Kai Nivo

Kai is a Columbus-based LGBTQ+ tattoo artist currently in his second year of tattooing, but art has been part of his life for about as long as he can remember. He's been drawing since he could pick up a crayon, spent years studying art, and grew up surrounded by creativity with professional artists in his family.

That artistic background is a big part of the way Kai approaches tattooing. He genuinely loves hearing the ideas people bring to him and working together to turn those ideas into a design that feels personal to the person wearing it. He also spends a lot of his time creating original artwork and loves getting the opportunity to tattoo his own concepts and designs.

For Kai, the collaborative part of tattooing is just as important as the artwork itself. Whether someone walks in knowing exactly what they want or only has the beginning of an idea, he enjoys talking it through, exploring the possibilities, and creating something they're excited about. As an LGBTQ+ artist, creating a welcoming and comfortable space where people can be themselves is especially important to him.

When he isn't tattooing or drawing, Kai is usually taking care of his cat, Ferguson Bishop the 2nd, and his bunny, Lotis-Otis. He also loves being outdoors, taking care of his plants, gaming, and anime.

Kai looks forward to the people he gets to meet through tattooing, the stories and ideas they bring with them, and continuing to grow as an artist with every piece he creates. Most of all, he's excited to work with clients to create art they're genuinely happy to wear.