EmilyRyan

About Emily

Emily Ryan is a Resident Tattoo Artist with a deep passion for bringing her clients ideas to life. Her artistic journey began at a young age, fueled by a curiosity to explore various creative mediums, including drawing, painting, up-cycling, and fluid art. At 25 she began her tattoo apprenticeship, at a shop located in Hannibal, Missouri. In August 2026, Emily joined a studio in Keokuk Iowa, where she currently tattoos clients. As a professional tattoo artist, Emily continues to refine her signature style. She is particularly drawn to botanical, geometry, dotwork & stipple shading and antique-inspired designs, bringing intricate details and thoughtful artistry to each piece. While her specialties are evident in her work, Emily welcomes other tattoo styles.

Styles

• Folk Art
• Midwest Gothic
• Fine Line
• Geometric
• Line Work
• Illustrative
• Ornamental
• Sketch
• Psychedelic
• Surrealism

Specializations

• Dotwork and Stippling
• Script and Lettering

Locations

• Invasion Ink: Keokuk, Iowa

Available designs

• The Butterfly Effect

Policies

Deposit Policy

A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your appointment. For full-day sessions, a $100 non-refundable deposit is required. Your deposit will be applied toward the final cost of your tattoo on the day of your appointment. Any processing or payment fees charged by your payment provider are separate and are not deducted from your final balance. Appointments are not confirmed until your deposit has been received.

Cover-up policy

Not accepting cover-ups.

Rescheduling Policy

Please provide at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to reschedule. Appointments rescheduled with proper notice may transfer their deposit one time to a new appointment date. Any additional reschedules, or rescheduling with less than 48 hours’ notice, will require a new deposit.

Numbing Cream Policy

If you plan to use numbing cream, please let me know before your appointment. Test the product on a small area of skin at least 24 hours beforehand to check for any irritation or allergic reaction. Apply the numbing cream approximately 90 minutes before your appointment, following the manufacturer’s directions, and keep the area covered until you arrive. Please note that not all numbing creams perform the same, and results may vary from person to person.

Design Policy

Each tattoo is custom designed specifically for you. I reserve the right to decline any design that contains hate speech, discrimination, offensive content, or imagery that does not align with my values or artistic style. Minor adjustments can be made during your appointment. Major design changes may require rescheduling and an additional deposit.

Payment Policy

I accept cash and card payments. Card transactions may be subject to applicable processing fees. Final pricing is based on the size, placement, detail, and time required for your tattoo. Quotes are estimates and may change if the design or placement is significantly altered. Tips are never expected but are always greatly appreciated.

FAQ

How should I prepare for my tattoo appointment?

Get a good night’s sleep, eat a full meal before your appointment, and stay hydrated in the days leading up to your session. Moisturized, healthy skin helps the tattooing process and healing. Avoid alcohol or recreational drugs for at least 24 hours beforehand. I also recommend picking up your aftercare products before your appointment so you’re ready once your tattoo is complete.

What should I wear to my tattoo appointment?

Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed while keeping you covered everywhere else. Examples: legs—shorts, arms—tank top or short sleeves, back—button-up or zip-up, hips—loose shorts, chest/shoulders—strapless or loose-fitting tops. If you’re unsure, feel free to message me before your appointment.

Can I bring my posse?

I really love when you can have the support of a friend or loved one to tag along to your appointment! However, I do ask that you limit your guests to 1. My studio space isn’t huge and having too many people there can distract both you and I during the tattooing process.

If I'm sick should I reschedule?

If you’re feeling unwell, please contact me as soon as possible to reschedule. While 48 hours’ notice is appreciated, I understand illnesses can happen unexpectedly. Your health, my health, and the safety of everyone in the studio come first, and we’ll work together to find a new appointment date.

How is the shop set up?

We are a woman owned & operated shop based in Keokuk, Iowa. We each have our own work station areas. You’ll enjoy a clean, welcoming, and professional environment designed to make you feel comfortable throughout your appointment. Your privacy is always respected, and accommodations can be made depending on the placement of your tattoo. My goal is to provide a relaxed, safe, and enjoyable experience from start to finish, so you can feel confident and comfortable every step of the way.

I am a minor. Can I get a tattoo?

My shop policy is to tattoo no one under the age of 18. If you are 18, you will need to be accompanied to your appointment by a legal parent or guardian, as to follow the health laws of the state of Iowa.

What is your cancellation/rescheduling policy?

I totally understand that life happens! I only ask that you try to give me 24 hours notice if you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment. I am still happy to reschedule your appointment if that is the case, I would just need another deposit from you. If you need to reschedule more than 2 times, I will require another deposit payment, regardless of when you let me know.

I need a touch up. When can I come in?

One free touch up is included within 6 months of your original appointment, but you should wait at least 1 month after your appointment to schedule this. This helps ensure that the tattoo is completely healed and that we won’t create scar tissue.

What style do you specialize in?

I specialize in dotwork and stipple shading, with a passion for mandalas, sacred geometry, ornamental, and other intricate black and grey designs. While black and grey is my primary focus, I’m also happy to work with color for the right project. As I continue to grow as an artist, I’m always expanding my skills and welcome opportunities to create meaningful, custom pieces.

How do I take care of my tattoo?

A full list of aftercare protocol is provided to you before you leave your appointment. The basics are to keep it clean and moisturized, but please read my AFTERCARE page on instagram for more detailed instructions on how to take care of your tattoo correctly!

Am I the right artist for you?

I’m truly grateful for everyone who considers me for their tattoo. To ensure we’re a great fit, please take a look through my portfolio and the styles I specialize in. While I enjoy challenging myself creatively, I’m selective about the custom projects I accept. If I’m not the right artist for your vision, I’d be happy to recommend someone I trust who can bring your idea to life.

Should I get tattooed if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Medically, it is not advisable for you to get tattooed when you are pregnant or breastfeeding. A tattoo is a medical procedure and you are signing up for risk of infection, which you don’t want chance passing onto your baby. Also the procedure can cause elevated heartrate, low blood pressure, and other side effects that can be dangerous to a pregnant persons body.

Do you take walk ins?

Yes! I do accept walk-ins on select days, depending on my availability and schedule. If you’re interested, the best option is to stop by the shop and check if I’m available, or send me a message on Instagram before coming in. I’ll be happy to let you know if I can fit you in or help schedule the next available appointment.

What’s the deal with tipping?

Tips are always appreciated but never expected. I set my own schedule and rates, and in no way depend on tips to pay my bills. It is fairly common to tip tattooers similarly to other personal care providers, especially to express your appreciation for your experience. An average tip is usually in the $20-50 range, depending on the size of the piece, but any tips are always appreciated.

Do you accept tips other than money?

Absolutely! Tips are never expected but always appreciated. While cash is always welcome, I also love thoughtful gifts, handmade items, artwork, plants, interesting rocks, bones, vintage finds, or anything that reflects your personality. The thought behind the gift means just as much as the gift itself.

What safety standards do you follow?

I operate under strict sterile conditions, using single-use needles, hospital-grade disinfectants, and an autoclave for all applicable tools. Our procedures meet or exceed local health regulations.

Links

• Instagram: inkdbyemily