Working out of the critically acclaimed Semper Tattoo in Edinburgh, Keira Rose is becoming well known for her incredible colour realism depicting natural elements.

Her tattoo subjects span everything from micro bumble bees and branches to floral collages and wreaths, made with incredibly delicate strokes. Keira’s creativity goes behind the tattoo machine and can be seen in her paintings and embroidery, which use the same motifs through a different art form.

We spoke to Keira about her life, art, how meaningful flower tattoos can be, and how she’s replanting the world with seeded business cards!

What did you do before becoming a tattoo artist?

I studied Textile Design for fashion at Manchester Art School.

When did you know you wanted to be a tattoo artist and what sparked the decision?

I’ve always been fascinated with body art since I can remember. As a child I would draw all over my baby dolls with biros and stick drawing pins in their noses and ears, so in a way I’ve always known.

But the decision was sparked in my last year of art school. I knew then that a career in fashion wasn’t my calling, so I used that year to create a portfolio targeted more towards illustration than textiles, and I took that portfolio into the studio where I started my apprenticeship!

How would you describe your tattoo art style?

Botanical/nature art. The definition of botanical art is ‘to depict whole plants or parts of plants in a manner that is both aesthetically pleasing and scientifically accurate’. So I suppose kind of that but with birds and insects too!

Would you work in black and grey, or are you exclusively a colour artist?

I have worked in black and grey in the past but I just feel more excited by colour.

It’s the colours in nature that attract me, and that is what I want to portray through my art.

What is your tattoo designing process?

I work mainly from photographs; I really enjoy taking my own reference images, however it is not always possible with certain plants not being in season or native to this country.

I ask my clients to send photos of the area they want the design to be placed (if they’re comfortable doing so) and I use Procreate to arrange the reference images so that the design will fit the body shape.

What’s your favourite kind of flower to tattoo?

This is such a difficult question! I honestly love tattooing all flowers. I feel so lucky that people want flowers from me because they bring me so much joy in my life. I love being around plants and flowers, learning about them, growing them, and I love that my clients share that love and appreciation for them.

Can you tell us about your plantable business cards?

The paper contains wildflower seeds so they can be planted in soil indoors and taken outdoors when they’ve started to flower, so that we can give a little something back to the insects that do so much for us. And it’s also really rewarding to watch seeds that you’ve planted grow into beautiful flowers.

What’s the biggest piece you’ve worked on?

Most of the tattoos I do are quite small, standalone pieces but I’ve recently been branching out and taking on larger scale projects.

It’s something I’m really keen to do more of - some clients will give me a theme as their idea such as ‘autumn’ or ‘Scottish wildflowers’ and I love the freedom that gives me on a larger scale.

Have you learned a lot from the master of colour realism, David Corden?

David has an eye for fine detail, when applying this gift to his work he takes his time to make sure every single freckle, every whisker, every stitch has been included in his tattoos. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, he is dedicated to every single detail.

Allowing myself the time to incorporate all the fine details in my designs the way he does is something important I’ve learned from David.

What is your favourite thing about your job?

A lot of people choose flower tattoos to represent meaningful times in their lives - birth flowers, wedding flowers, flowers that remind them of loved ones - and for my art to bring happiness and comfort to those people is a really special thing that I will always feel honoured to be asked to do.

I also feel that as tattoo artists we are able to help people to feel more confident in their bodies, whether it’s covering scars, areas we feel self-conscious about, or just bringing the visions of our clients’ true selves to life. So, I suppose getting to make art that I feel passionate about every day, while also being able to help people, is my favourite thing about my job.

Are there any other tattoo styles you’d like to try your hand at?

I’ve definitely found the style I’m happy and comfortable with, I think I’d just like to keep pushing myself and improving.

Whose tattoo work inspires you?

I‘d say I’m inspired by any artist who shows excitement and passion about what they’re doing, no matter what style. When I see other people succeeding in their goals and feeling motivated and enthusiastic that really inspires me.

Would you consider doing a collaborative tattoo, and if so is there anyone in particular you’d like to work with?

I’ve worked on a couple with David Corden (no pressure), adding flowers and butterflies around some beautiful portraits he’s done. I’m also going to be working on a collaborative back piece soon with Paul Vander-Johnson (also no pressure!) and I’m looking forward to seeing our different styles together.

Are you attending any conventions this year?

I worked at the Big North Tattoo Show last month, which is always such a lovely convention to be a part of, it’s really well organised. There are hundreds of very talented artists and there’s a constant flow of tea and coffee in the artists green room, which makes me very happy.

I have a few guest spots planned this year but as for conventions I don’t have any more planned for 2022. I would love to do some more international ones in the near future though.

Have you won any awards you’d like to brag about?

I haven’t won any awards. I’ve never put my work forward to be judged, as at conventions my work would fall under categories such as ‘small colour’, and being quite a slow worker I never finished the tattoo in time for the judging.

What tattoo equipment do you use?

I’ve used the Cheyenne HAWK Pen for years along with Cheyenne and KWADRON cartridges, and I use various products from Stencil Stuff, Dermalize and Fusion Ink - all purchased from Killer Ink obviously!

What other art do you make outside of work?

When I have the time I like to do embroidery. I’ve done embroidery works of various flowers and insects but more recently started focusing on portraits of dogs and cats. I also love to paint when I can, and I like to make art using pressed and dried flowers.

What else do you like to do in your spare time?

Having wholesome times with my family and friends is important to me. I like to be outdoors as much as I can, and spend a lot of time at the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens - I love a picnic! Visiting art exhibitions, spending too much money in plant shops, searching for new vegan cakes to try in coffee shops, and travelling to new and beautiful places.

What does the future hold for Keira Rose?

I’d definitely love to travel more. Doing this job has allowed me to travel to places I never would have dreamed I’d go, and I’m excited to see where else it will take me.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our interview with Keira Rose – make sure to check out her work on Instagram and Facebook, or book yourself in for a piece of nature-inspired art!