Meet Knives, Tattoo Artist & Piercer

Knives is a tattoo artist and piercer at American Ink in Sherman Oaks. She's Colombian and Puerto Rican, and she grew up around art — with a mom and an uncle who are both artists — which turned into a deep, lifelong passion for art and music. That path led her to become a fine-arts artist and a musician who plays many different instruments, and it shapes everything about how she approaches body art: an illustrator's eye for composition and a real love of detail.

In the tattoo world, Knives specializes in patchwork designs with lots of fine lines — detailed, carefully placed pieces that reflect her diverse artistic background. Horror movies are another of her passions and often inspire her artistic creations. She brings a fresh perspective and a willingness to push creative boundaries, and she enjoys collaborating with clients to bring their ideas to life, so each tattoo leaves the shop as a unique piece of art.

Knives' journey into body art began with piercing, where she developed a reputation for precision and a gentle touch. Her expertise covers all types of piercings, from simple earlobes to intricate body piercings, performed with strict hygiene protocols and a focus on keeping the experience safe and comfortable. She wears her own facial piercings too, so her placement and aftercare guidance comes from day-to-day lived experience, not just the other side of the needle.

When she's not at the Sherman Oaks shop, you'll find Knives studying, honing her craft, or in band rehearsal — balancing life as an artist and a student keeps her constantly engaged and evolving. Whether through music, visual art, tattooing, or piercing, she's dedicated to expressing creativity in all its forms. Reach out through American Ink to start working on your unique project with Knives.