Meet the 2026 Artists

Jess is a veteran tattoo artist blending bold Americana, tribal, and Japanese-inspired imagery into every piece they create. With over a decade of professional experience, their work is defined by clean lines, attention to detail, and a collaborative creative process.

Proudly rooted in the Pittsburgh scene, Jess balances local energy—“Damn, I love this city”—with global artistic exploration. At Ink for Impact, they’ll be offering a curated selection of flash pieces informed by their signature styles.

“I am happy to be back at PAAR’s Ink for Impact to celebrate community, hardship, beauty and resilience. Tattooing is a powerful catalyst to healing and I am grateful to offer it for those in need.”

“I’m beyond excited to be involved with the Ink for Impact event benefiting PAAR. Helping others by doing what I love most is an incredible opportunity. It’s an honor to be even a small part of something that has positively impacted so many lives. One of the most rewarding aspects of this job has always been the people you meet and the connections you make along the way. Tattooing is often a part of a person’s healing process, and it’s always humbling to share that moment in someone’s life. I can’t wait to spend the day with what will surely be an amazing group of people and the fantastic artists at this year’s event.”

I’m thrilled to be involved with PAAR for a second year at Ink for Impact.

This is an awesome opportunity to meet new people from the community, hear their stories, and adorn them with beautiful art.

I’m thankful for every person who relates with my art and gives me the chance to express my artistry!

Tristan Coyle is a Pittsburgh-based tattoo artist currently working at City Bird Tattoo. Tristan brings his artistic eye and individual style to each piece he creates. We’re excited to welcome Tristan BACK to the 2026 Ink for Impact artist lineup!

“Hi! It is my second year with Ink for Impact benefitting PAAR and my first year being a featured artist for the event!! 

I look forward to participating in Ink for Impact every year, and am so grateful to have been selected for some of the merch (along with the incredibly talented Marisa Mathews ♥️)!! Supporting survivors through the art I used to reclaim my own body is a dream come true.

Getting tattooed and being a tattoo artist has made me so much more comfortable in my skin and I am incredibly honored to be trusted to make people feel more at home in theirs.

I can’t wait to meet and chat with you all this year. Thank you for supporting me, PAAR, and getting tattooed!”

“Feeling seen, believed, and cared for after a traumatic event is such an integral part of recovery, and I’m excited to contribute to an organization that has helped so many people, including myself and others in my life. I’ve been very fortunate to have mostly positive experiences in tattooing and enjoy sharing the kind and caring side of the craft with others.”

“Hello! My name is Jay and this is my fourth time at Ink for Impact.

I’m once again honored to support this amazing cause to enable PAAR to continue their important work in our community! This is truly a special place where like minded individuals can come together and create a safe space for survivors of sexual violence, and raise awareness for those who may need their services in the future. Bodily autonomy and consent are the very foundation for my career as a tattooer, and I think this event raises important conversations about the way tattoers should interact with their clients. Never let an artist make you feel uncomfortable and unheard when you are making permanent changes to your body! You deserve to be in control of every step in the process. This event is a great tool to connect people looking for a safe tattoo experience to the tattooers who can provide that for them. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth tattoo, come on down and see us! We are here for you!”

Hi! My name is Kristin Hawk and this is my second year participating in PAAR’s Ink for Impact Event. I

’m a ten-year tattooer and owner of the Kindred Spirit Tattoo Company, specializing in stylized opaque black and gray/color traditional tattoos.

I’ve tattooed in multiple states and received awards in community service through art and tattooing, through Allies and similar organizations.

Ink for Impact is one of the strongest events in giving the incredibly resilient victims of sexual violence a voice and the ability to wear that resilience on their skin. It’s a place where everyone, ally to affected, can gather and show their ever-present support.

I count myself incredibly privileged to get to help PAAR reach goals that have become so difficult in recent years to fund, helping prove that we are stronger together and that we the collective understand how important it is to gather in the name of making the world a safer place for those we love around us.

“I am so excited to be part of Ink for Impact again!! For me, every tattoo I get makes me feel more at home in my own body.  It brings me joy to be able to do that for other people as well.  Tattooing has completely changed my life for the better and I am so grateful I get to give back to the community this way!”

Art serves as a universal language that educates, inspires, and motivates people. It helps them process complex emotions, express themselves, and build empathy and connection with others and the world.

Happy to join ink for impact again this year to raise awareness, and tattoo people for a meaningful cause.

John Shook is a Jr. Artist at Golden Gaia Tattoo. His focus is incorporating his paintings, and styles of art, into future tattoo projects. 

Shook also curates The Endonaut, Pittsburgh’s Visionary Art Gallery, exhibiting several local and out of state artists that is located inside Redfishbowl Studios. 

Saint Ember is a Pittsburgh-based tattoo artist specializing in conceptual, storytelling tattoos that turn personal ideas, memories, and imagined worlds into lasting art. Blending magical realism, the macabre, and the unexpected, their work explores the space between beautiful and strange, creating pieces that feel deeply personal and intentionally unconventional.

With a background in graphic and architectural design, Saint Ember approaches each tattoo as a composition rather than a collection of images, considering how every element works together to create a larger narrative. Founded in 2023 and based in Castle Shannon, the studio is a place for turning unusual ideas into artwork with meaning, atmosphere, and a story of its own.

Very excited to be part of the event this year! Last year I volunteered to get a feel for it first. I’m very grateful to help raise funds for such a meaningful organization alongside so many talented artists!

I love exploring traditional and illustrative styles in bright bold colors.  I love funny or whimsical tattoos and I’m motivated to continue trying new styles as I am in my 2nd year of tattooing! 

