About Mo Joy

Specializing in custom neo-traditional, illustrative, whimsical, botanical, gothic, dark fantasy, black-and-grey, and vibrant color tattoos.

Hey, I’m Mo, a queer tattoo artist based in Sacramento, California. My work blends neo-traditional tattooing with gothic ornamentation, folk art, botanical, witchy and astrological imagery, dark romantic aesthetics, and plenty of moments of softness, whimsy, and vibrant color.

I’ve been tattooing professionally for over four years but I have been immersed in tattoo culture for more than 30 years as a collector, artist, and lifelong creative. I have a deep respect for the history and craftsmanship of tattooing, and I believe a great tattoo should not only look beautiful when it’s finished, but work with your body and age beautifully over a lifetime.

Before tattooing, I spent decades working In fields across graphic design, fashion design, fashion photography, and web development. I even spent some time as a tattoo model and appearing at tattoo conventions as a SuicideGirl model and photographer.That background shapes the way I design tattoos today, especially my focus on composition, movement, color theory, and creating artwork that flows naturally with the body.

I especially love working with clients who come to me with a feeling, a story, a collection of references, stick figure drawings, or even just a strange little idea they can’t quite put into words yet. Part of my job is helping turn that idea into something cohesive, personal, and tattooable that still feels like you. I’m not a big fan of AI but if that’s the way you can best express your idea I will accept it as reference, just know I don’t use AI in my design process and can show proof of me creating your tattoo without it.

Just as important as the artwork is the experience of getting tattooed. I strive to create an actual safe space; not a marketing ploy or bowing smoke. As a fellow marginalized person it is of my upmost priority to create an affirming, judgment-free space for women, LGBTQ+ clients, neurodivergent people, and anyone who hasn’t always felt comfortable or under-represented in traditional tattoo spaces. You never need to look, dress, identify, or exist a certain way to belong in my chair. We don’t even need to talk if that’s more comfortable for you. Please just let me know your needs and I will do my very best to accommodate.

For me, tattooing can be more than decoration. It can be self-expression, reclamation, celebration, remembrance, transformation, or simply choosing something beautiful, cute, silly or whimsical as self-care.

Create Beauty, Inspire Love. It’s more than a motto, I have it tattooed on my wrists.