Today we’d like to introduce you to Dre Ceja.
Hi Dre, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Take a leap of faith! Dre Ceja had established themselves in the DEI space as an educator, consultant, and curriculum designer. After a sudden workplace layoff, Dre found themself at a crossroads. As a lifelong artist, they could either boldly move forward with an artistic career they were always interested in, or they live give up their dream and live with regrets.
Dre is now the owner and head artist at SCC TATTOOS. Dre specializes in American Traditional-Inspired, Illustrative, and Black & Grey style tattoos, with a focus on botanical and nature themes. Dre believes tattoos are a powerful form of self-expression and love, and they strive to make tattoos more accessible to everyone. They aim to create a welcoming and comfortable environment, especially for anyone who has had poor tattoo experiences in the past. Dre values collaboration with clients and offers custom designs as well as pre-drawn flash designs for immediate booking.
Having completed training with Sauler Institute of Tattooing in Spring of 2026, SCC Tattoos is also offering
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Becoming a professional tattoo artist is no easy feat. For years I was working multiple jobs, learning how to start a business from the ground up, and developing my skills along the way. Tattooing is something that is learned slowly over many years and requires discipline, and being a new, small business owner is no easy feat. However, it is one that has always paid off in more ways than one.
Building a name for yourself as an emerging artist is a slow process, and being someone who is part of the LGBTQ+ community and Latino can also have its challenges in South Central PA. Thankfully, I have been able to surround myself with supportive people who have been able to see the value in my work.
SCC TATTOOS has become known for being a space where people feel more comfortable, welcomed, and seen. Many folks have shared that they don’t often feel respected or listened to at tattoo shops. My goal is to create a service that feels collaborative and affirming, and it should be a space where people feel secure and confident when receiving such an intimate service.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am focused on offering Illustrative Black and Grey, American Traditional, Black Work, and Abstract tattoo styles. All of my tattoos are custom, one-of-a-kind work. I value listening to my client’s ideas and brining them to life. I enjoy and can tattoo a variety of subjects, but I am most passionate about wildlife, nature, and botanical themes. My work ranges from serious, meaningful designs to silly designs that bring joy to my clients. No two clients or tattoo designs are alike, and that is one of my favorite things about tattooing.
This summer I am also offering Paramedical Tattooing, including areola and nipple tattoo, scar micropigmentation, and scar camouflage. Paramedical tattooing is a safe, effective, and life-affirming procedure. If you have undergone a breast reconstruction, augmentation, reduction, or top surgery you may be a candidate. 3D areola and nipple restoration can be an exciting option for you or a loved one. This is a new way for my to serve my community, and I cannot wait to work with my upcoming clients!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The tattooing industry is constantly evolving and changing with the times. Technology, business, styles, and techniques are changing rapidly. Interestingly enough, the industry is also in constant dialogue about the future of tattooing. From my vantage, the growth of AI, the influx of new shops, and a larger market are the three main areas of discourse.
With AI becoming a larger part of everyone’s life, tattooers are beginning to contend with how it fits into their work. The reaction to AI varies greatly, with some tattooers implementing it in every aspect of their work and others completely refusing to integrate AI in their business. Regardless of the tattooer’s own preferences, we are all witnessing our clients using AI to create tattoo mock ups, come up with tattoo ideas, and even act as their scheduling assistant. Personally, I think there will always be a hunger for hand-made designs by a human artist. As tattooers, we can do everything that AI is doing, and we can do it better. AI designs consistently have technical errors and artistic mistakes, and AI does not take into account key factors that make a design able to be tattooed properly. That being said, I think AI has a long way to evolve before it begins taking full reign over the artistic aspects of tattooing.
The market for tattoos is more saturated than it has ever been, but there is also more interest in tattoos than ever before. When I was 18 and getting my first tattoo, I only had a few shops I could choose from. Now, every small town might have 3-4 shops of its own. This gives tattoo lovers more options, and that means tattooers and shops need to stand out from the crowd. With more options to choose from, prospective clients are also looking for the best combination of experience, atmosphere, and skill. Differentiating yourself is key in today’s tattoo industry, and finding your niche is more important than years past.
Pricing:
- custom tattoos are priced by the piece
- flash tattoos (designs I have pre-designed) are always priced to sell
- Founding clients will receive special pricing. As medical tattooists build their portfolio, it’s imperative that they discount their services before charging premium prices. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone who would not be able to afford the service otherwise or clients who feel motivated to help a local, small business. I will also assist all clients with the necessary information and documentation for insurance billing.
- Please inquire about pricing and free estiamates
Contact Info:
- Website: https://scctattoos.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scctattoos/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/SCC-Tattoos-61563627353237/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dreiceja?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name
- Other: https://venue.ink/@scctattoos