Matt has a fine art background and comes from families of both artists and engineers. Tattooing seemed like a natural profession to fall into.

Connecting with clients and bonding over all of nerd-dome is what allows tattooing to be a true passion.

Matt also has experience with Japanese imagery, illustrative tattooing, as well has photorealism and portraiture.

“I’m so honored to join PAAR for ink for impact this year, and to be able to work alongside so many wonderful people for a truly great cause! The work PAAR does means so much to me and so many others and provides services that can sometimes be hard to come by when it’s needed the most. I’m greatful for this opportunity and to be able to help my community!”

“After following and dropping by to support this event last year, I knew I HAD to go the extra mile for Ink for Impact 2026. As a queer tattoo artist, the right to bodily autonomy is such a core value of mine. Any opportunity to help others take back their bodies and heal from past experiences feeds and heals my own soul.”

Sam Bojanac has been tattooing since 2022 just outside of the Pittsburgh area at his second home, Studio 42. While his artistic background makes him diverse in many different styles, he best enjoys American traditional, neo-traditional, new school, or anything in between. His creativity best comes out through the expression of funky colors, perspectives, or downright silly and lighthearted subject matter.

Sara Eve has studied tattooing for over 15 years and tattooed for over 9 of those years. They specialize in ‘American Traditional’, Illustrative, Botanical as well as Cover up tattoos. Sara Eve strives to provide a respectful and open art space for their coworkers and clients alike.

“Cactus” Zach Walter is the owner and tattoo artist behind Permanent Incorporated Tattoos in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Known for creating timeless, custom tattoos and building genuine relationships with clients, Zach believes great tattooing is about more than ink—it’s about trust, craftsmanship, and community.

Outside the shop, he’s always looking for opportunities to be part of something bigger than himself. Whether it’s volunteering, collaborating, or serving communities beyond his own comfort zone, he’s driven by the idea that meaningful work can leave a lasting impact in more ways than one.

Hey yinz! My name is…

Emilie Darlene

I’m a Pittsburgh (McKees Rocks) native, and I’m 25 years old.

Painting was my first love in the art world. I’ve been making art since I could walk. I now not only enjoy painting, but drawing, digital art, and most notably tattooing.

My favorite styles are American Traditional and Illustrative Blackwork. I have been in the industry for 6 years, tattooing for 5 1/2, and own Wicked Widow Tattoo!

Hi! My name is Mik, and I’m so excited to work alongside PAAR this year. Tattooing has granted me the unique opportunity to see so many people take agency over their past hurt and turn it into something beautiful. I’m very much so looking forward to meeting (and tattooing) new people and hearing their stories!

Moth (She/They) is a tattoo artist focusing mainly in Traditional and Kawaii illustrative styles.

She loves tattooing anything bold, colorful, glittery, feminine, nostalgic/vintage, silly, and nerdy. Her warmth and bright personality are on full display both through her art and while you are in her chair.

She is dedicated to providing a thoughtful, warm, inclusive, and safe environment while you get tattooed. Bodily autonomy and consent are the baseline of what she believes herself & other tattoo artists should be providing their clients. When Moth is not tattooing or helping run BCBA she is spending time with her daughter, playing video games, collecting dolls and miniatures, or making plush taxidermy.

I can barely find the words to express how excited and honored I am to be joining Ink for Impact this year! Bodily autonomy and consent is something that is so important to me in my career, as a woman, as a mother, as a survivor, the list can go on and on.

Being able to help people reclaim their bodies and heal in this way is truly so transformative. PAAR is so important and necessary for Pittsburgh and I am so humbled to be able to contribute to an organization that does such amazing work for a city I love so dearly. 

COMING SOON

“Hi I’m Maisie 🙂 10 years of diverse tattooing for all walks of life. Find me with the Kindred Spirit girlies.

Kate has been tattooing since 2020 and this will be her first time attending Ink for Impact.

Specializing in illustrative tattoos she loves to work in high contrast color and black and grey.

Aside from tattooing, Kate enjoys playing Dungeons and Dragons, reading comics, and visiting cafes!

COMING SOON

Hilary Felix is the founder of Daisy Beauty Studio in Aspinwall, where she leads a team of nail artists.

She holds a BFA and leverages extensive artistic training to deliver one of a kind experiences for clients.

 In the studio you’ll find two talented artists, Lili and Gia.

We strive to provide a comfortable welcoming environment for all people.

The three of us love getting to know our clients and being a safe space to explore wearable art.

Pickles (our shop dog) and the Daisy girlies hope to welcome you in soon. 

I have been working at Antinas Salon in Carnegie for all three of my wonderful years in this industry, I am all about turning nails into tiny canvases!  

As a true artist at heart, I love getting creative with unique designs, fun details, and all things nail art. Whether it’s something bold and funky or cute and intricate, I’m always excited to bring my clients ideas to life and show off my artistic side one nail at a time!

Hey y’all! (in Pittsburghese)
I’m Salma, the sole owner and artist for SyxSets (pronounced “six-sets”, a play on the word “success”) and I’m so excited to be apart of the Ink for Impact initiative this October!

My passion for nails began my freshman year of college at the University of Pittsburgh as I wanted to provide accessible, affordable and personalized nail enhancements for student on campus!

What I thought would be a hobby turned into a small business, and I’ll be celebrating 4 years in the nail industry. I love the creativity, therapy, and clientele relationships built through my services. Truly has been an amazing journey and I cannot wait to grow further. Thanks for the opportunity PAAR!

Outside of SyxSets, I am an accounting professional, dog mom, traveler, foodie, concert enthusiast, and yoga lover. Hope to see you at the event!

COMING SOON