Life & Work with Pharaoh Patterson of Buckhead

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pharaoh Patterson.

Hi Pharaoh, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story starts at 14 when I first watched Ink Master and realized tattooing wasn’t just art. It was a form of transformation. I grew up drawing and pulling inspiration from anime, mythology, and pop culture, but tattooing became the place where all of those influences finally came together.

The journey hasn’t been easy or straightforward. I’ve worked in shops that didn’t value me, had to rebuild myself more than once, and learned discipline, confidence, and resilience through experience. But every setback sharpened me and shaped the artist I am today.

Over the years I’ve developed a signature style rooted in black and grey illustrative realism, symbolism, and storytelling. As the creator behind InkdByPharaoh, I built my career independently from the ground up, growing from humble beginnings to opening my own private studio in Atlanta.

Everything I create is driven by passion and purpose. Tattooing is my way of helping people feel powerful in their own skin. My work is a blend of my influences and my evolution, proof that with consistency, authenticity, and belief in your vision, you can turn your story into something meaningful.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road definitely hasn’t been smooth. I’ve had to overcome a lot of challenges to get to where I am today. Tattooing is an industry where you don’t always get guidance or support, especially as a young Black, masculine-presenting female artist trying to carve out your own lane. I’ve worked in shops where I didn’t feel valued, where I had to navigate uncomfortable environments, and where I realized I needed to trust my own vision more than anyone else’s opinion.

Financially, the journey was tough too. There were moments when I was juggling multiple jobs just to keep creating, investing what little I had back into my equipment, my business, and eventually my studio. Building a brand from the ground up while still learning the business side of the industry required a level of resilience I had to grow into.

Beyond that, life itself came with obstacles; moments of doubt, starting over, finding the discipline to stay consistent, and learning how to build confidence in both my voice and my artistry. But every challenge taught me something important about who I am and what I’m capable of.

Those struggles are a big part of why my work looks the way it does today. They forced me to develop grit, focus, and an unshakable belief in my craft. And they’re the reason I’m able to create a space and a brand that reflects authenticity, power, and purpose.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a tattoo artist and creative specializing in black and grey illustrative realism with crisp linework and detailed symbolism. My work blends influences from anime, mythology, pop culture, and fine art, creating pieces that feel bold, intentional, and emotionally charged. I’m known for turning ideas into powerful visual stories, whether it’s a small personal symbol or a larger, more complex piece.

What sets me apart is the level of care and intention I put into every tattoo. I treat each piece like artwork that should live beautifully on the body for a lifetime. My clients come to me not just for the style, but for the experience; feeling seen, comfortable, and empowered in my chair.

I’m most proud of the fact that I built my career from scratch and developed a signature style that feels true to who I am. Every part of my brand, from the art itself to the energy of my studio, reflects the world I’m creating through InkdByPharaoh. My goal is always to make people feel powerful in their own skin, and I believe that authenticity is what truly sets my work apart.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about Atlanta is the heartbeat of creativity here. The city feels alive with expression, from the fashion to the art to the culture, and it pushes you to elevate yourself just by being in the mix. Atlanta gives you room to dream big and reinvent yourself as many times as you need.

What I like least is the popularity contest that runs underneath it all. Sometimes it feels like people value the image more than the substance, the buzz more than the work. It can make the city feel loud and competitive in a way that has nothing to do with the actual craft. But even that has taught me something: how to stay grounded, stay authentic, and let my work speak louder than any trend or social circle ever could.

Pricing:

• Signature tiny work and names starting at $60
• Small palm sized custom tattoos beginning at $90
• Quarter sleeve start at $120 and up
• Half day session starting at $300
• Full day experience starting at $600

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Inkdbypharaoh.square.site
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inkdbypharaoh?igsh=amF6a3Z6c3J6YW1r&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://form.jotform.com/252206215732044

Image Credits
@inkdbypharaoh