Absolutely. In fact, my background is graphic design and fine art. I have and continue to creatively support freelance clients I’ve developed long-lasting relationships within the small biz. community.t goes here

Tattoo projects carve out a special place in my heart! Some of the most meaningful work we can co-create together. Let’s be on the same page that I do stay true to my “style” and don’t take on work to adapt another artists look/style. Kickstart the convo to work together by sending me an e-mail, or DM on Instagram!

How flattering! Yes! Please consider purchasing an “Art Use Pass” I offer on a sliding scale. This is a kind way to acknowledge and support my original work as an artisan! You can find the Art Use pass in my Etsy shop (@ngrainedshop).

There’s no “one size fits all” answer here because each project is very individual. Though, it is either a flat rate or hourly, depending on the complexity and time needed to dedicate to creating exactly what you want. I do have set hourly rates I am happy to share with you if you’re seriously interested in working together! Reach out via e-mail or DM on Instagram!

Sure do! Not all of them, all the time. What I have available is always listed in my Etsy Shop @ngraineshop

Part of the fun of being an illustration artist is discovering new “tools”. So the answer to this is always evolving. Though my staples are Steadtler fine line pens, a Pentel GraphGear mechanical pencil, Faber-Castell clutch-style pencil, kneaded + rubber erasers and hot-press style watercolor paper. I will also use ProCreate on my iPad.

Yes! In fact, I love working on projects that are co-created from a place of special memory. I have some fun ways to bring forward attributes of a special someone, pet or place we can incorporate into a wearable piece!

Well, a lot of evolution playing with different materials I enjoy, combined with teaching myself aspects of traditional techniques and some completely made up! I have loved making jewelry since days of beaded daisy-chains, with my childhood friend, Madison. I also learned wonderful foundational metal-smithing technique at the North Bennet Street School in Boston, MA.

Energetically, yes! I do this in a beautiful process with you, by playing detective into their past and combine with connecting to nature elements in the present. Through these discoveries a connection to plant, tree, fungi, etc. is often revealed in very unique ways. Some more clear than others!

I acknowledge this can be a sensitive process and enjoy the trust and opportunity to hold space, with guidance, along the way.

With what info is revealed, I can then engrave a nature illustration we co-create and (depending on complexity) include other meaningful information that bridges your connection with them! Please reach out in e-mail or DM on Instagram!

For encapsulating physical ashes, I recommend and support fellow artisan Betsy Yates of Foxtail Jewelry.

I don’t know what I’d do if I had some of my own. My food sensitivities are enough. Though, I have much compassion for those that do suffer with metal sensitivities. Due to the nature of my pieces and style, I am a little limited in using alternative materials.

I offer niobium ear-wires as an upgraded swap out. I purchase these through RioGrande. Niobium is non-anodized metal and naturally hypo-allergenic.

Alternatively, I can suggest a trick of painting the areas of the piece that has skin contact, with clear nail polish.

I choose to work with raw brass, copper and silver, on occasion. I love how these materials feel to work with, their naturally warm tones and the ability to bring other colors out through different finishing techniques! They offer a really beautiful “worn”, “aged” look when handled and loved over time.

This look is an intentional aspect of my pieces, honoring our imperfect and unique nature…

The more “worn” the better!

This is a technique and style I am teaching myself as I go. I purchased a pneumatic engraging setup in 2021 and am really enjoying learning. Simply put, it’s much like swapping out a pen for a very sharp metal tip to draw with.

With incredibly fast retractions of the various tips, it carves away the metal wherever you guide it with your hand…similar to drawing.

Playing with different finishing techniques and engraving tips I can pronounce the “illustration” in the metal in different ways.