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.”

Justun Wanted is a tattoo artist whose work is as bold and rhythmic as Pittsburgh’s rock scene itself. Embracing the identity of “FATHER • ARTIST • ROCKER”, they create visceral, transformative tattoos rooted in raw power and emotional depth. Featured regularly through Rock N Forever Roll, Justun is known for collaborative projects that reimagine old ink into new statements, and for centering authenticity in every design.

“Ink for Impact 2025!! Hey Ho Lets go!! Can’t wait ! Last yr was phenomenal!! What a beautiful event to be part of along with all the work , care and foundation PAAR provides, the community and talent of everyone involved from those attending, the staff, volunteers, and amazing artists!!! This are beautiful moments of life that when we come together! Spread continued support, healing , hope and joy!!!”

Jay is a fine-line tattoo artist known for their meticulous attention to detail and signature use of ultra-thin, delicate linework. Their minimalist, intentional style brings a quiet power to each piece they create.

As part of the PMA Tattoo team, Jay has become a valued presence—recognized not only for their talent, but also for the thoughtful, grounded energy they bring to the studio and the clients they work with. Their work reflects a deep sense of care, precision, and creative integrity.

“I love that tattooers are coming together to empower survivors. Informed consent and trust are the most important part of my relationship to my clients. My goal is to create an environment that fosters healing and provides catharsis to those who have been hurt. It is also a beautiful thing to see how the Ink for Impact has been able to connect survivors to tattooers who really take their experience seriously and want to make them feel safe. Come on out and get some cool tattoos! This event is full of some of the sweetest and kindest souls in the industry, you don’t wanna miss it :)”

Erin has been a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s tattoo scene since 2006. As the longest-tenured artist at Kyklops Tattoo, Erin is celebrated for an illustrative tattoo style that gracefully merges botanical motifs, fantasy elements, Art Nouveau, and traditional aesthetics. Her portfolio frequently features richly detailed flora and fauna, as well as emotive pet portraits, all executed in both color and black & gray.

Beyond tattooing, Erin’s creative spirit flows into multiple artistic pursuits: she’s an amateur herbalist, candlemaker, miniaturist, painter, and a published novelist, all of which reflect her wide-ranging creativity and dedication

“I’m honored to be part of Ink for Impact for the third year in a row, and excited to work alongside friends to support such a valued cause! Tattooing is my life, and to be able to use it to bring this community together and help people on their healing journey is absolutely everything.”

Jade Tierney is a dedicated tattoo artist based at Black Horizon Tattoo in downtown Pittsburgh. Their professional presence and strong local ties are evident in their curated portfolio and active engagement with the tattoo community. With a thoughtful aesthetic that includes illustrative elements—such as delicate moth details on a half-sleeve—Jade’s work reflects both skill and care.

“There is a lot of truth in saying that tattooing is “ink therapy”, and being a part of this event is one of the many important ways we can support survivors and give them a voice.”

“Me and the all the other artists at Black horizon tattoo appreciation the opportunity PAAR gives us to use our craft to help those affected by sexual assault and bring a bit of positivity back into the community.

Tattoos are a way of dealing with life.  It’s something we can take with us everywhere we go as a reminder of our strength and resilience weather it’s to signify a past struggle or a piece of art that brings us joy.”

“PAAR is especially important to me because their services have directly helped me.

When I was 18 I sat in a hospital room extremely scared and alone. It was the morning after I was r*ped by someone I trusted. The only person in that room with me was a PAAR advocate who sat with me through the rape kit and BELIEVED me. Without her, I don’t know if I would have made it through. It wasn’t the only time something like that happened to me and in some cases I didn’t even realize what had happened until years later.

This story is mine, but it’s very similar to many others. Maybe to yourself or someone you know. It was why PAAR and the work they do is so important. I feel really honored to “return the favor” to PAAR by participating in this fundraiser.

Wicked Widow Tattoo focuses on centering women and making a safe space for all despite all of our collective negative experiences. In the front of the shop, I will be keeping these designs in my flash book and if anyone wants them after the event. The proceeds from these designs will go towards PAAR.  Their services are vital!! I’m honored to tattoo alongside such talented artists, to fundraise for this incredible cause, and be surrounded by a powerful healing community.

