Publications Ruby's been featured in:

What Sets Ruby's Work Apart

Ruby creates custom, nature-inspired tattoos for clients who want more than just a tattoo, they want a piece of art inspired by the natural world that tells their unique story.

​Whether you're envisioning a classy fine line tattoo, a wildlife tattoo, a beautiful black and grey dotwork tattoo (Ruby's signature style!), a stunning botanical tattoo, or looking for a transformative scar cover-up, Ruby's process is thoughtful, collaborative, and designed to make you feel comfortable every step of the way. 

Fruit bat family colorful tattoo by botanical tattoo artist in Portland Ruby Gore

Cute floral pig tattoo by Portland vegan tattoo artist Ruby Gore

Fine line tattoo done in black and gray of an x-ray style iris flower by Portland floral tattoo artist Ruby Gore

Skull and vibrant flower tattoo by Portland nature tattoo artist Ruby Gore

Antique painterly color botanical tattoo by Portland female tattoo artist Ruby Gore

Scar cover up pet portrait tattoo of a sugar glider by Portland dotwork tattoo artist Ruby Gore

View Portfolio

Why Portland Trusts Ruby

Not all tattoo artists make getting tattooed an exceptional experience — here's how she does.

Thoughtfully &
Custom Designed

Artwork as unique
as your story

Made to measure and designed thoughtfully to reflect your personality, journey, and vision.

Classically Trained
Nature Artist

Museum-level technique,
inspired by nature

​A nature focused fine arts background informs every design, rendered in striking detail.

No Rush
​Approach

One client per day,
all focus is on you

A calm, intentional environment with no distractions means the focus is entirely on you, your art and your experience.

Trauma Informed
Care

A healing-focused
tattoo experience

Specialized training in mental health and trauma helps Ruby to create a safe, respectful and inclusive space.

Accessibility
Focused

A studio built for
all bodies and minds

Ruby's personal experience with neurodivergence ensures a safe space to express your needs and boundaries.

Scar Cover-Up
Specialist

Expert artistry for
all skin types

10 years of experience creating empowering cover-ups for scars, stretch marks, and unique skin textures.

Meet the Artist

10 Years of Experience in Custom Tattoo Design

As a Portland based tattoo artist specializing in custom tattoo design, floral tattoos and scar cover-ups, Ruby strives to create an incredibly unique experience for each of her clients.

By choosing to work with only one person a day, it gives her the opportunity to craft beautiful, form fitting pieces, carefully designed to accentuate the natural curves of each individual's unique body shape.

Tattoo interests and specialties: dotwork and fine line tattoos, illustrative tattoos with a whimsical vibe, nature themed tattoos, landscape tattoos, floral and animal tattoos, black and grey realism tattoos

Ruby Gore
Tattoo Artist & Owner of Black Thorne Tattoo

A Personalized Process from Start to Finish

Clear communication, thoughtful design, and a calm studio experience.

Share Your Vision

Submit your idea to schedule a one-on-one consultation to discuss your concept, placement, and any questions you have about the process.

​Collaborate

Together you and Ruby will refine your concept into a custom design, blending your inspiration with her artistic style to create something truly personal.

Bringing it to Life

Relax in a private studio where you're the only client of the day, allowing time to perfect your design and create your tattoo without any rush.

SUBMIT YOUR IDEA

Transparent Pricing, So You Know What to Expect

How pricing is structured so you know exactly what to expect and what options are available that will allow you to get started without compromising quality.

Touch-Ups
FREE​
For the first 6 months

Booking Deposit
$200​
Applied to final cost

Pricing Options
Flexible​
To fit your budget

Single Session Projects

Ideal for starting your collection or small standalone pieces.
​

• 4–6 hour session
• $800–$1,200

Common placements: forearm, wrist, lower bicep, inner bicep, ankle, lower calf

Multi-Session Projects

Medium to large scale pieces completed over multiple sessions.
​

• 12-20 hours
• $2,400 - $4,000

Common placements: half arm/leg sleeve, chest pieces, ribs, calf/shin

Evolving Projects

Ideal for larger scale work that develops over time.
​

• 20+ hours
• Starting at around $4,000​

Common placements: back, torso, arm/leg sleeve, connected multi-area pieces

Flexible Options to Fit Your Budget

​Ruby's goal is to collaborate with you to find the perfect solution. Below are some of the ways she offers flexibility to make your dream tattoo achievable.

✓​ Simplify details by working with an etched style that captures the essence of your vision in a unique vintage style.
​
✓​ ​Focus on a "core" portion of the tattoo & add more detail later allowing you to get started without compromising quality.

