We were lucky to catch up with Tink recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Tink thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I grew up in a house full of art. My dad (Uncle Bob himself) is a pencil and oil realism artist, and I’ve been learning from him for as long as I can remember. He had me drawing before I could even write my name, and some of my earliest memories are of watching him work at the easel. Then in 1996, when I was six years old, he opened Uncle Bob’s Tattoos. That was the moment everything changed. I learned you could draw on people, and it would stay. It was permanent, personal, living artwork. That completely blew my mind as a kid, and honestly? It still does. From that moment on, I knew this was it. This was my path.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi! I’m Tink, a tattoo artist and co-owner of Uncle Bob’s Tattoos— a family-owned and operated studio that’s been proudly serving southern Indiana since 1996. I work alongside my dad, the original founder( Uncle Bob), and I’ve been here full-time since shortly after graduating high school. Being part of a second-generation shop is something I’m deeply proud of; it’s not just a business, it’s a legacy.

My work leans heavily into whimsy, fantasy, and storytelling. I’m endlessly inspired by the books I read and the movies I love, which is anything with a richly built world and any kind of magic. I see tattooing as a deeply personal form of art and expression. It’s not just about putting something beautiful on skin, it’s about capturing a piece of someone’s story, honoring a memory, or marking a new chapter. And in that process, I get to become a small part of their story too. That’s a kind of magic I’ll never take for granted.

At the heart of what I do is connection. Whether someone is coming in for something symbolic and sacred or something that makes them feel more like themselves, I want every client to feel seen, safe, and celebrated. I also offer reiki energy work add ons to my tattoo sessions, It’s not about ritualizing every moment, but about holding space for stillness, transformation, and emotional release when it shows up. Some people come in just for the art—but for others, it’s part of their healing journey. And I honor both. That’s what sets my work apart, and what I hope shines through in everything I create. I like to add a little bit of magic to every piece in some way!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In my early twenties, I struggled deeply with anxiety and depression. I was having daily panic attacks and barely able to function. Art has always been a lifeline for me, but it was discovering yoga and meditation that gave me the space to truly begin healing. I built a daily practice, became a certified teacher, and for five years I split my time between tattooing and teaching yoga.

Then in 2020, just three weeks after opening my own yoga studio, the world shut down. Like so many, I was forced to pause and take a hard look at myself and my life, and in that quiet, I realized I was spreading myself too thin. I took it as a sign from the universe to refocus, to continue helping others through my art, one-on-one connection, and energy work in the tattoo space.

Healing isn’t linear, and my journey is still unfolding. But I’m stronger now than I’ve ever been, and I carry forward with gratitude; for my art, my practice, and the clients who trust me with their stories.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Absolutely. My creative journey is rooted in honoring my father’s legacy while carving out a path that’s uniquely my own. Uncle Bob built something really special with this shop; a place where every person who walks through the door feels like family, and I want to continue growing that vision.

For me, it’s about creating a space that feels safe, welcoming, and full of heart. I want to cultivate a studio grounded in compassion, where every artist leads with intention and creates from the soul. Long term, I’d love to rework our space to include an open art studio, somewhere we can all paint together, collaborate, and let clients experience that process firsthand by walking through the creative space. I want people to feel the magic we pour into everything we do, not just see it on the skin.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.unclebobstattoos.com
• Instagram: @unclebobstattoos and @tinkdoestattoos
• Facebook: @unclebobstattoos and @tinkdoestattoos