Love yinz! See you October 5th”

“Returning for Ink for Impact’s third year is so exciting. Participating and being witness to the positivity this event brings, the massive growth in just three years, and the chance to connect with so many people is a wonderful experience.”

Hello! I am Crystal Flora, a passionate queer tattoo artist with over a decade of experience in the tattoo industry, complemented by more than 20 years as a professional artist. My artistic journey has led me to specialize in vibrant color work, where I explore a diverse range of styles including neotraditional, watercolor, fantasy realism, black and grey realism, and fine line work.

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Co-Owner of Kindred Spirit Tattoo, Kristin Hawk has been professionally tattooing since 2016. She spent her first years cutting her teeth in the fast-paced street shop environment of the heart of Pittsburgh’s South Side. Kristin is known for her large- and small-scale florals as well as cute and pop culture pieces with nouveau traditional influences.
She welcomes fun clientele looking for everything from large traditional pieces and fun neotraditional florals, to horror-influenced pin-ups and tattoos based off internet memes.

“I think the impact of tattooing as a form of healing cannot be understated. Seeing a person reclaim their autonomy, their hope, their power, their sense of self; through a tattoo, is an incredibly moving experience to witness, let alone be a part of. It’s a privilege to play a role in such a special moment in another person’s life. Whether a piece is small or large, the intention it is created with, alongside what it represents to the wearer, can be so beautifully transformative.”

I love working with the character archetypal art. Struggle, beauty, the muse – symbolism that is timeless brings my work to life. I have a love for both black, gray and color tattoos. I always orient the imagery to accentuate the natural strengths of the body that is wearing the art.

I love working in large pieces. Fully body compositions are some of my favorite work.

“Art is all I’ve wanted and all I’ve known for a really long time. From drawing covers for Punk Rock 45s when I was 15 to the first time I picked up a tattoo machine when I was 18, the journey has been eye opening.  Now tattoo is my everything”

Peter J Larkin III began tattooing in Cleveland, Ohio in 2004. He worked at several shops before finally making the move to Pittsburgh in 2009, where he quickly became a pillar of the Kyklops family—helping to define the course the shop would take over the next 15 years. Pete’s signature style of tattooing can be described as illustrative traditional, incorporating neon and classic color palettes.

An award-winning artist, he is equally well-versed in a variety of techniques, including large-scale work in both black & gray and color. Apart from tattooing, Pete enjoys painting flash, traveling, and reading. He’s known to his friends as an active gamer and a taco enthusiast, as well as a clown memorabilia collector. 

This is my first year participating in Ink for Impact and I’m so excited to join this ever-growing fundraising event for such an important cause. Tattoos have a magical way of transforming and reclaiming our bodies with art and stories. Sometimes tattoos can offer deep healing, some are used as decoration to feel more comfortable in our skin, and some tattoos are just funny conversation pieces.

Whatever the reason, they offer an open-book type of connection to the world.

I feel lucky to be involved in this industry and especially with this event that will provide incredible support to our community members in need. 

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“This is my first year participating in ink for impact and I’m so stoked to be raising money and awareness for PAAR – a cause that resonates on a deeply personal level! With tattoos we can reclaim our bodies with intentionality and agency – so I can’t think of a better way to uplift other survivors. See you there!”

This is my first year with Ink for Impact benefiting PAAR, and I couldn’t be more excited to meet you all! Tattooing is by far the most rewarding art I have ever practiced, and I am so psyched that this is my job.

Every day I feel incredibly honored to be trusted to decorate your vessels. There is no greater power than reclaiming your body through tattoo art and making yourself feel more at home in your skin.

Award winning artist with 10 years experience with a deep passion for the supernatural, paranormal, horror, dark fantasy, and sci-fi genres. Specializing in Biomech, Blackwork, Photo Realism, and Neo Traditional styles. He is also highly skilled in Watercolor, Geometric, and floral/botanical designs across various styles.

Additionally, he has years of experience in Cover Ups and reworking old tattoos. From small, delicate designs to larger, intricate pieces, Mark is dedicated to providing exceptional tattoo artistry.

SPECIALIZES IN: Black and Grey Tattoos (limited color), Traditional Tattoos, Illustrative Tattoos, Cartoon Tattoos

“I’m thankful to be a part of this amazing event again! Ink for Impact allows us to come together, do what we love, and support our community. I’m extremely grateful that my art allows me to be a small part of what PAAR does.”

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Coming Soon