About
Poetic Design Works
Mobile Tattoo Studio owned and operated by Ryan Clayton in Lexington, KY.
I’m Ryan Clayton, the artist behind Poetic Design Works in Lexington, Kentucky. I’m a tattoo artist, songwriter, and lifelong builder. Whether I’m working with ink, words, or my hands, I’m drawn to creating something that means something.
I spent years in construction and maintenance, learning how things fit together and how to turn an idea into something real. That mindset carries into my art: respect the details, understand the whole picture, and put care into the work.
My creativity comes from lived experience—love, loss, starting over, and finding beauty in things that have taken a beating. Those themes run through my music and tattoo designs, from broken angels and bold gothic imagery to flowers growing through darkness. I like art with a little grit and a story beneath the surface.
Then my puppy, Sammy, brought me to meet Sammi. We were both working on improving ourselves when our paths crossed, and I felt an instant gravitational pull. Getting to know her became part of my story and the art coming out of it. It made sense to run alongside her, have her back, and be her ride or die—to keep growing while showing up for someone who matters to me. Funny how a little dog can lead you into a whole new chapter.
Tattooing gives storytelling a personal place to live. A piece can honor someone, mark a turning point, express who you are, or simply be something you love seeing on your skin. I want to understand what draws you to an idea and help shape it into a design that feels like yours.
Poetic Design Works brings together my love of making things, my drive to keep growing as an artist, and Sammi’s passion for beauty. Every drawing, lyric, and tattoo is another chance to turn something felt into something you can see.
With Sammi’s addition, we now offer mobile tanning, eyelashes, and nails through The Luxurious Triple Threat by Sammi. Check out her page for services and current deals.
Bring me your idea—even if it’s still a rough sketch or a story you haven’t figured out how to tell. That’s a place we can start.
"Tattoos With Meaning. Art That Lasts."
The mobile studio workflow
Consultation
We talk through the concept, references, size and placement before anything is scheduled. Cover-ups and reworks start with photos of the existing tattoo.
Setup
A complete portable station arrives with the artist: table or chair, lighting, power, barrier film, single-use needles and cartridges, and a dedicated clean area for equipment.
Sanitation
Surfaces are barrier-wrapped, gloves are changed between steps, needles and cartridges are single-use and disposed of in a sharps container, and reusable equipment is cleaned and stored separately from the work area.
Your space
The appointment needs a clean, well-lit indoor room with a power outlet, running water nearby, room for a table and chair, no smoking during the session, and pets and children kept out of the work area.
Aftercare handoff
The finished piece is wrapped before you leave, and you get written aftercare steps plus a direct line for questions during healing.