Beyond Pixels: Arvisais’ Bold Transition from Digital Design to Tattoo Art

In her tattoo work, Alyssa leans into the fluidity and flow of organic forms, specializing in floral designs and intricate portraits. “I’ve been drawing faces my whole life, especially ‘lady faces,’” she says with a smile. Alyssa’s approach to portraiture involves extensive research and a deep dive into reference images. “I want to understand each detail and bring out the subtleties that make a face unique,” she says.

While her graphic design background taught her the rules of visual balance and spatial arrangement, tattooing gave her the opportunity to break out of those boundaries. “With tattoos, I have the freedom to create something truly unique,” she explains.

Alyssa’s education at Assiniboine didn’t just prepare her for the technical aspects of tattooing; it gave her the confidence to push her creative limits. “The instructors were incredible,” she recalls. “They were always there to help, and the small class sizes meant we got personal attention.” This close-knit environment encouraged Alyssa to explore different styles and mediums, shaping her adaptability as an artist. One of the biggest takeaways from her program was the ability to work under pressure—a skill that has proven invaluable in tattooing, where every design must be completed to perfection on the first try. “The program pushed me to do things outside my comfort zone,” she reflects, “and that was essential in helping me grow as an artist.”

Tattooing, unlike other art forms, requires artists to work with live canvases, balancing their vision with the client’s personal story and preferences. “It’s a balance between my artistic touch and what the client wants,” she explains. “I work with my clients closely, often reviewing their references and stories to ensure I capture what they envision.” Alyssa’s clients trust her, knowing she brings an artist’s eye to every piece, while respecting their input and personal connection to the design.

In the tattoo industry, trends and techniques are constantly evolving, so she stays updated by engaging with the global tattoo community through social media and following other artists whose work resonates with her style. “The trends change so fast, and you have to adapt, but I also stay true to what feels right for me,” she says. Her signature style has developed over time, balancing current trends with her own unique take on floral and portrait art. She notes she finds inspiration in the work of other artists, incorporating elements she admires while preserving her distinct style, a process that allows her work to remain fresh and relevant.

There is a deeper and often therapeutic role that tattoos can play in her clients' lives. She views each piece as an opportunity to help clients’ express parts of their identity, experiences, or memories in a visual form. “It’s my job to create multiple pieces a day, but for each client, it’s often a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she shares.

Now an established artist, Alyssa dreams of eventually expanding her studio and bringing in other artists to create a collaborative and creatively rich environment in Minnedosa. Until then, she’s focused on perfecting her craft, developing her portfolio, and deepening her connection with the community. The historic Minnedosa Tribune building where Dog Rose Tattoo is housed has become a revitalized hub for local businesses and artists, offering Alyssa a unique space that combines old-world charm with modern artistry. “It’s wonderful being in a place that’s part of the town’s history,” she reflects, “as a longtime Minnedosa resident, it feels like we’re creating something special here.”

While she’s now far removed from the structured world of graphic design, the principles she learned in college continue to shape her approach to tattooing. “Everything I learned there still applies,” she says, “from composition to knowing what works visually. My background helped me get to where I am today, but tattooing has allowed me to take it in a direction that feels truly mine.”

Arvisais’ work is a testament to her growth as an artist, blending her technical skills with her creative instincts to produce tattoos that are both beautiful and deeply personal. “Tattoos are very much a personal reflection; I think in a lot of ways of what people have gone through. They're a mark that they cherish. When you think of it that way, you know, my clients have gone through some things in their life, and this is a way that they want to recognize it or memorialize it. As an artist it is amazing to be part of that process.”

Check out Alyssa's work at:
DogRoseTattooStudio.com & AlyRenayTattoos on instagram.