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VELMA is the owner of the shop and a licensed & Insured Tattoo Artist in Washington serving the Vancouver & Portland OR Area since 2011.

I was born in Vancouver, Washington and have deep roots in the community, with family all over the PNW. In 2011, I moved to Portland to learn tattooing. My husband and I came back to this side of the river in 2018 and opened Arboretum Studios in 2019.

I primarily focus on nature-themed tattoos and coverups, but also love abstract ornamental designs and absolutely anything based in fantasy or psychedelia.

Lately I’ve been really enjoying tattooing fantasy-themed lady heads in and feminine figures in particular.

I love to challenge myself, and I do my best work when I’m pushed to the edge of my abilities. No matter how crazy your dream tattoo seems, throw it at me! I can probably find a way to make it a reality.

KAIA is a licensed & Insured Tattoo Artist, and Cosmetic Tattoo Artist in Washington serving the Vancouver & Portland OR Area since 2017

I was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico and originally had a career in social work. Burnt out I decided to train in cosmetic tattoo in 2016 and in 2017 had an opportunity to move to the PDX area. In 2020 I apprenticed under Velma to learn body art tattooing and became a full time body tattoo artist in 2022.

Things I like to tattoo:

Monster Girls - Whether from myth or a dream I love all kinds. I accept customs and have a few flash always rotating in all things horned, scaled, undead, or slightly creepy.

Folklore - It's not a coincidence that my handle is YOKAIa. I love folklore, myths, and all things yokai.

Anime - I am happy to tattoo your favorite manga panel, character, or if allowed my stylized version of characters.

Kawaii: From Sanrio to taking a concept and Lisa Frankifying it I'm always down to color anything fun. I prefer vaporwave color pallets appealing to all skin types but have all the pastels and don't mind getting fun with it.

Abstract: I am now wanting to do more abstract work like huge flowers covering entire body parts, or smoke/wave lines. Things that flow. I use Art Nouveau as a big inspiration

DOY is a licensed and insured tattoo artist in Washington, serving the Vancouver area since 2015.

Hello, everyone! I’m Doy and I was born in Quezon City, Philippines! I’ve traveled a lot and have always had love for art. I’ve been drawing since I can remember, learning techniques and foundation from my father. I moved to Vancouver in 1986, and have called it home ever since.

In 2015 I began my tattoo journey. I met Velma and have considered her a very good friend and excellent guide as one of the senior artists I’ve known throughout my career. I have a background in pencil portraits, comic book art, anime and manga, and sketch style. I range from minimalistic style, floral composition, Asian art, black and grey, to bright watercolors and full colored illustrative pieces. I only hope to add more to my skill set and look forward to growing more with Arboretum Studios and you!

ADDIE is a licensed & Insured Tattoo Artist in Washington serving the Vancouver/Portland area since 2024.

Hi, I'm Addie! You can also call me Pidgie. 

I started my tattoo journey in 2022. I apprenticed for about a year before I started working at Anchor Tattoo in Salt Lake City. After another year, my partner and I decided to move to Portland for his law school and now I'm here at Arboretum in Vancouver Washington!

I love experimenting with different subjects and styles and I'm inspired by cartoons, animals, insects, video games, and movies. I love tattooing bold thick lines and bright colors!

When I'm not tattooing, I'm usually at home painting, drawing, playing video games, or hanging out with my husband and two kitties. I also love to roller skate and I've been getting pretty good at chess. 

I love little gifts, if you'd like to tip with handmade items or trinkets I will treasure it forever <3

I'm excited to get to know you and create something that is uniquely you!

Melissa is a licensed & Insured Tattoo Artist in Washington serving the Vancouver/Portland area since 2018.

Hey Y’all!

Melissa here. Born and raised in Sarasota, Florida, I’m a Southern gal with an Aquarius spirit, boy mom and lifelong omnivore. I spent my early years training and performing with the circus which is still a huge passion of mine. 

I earned my BFA in Painting from the Pacific Northwest College of Art, and in 2018, I merged my fine art background with the world of tattooing. That shift has led to some exciting expansion in my art, allowing me to explore the human body as both canvas and subject.

My work is rooted in a deep love for the figure—whether it’s people, animals, flowers, or ornamental designs. I work in black ink, using stippling and pencil-shading techniques to build dynamic textures and striking contrast. My style brings together the sensibility and gesture of fine art with the bold aesthetic of tattooing.

Takayla is a licensed & Insured Tattoo Artist in Washington serving the Vancouver/Portland area since 2025.

Hi my name is Takayla! 

   I am super excited to be joining the Arboretum Studios team! I love tattooing ornamental, and nature based stuff!  I currently charge $100 an hour for black and grey and $150 for color! 

  Outside of work I love drawing, painting, being outside and being home with my 2 kitties! 

  I am super excited to see where this journey takes me!!

Mercedes is a licensed & Insured Tattoo Artist in Washington serving the Vancouver/Portland area since 2024.

I was born right here in Vancouver, Washington, but grew up on the other side of river in the Portland area! I’ve been making art and drawing since I could hold a crayon, so I’ve always wanted to be a professional artist. After years of working in retail and just doing art commissions on the side, I finally was able to pursue a tattoo apprenticeship. I apprenticed right here at Arboretum Studios under Velma, Doy and former resident artist Bella. I graduated May 1st 2025 and am so excited to continue exploring new styles of tattooing.

My style is heavily influenced by Neo Traditional, Illustrative Realism, and Cartoons. 

I enjoy drawing silly, fun flash, but my favorite thing is to do custom designs so that your tattoo can be something you really connect with personally!  Art and tattoos are expressions of joy and the human experience, so I like to figure out how to make your tattoo design really resonate with you