The Art of Reclaiming Self Through Ink

Hex

Hex appears on screen, on them, their body as canvases, tattoo stretched across skins, and multiple fragments of art create a space that feels both personal and chaotic—like a visual manifestation of their mind.

For Hex, tattooing is more than just a career—it’s a reclamation of space, of one’s body, both physically and emotionally. “Tattooing is a way to take back body autonomy,” they explain, shifting slightly. “Especially as a trans person, there are so many expectations about how you should look, how you should present yourself. Tattoos are a way to say, ‘Screw that, this is mine.’”

Their style is intricate, detailed, and deeply influenced by their love for anime, gothic imagery, and surrealism. “I take a lot of inspiration from manga and artists like Yoshitaka Amano and Takato Yamamoto,” Hex says, shifting their body to show a few self-done tattoos and a lifting their arm to show some of their favourite pieces. “I’m obsessed with fine lines, like prison-style tattoos—these single-needle, hyper-detailed pieces that feel almost like they shouldn’t be possible.”

Hex’s journey into tattooing was a natural extension of their lifelong passion for art. “I’ve been drawing my whole life,” they admit. “And when I was younger, I was always into super detailed line work—like, I’d literally spend hours with the smallest paintbrush I could find, trying to get every little texture just right.”

But tattooing isn’t all about aesthetics for them. It’s about storytelling. “Tattoos are like armor,” they say. “They tell a story, they’re a way to mark experiences, grief, resilience. It’s not just decoration, it’s a form of resistance.”

And unlike their past service industry jobs, tattooing allows them the flexibility to balance their other passions. “It’s so much easier doing tattoos and music together,” Hex explains. “When I worked service jobs, I had to ask for time off for shows, plan everything around a rigid schedule. Now, I can book clients around gigs, and it’s way more sustainable.”

Beyond the craft itself, it’s the connection with people that fuels their love for tattooing. “I’ll meet someone who wants a tattoo inspired by Elden Ring, and we’ll end up talking about the game for six hours,” they laugh. “It’s personal. You get to sit with someone and create something meaningful, and that’s something I never got from customer service.” And at their concerts, they would see past clients and connect over the healing of their tattoos.

For Hex, tattoos are more than ink on skin. They’re a statement. A ritual. A way to reclaim something that has always belonged to them.

@feraltats