Meet Taylor Whitaker

Taylor may be the apprentice at Inked Under Ground, but her passion and talent prove she’s already well on her way to becoming a standout artist. From the time she could hold a pencil, art has been her escape and her calling. What began as simple sketches turned into a love for portraits and realism, and now, under the mentorship of Ren and the Inked Under Ground crew, Taylor is transforming her lifelong dream of tattooing into reality. With determination, humility, and the support of her fiancé Jacob and her family, she’s building the foundation for a career defined by creativity, connection, and growth.

A Lifelong Artist

Taylor has been an artist since the moment she first picked up a pencil. For her, art was never just a pastime — it was an escape, a way to process the world around her. In high school, she was selected for the Fine Arts Cohort, a pivotal moment where she discovered her passion for portraits and realism. Capturing subtle details and breathing life into an image quickly became her signature strength.

The Road to Inked Under Ground

Becoming a tattoo artist was always Taylor’s ultimate “dream job,” though it often felt out of reach. That changed thanks to a twist of fate — and her parents. After booking an appointment with Ren, they couldn’t stop showing Taylor her work. Inspired, Taylor booked a session for herself. During that appointment, Ren recognized her talent and offered her an apprenticeship. From that moment on, Taylor hasn’t looked back.

Realism That Clicks

For Taylor, realism just clicks. She loves dissecting a singular image and transforming it into something more, capturing the tiny, overlooked details that bring a tattoo to life. Every piece is both satisfying and challenging — a puzzle that pushes her skills and creativity forward.

Balancing Medicine & Art

When she’s not tattooing, Taylor works as a SRNA and Medical Assistant. Her days are spent in scrubs, and her evenings in the tattoo studio, balancing two demanding paths with determination and passion.

Interestingly, she sees a lot of overlap between the medical field and tattooing: both require sterile technique, precision, and the ability to connect with people from all walks of life. For Taylor, hearing clients’ life stories is one of the best parts of tattooing — every tattoo is also a conversation, a connection, and a memory.

Inspired by Her Mentors

Taylor is deeply inspired by the team at Inked Under Ground, who she considers the best mentors she could ask for.

• Adam and Doc have shown her the beauty of traditional styles.

• Ashlee and Hannah have encouraged her to embrace color and step out of her comfort zone.

• Nina and Sequoia inspire her with their bold black and grey work and unique perspectives.

• Ren, her mentor, continues to guide her through the intricacies of realism.

Taylor draws from everyone around her, blending their influences with her own artistic vision as she grows into her craft.

Life Outside the Studio

When Taylor isn’t working, she’s happiest at home with her fiancé Jacob and their two dogs, Rosie and Gunner. She also spends her free time sketching, drawing whenever she gets the chance.

Gunner, left, is a border-collie Australian shepherd mix. Rosie, right, is a mini Australian shephers. Taylor and Jacob affectionately call then their children.

Advice for Aspiring Artists

Taylor knows what it’s like to dream of switching career paths — and her advice to anyone considering it is heartfelt:

“Ignore that voice in your head that says it’s not possible or that you won’t succeed. Do what makes you genuinely happy because time is short. Try things that make you uncomfortable — new mediums, new styles — and always respect those that laid the foundations of this craft.”

Looking Ahead

Taylor’s goal is simple but ambitious: to become a full-time tattoo artist and carve out her groove in the industry. With her passion for realism, her determination to grow, and the support of her mentors and clients, she’s well on her way to making that dream a reality.