Today we’d like to introduce you to Katja Ramirez.
Katja, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Having started in Montreal circa 1997 after buying my first machine off tattoo legend Tony D’Anessa, who along with Dave Cummings ,was highly influential in sparking my passion for tattooing. I moved to Toronto and worked with Scott McEwan, and then Bill Baker who both fueled a growing admiration for Japanese tattoos. I was fortunate to work with some of my tattoo heroes , Shinji (Horizakura) in nyc, and Chris Treviño (Horimana) in austin tx, After making austin, Tx home , I worked with countless talents at ROA tattoo , and now with an amazing crew Tony Hundahl, Kristen Paige, and Frank William at Favorite Tattoo.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road wasn’t exactly smooth, though it was paved with great opportunities as well as a few potholes. Firstly I wasn’t able to get a traditional apprenticeship , though I did get help, learning to make needles ,and getting set up with everything necessary to operate from my apartment for the first few months. Willing participants weren’t a problem, friends and friends of friends were lining up. I soon got a job at a walk in shop in montreal and a few months later was offered a job with a great tattooer and wildcard, Scott McEwan, in Toronto. From then on I was fortunate to work alongside some really talented artists/tattooers.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I love both black and grey fineline and japanese style tattoos . I love to draw inspiration from cholo and biker aesthetics from the 70s and 80s and love tattooing girls, skulls , roses, in that vein. It’s also a great feeling to complete large scale work, which I seem to do more of in a japanese style . Its something that gives me a sense of accomplishment and also respect and gratitude for my clients and their dedication. Though I’m probably known for versatility, and enjoy working in different styles, I gravitate towards those two.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
That you get out what you put in.
Contact Info:
- Website: Katja Ramirez Tattoos, Favorite Tattoo
- Instagram: @Katjaramirez
- Facebook: @katjaramireztattooing









