Meet Sequoia Cullen

Yes, the last name is familiar—and yes, she’s related to the famous vampires from Forks. But instead of sparkling in the sunlight, Sequoia Cullen shines through her art. She may be the newest member of the Inked Under Ground team, joining us in April 2025, but she brings with her years of artistic experience, a long history of award-winning creativity, and a deep passion for tattooing. From her earliest days doodling on her mom with Crayola markers to becoming a skilled tattoo artist, Sequoia has always known that art wasn’t just a hobby—it was her calling. Today, she channels that lifelong devotion into bold, custom tattoos that balance individuality, technical skill, and her ever-growing love for the constantly evolving world of tattoo artistry.

A Lifelong Artist

Sequoia has known for as long as she can remember that art was going to be her career path. As a toddler, she used to cover her mom with “tattoos” made from Crayola markers, and by elementary school she was already filling sketchbooks with drawings. She’s been steady in her artistic journey ever since.

Her hard work and natural talent earned her recognition over the years, including:

• 2nd place in the Scholastic Awards in North Carolina

• 1st place in Morehead State University’s Regional Art Exhibition

• 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the same competition at Perry Central High School

From Drawing to Tattooing

Sequoia started tattooing at 19, but she’s been captivated by the tattoo and piercing world long before she ever picked up a machine. She was drawn to tattooing because she loves how the industry is constantly evolving—new styles emerge, trends shift, and artists push boundaries in ways that inspire her to grow.

Her favorite tattoo styles are blackwork and anime-inspired designs. For Sequoia, blackwork feels bold, high-contrast, and comforting—“the same color as my soul,” she jokes. Anime tattoos hold a special place in her heart, too. Growing up with anime gave her an eye for the art style, an appreciation for the culture, and a passion for the shading and line work that make these pieces come alive.

No matter the subject, Sequoia thrives on individuality. She loves to custom-draw her designs, and even when she works from client ideas or references, she always adds her own twist so the final piece feels unique.

Sequoia’s versatility shines through in her work—whether it’s a detailed realistic piece or a vibrant, colorful design. Each tattoo reflects her commitment to exploring new styles, pushing her boundaries, and continually elevating her craft.

A Student First

Like many artists, Sequoia admits she can be her own toughest critic. While she’s usually proud of her work, every now and then she’ll study a tattoo line by line and think, “I could have done that better.”

Instead of letting those moments hold her back, she embraces them as opportunities to grow. For her, every tattoo—whether she calls it a favorite or a lesson—becomes a stepping stone toward mastering her craft. “An artist is their own worst critic,” she says, “but every critique is also a chance to get better.”

Life Beyond the Studio

When she’s not tattooing, Sequoia can usually be found outside—camping, hiking, foraging, or even collecting bones and other found objects to use in her art. She also loves cosplaying and, of course, watching anime.

Her artistic interests don’t stop with tattooing—she’s also passionate about graphite drawing, oil painting, and sculpting, which fuel her creativity and keep her skills sharp.

Sequoia’s Advice for First-Timers

For anyone considering their first tattoo, Sequoia’s number one piece of advice is simple but essential: do your research. Look through artists’ portfolios, study their styles, and find someone whose work really speaks to you. A tattoo isn’t just a design—it’s a collaboration between you and your artist, so it’s important to build trust and feel comfortable with the person holding the machine.

She also reminds new clients not to let nerves take over. It’s normal to feel anxious, but the process is often far less intimidating than people expect. “Trust your artist, trust yourself, and remember that this is your journey,” Sequoia says. She encourages clients to speak up, ask questions, and communicate openly during the consultation—because feeling informed and supported makes the whole experience smoother.

Finally, she reminds first-timers to think long-term. Tattoos are forever, and choosing something meaningful (whether it’s personal or simply something you love the look of) makes all the difference. “At the end of the day,” Sequoia adds, “tattoos should empower you. If you’ve found an artist you trust, you’re already halfway there.”

Making Art Accessible

One of the things that makes Sequoia stand out is her commitment to accessibility. She understands that tattoos can be a big investment, especially with today’s economy. That’s why she’s always willing to work with clients on a budget:

“I know times are tough right now. The economy is hitting everyone, and I get it. As an artist, I still want to help you get the ink you’ve been dreaming about, without breaking the bank. If you’ve got a budget in mind, send it my way, and I’ll design something custom that fits within what you can afford. Art shouldn’t be out of reach. Let’s work together to make it happen.”

Always Moving Forward

For Sequoia, tattooing is a journey—one filled with challenges, breakthroughs, and endless opportunities to create. She doesn’t have a “favorite tattoo” she’s done, because her answer is always the same: the most recent one. Every new piece she creates feels like her best until the next one comes along.

It’s that drive to improve, combined with her love of bold blackwork and imaginative anime designs, that makes Sequoia such an exciting part of the Inked Under Ground family.