Sara Gunn

Sara Gunn is the artist, designer, and founder behind Tough Girl Tattoos, a private studio located in Nelson, BC. With a background in fashion design, Sara has always channeled her creativity into art, finding tattooing to be her most honest and personal form of expression. She established Tough Girl Tattoos to offer more than just beautiful ink; her mission is to create a safe, seen, and empowering space where clients can feel comfortable wearing their stories on their skin.

Specializing in custom designs, Sara’s artistry blends fine line detail, blackwork, and symbolic storytelling. She is particularly known for her black and grey, nature-inspired pieces, drawing inspiration from themes of resilience, transformation, softness, strength, and the inherent beauty of the natural world. While her focus is on black and grey, she also offers limited color work for specific designs. Sara often collaborates with clients on deeply personal pieces, honoring themes of grief, celebrating healing, or marking significant life changes, though she equally enjoys crafting tattoos that are simply fun and expressive.

Operating from a home studio nestled in the picturesque woods of Nelson, complete with mountain views and visits from local wildlife, Sara prioritizes a soothing and relaxing environment. As a highly sensitive person, she understands the vulnerability inherent in the tattooing process, ensuring every client feels safe and respected. Her dedication to client comfort and exceptional artistry has earned her numerous five-star reviews. Beyond the studio, Sara enjoys time with her dogs, camping, and mountain biking, and she openly shares insights on mental health, creativity, and healing through art on her social media, aiming to normalize daily struggles and foster connection. At its core, Tough Girl Tattoos is about transforming personal narratives into beautiful, enduring art.