hi, i’m kristen!

fineline tattoo artist + tattoo educator

Kristen, fineline tattoo artist, sitting cozy, holding a mug of matcha.

⊹ self-taught tattoo artist

⊹ studio owner, Golden Days Studio

⊹ new mama ◡̈

  • I have always been into art & design and have always always always been creating in some form. I was in an art academy in high school, taking classes like fine art, drawing, graphic design, photography, etc. This is the first time I mentioned “it would be dope to be a tattoo artist” — but then I never talked about it again for about 10 years. In 2019 I came across a tattoo shop, Karma House (in Bali) on instagram. They were doing ceremonial tattoos and I thought it was so beautiful and sacred, unlike anything I’d seen or experienced in the tattoo world. It opened my mind to a whole new world of possibilities – a bridge between human connection, healing, and artistry – and I immediately grabbed my sketchbook and wrote down that I was going to become an intentional tattoo artist + any steps I could think of to get there. I started getting ads on instagram for stick and poke tattoo kits so I bought one, did one on my toe, and then all my friends started asking for them (god bless ‘em). It turned into a business — tattooing out of my van — that organically grew over a few years. I eventually switched to the tattoo machine, started making 6 figures, and opened my own studio. I’ve gotten so many cool opportunities and experiences, like being able to travel with tattooing, and even getting to tattoo some of my favorite artists! I have endless gratitude because I truly never thought I would make a career or living from art. From the start it has always been equally about the tattoo experience as it is about the art itself. My approach is calm, warm, and deeply reverent of the intimate energy exchange that is the tattoo experience. My hope is that your tattoo experience feels like an exhale — a pause to honor who you’ve been, who you are, and who you’re becoming. It’s the greatest honor to get to hold space and be a part of so many people’s journeys and life stories – and so cool + humbling to know they are carrying that art with them forever.

  • I currently specialize in fineline, floral & ornamental tattoos, but I am always growing, learning, evolving, and open to exploring new styles. I have an endless drive to improve my craft and bring the things that inspire me into my artistry.

    My Work + Reviews

  • I opened Golden Days Studio in early 2025! It’s a multi-concept space in Buffalo, NY that is home to a collective of mindful tattoo artists, as well as a space for wellness and community. We have weekly yoga and pilates classes, events, and a coffee + herbal tea and elixir bar. Every detail of the studio was thoughtfully designed for warmth, well-being, and a beautiful, peaceful tattoo experience :)

    Studio: Instagram | Website

  • I typically open my books around the middle of each month for the following month. All booking is done through Vagaro, and I share any updates on my Instagram. If the booking link says “disabled,” it just means my books are currently closed. I’m not able to take custom tattoo requests through DMs or email — thank you so much for understanding!

    Check out this page for more booking info !

  • Because I’m a self-taught artist, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to find the right education, resources, and guidance when you’re starting out. That’s what inspired me to begin teaching! I truly love teaching, sharing my journey, and being a guide for others, and it’s been so fulfilling to witness my students stepping into their artistry!!

    I currently offer my signature ‘Fineline Foundations’ course where I teach not only the technical and creative aspects of tattooing but how to turn it into a successful and soulful career — with mindfulness and intentionality. It’s a self-paced digital course with tons of resources and opportunities for further mentorship and guidance.

    You can check it out here!

A tattoo of flowers and leaves on a person's arm, featuring a large peony, smaller flowers, and botanical details.
A person's arm with a hummingbird tattoo and their hand resting on their forearm, showing long nails painted with a white base and black star-like designs.
A tattoo of a vintage frame surrounded by lilies with delicate script inside.
A person's arm with a floral tattoo, featuring a detailed flower and leaves.
Close-up of two hands in prayer with tattoos and jewelry, one hand showing the word 'breathe' and the other hand, two small butterflies.
A tattoo on a person's upper arm of a continuous line drawing of a dog with a flower and leaves.
Person with long dark hair showing a floral peony tattoo on their forearm, wearing a beige sweater and jeans, sitting on a cream-colored couch with a wooden armrest, partially obscured by green plant leaves.
A tattoo of a snake intertwined with flowers, rays of light emanating from a circular halo around the snake's head, on someone's arm.
A tattoo on a person's side that reads 'sweet like cinnamon' in small, black, lowercase letters.
A woman sitting on a wooden chair with her legs crossed, wearing a multicolored dress and showing a floral tattoo on her upper thigh.
A tattoo of two dandelion flowers with the words 'POSTAL' and 'Scotland' on a person's forearm.
A person's leg with a delicate tattoo of a vine with leaves running along the thigh and calf. The person is wearing sandals and is standing next to a large beige vase with tall pampas grass.
A person's upper arm with a floral tattoo design featuring large peony flowers and leaves.
A close-up of a person's neck and shoulders featuring a delicate necklace tattoo with the word 'amor' in script in the middle.
Close-up photo of two hands with red and white flame nail polish and a diamond engagement ring on the ring finger of the left hand. The second finger of the left hand has a tiny tattoo of the letter 'j' in script.
Tattoo of a hummingbird and a quote on a person's forearm, with manicured nails featuring star and moon designs.
Newlyweds, bride and groom, getting tattooed by Kristen at their wedding reception!
Line art tattoo of a flower and decorative ornamental on a person's arm.
Tattoo on person's arm says 'Right Here, Right Now' in black text.
A person's leg with a delicate line art tattoo of a vine with leaves spiraling from thigh to ankle, wearing blue shorts and black sandals, standing next to a vase with pampas grass.
Close-up of a person's shoulder with a black tattoo ornamental tattoo of sun rays, and dotted lines.
Back of a person with a floral tattoo featuring large peony flowers, leaves, and an ornamental design in the center on the upper back.
Black outline tattoo of roses and leaves on a person's forearm.
A black and white tattoo of a sleeping cherub with wings, resting its head on its hands, with some text below.
Line art tattoo of an olive branch with leaves and olives on the person's upper arm.
A black-and-white side profile of a man with a buzz cut, beard, and tattooed neck reading 'Patience'.
A smiling woman with glasses and dreadlocks, showing a tattoo of three figures on her upper arm, sitting on a beige leather surface in a room with wooden floors and cluttered background.
Line art floral tattoo on forearm featuring various flowers and wheat stalks.
Close-up of Kristen tattooing 'good things are coming'.
Line art tattoo of an ornamental with leaves on a person's forearm.
A tattoo on a person's forearm featuring a line art drawing of a pomegranate, flower, and leaves.
Line art tattoo of various flowers on a person's arm.
Trevor Hall being tattooed by Kristen on his tour bus.
Kristen tattooing Emory Hall while Trevor Hall looks on and takes a photo.
Kristen tattooing Emory Hall on tour bus.
Close-up of a person’s arm with a butterfly tattoo, the number '444' tattooed three times, and other tattoos visible on the arm. The person is wearing black jeans and a black shirt, with a smartwatch on their wrist and rings on their fingers.
A person's thigh with fineline floral among other tattoos.