Dani Verhey - Artist Spotlight

This week's artist is Dani Verhey, tattoo artist and owner of Devil's Workshop Tattoos. To some, the name may feel beyond the pale, but it's actually the second half of an adage, "Idle hands is the Devil's Workshop," meaning those that have nothing productive to occupy their time tend to find themselves engaging in unproductive behaviors.

Dani Verhey in their Tattoo Parlor in Sola Salon in Fargo, ND.

This is exactly where Dani found themself after being laid off from the Forum, where they worked as a page designer, and losing their job at Golden Needle Tattoo Parlor, previously located in Moorhead, when the owner decided to move to Arizona.

Having previously filled their days with art and design for a purpose, they found themself with idle hands, which, for an artist, can be a bit itchy. Looking for a new way to spend her days, they took their existing experience as a tattoo artist and decided to start their own shop and pursue a path in illustration.

To Dani, art is a method of testing boundaries and pushing the limits of the status quo, which translates in their personal art style. This is especially seen in their children's book, Hamster Mortis, which, through poetry and macabre art, explains the 5 stages of decomposition in a child-friendly way. Written for children ages 12 and up, their book was inspired by their experience in going to work with their mother, who's a pathologist, and the lack of material that explains to children the concept of death and the life cycle in a way that's scientific and accurate.

Book Hamster Mortis written and illustrated by Dani Verhey, published in 2024.

Their illustrative style, which can be described as morbid, seems in direct opposition with their preferred tattoo art - color realistic florals and other natural elements. However, a theme can be found across their illustrative and preferred tattoo styles, and that is natural processes and realism. Their joy in tattooing natural elements comes from the similarities in imperfections that you find in those elements and on a person's body. It makes the art feel more authentic and alive.

Tattoos done by Dani Verhey at Devil's Workshop Tattoos

While these are their preferred art styles, they also design personal pieces for clientele based on their preferences and requests. If you're interested in booking with them, you can call or text (701) 340-5639 or email danitats90@gmail.com. You can also find an artistic reading of their book Here.