Meet Kimmi Gayle, a rising force in the UK tattoo scene! Her work strikes a sweet spot by intersecting rich colour realism, surrealist storytelling & elements, and fine art compositions. Based in Derby, where she co-runs her private studio The Grey Heron, Kimmi crafts large-scale pieces that flow effortlessly on the body. Kimmi‘s painterly approach, a deep understanding of colour theory, and her unique recipe of stirring styles turn each piece into a breathtaking experience. Whether she is diving into full sleeves or standalone panels, every project is treated like a living canvas showcasing her power of imagination, layered with precision and passion. From her early days of self-teaching to now working alongside top artists at conventions, Kimmi has carved out her position in the scene, a name to watch and remember.
For the readers who are not familiar with you, how would you introduce yourself?
Hi, I’m Kimmi Gayle. I’m a tattoo artist based in the UK, currently working from my private studio The Grey Heron in Derby, which I run with my partner. I specialise in colour realism, surrealism, and painterly styles, and I’m constantly working to push my technique and better understand design composition and colour theory further. Outside of tattooing, I’m big into climbing, snowboarding, and just being outside. Not a massive adrenaline junkie, but I do love the thrill.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
I didn’t have a deep fascination with tattooing before I started. It wasn’t something I grew up chasing. But the moment I picked up a machine, something clicked. That’s when I really felt the pull of it, the challenge, the creativity, the potential. The idea that there’s almost no ceiling to what you can try to achieve really stuck with me. With so many incredible artists constantly raising the bar, it’s become something I can fully commit to and keep pushing myself within. I’m always trying to get closer to that level.
How and when did you start tattooing?
I actually entered the world of tattooing in my early 20s. I spent the first couple of years learning at home before starting a proper apprenticeship. Looking back, I wish I’d done more research and gone straight into an apprenticeship. I think I’d be a lot further along in my career by now. But at the same time, I’m grateful for the path I took. Every step taught me something, and it’s shaped the way I approach tattooing today.
Where are you based?
I’m currently based in Derby, UK, where I work from my private studio, The Grey Heron. It’s a space I’ve built with my partner to offer a more personal, calm, and high-quality experience for our clients. While I’m proud to be based here, I’ve got a strong desire to travel more, especially for guest spots and conventions. There’s something really energising about being around other artists from different parts of the world, learning from them, and sharing ideas. It’s definitely a direction I want to explore more as I grow in my career.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in the UK these days?
The tattoo scene in the UK has grown massively in the last few years. The level of artistry now is honestly incredible – it feels like it’s evolving all the time. We are starting to have a stronger sense of community in certain corners, but also a healthy amount of quiet competition that really pushes people to keep refining their craft.
How would you define your tattoo style?
Somewhere between colour realism and surrealism, often with a painterly edge. I love working with soft blends and bold contrasts, creating pieces that feel expressive and composed, like they’re telling a story. Composition is a huge part of it for me, how a piece flows with the body matters just as much as the detail.
What kind of tattoo projects do you like to do the most?
I really enjoy working on panel pieces and full sleeves. I find them the most impactful, visually bold and well-balanced when they’re done right. Having more space to work with means I can be more deliberate with the composition, especially when it comes to flow and contrast across the body.
It also allows for more technical control, blending, detail, texture and gives the piece room to breathe. I enjoy creating something that feels complete from every angle, not just as a standalone image. These kinds of projects let me think more strategically and push my technique further.
What’s the main source of inspiration for your tattoos?
Truthfully? I just really enjoy the process. The act of tattooing itself – the technical side, the focus, the challenge keeps me interested. I wouldn’t say I have a deep emotional source of inspiration. I’m driven by a desire to improve, refine my technique, and try new things. I do get inspired by other artists, seeing what’s possible and figuring out how they’ve done it. That pushes me to experiment more and stay sharp. I think when you’re constantly surrounded by great work, it naturally makes you want to step your game up too.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
One of the biggest challenges now is trying to stay grounded while juggling everything that comes with being a tattoo artist today. It’s not just about doing the tattoo: You’re also building a business, a brand, managing bookings, content, admin, emails, client experience, and constantly improving your work. You have to wear about five different hats every day, and still show up creatively.
