Chris Ferrell – Owner / Artist

Meet Chris Ferrell, the owner and tattoo artist at Cryptic Ink. With over 20 years of experience in the art of tattooing, Chris is a master of his craft, blending his classical training with a modern, innovative approach to tattoo artistry. His background as a professionally trained oil painter and skilled airbrush artist informs every piece he creates, allowing him to bring a level of depth, detail, and precision that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

Chris’s artistic journey began with traditional painting, where he honed his eye for color, shading, and fine detail. His passion for art soon expanded into the world of tattooing, and he hasn’t looked back since. This foundation in classical art forms is evident in his tattoos, especially in his mastery of black and gray realism. Whether it’s the intricate textures of a portrait or the lifelike details of a nature scene, Chris has a remarkable ability to capture emotion and realism in every design.

However, Chris is not just confined to one style. His skill in bold, vibrant color tattoos has earned him a reputation for creating dynamic, eye-catching pieces that leap off the skin. He thrives on combining realism with bold, creative color palettes, giving his tattoos a unique, modern twist while maintaining a timeless, artistic feel. His versatility in these two contrasting styles—realism and vibrant color—sets him apart, allowing him to approach each project with the perfect blend of creativity and technique.

As the owner of Cryptic Ink, Chris is deeply invested in creating a space where both his clients and artists can thrive. He’s built the studio with the vision of providing a welcoming, professional, and comfortable environment for anyone who walks through the door. His years of experience and his passion for tattoos are evident in every piece he creates and in the culture of the studio itself.

Whether you’re coming in for your first tattoo or you’re a seasoned collector, Chris takes the time to collaborate with each client, listening to their ideas, understanding their vision, and translating it into a custom tattoo that is uniquely theirs. His approach is both artistic and personal, ensuring that every design tells a story and becomes an integral part of the individual wearing it.

When he’s not in the studio, Chris continues to push the boundaries of his craft, constantly learning, evolving, and experimenting with new techniques. For him, tattooing is an ever-evolving art form that blends tradition with innovation, and he’s always striving to bring something fresh and exciting to his work.

At Cryptic Ink, Chris Ferrell is more than just a tattoo artist – he’s a passionate artist, a mentor, and a creator. His dedication to excellence, love for the art of tattooing, and commitment to making every client feel comfortable and valued make him the perfect artist to bring your vision to life.

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Cryptic Ink

5.0Out of 5 stars

Overall rating out of 13 Google reviews

Javier Gonzalez
4 weeks ago

Chris and Dee are great at what they do! My tattoos have come out exactly how I wanted and my piercings have been painless. I only come here for anything I want done.

Wyatt
a month ago

I had posted asking about scar coverup and Chris reached out more than any other artist to give me details on how it works and what I should be looking for. I figured he was my guy after that, and he was very friendly helpful and straightforward throughout the whole process. Very clean and very welcoming to me and my partner between both Chris & his wife. Highly recommend, I’d been wanting this cover up for a long time and I’m thrilled to finally have it. Thank you, Chris!

Jennifer Allen
4 months ago

This was my first tattoo, and Chris completely exceeded my expectations. He took the time to answer all my questions, really listen to my ideas, and offer helpful suggestions. He made sure I felt comfortable and confident in the design before getting started. The actual tattoo process was far easier than I ever imagined, and his attention to detail made the final result even better than I hoped for. Every time I look at it, I love it more. The environment was welcoming and put me at ease right away. I would highly recommend Cryptic Ink to anyone and everyone!

Joseph Godfrey
5 months ago

Chris is the best artist I've ever seen!! Phenomenal talent!! Great prices!! Highly recommended!!

yo semity slam
6 months ago

Chris was great, the work excellent, the pace great. even showed creativity in his idea for my second piece in the future from his tattoo I had gotten from him to add onto. his tapout option is great and unique. super cool guy to talk to as well who can hold his concentration while talking

Diana Ferrell
7 months ago

Great place to get work done. Chris is excellent and really works with you to make sure you get what you want. Shop is extra clean and cozy.

Scott Drippon
7 months ago

This is a great shop and the artist is hands down a genius with ink!! He helps plan out your work and shots original stuff. No bs flash here, check it out cuz I know you'll love it!

Scott Mills
7 months ago

Words cannot even describe how amazing an artist Chris is. I came to him with a scattered brain idea, a much needed cover up and a million pictures. He came up with something more incredible than I could even imagine and completely blew me away. I am so happy I stumbled on his shop and chose him to be my artist. He and his wife go above and beyond to make anyone that walks through that door comfortable and feel right at home. There is no doubt in my mind once the secrets out about this studio and Chris's work he is going to be one of the most booked up artists in out area!

Sara Lassiter
9 months ago

I have gotten three tattoos by the owner I love how his wife and him makes jokes with you and can have fun while doing a tattoo and Chris is a great guy and does great work

Halie Sutton
10 months ago

I recently moved to Ohio last year, so this was the first time going to a shop here. I could not say enough GREAT things about this shop. I've never felt so comfortable with a tattooer or a shop. The customer service is a 10 out of 10! Chris listened to everything I was looking for and wanted for a very large hard cover up piece on my thigh. His hand is light and he cares about the work he is doing. Him and his wife were absolutely great to talk to and laugh with during the whole thing. This is the first session of 3 and the line work is so crisp! Chefs kiss. I will continue to go here to get my other pieces done!

Kristen Nelson
a year ago

I have gotten 2 tattoos from Chris at Cryptic Ink and could not be happier. He listened to my vision, customized my tattoo and delivered pieces that were breathtaking! He is a true artist and professional! I felt comfortable every step along the way; from describing my vision to seeing it strategically “painted” on my body. He specializes in so many different types of tattoos… he does it all! Not only is Chris an amazing tattoo artist, but he is an exceptional man as well! Highly recommend seeing Chris about your next piece of body art.

nicole loparo
a year ago

Cryptic Ink Northfield OH has an amazing owner/artist Chris Ferrell. The basics: shop is clean, organized, welcoming and comfortable. I live about 45 minutes from Northfield however the trip was well worth it! To be honest I would have driven farther to have Chris turn my nightmare tattoo into a piece of art! 9 years I covered up my back so no one would see the mess. After working with Chris I now have a beautiful one of a kind piece I am so incredibly proud of! Chris will transform your ideas into art and then give you a beautiful tattoo!

A N
a year ago

Super clean shop. They took the time to understand what I wanted and then overdelivered!

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