Meet Our Artist-Owner: Jennifer Gilley

Jennifer's journey as a tattoo artist began at just 14 years old with traditional henna tattoos, blossoming into a comprehensive career that spans permanent tattoos, special FX makeups, prosthetics, body painting, and fine art.

Her tattoo career officially launched in 2004 when she began her apprenticeship in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. For 15 years, she refined her craft across various prestigious tattoo shops with renowned tattoo artists before establishing Sundog Art Studios in Lynchburg, VA in 2020. Her artistic reputation extends beyond tattooing—she's a regular participant at Dragon Con, where she won the Body Art Challenge - Best Interpretation in 2017 and the prestigious Friday Night Costuming Contest - Audience Choice in 2018. She also contributed to numerous workshops and panels at the event, sharing her expertise with fellow artists.

In 2019, Jennifer expanded her skillset by completing the Permanent Cosmetic Tattooing Program from the Lillique Training Institute, adding permanent makeup to her diverse repertoire of artistic and body art services.

What sets Jennifer apart is her cross-disciplinary approach. Her background in special FX makeup and prosthetics enhances her understanding of how art interacts with the human form. Whether creating a delicate watercolor tattoo, intricate traditional design, permanent makeup or custom body art, Jennifer's technical precision and artistic vision shine through every piece.

Jennifer's commitment to the arts extends to her local community, where she's transformed Sundog Art Studios into a vibrant gallery space showcasing the work of Lynchburg's talented artists. This dedication to uplifting other creators while perfecting her own craft demonstrates her holistic approach to artistic community-building.

Jennifer specializes in translating personal stories into meaningful, custom tattoo art. Her consultative process ensures each design perfectly captures the client's vision while incorporating her artistic expertise. This dedication to client satisfaction has established her as one of Lynchburg's most sought-after tattoo artists.

When you book with Jennifer, you're not just getting a tattoo—you're commissioning a piece of art from a master craftsperson whose diverse skills and global perspective create truly unique, lasting impressions on skin.

View Jennifer's Portfolio