Areal Joy is the owner of Thistle and Oak Tattoo Studio in Shelby, Ohio. With 9 years of tattooing experience and 15 years in the industry, having started as a body piercer and shop manager, they have cultivated an inclusive and safe space for both artists and clients. Areal specializes in a diverse range of styles including Neotraditional, American Traditional, botanical flora, and watercolor. Their portfolio also features a strong focus on fantasy, book-related, and nerdy tattoos—encompassing pop culture, video game, and anime themes, as well as illustrative black and grey portraits with pop culture or horror references. Known for their unique ability to “get weird” with designs, Areal brings a distinctive touch to every piece. Outside the studio, they are a self-proclaimed chaotic goblin, passionate about plants, hiking, reading, and all things fantasy and sci-fi, often incorporating their love for botanical elements into their designs.
