A truly diverse and talented group of artists make up the staff of Skeleton Key Tattoo. Please select an artist below to read a little more about who they are. Also, please take your time and check out our wonderful artists’ portfolios.
Ximena Quiroz
Maki Shindo
Levi Greenacres
Mark Ledford
Ximena Quiroz – Artist and Gallery Curator
Ximena Quiroz thought tattoos were pretty since she was old enough to know that Cracker Jack boxes had them as the toy surprise inside. After growing her personal tattoo and record collections, the winds brought her to Portland, OR. She apprenticed under Rio DeGenarro in 2006. In 2008, Ximena opened Skeleton Key Tattoo thanks to a kick in the butt from friends and a credit card.
Since apprenticing under Rio, Ximena has learned about scar camouflage and saline pigment removal from Mary Jane Haake. She is also certified by the Red Cross for bloodborne pathogens training. Currently she lives in her basement Tiki Bar in Portland, where tiki drinks are lovingly crafted and sipped while growing her record collection and organizing her army of cats.
Maki moved to the United States from Japan in 1991 and found a way to express himself artistically. He worked doing custom air brush painting and metal fabrication, as well as built custom choppers for many years. He apprenticed under second generation tattoo artist, Rio DeGenarro and is now a licensed tattoo artist.
Maki tirelessly studies traditional Japanese tattoo design, as well as endlessly perfecting his black and gray tattoo technique. He enjoys preserving Japanese tattoo design traditions as well as modern black and gray tattoo designs and portraits.
Maki’s Facebook Page
Levi has been tattooing since 2007, and is the newest addition to the Skeleton Key staff, joining the shop in October of 2010. He attended the Art Institute of Seattle for Illustration, and worked as a freelance illustrator and designer for a number of years before taking an interest in the indelible alteration of skin. His interest is strongest in the style and history of traditional American tattoos, but is interested in many different styles and techniques.
When he is not tattooing, Mr. Greenacres writes and illustrates children’s books, creates band posters and images for merchandise, builds and maintains websites, and plays pinball into the wee hours.
From the Shenendoah Valley of Virgina, Mark Ledford studied painting and printmaking at the Virginia Commonwealth University before heading out west to become a rock star. As a part-time professional, he performed in bands for several years, and then returned to the visual arts.
He has tattooed since 2004, and specializes in traditional and “neo-traditional” styles, while calmly awaiting the zombie apocalypse at Skeleton Key Tattoo. Mark also writes a comic called “Big Sal’s.”