Pokes
Bearpaw
Ween
Severely dyslexic in the way that makes my art unique and my spelling atrocious.
Illustrator, Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer
About Ween
Colleen “Ween” King
grew up in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, before relocating with their family to San Antonio, Texas. They pursued their passion for art at Carlow University, earning an undergraduate degree in Art and Digital Storytelling.
Ween’s artistic journey led them to Empire Tattoo’s Pittsburgh location, where their dedication and creativity secured both a piercing and tattoo apprenticeship. Since September 2023, they have been practicing as a professional body piercer while continuing to refine their craft as a tattoo apprentice.
As an artist, Ween specializes in creating dynamic figure drawings and paintings, characterized by bold lines and vibrant colors. Their work often explores themes of movement, emotion, and individuality. Beyond traditional mediums, Ween enjoys character design and comic illustration, using these formats to tell stories and bring unique ideas to life.
With over 18 years of artistic experience, Ween thrives in collaborative and creative environments, constantly seeking to grow both as a professional and as a storyteller through their art.
CV:
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Painting, Drawing, and Digital Storytelling
Carlow University, Pittsburgh, PA
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Professional Experience
Piercing Apprentice
Empire Tattoo, Pittsburgh, PA
September 2023 – Present
• Perform professional body piercings with attention to safety, precision, and client satisfaction.
• Assist with client consultations, jewelry selection, and aftercare education.
• Collaborate with tattoo artists and staff to maintain a welcoming and professional studio environment.
Tattoo Apprentice
Empire Tattoo, Pittsburgh, PA
September 2023 – Present
• Develop and refine tattooing techniques under the guidance of experienced mentors.
• Create custom tattoo designs for clients, incorporating individual preferences and personal style.
• Gain hands-on experience with various tattooing tools and practices in a professional setting.
Exhibitions
Advanced Art and Media Showings
Carlow University, Pittsburgh, PA
• Fall 2022
• Spring 2023
• Fall 2023
• Spring 2024
• Fall 2024 (upcoming)
Skills
• Expertise in painting, drawing, and digital art
• Strong foundation in figure drawing, character design, and bold color composition
• Experience with body modification practices, including piercing and tattooing techniques
• Collaborative and client-focused, with excellent communication skills
Artistic Interests
• Painting and drawing figures with bold lines and vibrant colors
• Character design and comic art creation
• Exploring storytelling through traditional and digital mediums
Honors & Activities
• Regular participant in university art exhibitions and showcases
• Member of collaborative studio environments at Carlow University and Empire Tattoo
• Actively exploring new artistic techniques and media through formal education and professional training