What makes me unique and worthy of being your tattoo artist?

Having began my tattoo journey in 1987, I strive with every project to blend artistry and utilize the wide array of skills I have learned during this time, turning your visions into life lasting expressions of your own individual character and spirit. Of course, I am still learning and relish in the entire experimental process.

I am one artist able to do many different styles and genres of tattoo imagery.

I absolutely love what I do. The pieces I showcase in my portfolio for you will hopefully convey these techniques and varied styles that I am capable of doing, giving you more options to fulfill your unique tattoo imaginings.

Thank you to all those that have been tattooed by me, for offering their never ending ideas and inspiring me to push my boundaries as an artist.

I would not be able to do what I do if it were not for you.

And for a bit of local Portland history.

As the story goes, when Bert Grimm fell ill in 1977, Colonel Todd asked Don and Dave Orlowski, Colonel Todd’s nephew, to leave Long Beach and go north to Portland Oregon to help run the shop. They were only supposed to come up to help for two years. However, Bert eventually sold the shop to Don and Dave under the agreement they retain the “Bert Grimm” name. Over time, Bert agreed the name needed to be changed. That is when Don named the shop “Sea Tramp Tattoo”, after one of Don’s favorite illustrated characters of a seafaring temptress.

Don stayed on in Portland. And Dave went back to work at the shop on the Pike in Long Beach in 1980, which is now owned and honored by the World Famous Kari Barba
at OuterLimits Long Beach, considered the Oldest Tattoo Shop on the West Coast.

There are many family threads to this eclectic tattoo history that have interlaced for me over the years, revealing the expansive web Bert had created throughout his colorfully spirited life. Fostering so many wonderful tattooers over the course of his career.
Weaving them into a rich legacy that continues to present day.

We are very fortunate in Portland to have such a wonderful part in the ever evolving World Story of Tattooing.

Don passed away peacefully, though unexpectedly, at his home on 3/19/23. Rosie, his wife and life, partner died a month later from heart break.
They are both remembered fondly.

Bert Grimm passed away in 1985. He and his beloved wife Julia are buried next to each other in a plot just outside of Astoria Oregon.