About Us

ABOUT K2 STUDIO

Two Brothers. One Craft. A Lifetime of Art.

K2 Studio is a custom tattoo studio in Spearfish, South Dakota, founded by brothers Chauncey “CK” Kochel and A.J. Kochel. The name is simple: K2 represents the two brothers behind the studio, brought together by family, a lifelong passion for art, and a shared commitment to the craft of tattooing.

Built on a foundation of creativity, experience, and family, K2 Studio represents two different artistic journeys that ultimately led to the same place. With distinct backgrounds, individual approaches, and a mutual respect for craftsmanship, CK and A.J. bring a range of artistic perspectives to one studio, united by the belief that every tattoo should be thoughtfully designed, professionally executed, and worthy of being worn for a lifetime.

ART RUNS IN THE FAMILY

For both brothers, art has been part of life for as long as they can remember. Their artistic foundation began in childhood, when their aunt, a working artist, started putting pencils in their hands as soon as they were old enough to hold them.

Family gatherings often became informal art lessons filled with drawing, experimenting, and learning to look at things differently. Those early experiences fostered a natural curiosity and appreciation for creativity that followed both brothers throughout their lives.

What began as a childhood interest developed into something much bigger. Although their individual paths into tattooing were different, the influence of those early years remained constant: a genuine love of making things, an appreciation for craftsmanship, and the desire to turn an idea into something tangible.

TWO DIFFERENT PATHS. ONE SHARED PASSION.

Chauncey “CK” Kochel

CK has always been driven to create. Whether through drawing, painting, music, graphic design, or taking something apart simply to understand how it works, his interests have never been limited to one particular medium. Creativity has always been more than a profession or hobby; it is simply how he approaches the world.

Tattooing wasn't originally part of his career plans. In 2008, an opportunity to airbrush a mural inside a tattoo studio unexpectedly opened the door to a new direction. What began as a single art project developed into an apprenticeship and eventually a career that has taken his work across the country and throughout the tattoo industry.

In 2010, CK relocated from South Dakota to Galveston, Texas, starting over in a new market with no established clientele. He built his career one relationship and one tattoo at a time, developing a reputation through consistency, artistic versatility, and a commitment to his clients.

His tattoo work is recognized for its saturated color, smooth gradients, bold imagery, and distinctive blend of illustrative realism, new school influences, and surreal elements. He gravitates toward large-scale custom projects that allow room for creativity, complexity, and individual expression. His approach is centered on creating artwork that reads clearly from a distance while offering additional detail and visual interest up close.

For CK, tattooing carries a responsibility that extends beyond the artwork itself. Clients trust him with personal stories, important milestones, meaningful memories, and sometimes a new representation of themselves. That trust is something he approaches with considerable respect.

His creative pursuits extend well beyond tattooing. Over the years, CK has developed an extensive background in graphic design, illustration, concept art, product development, apparel, packaging, album artwork, branding, and merchandise for musicians and independent companies. His commercial work has included projects with apparel brands such as Saltwater Soul and creative collaborations with Bull Airs, including original footwear concepts and pop culture-inspired designs.

Music has also played an important role in his creative background. CK performed as a bassist with South Dakota rock band Blacklite District, adding another dimension to a lifelong interest in artistic expression and the creative industries.

His professional accomplishments include appearing on Season 8 of Ink Master, becoming a sponsored artist for Radiant Colors, and being featured in Top Tattoo Artists of the World, Volume 6. He has also tattooed musicians and television personalities and helped establish the Texas Ink and Art Tattoo Expo, contributing to the tattoo community beyond his own studio.

In 2018, CK founded Von Striga Tattoo Studio in Galveston, Texas. Built around his artistic vision and approach to tattooing, the studio has earned repeated recognition as Best of Galveston.

After nearly two decades in the tattoo industry, CK's interests have also expanded into developing software and practical tools for artists and tattoo studios. Drawing on years of firsthand experience, he has become increasingly interested in solving the operational and technical challenges that come with running a creative business.

Today, CK continues to operate Von Striga in Galveston while splitting his time between Texas and Spearfish. Although his career has taken him far from where it began, his connection to the Black Hills and the community that shaped him has never changed.

For CK, tattooing remains at the center of a much larger creative pursuit: continuing to learn, exploring new ideas, and creating work that is original, meaningful, and built to last.

A.J. Kochel

A.J. grew up in Spearfish, South Dakota, and has remained closely connected to the Black Hills and the lifestyle that comes with calling the region home.

A United States Marine Corps veteran who also served in the South Dakota Army National Guard, A.J. comes from a family with a long history of military service. His grandfather served during World War II, and his father served during the Vietnam War. That family history, combined with his own military experience, has helped shape the discipline, dedication, and sense of responsibility he brings to his work.

Like his brother, A.J.'s artistic interests began in childhood. Growing up with an artist in the family and sharing those early drawing experiences helped establish a creative foundation that eventually developed into his own approach to tattooing.

Today, A.J. works across a variety of tattoo styles, with a particular focus on traditional tattooing and illustrated realism. Traditional tattooing has become a renewed passion, offering an appreciation for its history, strong composition, bold lines, and timeless appeal. Illustrated realism provides another creative outlet, allowing him to push the boundaries of drawing and incorporate more personal interpretation while keeping the artwork grounded.

His approach reflects an appreciation for both the fundamentals of tattooing and the creative possibilities that come with developing a design around an individual client.

OUR APPROACH

At K2 Studio, our focus is exclusively on tattooing. No piercings, no unrelated services, and no distractions from the craft. We believe in putting our time and attention into what we do best: creating custom tattoo artwork.

With two artists bringing different experiences, influences, and creative perspectives to the studio, clients have access to a range of artistic approaches without sacrificing the individual attention every project deserves.

Whether it's a traditional design, detailed illustrative work, vibrant color, realism, or a completely original concept, our goal is to create something that feels intentional and personal rather than simply reproducing something that already exists.

We believe good tattooing starts with communication, continues through thoughtful design and careful execution, and ultimately comes down to the relationship between the artist and the person wearing the work.

Every tattoo is permanent. That fact shapes how we approach every project, from the smallest detail to the largest custom piece. We take the trust our clients place in us seriously, and we believe the quality of the work should always speak for itself.

ROOTED IN THE BLACK HILLS

Spearfish isn't simply a convenient location for K2 Studio. It's home.

The Black Hills are where the brothers grew up, where their artistic foundations began, and where their family roots remain. After years of different experiences and professional opportunities, bringing those paths together in their hometown was a natural progression.

K2 Studio represents the combination of everything that brought them here: family, creativity, experience, and a lifelong appreciation for the art of making things.

The tattoo industry has changed considerably over the years, but our philosophy remains straightforward. Focus on the fundamentals. Respect the craft. Treat people well. Create work worth standing behind.

We're proud to bring our individual experiences together in a studio that reflects both our backgrounds and the community we call home.

Whether you're coming in with a fully developed concept or just the beginning of an idea, we welcome the opportunity to talk through it, develop a direction, and create something together.

Two brothers. Two different paths. One shared commitment to the craft.

Welcome to K2 Studio.