derek joy

Heyo! My name is Derek, and I’m a tattoo artist currently in my third year of tattooing. I apprenticed under Patrick Olsen here at GreenFox, and my artistic journey started at a young age with miniature painting when I was around six years old. From there, I developed a love for drawing and design. I went on to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where I earned my Bachelor’s in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Studio Art and Graphic Design.While I was in school, I got a tattoo from a local artist, and that experience sparked my passion for tattooing. After working as a graphic designer for about a decade, I made the leap into tattooing. To me, tattooing is a sacred art, and I love creating pieces that are not only meaningful but also a way for people to express themselves—whether it’s through personal stories or a love for something quirky and nerdy!