding and connecting with the emotional significance of their idea, I’m inspired to create from their perspective.” That level of care shows in every line he draws. Whether it’s a tribute, a transformation, or a deeply personal chapter, Rock brings the story to life with clarity, grace, and intention.
Once the idea starts taking shape, his creativity kicks into high gear. “The design stage is where it all comes to life,” he says. “Ideas get pushed, refined, and reimagined—until it feels just right.” That perfectionism doesn’t come from ego, but from pride in his craft and deep respect for what tattoos can mean to people. And it’s not just about the client experience. Rock’s a generous presence in the tattoo community, known for celebrating others’ work as much as his own.
Visually, Rock’s work is unmistakable. His use of bold, saturated color and intricate detail brings a painterly intensity to every piece. Whether it’s a powerful animal portrait, a symbolic figure, or a surreal blend of both, there’s a richness in his tattoos that makes them feel alive. You don’t just see his work—you feel it.
For Rock, tattooing isn’t about chasing trends or applause. It’s about creating something that lasts—technically solid, emotionally resonant, and deeply personal. He’s a rare mix of artist, technician, and friend. And that combination is exactly what makes his work so unforgettable.
The Creative Thread
While their styles, backgrounds, and studios may differ, there’s a powerful throughline connecting each of these artists: the drive to create something honest and lasting. Whether it’s Hip’s vibrant surrealism, Kyle’s cinematic realism, Rock’s emotionally charged nature pieces, or Timmy’s high-contrast black and grey work, each tattoo starts with intention and ends in transformation. Snapshots of healing, memory, strength, and identity.
What stands out most in this conversation isn’t just the technical brilliance (though there’s plenty of it). It’s the depth of care. Every artist featured here takes their time. And not just in the design and execution, but in the overall understanding of the person and concept behind the idea. They ask questions. They listen closely. They collaborate with openness and humility. That’s what gives their work longevity. That’s what makes it hit different.
In a world where speed and spectacle often overshadow substance, these four artists remind us that the real magic of tattooing lies in connection: between vision and execution, between artist and client, between idea and emotion. It’s that shared space… that messy, inspired, deeply human shared space, where the best of art comes to life.
