About the Artist

I like to describe my style as the natural world in twisted and unnatural ways. 

I enjoy playing with themes of the surreal, dark, magical and whimsical. Working only in black ink, I focus my attention on the little details creating varying textures with dots & lines, balanced by sections of black and negative space. Nothing calms my brain like clean & smooth patterns, textures, and little details.

I am dedicated to creating unique custom tattoos for each and every one of my clients. Each piece is intentionally and carefully designed to fit, form, and flow with the unique shapes and curves of each individuals body. To me, this part is crucial so i strive to create with the body and not against it.

Find me on @PhiaWalla

Starting my tattoo career,

I started my tattoo apprenticeship in 2019 in my home town, Kansas City Missouri. I walked into a street shop September of that year with my little sketches in a portfolio feeling sick to my stomach with nerves. I've dreamt of doing tattoos since I was a little kid and hyper fixated on all things body art & modification for as long as I can remember. I finished my apprenticeship and got my license a year later in 2020 and moved to NYC soon after.

I don’t know how 7 year old me knew exactly where i needed to be, but I can’t imagine doing anything else with my life. This art form is deeply meaningful to me and my passion for it grows and develops every day. 

As someone who never felt at home in their body, tattoos have been a way for me to bring my insides out. To make my body my own. As I put more and more of myself on my skin, I slowly learned what it feels like to fully rest inside of it. Changing my skin has allowed me to live in it, and slowly but surely my body has stopped feeling alien to me.

The opportunity to help facilitate this experience to my clients is the true highlight of my career. Tattoos can have such a powerful and profound impact for many. I’ve noticed this especially for queer and gender diverse people, and those who have/do struggle with their mental health. For me this deeper emotional side of the practice is an integral part of the art form as a whole.