STORIES BENEATH THE SKIN
Tattoo artist working across fine line, blackwork, realism, traditional, Japanese, color, and custom illustrative styles. Every piece is designed individually for the person wearing it.
I grew up surrounded by art. In Adana, Turkey, my earliest memories are of watching my father paint, sculpt, and create. I was fascinated not only by what he made, but by the decisions behind every brushstroke — why one color was chosen, why one line existed, why one shape felt complete. Friends and clients often call me Gio or Gheo.
Art was not something I discovered later in life. It was the language I grew up speaking.
My first encounter with tattooing came through travelers I saw on the beaches of Turkey. Their tattoos were different from anything I had known — not simple marks, but detailed compositions that carried identity, memory, and emotion. I understood then that skin could become a canvas. That idea stayed with me.
Over two decades later, tattooing has become my way of exploring the relationship between art and the human experience. My background in fine arts and design shaped my understanding of composition, structure, and balance. My journey through different cultures and studios shaped my understanding of people, stories, and the deeper meaning behind each tattoo.
Versatility is my style.
Every idea requires its own language. The style is only the tool — the story is what gives the piece meaning.
A tattoo is not simply an image placed on skin. It is a memory. A transformation. A personal symbol. A moment captured permanently. The most meaningful part of my work is the connection created between artist and client — the conversations, the trust, and the process of turning an invisible idea into something tangible.
My inspiration comes from many places — painting, electronic music, mountain biking, travel, museums, nature, and the endless variety of human experiences. Life itself is a collection of stories. Tattooing is my way of preserving them.
HOW IT WORKS
We discuss your idea, placement, scale, and style direction — whether you have a full concept or just a feeling you want to express.
Every tattoo is developed individually, considering body structure, composition, line quality, and how it will age over time.
A professional, comfortable, and personalized experience where communication is always encouraged throughout.
Detailed aftercare guidance covering cleaning, healing expectations, and long-term protection of the artwork.
IN DEPTH
Every tattoo moves through the same stages, from the first conversation to the healed result — each one treated with the same level of care.
Every tattoo begins with a conversation. Whether you have a fully developed idea or only a concept, symbol, image, or feeling you want to express, the first step is understanding your vision.
During the consultation, we discuss:
The goal is to create a piece that feels intentional, personal, and naturally connected to you.
Each tattoo is designed individually with careful attention to detail, balance, and longevity. A successful tattoo is not only about the image itself — it is about how that image exists on the body. Every design is developed by considering:
My approach is to create tattoos that look exceptional today and continue to age beautifully over time.
Before beginning, we take time to finalize placement, scale, and any necessary adjustments. During the session, I focus on creating a professional, comfortable, and personalized experience where communication is always encouraged. Your comfort, trust, and confidence in the process are important parts of creating great work.
The tattoo process continues after the appointment. Proper healing is essential to preserve the quality, details, and integrity of the artwork. Each client receives detailed aftercare guidance covering cleaning and moisturizing, healing expectations, what to avoid during the healing process, and long-term tattoo protection. See the full aftercare guide.
A well-healed tattoo reflects both the quality of the artwork and the care taken afterward.
I believe tattoos are a form of personal expression — a combination of art, design, and individual identity. My goal is not simply to place an image on the skin, but to create a piece that feels natural, meaningful, and uniquely yours. Every project is approached with attention to artistic direction, technical precision, composition, detail, and the relationship between the tattoo and the individual.
Whether the concept is highly realistic, minimal, abstract, or symbolic, the focus remains the same: creating a thoughtful piece of art designed specifically for you.
My work spans a variety of tattoo disciplines, allowing each project to be approached with the style and technique it deserves — realism, micro realism, fine line, blackwork, geometric, abstract, calligraphy, botanical, and custom illustrative work. Each style requires a different approach, and the design process is adapted to achieve the best possible result for the concept, placement, and individual client.
The body is an important part of the artwork. A well-designed tattoo considers more than just the image — it considers how the piece follows the natural shape, movement, and proportions of the body. During the design process, placement decisions are made with attention to visibility, flow and balance, detail preservation, and future aging of the tattoo.
The right placement allows the artwork to become part of the body rather than simply sit on top of it.
A tattoo is a long-term investment. Several factors influence how a tattoo ages: appropriate sizing, proper placement, technical execution, healing process, skin care, and sun protection. Especially with detailed styles such as realism, micro realism, and fine line, thoughtful planning is essential for maintaining clarity and quality over time.
To ensure the best possible tattoo experience:
A prepared body creates a more comfortable session and supports better healing.
A tattoo is a personal decision and a collaborative process. From the initial consultation to the healed result, my goal is to provide an experience built on clear communication, professional guidance, attention to detail, a comfortable environment, and a final piece you are proud to wear.
Every tattoo carries a story. My role is to help translate that story into a lasting work of art.
IN THE CHAIR
Every project is approached with attention to artistic direction, technical precision, composition, and detail — whether the concept is highly realistic, minimal, abstract, or symbolic. The focus remains the same: creating a thoughtful piece of art designed specifically for you.
GUEST SPOTS
Follow @cihanpohrenk on Instagram for the latest guest spot announcements.