About Kendra: Meet The Artist Behind The Ink

Silhouette of a single rose in a glass bottle against a light background, mimicking black and gray floral botanical realism tattooing.
Black and white photo of sand dunes with smooth, flowing shapes, reminiscent of ink flow.
Kendra Barker is a Salt Lake City-based female tattoo artist specializing in black and grey tattoos, fine line work, and full-back or sleeve tattoos rooted in realism and symbolism.

Hi there, I’m Kendra — a Utah-based female tattoo artist specializing in custom black and grey tattoos, detailed fine line work, freehand abstract and botanic designs inspired by nature, delicate shading, and large-scale tattoos rooted in realism and symbolism.

My home base is The Dark Arts Tattoo Collective in Midvale, UT.

Even before becoming a tattoo artist in Salt Lake City, I was always painting, sketching, and exploring every artistic medium I could get my hands on. I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember.

Art has never been a side passion — it’s been my purpose. The language I speak, the lens I see through, and the calling I return to every day.

What fulfills me most is designing tattoos that become part of someone’s personal evolution — not just something to wear, but something that shifts how they see themselves.

Whether it’s a full-back black and grey realism piece, an abstract body concept, or a delicate fine line design, I am passionate about the expressive power of ink. I want it to move with you, to feel like it was always meant to be there.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment — or the right artist — to mark the personal transformation you’ve been craving… you might be exactly where you’re meant to be.

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Black & Gray Realism Tattoos. Designed to move with your body. Built to transform how you see yourself.

INTRO: A PERSONAL STATEMENT

Tattooing is the most human art form I know. It’s Permanent. Intimate. Alive.

It’s one person marking another — through story, trust, and skin. For me, that connection is sacred.

I approach every tattoo as a collaboration, not just between me and my client, but between their vision, their body, and the energy we create together.

Some people come to honor a transformation. Some to reclaim their bodies. Others come because it’s time — even if they don’t yet know why.

No matter the reason, my role is to listen deeply. To be fully present. And to create something that feels like it’s always belonged.

Whether we’re creating an illustrative realism portrait, a black and grey sleeve, or a fine line design, I’m here to help craft something deeply personal — art that speaks volumes and lasts a lifetime.

I don’t want to just give you a beautiful tattoo. I want to give you the experience of being seen, artistically reflected, and forever changed.

full back tattoo of a black and grey fine line dragon with cherry blossoms. delicate shading and details, gorgeous custom tattoo.

MY STYLE AND SPECIALIZATIONS

My style blends fine line detail, illustrative realism, delicate shading, and a deep respect for how tattoos move with the body. It marries softness with powerfluid composition with emotional gravity.

I specialize in black and grey tattoos, with occasional splashes of color, that feel powerful, poetic, and personal — whether they’re rooted in nature, mythology, memory, or abstract symbolism.

My favorite projects include full back tattoos, sleeves, abstract body concepts, and large-scale designs that wrap and evolve with the body’s natural form — or multi-session collections of small to medium tattoos that unfold over time.

I work best with people who are open, collaborative, and ready to create something they’ve never seen before. Whether you’re starting with a single meaningful piece or ready to begin a larger project, I’m here to help you bring that vision to life.

If you’re looking for a female tattoo artist in Salt Lake City who specializes in custom, detailed, black and gray tattoosI’d love to hear from you.

best tattoo artist near me in Midvale, Utah, working on the best black and gray fine line tattoos

HOW I WORK: PEEK INTO MY PROCESS

Every tattoo I design is one-of-a-kind — crafted specifically for you, your body, and your vision.

The process starts with intention. Whether you already have a detailed concept in mind or just feel called to get tattooed, we’ll work together to curate your unique artistic experience.

Once you’ve submitted your inquiry, I’ll review your ideas and desired placement, ask clarifying questions if needed, and confirm whether I am the right fit for your project. If so, we’ll move forward with booking info and a deposit.

I typically book in half-day and full-day sessions — allowing time for deep focus, flow, and the space to make something we’re both truly proud of.

Designs are shared on the day of your tattoo appointment, so we can make any changes in person and work with the energy of the moment.

My goal is to make this more than just a tattoo — a meaningful and exciting experience — one that honors your body, your story, and the trust you’re placing in me.

Still have questions? Take a look at my FAQ page, which goes into even more detail about what the experience will look like.

Queer-friendly tattoo artist in Utah

READY TO BEGIN?

If something inside you feels pulled — trust it.

Whether this is your first tattoo or the next chapter in your collection, I’d be honored to help you create something lasting, soulful, and truly yours.

If you’re searching for the best tattoo artist in Utah for a piece that means something — art that marks a shift, honors your truth, or helps you feel more like you — we might just be the perfect fit.

I strive to offer a safe, body-affirming, and human-centered tattoo experience.

My space is LGBTQ+ friendly, trauma-informed, and judgement-free — open to all bodies, all identities, and all stories, from all walks of life.

Whether you’re here to reclaim your skin, mark a personal transformation, or simply adorn yourself in something beautiful, you are welcomeexactly as you are.

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