# Ruby Gore - Custom Botanical Tattoo Artist in Portland, OR

> Ruby Gore is a Portland-based tattoo artist and owner of Black Thorne Tattoo, specializing in custom botanical, nature-inspired, and scar cover-up tattoos. With over 10 years of experience, Ruby works with only one client per day in a private studio, creating form-fitted pieces designed to accentuate the natural curves of each individual's body. She is trained in trauma-informed care and uses vegan inks.

## Studio Information

**Black Thorne Tattoo**
- Address: 419 SE 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
- Phone: (503) 908-5188
- Email: contact@therubygore.com
- Website: https://www.therubygore.com
- Hours: Monday 12-8 PM, Tuesday Closed, Wednesday Closed, Thursday 12-8 PM, Friday 12-8 PM, Saturday 12-8 PM, Sunday 12-8 PM
- Appointment Only - no walk-ins

## Specialties

### Scar Cover-Up Tattoos
Ruby has 10 years of experience creating empowering cover-ups for scars, stretch marks, and unique skin textures. This includes self-harm scars, surgical scars, and burn scars. She approaches these sessions with extra care and compassion. [Learn more](/scar-cover-up-tattoos.html)

### Botanical & Floral Tattoos
Ruby's signature style features custom nature-inspired designs including flowers, plants, and botanical illustrations. Her fine arts background in botanical illustration informs every design. [Learn more](/floral-tattoo.html)

### Fine Line & Dotwork Tattoos
Delicate black and grey dotwork is one of Ruby's signature techniques. She creates intricate, detailed pieces using stippling and fine line work. [Learn more](/fine-line-tattoo-artist.html)

### Nature & Wildlife Tattoos
Landscapes, animals, birds, and natural world designs rendered in striking detail. [Learn more](/nature-tattoo-artist.html)

### Vegan Tattoos
Ruby offers tattoos using certified vegan inks and supplies for clients who prefer cruelty-free options. [Learn more](/vegan-tattoo.html)

### Survivor Tattoo Project
A special program providing tattoo services for survivors of trauma and abuse. [Learn more](/survivor-tattoo-project.html)

## Pricing

### Single Session Projects ($800-$1,200)
- 4-6 hour session
- Ideal for starting your collection or small standalone pieces
- Common placements: forearm, wrist, lower bicep, inner bicep, ankle, lower calf

### Multi-Session Projects ($2,400-$4,000)
- 12-20 hours across multiple sessions
- Medium to large scale pieces
- Common placements: half arm/leg sleeve, chest pieces, ribs, calf/shin

### Evolving Projects ($4,000+)
- 20+ hours, develops over time
- Larger scale work
- Common placements: back, torso, arm/leg sleeve, connected multi-area pieces

### Additional Pricing Info
- Booking deposit: $200 (applied to final cost)
- Touch-ups: Free for first 6 months
- Financing available: Affirm, Afterpay, Klarna
- Payment methods: Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, Stripe, credit cards

## Booking Process
1. Submit your idea through the [application form](/apply-now.html) with your concept, placement preferences, and reference images
2. Ruby reviews your submission and schedules a one-on-one consultation
3. Together you refine the concept into a custom design
4. Relax in a private studio where you are the only client of the day

## What Sets Ruby Apart

### One Client Per Day
Ruby works with only one person per day, giving her the opportunity to craft beautiful, form-fitting pieces with zero distractions and no rush.

### Trauma-Informed Care
Specialized training in mental health and trauma helps Ruby create a safe, respectful, and inclusive space. She is experienced with memorial tattoos and scar cover-ups that require emotional sensitivity.

### Accessibility Focused
Ruby's personal experience with neurodivergence ensures a safe space for clients to express their needs and boundaries.

### Classically Trained Nature Artist
A fine arts background in botanical illustration and nature art informs every design, rendered with museum-level technique.

### Custom Designed for Your Body
Every piece is made-to-measure and designed thoughtfully to reflect the client's personality, journey, and vision, carefully shaped to accentuate natural body curves.

## Client Reviews
Ruby has 29 five-star reviews. Clients consistently highlight her compassionate approach, attention to detail, and ability to create meaningful custom pieces. [Read testimonials](/testimonials.html)

## Featured In
- Washington Post (trauma-informed tattooing interview)
- BuzzFeed (botanical tattoo feature)
- OPB (Oregon Public Broadcasting)
- SecondSkin
- Tattrx
- Tattoodo

## About Ruby Gore
Ruby is a Portland-based tattoo artist with over 10 years of experience. She specializes in custom tattoo design with a focus on botanical, floral, and nature themes. Her background includes classical fine arts training in botanical illustration. She is the owner and sole artist at Black Thorne Tattoo. [Full bio](/about.html)

## Preparation & Aftercare Resources
- [Tattoo Prep Guide](/tattoo-prep.html): How to prepare for your tattoo session
- [Get Ready Guide](/get-ready.html): Day-of preparation checklist
- [Aftercare Guide](/tattoo-aftercare-guide.html): Comprehensive post-tattoo care instructions
- [Recommended Aftercare Products](/tattoo-aftercare-products.html): Products Ruby recommends for healing
- [Healing Process Guide](/tattoo-healing-process.html): What to expect as your tattoo heals

## Blog & Articles
- [A Trauma-Informed Approach to Tattooing](/blog/a-trauma-informed-approach-to-tattooing.html): Ruby's philosophy on creating safe tattoo experiences
- [Washington Post Interview](/blog/trauma-informed-tattoo-interview-published-on-washington-post.html): Feature on Ruby's trauma-informed approach
- [Interview with SecondSkin](/blog/interview-with-frankie-lee-von-of-secondskin.html): Discussion about tattoo aftercare
- [Interview with Philly Talks](/blog/interview-with-philly-talks.html): Ruby's journey and philosophy
- [Collaboration with MON Tattoo](/blog/collaboration-with-montattoo.html): Guest spot and artistic collaboration

## Contact
- Website: https://www.therubygore.com
- Email: contact@therubygore.com
- Phone: (503) 908-5188
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therubygore/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therubygore
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/therubygore/
- To book: [Submit an application](/apply-now.html)