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From the Track to the Tattoo Studio: Meet Damage, AKA Alex Ingram

Looking for a tattoo artist who understands the roller derby community, celebrates individuality and knows that the best designs are as unique as the people wearing them? Meet Alex Ingram, better known to many of us on the track as Damage.

A familiar face in Birmingham's roller derby scene, Damage has been part of the sport for years, with a history spanning Birmingham Blitz Dames, Plymouth Roller Derby and, more recently, the Crash Test Brummies and Beta Test Brummies. Having returned to skating in 2023, they bring that same creativity, individuality and passion for community into another of their talents: tattooing.

Based at KTrew Tattoo in central Birmingham, Alex is a highly accomplished custom tattoo artist with a background in fine art illustration and a BA in Visual Communications. Their work goes well beyond off-the-shelf flash designs, combining traditional artistic techniques with contemporary tattoo styles to create genuinely individual pieces.

From intricate fine-line realism, loose pen-and-ink blackwork and botanical illustration to collaged realism, geometric abstraction and expressive black-and-grey work, Alex has an impressive range. Their distinctive abstract designs explore movement, anatomy and flow, with sweeping lines and carefully considered shading that work with the body's natural contours.

Whether you're dreaming of a beautifully detailed botanical piece, a striking abstract composition, a tribute to a favourite derby memory, or something completely unexpected, Alex approaches every commission as a collaboration. You'll be involved in the creative process from the outset, with design concepts shared in advance so that your ideas, preferences and comfort remain central to the finished piece. No cookie-cutter tattoos, no pressure to fit somebody else's aesthetic – just artwork designed around you.

A studio that puts people first

Anyone who's spent time in roller derby knows how important it is to find your people: somewhere you can be yourself, feel accepted and not have to explain who you are.

That's exactly the ethos behind Alex's tattoo practice.

Working from a quiet, private studio at KTrew Tattoo, Alex prioritises a welcoming, inclusive and comfortable experience. As an openly LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent (AuDHD) artist, they understand that traditional, busy tattoo shops aren't necessarily everyone's idea of a relaxing environment. Their approach puts authenticity, flexibility and accessibility at the heart of the experience.

It's a particularly welcoming option for queer, trans, neurodivergent and disabled members of our community, or anyone who simply prefers a calmer, more personal tattoo appointment.

Your next piece of derby-inspired art?

Perhaps you're thinking about commemorating your derby journey, celebrating your league, honouring a favourite teammate, or finally getting that tattoo you've been sketching in the margins of your training notebook for years. Or perhaps you just fancy something beautiful that has absolutely nothing to do with roller derby!

Whatever your inspiration, Alex works across a wide variety of styles and is happy to explore ideas with you. Flexible booking arrangements, transparent day and custom rates, and the possibility of evening appointments also make fitting a tattoo around training, bouts and everyday life a little easier.

The studio is conveniently located in central Birmingham, within walking distance of Birmingham New Street and Moor Street stations, making it accessible for skaters travelling from further afield.

Support a fellow derby human and put some incredible custom artwork on your skin.

Find Alex's work, explore their portfolio and get in touch about your next tattoo:

Website: www.alexingram.art

Because derby is about more than what happens on eight wheels. It's about creativity, community, self-expression and celebrating what makes us different. And those are pretty good foundations for a great tattoo, too.