I’m Dharm (pronounced “Duddum”) Khalsa, and I’ve spent most of my life drawing and making art. I was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, where I got into fantasy, mythology, and storytelling at a young age. Later, I moved to Colorado to study Graphic Design before eventually making my way to the Bay Area, where I worked as a graphic designer and Flash animator for studios and larger clients.

After a few years of pushing pixels in a cubicle, I wanted to pursue work that challenged me creatively and helped me grow as an artist. That search eventually led me to tattooing.

It’s now been 11 years since I first picked up a tattoo machine and put needle to skin. I have a deep respect for tattooing and its history, and I’m always working to grow my skills and deepen my understanding of the craft.

During a four-year stint in San Diego, I stepped away from tattooing to focus on art and design fundamentals while creating fantasy illustrations and characters for tabletop RPGs. That time helped me grow a lot as an artist, but working alone every day started to wear on me. I missed the conversations, trust, and camaraderie that naturally come with tattooing.

Funny thing about pain — it tends to make people vulnerable and more open to connection. I’m open to that too. I sometimes jokingly call it “pain therapy.”

To me, tattooing is personal. People come in with stories, memories, ideas, losses, milestones, or sometimes just a feeling they want to hold onto. It is an honer being able to translate those things into artwork that feels honest and lasting, while always keeping in mind the uniqueness of that clients body and skin type. 

My work is influenced by different cultures, fantasy art, travel, and lived experience, but I’m especially drawn to the juxtaposition of two opposing ideas. A lot of my inspiration also comes from pre-internet pop culture and animation from the ’80s and ’90s. I care deeply about making work that feels thoughtful, well-crafted, and true to the person wearing it. 

I currently live in Denver, Colorado, with my wife, daughter, dog, and one-eyed cat. Click here to get in touch.