Aaron Nelson

Though Matthew Edewaard has worked as a professional tattoo artist for nearly 14 years, he considers himself a singer, songwriter. "Tattooing is a day job that lets me do what I love," he said. In 2015, Edewaard competed on American Idol and he is currently working on an EP with his band when he isn't working at Area 51 Tattoo in Springfield, Ore.  

Benjamin Wolfe of Eugene Tattoo and Body Piercing has practiced visual arts for over 13 years. After working as a photographer for the adult lifestyle brand Suicide Girls in his home state of Arizona, he changed directions. Wolfe decided to move to Eugene to pursue glass blowing and now specializes in black and white realism tattoos. "I needed a change, and I found it here," Wolfe said.

Greg Byerly, owner of Cry Baby Ink in Eugene, Ore., began his career as a tattoo artist 17 years ago. After ending his career as a professional fighter, Byerly met an artist while working in a night club who convinced him to get his first tattoo. "I had always thought that they weren't for me," Byerly said. "But then I got one and I have been addicted ever since."

Sweeney, who has gone by the single nickname since it was given to her by a veteran artist whom she idolized, began designing tattoos during her early teenage years. When she expressed interest in becoming a civil engineer, Sweeney's mother pushed her to pursue her true passion. She began her career working in the permanent make-up industry, and has now devoted 15 years to tattooing.

Originally from San Luis Obispo, Calif., Mikal Hansen moved to Eugene to find a community of creative individuals like himself. Hansen began as a graphic artist selling prints, and has been tattooing at Memento Ink in Springfield, Ore., for four years since, where he focuses on color and new school styled pieces.