Rory Somerville

@rorystats / San Diego

Rory is a San Diego-based tattoo artist focused on gothic blackwork, dark realism, horror, gothic lettering, and large-scale custom work. He works from Sanctum Tattoo Co. and regularly opens guest dates in Los Angeles and New York City.

Approach

Placement first

Scale, flow, and the shape of the body decide the composition before any detail is drawn.

Built by hand

Much of the blackwork and lettering is drawn freehand on the skin so it moves with the muscle.

Contrast with discipline

Heavy black and open skin are used deliberately, so the piece still reads from across a room.

One project at a time

Large work is planned as a whole, then built over as many sessions as it needs.

Studio

Rory tattoos out of Sanctum Tattoo Co. in San Diego. The full address and arrival instructions are shared directly once an appointment is confirmed.