INTRODUCTION

A woman with glasses and piercings tattooing a person's arm in a tattoo studio.

I’m Kimmi Gayle, a tattoo artist based in Derby, UK. I began tattooing at the age of 20 and have spent the past 11 years developing my craft and artistic direction.

Tattooing allows me to create artwork that lives with someone rather than simply existing on a canvas. Each piece becomes part of a person’s story, which is something I’ve always found deeply meaningful.

my work

A woman with tattoos on her arm, wearing glasses, a green shirt, and black gloves, stands at a water dispenser in a decoratively decorated room with wall art, plants, and sculptures.
Colorful tattoo on person's arm featuring a traditional Japanese style mask, cherry blossoms, and a mountain with pink clouds.

My work focuses primarily on large-scale custom pieces designed specifically for the body.
Rather than approaching tattoos as isolated images, I prefer to build full compositions that
flow naturally with the body’s shape and movement.

Many of my projects blend colour realism with more fluid and expressive elements, allowing
different styles to come together within a single balanced composition. Most larger pieces
develop over multiple sessions, giving the design the time and space it needs to evolve.

Every project begins with a conversation. Through email or consultation, clients can share their ideas, get to know me and my process, and explore how the piece may develop.

The Grey Heron

I share my life with my partner Benjamin, who I also co-own The Grey Heron studio with. Together we created a private studio environment designed to feel calm, welcoming, and focused on the creative process.

The space is open-plan, allowing a relaxed and social atmosphere, while still giving each of us our own dedicated work areas. This allows us to work comfortably within the same space while maintaining the focus needed for each individual project.

The intention was always to build a studio that reflects the way we like to work — thoughtful, unhurried, and centred around creating meaningful pieces for the people who trust us with them.

A woman with glasses and tattoos watches a tattoo artist work on a woman lying on a tattoo bed, with a ring light overhead, in a tattoo studio.

Life outside the studio

Outside of tattooing I’m someone who enjoys exploring many different interests. I was diagnosed with ADHD in 2023, which probably explains my curiosity and tendency to dive enthusiastically into new hobbies and ideas.

When I’m not in the studio you’ll usually find me travelling, climbing, or snowboarding. I live on a narrowboat, which suits my love for adventure and the freedom to move between places.

I’m also a big foodie and love discovering new restaurants and cuisines whenever I travel.

I tend to keep life fairly light and don’t take myself too seriously. Some days I’m very social and enjoy meeting new people, while other times I’m perfectly happy retreating into my own world and focusing on creative work.

Young woman wearing glasses, a black hat, and a black puffer jacket standing under a stone archway with the word 'TOONe' engraved above. She appears excited or surprised, pointing upward with one finger. The archway is part of an old building with textured, stone walls and window bars.
A person on a dock next to a colorful boat with a painted design, holding a black backpack and standing under a partly cloudy sky.
Two people are in an elevator taking a selfie. The person on the left is wearing glasses, a brown cap with a lion symbol, and a maroon and black jacket. The person on the right has glasses, brown hair with a reddish tint, and is wearing a black jacket, making a peace sign with their hand.
A woman with red hair and glasses sitting at a wooden table with various Asian dishes, including broccoli, shrimp, and dumplings, in a restaurant setting.
A woman in outdoor clothing smiling at the camera, standing in front of a traditional Chinese-style gate with ornate rooftops, red lanterns, and stone lion statues.

Career Highlights

  • Tattooing professionally for 11 years

  • Multiple 1st Place awards and Best of Show at tattoo conventions

  • Sponsored by Yayo Familia

  • Published in Global Tattoo Magazine, DGN Magazine, and Tattoo Life Yearbook

  • Upcoming publication in Total Tattoo Magazine

A young woman and man standing outside a building, the woman holding a framed art piece with a blue skull. The woman has tattoos on her legs, is wearing glasses, a white crop top, a gray jacket, and sneakers. The man has tattoos on his arms and legs, is wearing a maroon t-shirt and shorts, and is holding a small object in his right hand.
A young woman with glasses and a plaid shirt sitting on a chair holding a skateboard that has a Gothic-inspired artwork and the text "FANGON BLACKPOOL 1ST 2025"; she is smiling. Behind her are two men, one with tattoos and the other with a cap, both standing. The background features a large purple banner with event and sponsor information, including "NORBRECK CASTLE," "AUGUST," and "tatconblackpool.co.uk." The setting appears to be an event or competition.
Group of seven people posing indoors, some with tattoos, one holding a lion-like golden mask, with a Halloween-themed decoration and banner in the background.