Helena

Hey there, I’m

Illustrative

Blackwork

Gothic

Alternative

Black and grey

Unique

Illustrative • Blackwork • Gothic • Alternative • Black and grey • Unique •

My work is defined by restraint: soft, stencil-like imagery, fine lines, and intentional imperfections that allow the skin to breathe as part of the composition.

Negative space plays a central role, replacing heavy outlines with subtle contrast and texture. Faded edges, and painterly smudges introduce a raw, handmade quality, as if the images were lifted from aged paper or an old lithograph.

My tattoos are about atmosphere, memory, and emotion. Art that settles into the skin softly, revealing its depth over time rather than all at once.

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  • Been tattooed by Helena (@hella._.tattoos) 6 different times now and honestly one of my favourite artists i cannot fault her professionalism or her work, I have always felt so comfortable and at ease during in the appointments and have loved every design she has made for me, couldn't recommend more!!ckhouse!! I've had lots of tattoos by Josh (Hangedtattoo), every time is such a lovely experience, everyones so nice, it looks stunning inside, and just feels very clean.

  • I've been to Helena (@hella._.tattoos) three times now, and every time has been the best experience. Excellent work, all the way from the initial booking, to the design, to the actual tattooing. No other artist has been half as good at interpreting my (admittedly terrible) ideas for designs and turning them into good looking tattoos.

  • Helena (Hella Tattoos) tattooed me a while back and it was a great experience. She drew up a custom design for me and took massive care with the size and placement. During the actual tattooing part she paid great attention to detail and checked how i was doing throughout. The finished piece has aged brilliantly and I get loads of compliments! One of my favourite tattoos, if she’s ever back down my way I would definitely try and book something else in with her.

  • Came to Hella for a coverup and has an incredible experience - she listened to my concerns about incorporating the work into my existing sleeve and came up with a solution that looks awesome The entire process took about 3 hours for a large forearm piece The studio itself is a lovely space and all the other artists working there were lovely and chatty, I really felt welcome and relaxed while there. Will definitely be back again in the future!

  • I've been tattooed by Hella a multiple times now to the point of considering her one of my go to artists. She's extremely talented, friendly and professional. Would absolutely recommend her to anybody The studio itself is lovely and welcoming and all the staff I've met have been great

  • I have been tattooed by Helena Gifford (Hella Tattoos) on multiple occasions, twice at the lovely BlackHouse Studios. Helena has always been kind, courteous and professional, made me feel extremely comfortable and that I’m happy with my tattoos. All of her work has healed beautifully, I have had both flash pieces and also custom designs and all have been exactly what I wanted, and I can’t wait to get tattooed by her again. The studio itself is clean and welcoming, I would happily recommend Helena and Blackhorse to anyone.

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