Getting ink is more popular than ever! Society has come a long way from the traditional anchors and tribal bands. New Leaf News had the honor of sitting down with one of Detroit’s most talented tattoo artists in this exclusive interview! We had the pleasure of speaking with Nate Nash, the owner of Noetic Tattoo in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Nash, with his vision for creativity and realism, creates portraits that jump off the page and pop off your skin. This hidden gem is the definition of a diamond in the rough, and it is only a matter of time until he gets the recognition he deserves!
Q&A With Tattoo Artist Nate Nash
Mr. Nash grew up just north of Detroit, Michigan. Like many from the area, he takes great pride in being from the city. Nate has lived in the area his entire life, and there is a certain hustle that comes with the territory. Although things weren’t always the brightest for him, he has overcome challenges and obstacles to become one of the most talented artists in Metro Detroit. We were lucky enough to sit down with Nate as he gave us some insight into his process and outlook.
New Leaf News (NLN): What inspired you to become a tattoo artist, and how did your journey begin?
Nate Nash: “I was an artist before anything! Growing up, I became incredibly fascinated with my brother’s ‘new’ ink and the stories he would tell me about his artist. He would describe how much of it was already drawn out before he even sat in the chair. The entire concept opened my eyes to another world of art that I knew I had to be a part of.”
“Fast forward some years, and he would take me to hang out at the shops. By asking the right questions and soaking up as much knowledge as I could, I figured out what I needed to do to break into the trade. I spent a year or so creating a portfolio of my drawings, exploring various shops, and seeking apprenticeships until I got the opportunity.”
NLN: How would you describe your style, and what influences it the most?
Nate Nash: “I specialize in Photo and Realism, but I favor Black and Grey over anything. I grew up with a passion for drawing faces and animals. The love for learning and perfecting smoother tones and more realistic portraits is something I strive for.”
NLN: What’s the most meaningful piece you’ve ever done for a client?
Nate Nash: “From memorial honoring a loved one, to tribute, to kids’ portraits. It’s hard to pick just one. The joy and emotion that is expressed when I complete a heartfelt tattoo for a client is an unmatched feeling like no other.”
NLN: How do you handle clients who aren’t sure what they want or change their minds often?
Nate Nash: “These are forever. Some clients don’t conceptualize that my work is permanent. So if they are unsure or on the fence about a certain piece, my advice is and will always be ‘WAIT!’”
NLN: What trends are you seeing in tattoo culture right now? Are there any you love or dislike?
Nate Nash: “Over the past few years, I have seen an increase in custom designs, artist freedom, and flash art. I appreciate the freedom some clients give me to explore my creativity, but AI is becoming increasingly misleading. People think certain images are real or even possible, not knowing the skin has its limitations.”
NLN: What’s your creative process from consultation to finished piece?
Nate Nash: First is the in-person consultation. We thoroughly discuss the details, colors, concept, and location. We sketch out a rough draft filled with notes. I will then check in with the client the week of the tattoo to review the final details and ensure no changes are needed. When the client approves, then the hard stuff is over, so sit back and let me do my thing!”
NLN: Do you have any personal rules or things you refuse to tattoo?
Nate Nash: “I’ve tattooed almost everything you can imagine, but I refuse to do a piece that is either upside down or backwards. I’ve heard from plenty of clients who use the phrase ‘it’s for me’ and have regrets later. I’ve covered these things up more times than not. I take a lot of pride in my work, and each tattoo is a stamp of my brand on your body. So my job is to make it look right and look good! And obviously, I refuse to permanently mark someone’s body with anything racial.”
NLN: What’s one thing you wish every first-time client knew before coming in?
Nate Nash: “I try not to have crazy expectations. In this industry, you could have an 18-year-old kid on his birthday wanting a zebra tattoo, or a 70-year-old man wanting his deceased wife’s name over his heart. So, everyone’s first different. Consults are the best way to get a feel for a client and for them to get a feel for us. The best part is when you start vibing with the client, bouncing ideas back and forth.”
NLN: How do you keep growing and evolving as an artist in such a competitive field?
Nate Nash: “One word, confidence! It’s about keeping up with the artists you admire and their work. Then, take inspiration and figure out what works best for you. I often reach out to local artists or attend conventions where I can share my work and brainstorm ideas with the talent in the area.”
NLN: What’s the one tattoo you haven’t done yet but would love to?
Nate Nash: (With a bunch of laughter) “Do you want the real answer? It may not be appropriate for New Leaf News!”
Final Thoughts
We at New Leaf News would like to thank Nate Nash and the Noetic Tattoo family for their hospitality and for giving us this exclusive look into the mind of this creative genius. If you live in or are visiting the Detroit area and are interested in some quality ink, look no further. It is only a matter of time before he receives the recognition for his unbelievable talents. His realistic portraits, detailed animals, and beautiful landscapes are not only eye-popping but ridiculously accurate.
The awards keep piling up for the talented artist. In 2023, at the first annual Michigan Tattoo Convention, Nate won first place for Tattoo of the Day in the Black and Grey category! In 2024, he repeated the feat at the Black River Tattoo Convention and again in 2025! The lesson is to get it when you fit in, because as soon as Mr. Nash’s name becomes larger in the industry, the wait list will become longer. He is truly the hidden gem in Detroit and is only a matter of time until he is recognized as one of the best!
