My parents, both talented in their own right, nurtured my passion for art from an early age, encouraging me to experiment with different mediums. My first memories are laden with my dad and I spending time together, watching him paint with music blaring in the background. I drew next to him, learning to draw flamingoes with vigor. He was my first teacher. He constantly helped show me the better way on my path to being an artist. My mother was my second, and took on a bigger role later in my life.

Tattooing came to all of us as a family. When my mother began her career in 2008 she had a resolution to offer something different than what was typical of the tattoo industry at the time: a woman owned tattoo shop. Built with the intention to reach out to her community, and to truly connect to people. She was, and still is, a teacher by nature. Uplifting people and guiding them on their path was something she’s always shined at. She began showing me the ropes around 2012, and in 2014 I began tattooing full-time as a professional artist. Together, her and I held fundraisers, donated to woman’s shelters, and benefits for families in need.

I decided to move to NYC around the same time my mom had to retire from tattooing. She understood I had more to learn, and I understood it was my duty to become better.

What did “better” look like? What was my plan? Honestly, I wasn’t sure. I never really had a plan. But I wasn’t willing to sit around and wait for magic to happen either. It was time for me to dig into my potential and give this craft everything I had. So in 2020 I packed my bags, left my cozy hometown in Connecticut and ventured into the city.

Now that I am ten years deep into this career, I have learned that tattooing is not about me, or my art. It is about you. I am just the vehicle to get you where you need to go. I am here to help tell your story, or help you transform into the person you’ve always meant to be.

“I believe that art is as a powerful engine, powering us to heal, celebrate, mourn, and embrace the significant moments in our lives. Each tattoo I create is more than just ink on skin; it’s a meaningful expression of emotions and experiences that shape who we are as people”.

-Nina Palagonia

When I'm not tattooing, you'll likely find me tending to my plants, caring for my cats, sketching new ideas, listening to DnD podcasts or somewhere near a bookstore.