Bryce Burton is not the gruff, stereotypical tattoo artist one might imagine. As a trans nonbinary artist, illustrator, and self-proclaimed wizard, Burton’s approach to tattooing is grounded in tenderness, intention, and a deep sense of community care. For Burton, tattooing is not just an art form; it is a sacred practice and an act of helping individuals feel truly at home in their bodies.
Describing tattooing as “customizing a meat suit,” Burton brings a playful yet profound approach to body art. With a fine arts background, lived experiences, and a unique worldview, Burton creates vivid, ethereal tattoos that blend whimsical designs with striking black-and-white imagery. Each piece is a reflection of the individual, offering a sense of belonging and transformation.
For many, including trans and nonbinary individuals, tattoos can serve as a powerful form of body reclamation, gender-affirming care, and personal transformation. Burton sees themselves as a facilitator of this transformation, helping others express their truest selves through the art they wear on their skin.
Tattooing is often a deeply personal experience, especially for those navigating their gender identity. For trans people, tattoos can be a form of body reclamation—a way to affirm their identity and reconnect with their physical form. Burton reflects on the process, saying, “As trans people, we are just distilling ourselves into our truest form… it’s that transformation process… I think it’s beautiful.”
This commitment to gender-affirming care is integral to Burton’s practice. They create a safe space for clients to explore and transform their bodies through tattoos, regardless of whether they’ve pursued other forms of gender-affirming care. “Body reclamation is really important to me,” Burton explains. “It doesn’t always have to do with surgery, because not all trans people have surgeries.”
Working at Jackalope Tattoo in Minneapolis, a shop where all artists are of marginalized genders, Burton has found a supportive community that aligns with their values. The shift from their small-town apprenticeship to the urban tattoo shop has been transformative, allowing Burton to explore more trans-informed and inspired projects. It also provides an environment where softness, vulnerability, and openness are celebrated—values that resonate deeply with Burton’s own practice.
Burton’s creative process begins when a client shares a bit of their soul with them. “They often give me a little bit of their soul,” Burton says. From this, they transform their clients’ emotions, memories, and dreams into beautiful tattoos. “Look what I did with it,” Burton proudly shares with clients, “I turned it into a flower!”
Despite the challenges of working with a chronic illness, Burton finds that tattooing is one of the few careers that allows them to listen to their body and maintain their health. It offers them the flexibility to create their own schedule, reschedule sessions when necessary, and engage in a work style that aligns with their personal needs. This understanding of their body’s limits has also led Burton to become a powerful advocate for creating accessible, inclusive spaces for others with disabilities.
“Having a safe place for people who are disabled or differently abled is a huge thing,” Burton says. “There are so many places that don’t have good accessibility.” This commitment to creating a safe environment extends beyond physical accessibility; it’s also about fostering an emotional and spiritual space where all clients can feel seen and valued.
In a post-COVID world, Burton’s sensitivity to health concerns remains central to their practice. Their approach to tattooing is a balance of care, intention, and advocacy for both the body and the spirit.
Bryce Burton’s work is a testament to the power of art to facilitate healing, transformation, and reclamation of the self. Through their tattoos, they offer more than just ink on skin—they offer a means of self-expression and connection for those seeking to feel truly at home in their bodies.
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