Meet — Carson “The Kid” Kennedy

I’m the artist behind KOA Creative Studios, specializing in large-scale surrealism, realism, and Grit & Glow tattoo work.

With over a decade of experience, my focus is on creating custom pieces that combine technical precision with creative storytelling. Every project is approached with intention—designed to fit the body, the concept, and the long-term vision.

I don’t treat tattoos like transactions. I treat them like full, in depth, high quality ideas, and the tattoos are just the end result.

“Not Just a Tattoo, but rather a Statement You take with you.”

The best work doesn’t come from rushing ideas or picking something off a screen.
It comes from building something that actually means something, that evolves with you and stands out for years to come.

“My Style — High-End Custom Tattoos, Built Through the Grit & Glow Approach”

My work blends hyper-real detail with surreal composition and cinematic contrast.
“Grit & Glow” is where realism meets distortion—where texture, light, and concept come together to create something visually powerful and personal.
Realism Foundation
Surreal Composition
Glow & Texture Contrast

My Selected Work

A collection of large-scale projects, healed work, and detailed compositions.

Built for Clients Who Want Something Worth Wearing for Life

My work is designed for people who want more than just a tattoo—they want a piece that’s thoughtfully crafted, visually striking, and built to last over time.

The strongest results come from clients who trust the process, give space for creativity, and are open to building something original together. Every project is approached with intention, detail, and a focus on creating artwork that feels personal, elevated, and one of a kind.

This isn’t about rushing an idea—it’s about developing something that actually holds weight, both visually and meaningfully.

How my Process Works

Submit your idea through my Tattoo Concept form
Your concept is reviewed for fit and creative potential
Approved projects move into booking and session planning
Deposit secures your appointment
Your tattoo is built across one or multiple sessions

Booking & Payment Structure

Custom tattoo projects require planning, preparation, and reserved studio time. These policies help keep the process organized, clear, and respectful for both the client and artist.

A deposit is required to officially reserve your appointment. Deposit amounts typically range from $200–$500 depending on the size, scope, and session needs of the project. Your date is not secured until the deposit has been paid. This is done by scheduling a session through my booking link.
Deposits are non-refundable because they reserve dedicated studio time and allow preparation to begin for your project. With proper notice, a deposit may be transferred one time to a new appointment date.
Payment for each tattoo session is due at the end of that session. Accepted payment methods include card, credit card, Venmo, and Square.
This keeps the process simple and straightforward: we focus on the tattoo first, then handle payment once the session is complete.
Large-scale tattoos are planned in stages so the full piece develops properly from session to session. Timing depends on healing, project size, and scheduling availability, but the goal is always to keep the tattoo moving forward with intention and consistency.
Payment plans may be available for larger projects to make the process more manageable. For more details feel free to contact me to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The fastest way to start your tattoo project is by filling out the Tattoo Concept Form on my website.
This keeps everything organized through email and gives me the details I need to review your idea, give more accurate direction, discuss pricing, and send booking information if your project is approved.
You’re always welcome to message me on Facebook or Instagram for general questions, rough estimates, or help figuring out the direction of your idea. However, I do not book appointments directly through messenger. All tattoo projects must go through the Tattoo Concept Form first.
Projects with strong creative potential, larger scale work, and creative freedom usually take top priority.
My main focus is realism, surrealism, and Grit & Glow style tattoos. I’m especially drawn to projects that allow for storytelling, detail, emotion, and a strong visual impact.
I still take on smaller or different styles when the project feels fun, meaningful, or artistically inspiring. However, projects outside of my main style may be lower priority or may be declined if they are not the right fit.
Yes, absolutely.
I understand that larger custom tattoos take more time, planning, and detail, which can mean a higher overall investment. Payment plans are available for larger projects to make the process easier to manage without sacrificing the quality of the tattoo.
The goal is to make bigger projects more realistic for clients while keeping everything clear, organized, and professional.
I typically book about 3–4 months in advance if needed, and I try not to schedule much further out than that.
This allows me to plan around family time, vacations, guest spots, expos, and travel without constantly having to move or reschedule clients. It also keeps the calendar easier to manage and helps make the booking process smoother for everyone.
Definitely.
Cover-ups are a big part of the work I take on, and I’ve done a lot of them over the years. That said, they require extra planning, strategy, and attention to detail because we have to work with what is already there.
If you’re interested in a cover-up, I’ll need clear current photos of the tattoo you want covered. This helps me see what is possible and what kind of design approach will give you the strongest result.
That’s completely okay.
A lot of great tattoo projects start with a rough idea and get stronger through conversation. I’m happy to help talk through options, direction, placement, style, and what would make the tattoo work best.
If needed, we can set up a consultation in person, over the phone, or through Google Meet. Before scheduling a consultation, I’ll still need you to fill out the Tattoo Concept Form on my website so I have the right details to work from.
I do not send final artwork before the appointment.
This helps me stay focused on each client’s project for that week and ensures every design gets the attention it deserves in the proper order. It also helps protect my artwork and creative process.
That said, you are not locked into anything when you arrive. We’ll review the design together before we start, and if something needs to be adjusted, I’m happy to make those changes before tattooing begins.
The goal is always to make sure you feel confident, comfortable, and excited before the design goes on your skin.

Studio Experience

All tattoo sessions take place at Evolution Tattoo Gallery in Troutdale, Oregon.

The studio offers a clean, professional, and welcoming environment designed for focused custom tattoo work. Whether you’re coming in for a single-session piece or a large-scale project, the space is built to make the experience feel comfortable, organized, and intentional from start to finish.