Meet Dyllan Shipley | Tattoo Artist & Graphic Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dyllan Shipley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dyllan, how do you think about risk?
As a tattoo artist, you take significant creative, and career risks. Tattooing is a field where your work is permanent, personal, and highly visible by so many. Every piece you do carries the weight of trust, creativity, and execution. Getting into an industry where reputation, and consistency matter so much takes risk within itself.

You have to take chances on your style and technique, and being able to develop a personal artistic voice, while still meeting client expectations. Relying on your work to build a reputation without the safety net of a traditional career. Staying adaptable, especially in a field that’s always shifting in trends, tools, and client desires on so many levels.

Risk to me isn’t just about bold decisions or some gigantic leap of faith, it’s about believing in yourself and trusting yourself to guide you. It’s played a defining role in shaping how I am as an artist. Reward doesn’t come without uncertainty, and that’s something you have to acknowledge.

I’ve tattooed at the House of Blues, twice; Harley Davidsons “Bike Week” in Sandusky OH, and am gearing up to tattoo at Vans Warped tour in June. I will never stop taking risks. Every bit of my career has come from risk, believing that I can do it, and making it happen.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What I feel some might veiw that sets me apart from others, is my attention to detail. Not just in the process of getting tattooed, but in the experience. I work hard to make my clients feel confident with the piece they walk away with. I believe in creating art that resonates long after the client walks out the door.

I’ve only scratched the surface on doing pop up events, shows and outside-of-shop endeavors. Between tattooing for; L.A based pop-punk band “Point North” & South Florida native rapper “Pouya”. Tattooing for Harley Davidson at their 2025 “Bike Week” in Sandusky. I’ll be hitting the road to Washington DC to tattoo at the first stop of the Vans Warped tour this summer.

Getting to where I am now hasn’t been easy by any means. There’s been so much uncertainty. Walking up the loading dock of the House of Blues in downtown Cleveland to talk my way backstage to tattoo for artists on tour. Sending a million messages on instagram or through emails, with the hopes of getting just one response. It has all been from one saying I use nearly every day; don’t run from things, run towards them. It drives me to always be ready to not only try new things, but to do my best when trying new things. I get so excited jumping into new styles and technicalities of tattooing. Reaching out to event coordinators in hopes of landing a spot at a new event. In an industry filled with uncertainty. You have to push yourself, it will almost always never come easy.

“What you give is what you get”, is by far the biggest lesson I’ve learned. If you lack the motivation, or drive to achieve, you’ll never get where you want to be. It covers all bases. From skill level, to networking and communication, to personability and hospitability. You have to put in the effort when it comes to your technical, tattoo abikity. You have to reach out, find people within your field and stay in tune with what’s going on in your industry. Your have to be kind, welcoming and friendly, to surround yourself with like minded people who will help you grow, as much as you might help them also.

I want people to know I’ll always try my best, but most importantly I won’t stop. It’s been an incredible journey in the little time I’ve been apart of this industry, but it’s been the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. Impacting my clients lives and creating art that will last a lifetime. I will never stop making sure what I do, is the best I can do, for you.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Coventry is a must. Growing up in Cleveland during my younger days im a little biased to the area and always go back, any chance I get. I love the downtown area. Edgewater, Lakewood park, Rocky River park, Huntington Beach, anywhere that I can be around, or in the vicinity of Lake Erie.

In my later teenage years I moved a little further out of the city to North Royalton. Yet I never hesitate to find myself ending up downtown for almost anything. Being a huge music fan plays a part. The Grog Shop in Coventry was one of, if not THE first venue I ever attended a concert, that I bought my own ticket for, and I fell in love ever since.

Food? Where do I start. Happy Dog is iconic. Spaghetti O’s and hot Cheetos on a hot dog; trust me.

Cleveland Grocers and Grill has the best burgers and sandwiches (sorry Swensons)

My Friends is the best late night dinner, after an evening of shenanigans

The 3 Spot has the absolute best wing sauces and sauce choices I’ve ever had

Assads bakery, on Lorain rd. their schwarma is so incredibly undeniable.

Contrary to the “imfromcleveland” top pizza in Ohio contest, A Slice Above is still my personal champion

I could go on and on about the incredible food choices in the area. It’s almost not fair to have to pick just a few.

I’d definitely visit 252 Tattoo in Columbia station and get some new ink. They have some amazing artists working there right now. Rodney and James have been established since the mid 90’s and have done such an exceptional job establishing a great reputation as a reliable, trustworthy shop that stands behind what they believe in.

There’s honestly too much to name, as to what I’d do or show someone in the city. I’d need more than just a week, but we’d hit so many of the amazing museums, parks or nature realms (our metro parks are the most beautiful) go to a few of the more underground shows at the Grog shop, Mahalls, The Winchester, then go to karaoke at Korkeys, get a late night snack at My Friends. And do it all over again but with entirely different venues, food, and parks to see. Because there’s so many amazing places in Cleveland.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To my daughter Lillian; My loved ones Sarah Joey Robert Heather Casey Stephen Shelby Krista Lauren Nick Brittany Austin Cassie Nick L. Monaca Emily Taylor Mom Dad Lexi Mikey Lizzie and so many others that have supported me in this wild ride

For Ali Rieman 222
For Rodney Rose, for a speedy recovery

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shipcartel?igsh=MXB5YWltYmpnNDNscA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
@torihillphotography