My name is Kim Kress. I have been an artist as long as I can remember. I have always loved exploring different artistic materials, from painting to printmaking and sculpture. I grew up on the east coast, mostly in Maryland. I attended an arts focused high school, followed by a few years as a sculpture major at Pratt Institute in NYC. I briefly moved to Australia to study aboriginal artwork. After returning to the states, I began working as a stagehand in the DC area, and met my husband.

For a change of scenery, in early 2003, we decided to move to Portland, OR. I wanted a career change that involved my arts background. I have always been interested in tattooing, and by the end of the year, I was training to be a tattoo artist. I love working with people to create one of a kind, custom tattoos.

In November 2011, I took a giant leap, and opened Suite C Tattoo. I wanted to create a space that is clean and comfortable to get tattooed in. I designed Suite C as a private tattoo studio, so I work mostly by appointment.

In my spare time, I’m usually cooking, reading, or hanging out with my dog, Ku.