Andrew Ayala

Hi Kansas City! My name is Andrew. I am the owner and operator of 816 Tattoo with over 10 years experience tattooing. As a Kansas City, KS native that grew up close to the state line it really is a dream to own a studio in the Westport area. I have always drawn, painted, and had the urge to create. In a world of "starving artists" it is a blessing to be able to make a living in the art field. And to be able to do art for working class people that can take their masterpiece with them every where and at all times.

I specialize in Black and Grey realism, lettering, and Chicano style tattoos. These are the styles that I have grown up drawing and love to tattoo. There IS some color realism in my portfolio and I would love to do some more. I also do a lot of Polynesian tribal tattoos. I prefer to do custom pieces but I understand sometimes that the client wants what they want. I always keep in mind that these tattoos are very important to the client. That the client has sacrifice their time, money and have physically suffered for this tattoo. So there can be no "off days". I have to give it my all everytime.

I run a family friendly shop and you will probably see my wife and two boys (baby girl on the way). They are my reason for everything I do. When I am away from the shop I am usually working on our investment rental home. I am doing most of the work myself and its a great learning and growing experience. If I have any free time I will ride my motorcycle or go on a hike.

YOU NEED A TRUE BLACK AND GREY ARTIST!!! There's a different approach to black and grey when compared to other styles. And not every artist understands or has the skills to pull off these realistic tattoos. You need to capture fine details and have the smoothest transitions between shades. Portraits, fine line, Chicano style, illustration can all fall under the Black and Grey umbrella. These tattoos LOOK better, HEAL better, and AGE better than other styles and you need an artist that specializes in this style.