Derrell Owen is featured on the cover of the June issue of Ink Legends Magazine.
In this exclusive interview, he shares his journey as a tattoo artist, his passion for realism and custom black-and-grey fusion work, and how he continues to push himself through detail, composition, and large-scale projects.
Can you please start by introducing yourself and telling us about your journey as a tattoo artist?
My name is Derrell Owen, and I’m a tattoo artist focused heavily on realism and custom black-and-grey/fusion work. As an artist, I’m always trying to evolve. Social media has also played a huge role in my journey because it’s allowed me to connect with clients and other artists around the world, showcase my work, and continue building my brand. My goal is to keep growing, creating high-level tattoos, and leaving people with artwork they’re proud to wear for life.
Your style is versatile, with a strong focus on realism. How would you describe your artistic style, and what drew you to this direction in tattooing?
What drew me toward realism was the challenge behind it. It requires a lot of patience, precision, and attention to detail, and I’ve always enjoyed pushing myself technically as an artist. I became obsessed with studying light, texture, facial structure, and flow to make tattoos look as natural and dynamic as possible. At the same time, I never wanted to limit myself creatively. I like combining realism with strong composition, color, texture, and bold design choices to create pieces that feel unique rather than just copied references. For me, the goal is always to create tattoos that not only look impressive technically, but also fit the person wearing them and tell a story.
Has there been any recent project that challenged you and made you feel especially proud of the final result?
I try to challenge myself on each piece I create. I want to push my boundaries everyday and become better and better over time. I’ve been working on a lot of larger scale pieces and the several sessions prove to be challenging since my head will be in a different creative space every time I come back to a new session, so it adds a fresh new perspective every time I sit down to start tattooing.
How do you approach the design process when balancing your artistic vision with your client’s ideas?
I like to get the general shapes and layout nailed down with the client and then let my mind wonder from there. I love meshing several elements into one piece while maintaining the feel the client ultimately wants.
You own a tattoo studio. What are the main values behind your studio, and what kind of experience do you aim to offer your clients?
My main idea was to have a private place where I can get to know each client that comes in personally to establish a relationship with them that’s deeper than an art and money transaction. I like having a space where my female clients can also feel safe and respected when tattooing more intimate places on the body. My last vision was to be able to put all of my energy into one person, one design, and one vision.
Have you experienced any turning points that significantly shaped you as an artist?
evolved and more confident then when I started. When you push yourself to your limits, that’s when you grow, not in comfort.
What do you enjoy most about being a tattoo artist, and what still challenges you the most today?
I love every aspect from consultation to design to the big day. Each and every interaction is unique and no day is the same. I love meeting new people and hearing the stories behind their pieces. It’s all just a very spiritual thing for me and I’ll never do anything else.
What’s the next step for you in your career, and is there anything exciting you’re currently working toward?
I’m wanting to start traveling later this year to conventions and then in a few years begin traveling overseas and staying a few months at a time to learn and grow with world class artists. It’s my dream to tattoo all over the world, and I’ll keep working hard until I accomplish it.
Apart from tattooing, how do you like to spend your free time and recharge?
I love carpentry, farm work, and hanging out with my Maltipoo, Rosie. I’m not a stationary type of person so I like to keep moving around and doing differen
Written by Lenka Banyarova. Published June 6th 2026