There’s also a pressure to stay visible online and make everything look effortless, when behind the scenes, it’s a constant grind. For me, the challenge is keeping my identity intact while building all of this. I’m naturally a bit shy and private, so putting myself out there on social media or being in the spotlight doesn’t come easily, but I know it’s part of growing.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
When your client smiles in the mirror, that’s probably the answer most artists would give, and it’s true. There’s something really satisfying about seeing that reaction after hours of focus and effort. It reminds you that all the behind-the-scenes work is worth it. It’s also from seeing my own progression over time. Looking back at older pieces, I notice the difference between the years. When something finally clicks in a piece, or a new technique works the way I hoped, that’s a big part of the reward, too.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
I’m still fairly early on in the convention side of things, but every time I’ve done one, I’ve come away with a new perspective. It’s intense, you’re working under pressure, surrounded by so many incredible artists, and constantly being watched. But I think that’s what makes it such a good learning experience. I tend to use conventions more as a way to push myself and take in what others are doing when I get a chance to! You see styles you’d never come across otherwise, and it just resets your standard. There’s a buzz to being part of that environment. It can be a bit overwhelming at times, but it’s always worth it.
Do you remember the first tattoo convention you ever attended?
Yeah, I remember it clearly. I was so nervous. It was the West Yorkshire Tattoo Show back in 2018! Just walking around seeing all these insane artists doing what they do best, all under one roof… it was overwhelming in the best way. I definitely felt out of my depth!
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
For me, it’s mainly about growth. Being in a room full of artists who are pushing boundaries forces you to raise your own standards. It’s the quickest way to learn by watching how people work, build their setups, and handle their pieces under pressure.
It is also a way to stay visible and connected in the industry. You can get stuck in your own little bubble at the studio, so conventions remind you that there’s a much bigger world out there to learn from. Whether it’s for networking, inspiration, or just challenging myself, it’s always worth showing up.
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?
To work, I’d say Lincoln Tattoo Convention is definitely a favourite. It’s always a great time, really good turnout, solid organisation, and a chance to meet loads of great people. I’ve actually gained quite a few long-term clients through working there, so it’s not just fun, it’s valuable for building solid relationships too. Another one I love is Gods of Ink. The array of artists there is unreal, it’s actually a bit overwhelming seeing that level of talent in one place. It’s the kind of convention that reminds you how far the industry has come, and how high the standard really is. I’d absolutely love to work it in the future, it’s definitely at the top of the list.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
Be ready to put in the work. Tattooing isn’t just about being good at art – it’s about discipline, patience, and constantly learning. And don’t just do it for the title. It might seem appealing from the outside, but the reality is a lot of long hours, pressure, and responsibility. If you’re not fully committed to improving, it’ll show. I’d also say: Do your research! Don’t rush in without understanding what it actually takes to build a solid foundation. Find a proper apprenticeship early and take it seriously, it’ll save you a lot of time and unlearning later on. And most importantly, stay humble. There will always be someone ahead of you, and that’s a good thing. Let it push you, not put you off. Keep your head down, focus on your own growth, and aim to be good, not just popular.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
There are a lot of artists I follow and learn from, mainly by quietly stalking their Instagram posts… but who doesn’t, right? It’s such a good way to study technique, composition, and how different people approach their work.
I take a lot of inspiration from artists like Waler Montero, Sasha O’Kharin, Natasha ANIMAL, Russell Van Schaick, and Oksana Lukianenko. They all have such a strong command of their style, and you can tell they’ve put years into refining it. The list goes on, really. I’m always finding new people to learn from. It’s part of what keeps things exciting.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
I’d say my biggest accomplishment so far has been opening The Grey Heron with my partner. It’s a private studio that reflects everything we’ve wanted to create: Calm, focused, professional, and entirely centred around the client experience. Having our own space to work in the way we want has been a huge step forward. Aside from that, just being able to look back at my older work and see clear progression is something I’m really proud of. I’ve still got a long way to go, but seeing that steady growth and knowing I’ve built it from scratch means a lot.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
I love drawing realism using pencil and charcoal, but would love to explore more colour art forms. But my career and other hobbies don’t really leave me much time for this.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
Right now, my focus is on refining my style and continuing to build a solid reputation within the industry. I aim to continually improve the quality of my work, focusing on composition, colour, and overall flow, and to challenge myself with every project. I also want to travel more, attend more conventions, and take on guest spots internationally. Long term, the goal is to be able to work anywhere in the world with ease, to have the kind of reputation and freedom that opens doors globally. It’s a big goal, but that’s the direction I’m working toward, step by step.
Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
Tattooing has given me a lot, and I truly believe that the more we support each other, the more the industry will grow in the right direction.
We all benefit from a stronger, friendlier scene, so sharing knowledge, promoting good work, and staying humble make a big difference. Especially in a time where everything is so driven by social media, even the slightest bit of support can go a long way. If you like an artist’s work, give it a follow, share their content, drop a like. You don’t always have to book in to show support, every bit of engagement helps push a profile further and keeps artists creating.
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