Where Art Meets Purpose.
I’m Kate Connors — a tattoo artist, educator, and advocate specializing in both decorative and paramedical tattooing. With a focus on trauma-informed care, safety, education, and artistry, I create meaningful work for clients and help shape a stronger, more ethical tattoo industry.
Something meaningful, finally ready
AREOLA RESTORATION
I’m offering a gift to 3 incredible women ready for the next step in healing through areola restoration.
This work goes beyond the surface — it’s about reclaiming your body, confidence, and story.
In return, I ask to share your journey and before/after images (always anonymous + with consent) to help others feel seen and supported.
If this speaks to you or someone you love, reach out. I am here to help.
Services
Decorative tattoos are custom designs created for artistic expression, personal meaning, or aesthetic beauty — each piece tailored to reflect your unique story and style.
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My decorative tattoo work blends technical skill with emotional storytelling — transforming skin into a meaningful canvas. Whether you’re drawn to realism, watercolor, abstract elements, or something deeply symbolic, each piece is custom-designed to reflect you.
I specialize in coverups that reclaim the skin, turning past marks into new art with purpose and beauty. Every design is approached with care, intention, and a commitment to creating something that feels personal, powerful, and uniquely yours.
From subtle details to bold statements, I work closely with each client to craft tattoos that honor your story and speak to your sense of identity, artistry, and transformation.
Paramedical Artistry
Paramedical tattoo artistry supports recovery and confidence by addressing scars, surgical sites, and other skin changes through specialized, restorative tattooing, including areola restoration.
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Paramedical tattooing is a specialized practice that bridges art and care, offering support to those who have experienced surgery, injury, or trauma. This work goes beyond aesthetics — it’s about restoring a sense of wholeness, dignity, and ownership over one’s body.
I work with clients who are healing from procedures such as mastectomies, skin grafts, and other medical interventions. Through detailed tattoo techniques, I offer services like areola restoration, scar integration, and restorative designs that honor each person’s unique healing journey.
As a trauma-informed practitioner, I approach every session with compassion, consent, and sensitivity — creating a safe space where clients feel seen, respected, and supported. I also collaborate with medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, oncologists, surgeons, and specialists, to ensure a seamless and thoughtful experience for those referred to this care.
Paramedical tattooing is not about hiding — it’s about reclaiming. And every mark I create is rooted in the belief that healing can be both physical and emotional.
Tattoo Education
Tattoo education empowers artists to grow in skill and ethics, uphold safety standards, preserve the legacy of tattooing, and provide trauma-informed, compassionate care to every client.
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Education is at the heart of everything I do — not just as an artist, but as an advocate for safety, integrity, and ongoing growth within the tattoo industry.
As a Board of Directors member, professional member, and Chair of Education for the Alliance of Professional Tattooists (APT), I’m deeply invested in advancing standards, preserving the history of our craft, and promoting a more informed, ethical, and inclusive industry. I focus on educating not only tattoo artists, but also clients, medical professionals, and the general public about what responsible tattooing truly means.
I regularly write articles, engage in open discussions, and collaborate with others to raise awareness around topics such as:
- Trauma-informed care in tattooing
- Safety and disease prevention
- Client rights and consent
- Professional ethics and boundaries
- The evolving role of tattooing in healthcare and personal recovery
In the near future, I’ll be teaching the Preventative Disease Transmission in Tattooing (PDTT) course and hosting webinars designed to keep artists informed and clients protected. My work is rooted in continual learning — consistently updating my own education to better serve the community I care so deeply about.
True education in tattooing isn’t just about how to tattoo — it’s about how to practice with awareness, accountability, and purpose.
Curious About What’s Possible?
Inquire today to explore how we can work together.
Team
Coming Soon: A Collaborative Healing Team
I’m in the process of building a trusted network of professionals — including therapists, somatic practitioners, and trauma-informed care specialists — to offer deeper support alongside restorative tattooing. More details coming soon.
If you’re a licensed professional interested in being part of this mission, click here to inquire.
APT Featured Member
The Alliance of Professional Tattooists (APT) selected Kate as their very first Featured Member, recognizing her dedication to safe and professional tattooing. As part of this honor, they conducted an interview highlighting her journey, industry insights, and commitment to maintaining high health and safety standards. It was an incredible opportunity for her to share her passion and contribute to the tattoo community.
ProTeam Artist – Sponsored by Purklenz
I’m proud to be a ProTeam Artist sponsored by Purklenz, a trusted leader in tattoo aftercare and skin prep. As an artist who prioritizes safety, skin health, and quality, I choose products that align with my standards — and Purklenz delivers.
About Purklenz:
Purklenz is a professional-grade antimicrobial skin cleanser developed specifically for use before, during, and after tattooing and other skin procedures. It helps reduce the risk of infection, keeps skin clear of harmful bacteria, and supports a clean healing process — all without harsh ingredients. It’s gentle, effective, and made to support both artist and client.
As a sponsored ProTeam Artist, I use and recommend Purklenz in my studio to ensure every tattoo starts — and ends — with the best possible care.
Testimonials
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I have 3 pieces from Kate and I get almost daily compliments. Wish I lived closer now so I could get more! All the thumbs up!
Bethany H.
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Kate is an artist. I asked her to cover up an old, blown out tattoo and she took my vague vision and created a true masterpiece that I am absolutely… read more
Jenn
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Kate did a thigh piece for me a few years ago, and I am still so thrilled with it to this day. It was EXACTLY what I had envisioned, she… read more
Dareth C.
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She did 3 amazing pieces for me . They mean so much to me and she did and amazing job.
Teena B.
Portfolio
Contact
Request a Free Consultation
Share your ideas, your goals, and let’s create something meaningful together.
News
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Red Flags to Watch Out for in a Tattoo Artist or Shop
Red Flags to Watch Out for in a Tattoo Artist or Shop Getting a tattoo is a permanent decision, and choosing the right artist and shop is crucial for both the quality of your tattoo and your safety. Unfortunately, not every artist or studio upholds the high standards necessary for a safe and professional experience.…
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How to Prepare for a Tattoo: A Complete Guide
How to Prepare for a Tattoo: A Complete Guide Getting a tattoo is an exciting and meaningful experience, but proper preparation is key to ensuring the best possible outcome. Whether it’s your first tattoo or one of many, following these steps will help make the process smooth and comfortable. 1. Choose the Right Design and…
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MRIs and Tattoos: What You Need to Know
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a powerful diagnostic tool used to create detailed images of the body’s internal structures. However, for those with tattoos, concerns about safety, discomfort, and potential complications during an MRI scan have been raised. Here’s what you need to know about how tattoos may interact with MRI procedures. Can You Get…
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Varicose Veins and Tattoos: What You Need to Know
Tattoos are a great way to express yourself, but if you have varicose veins, you may wonder whether it’s safe to get inked over them. Tattooing over varicose veins comes with unique risks and considerations that both clients and tattoo artists should be aware of before proceeding. What Are Varicose Veins? Varicose veins are enlarged,…
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Psoriasis, Eczema, and Tattoos: What You Need to Know
Tattoos are a beautiful form of self-expression, but certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema, can complicate the tattooing process. If you have one of these conditions, it’s crucial to understand why tattooing over affected areas is not recommended, the causes of these conditions, and available treatments to help manage them. Why We Cannot…