✓​ Adjust the size, intricacy or placement of the design to fit comfortably within your current budget.

✓​ ​Break the tattoo into smaller sessions allowing you to spread the cost over time to better fit your current budget.

✓​ Plus, pay over time with flexible financing options including Affirm, Afterpay, and Klarna.

Your Questions Answered

Everything you need to know about booking, pricing, and preparing for your session. If you're wondering about something that's not here, just ask during your consultation.

HOW MUCH WILL MY TATTOO COST?

Pricing depends on the size, complexity, placement, and detail of your design. Ruby charges $200/hour, and sessions are typically around 4–6 hours. During your consultation, she will talk through your design with you and create a clear plan so you know exactly what to expect.

HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?

Smaller pieces are often completed in a single session, while larger or highly detailed tattoos (like sleeves or back pieces) may take multiple sessions. In your consultation, Ruby will provide a time estimate based on the details of your design and help you plan a schedule that works for you.

HOW DO DEPOSITS WORK?

A $200 deposit secures your booking and goes toward the final cost of your tattoo at your last session. Deposits are non-refundable but can be transferred if you reschedule with adequate notice. Ruby will explain all of the details before you book so you feel confident moving forward.

CAN I FINANCE MY TATTOO?

Yes! Ruby offers flexible financing options such as Affirm, Afterpay, and Klarna as well as a handful of different approaches, making it easier to spread out costs without compromising on quality. If you're working within a specific budget, she will help create a plan that works for you.

Do I have to make an appointment to get tattooed?

Yes. Once your request has been received we will review your idea. If you are selected, you will be sent the next steps to move forward with booking. ​

How do I book an appointment?

We recommend starting with reviewing our Booking Process to ensure it's a good fit before submitting an Application Request.

HOW FAR OUT ARE YOU BOOKED?

Ruby is typically booked out a few months in advance. After you place your deposit, Ruby will share her booking calendar and help secure a date that works for you.

What if I'm nervous about the consultation?

Completely normal! Ruby does two different types of consultations, both of which are completely free of charge. The first one is for you to get to know each other and to see if it's a good fit, and the second is an in person drawing session just before your appointment where you get to design your tattoo one-on-one with Ruby.

All consultations are private, judgment-free, and pressure-free. You can bring a support person. You only have to discuss what you're comfortable sharing. Many clients say "that was so much easier than I thought it would be."

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I PLACE MY DEPOSIT?

Once your spot is secured:

• You'll receive a welcome email with a link to book your in-person design consultation (or virtual, for traveling clients) and tattoo appointment.
• You'll also receive a get ready guide on preparing for your session, healing, and aftercare before your appointment so you feel completely ready.
• At your design consultation, Ruby will collaborate with you and start sketching your custom design based on your ideas and inspiration.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY TATTOO SESSION?

Ruby will provide a detailed tattoo session get ready guide before your appointment, but here are a few essentials:

• Get a good night's rest and eat a full meal beforehand.
• Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol or blood thinners.
• Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the area being tattooed.
• Moisturize your skin leading up to the appointment, but avoid applying lotion on the day of your session.

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY TATTOO AS IT HEALS?

You'll receive personalized aftercare instructions before you leave the studio. In general, you'll need to:

• Keep your tattoo clean and dry for the first few days.
• Moisturize as directed, and avoid scratching or picking.
• Stay out of pools, hot tubs, and direct sunlight until healed.

If you have any questions during healing, Ruby is just a message away.

READ MORE FAQS

What Clients Are Saying

Ruby strives to provide a safe, inclusive atmosphere and create a unique custom tattoo experience for every client.

​But don't take our word for it, see what her clients are saying.

​★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“This experience went above and beyond what I ever could have expected... Ruby handled a memorial tattoo with the utmost care and compassion, while comprehensively navigating the complexities that come with covering up self-harm scars. This is an experience I will deeply cherish.”

Meryl G.

​★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“What sets Ruby apart is not just her incredible work, it’s the way she creates such a great experience and warm atmosphere. Whether you have a million questions or emotional reasons behind your tattoo, she approaches sessions with patience and understanding. I can’t recommend her enough.”
​
Drew E.

​★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“After living with chronic pain and trauma, I wanted to tell my story through tattoos. Ruby was the perfect fit — she developed amazing pieces through my input and storytelling. I now have two full sleeves and a chest piece by her. 130 hours later, I can guarantee you an amazing experience and beautiful art.”
​
Per H.

READ ALL HER TESTIMONIALS

Ready to Tell Your Story?

Let's collaborate to create something beautiful you'll be proud to wear forever

I'm Ready!