Chris Edmondsom

With a quarter-century of tattooing under his belt, Chris Edmondson isn’t just participating in the tattoo industry; he’s anchoring it in the Pacific Northwest. Originally from Hayden, Idaho, and holding a BFA from the Northwest College of Arts, Chris has spent the last 25 years building a massive reputation and honing his craft from Portland to Sandpoint. He is a true veteran who understands that a powerful tattoo requires more than just a steady hand—it requires a deep respect for the history of the art form.

While Chris crushes everything from hyper-detailed neo-traditional to dark, complex biomechanical pieces, his true mastery lies in Japanese tattooing and folklore. He is the go-to architect for large-scale, custom pieces—think massive back-pieces and full sleeves featuring duality-themed Hannya masks, formidable Tigers, and mythic dream-devouring Baku.

But what truly sets him apart from the pack is his dedication to Tebori. After years of dominating with modern machines, Chris took the time to master the ancient ways. He stands out as one of the rare artists in the Pacific Northwest skilled in this traditional Japanese hand-poking method. This meticulous technique is renowned for its precision, incredibly vibrant longevity, and for offering a unique, often less painful experience as the ink is hand-embedded into the skin.

Now co-owning Black Elk Collective in the mountains of Sandpoint, Idaho, Chris continues to push the limits of large-scale body art. Whether you're looking for a sprawling mythic battle scene or a biomech sleeve that flows perfectly with your anatomy, Chris is the artist you want in your corner.

Do yourself a favor, respect the dedication to the craft, and give him a follow at @chrisedmondsontattoo.

Together We Rise.