CK

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.