ORVILLE
My name is Joshua “Orville” Vaughn. I go by Orville. I am based out of Kansas City, Mo. I have been tattooing since 2013. I am a Co-owner of Definitive Tattoo Gallery located in Midtown Kansas City. I specialize in illustrated, realism, portraits, neo traditional, and new school tattoos. I love tattooing things that are quirky and weird. My favorite tattoos come from when a client gives me their ideas and tells me to have fun with it.
I have been an artist for what seems like my whole life. I remember being in art class in the first grade and having my classmates tell me they liked my Pokémon drawings. I loved to do drawings for my friends and seeing how much it meant to them. That feeling of someone cherishing something that I created gave me a sense of purpose. I am grateful that I have found a way to turn my passion into my work. I am even more grateful that my passion is able to help others.
MIKEY
As long as I can remember I have been creating art. Growing up being inspired by cartoons and drawing comics, l knew at a young age, art was something I was going to do for the rest of my life. I started my
apprenticeship right after high school and did my first tattoo in 2007 and haven't stopped tattooing since. I am fortunate to have learned under some great mentors and have surrounded myself with talented artists that push me to do better over the years. I enjoy tattooing all styles; whether it's realism, illustrated, or traditional. From big to small, or color to black and grey!
I strive each and every day to give my clients the best possible piece. I love that my job introduces me to new people every day and allows me to travel. I am truly thankful for my clients who make it possible to do what l love so much and make a living doing so.
I got into tattooing later in life. I was 33 years old when I became an artist in 2010. Before that l'd been everything from a model to a ranch hand. I believe everything I did before tattooing has benefited me as an artist and a businessman. Tattooing, however is the only job l've had that's brought fulfillment at the end of each day.
I can tattoo any style but I specialize in color realism, color neo traditional and coverups. While each tattoo is rewarding in its own way coverups are my favorite. It's always a challenge to work within the parameters of a pre existing tattoo and it's rewarding when it disappears. While I enjoy all types of tattoos coverups are the most fulfilling at the end of the day.
I couldn't imagine doing anything else for a living outside of tattooing.
Seeing work come together is rewarding. Seeing people's self perception change for the better is truly fulfilling. Working with such talented people is inspiring. Every tattoo is a learning experience and I'm looking forward to learning more for a long time.
ASH
NATHAN
Nathan is a KC native and has been tattooing since 2019. Growing up, Nathan's creativity grew through the love of drawing, fantasy books, the outdoors, and tabletop role-playing games. He continued pursuing those passions at college in Denver, CO and began studying Game Art and Design.
After graduating he shifted his art direction from digital media and game art to paper and pencil tattoo designs.
In 2017 Nathan began his tattoo apprenticeship and became a licensed tattooer in 2019. He draws from his original passions of wildlife, nature, and fantasy to inspire his tattoo designs. Nathan primarily tattoos in traditional, neotraditional, and illustrative styles but has a wide skill set.
CHRIS
Hello, I'm Chris, a tattoo artist from Kansas City, Missouri, specializing in vibrant color tattoos in many styles. My passion for horror movies and the macabre has lead me to focus on horror themed pieces, but I don't limit myself to anything. I've been tattooing since 2010, and after initially focusing on American traditional, I discovered what I could achieve with realism and Neo traditional/ new school tattoos and evolved my style.
Beyond tattooing I have been a fine artist for over 25 years and enjoy just creating art in any medium, primarily with acrylic and oil paints. As Vincent price once said "A man who limits his interests limits his life", I also enjoy playing music and spending as much time as possible with my family. They are what drives me to succeed. I love hearing my clients ideas and what they are passionate about and turning it into a tattoo they can wear with pride. I strive to create a comfortable and positive experience for every client, ensuring they feel heard and confident in their tattoo design.
BROOKE
Hello, my name is Brooke Harpe. I’ve been a licensed tattoo artist in Kansas City since 2019.
My love for art started from a very young age. When I was in the 3rd grade, I used to make little comic books for my friends of our favorite characters. I’d get in trouble for doodles on my homework, or because I would only check out drawing books instead of reading books from the library. This love for drawing and storytelling transcend over time and led me to finding my one true love for the art of tattooing.
What I love most about tattooing, is that it is an art form that can be very therapeutic. Being able to create beautiful tattoos that are meaningful is one of my greatest passions.
I specialize in feminine tattoos with a focus on fine lines, black and grey, illustration, and dot work. I enjoy tattooing any nature based tattoos. Including florals, animals, and insects. I also enjoy tattooing mandalas, anime, traditional, and fantasy themed tattoos. I’m pretty open when it comes to subject matter, and I am not afraid of a healthy challenge.
Book your next tattoo with me by shooting me an email or calling the shop directly. Let’s make something amazing!
STEPHEN
I’m Stephen! I began my journey as a tattoo apprentice in 2022, and by March of 2024, I became a licensed tattooer. My life has always been influenced by art in one way or another. From trying to scribble Dragon Ball Z characters in my notebooks, to making music, I’ve always enjoyed creative outlets.
Something I truly appreciate about tattooing is all of the people I get to meet and connect with. Each tattoo comes with a memory, or a story, big or small. To me, it’s an honor to add to someone’s collection, whether it’s their 1st tattoo or their 50th. Tattoos provide a unique form of self-expression, and I enjoy being part of that process for someone.
When it comes to subject matter, I’m pretty open-ended. I like to try my hand at just about any style that comes my way. If you’ve got an idea for a tattoo, I’ll do my best to design something you’ll love. Some of my favorite things to tattoo are floral, anime/cartoons, traditional, and video game related designs.
Reach out to me by calling the shop, email, or through my Instagram. I look forward to collaborating with you!