Meet Michelle Vestergård, a Danish tattoo artist who has risen to the top of the tattoo industry with her stunning abstract realism and portrait work. Based in Odense, Denmark, Michelle’s unique style and powerful designs have made her internationally renowned. As a member of the elite few who are able to tattoo based on their own vision, she has built a career that speaks to the soul of her clients. Michelle proudly uses Onyx needles and tattoo aftercare products, and she has even developed her own private label tattoo aftercare in collaboration with Onyx. Let’s take a deeper look at her incredible journey, tattooing style, and accomplishments.
Early Life and Artistic Beginnings
Coming from a creative family, Michelle’s artistic path was almost inevitable. Her mother was a graphic designer, and her father was a tattoo artist. From a young age, Michelle was always drawing—while others participated in sports, she could be found honing her skills at the local cultural center. Recognizing her natural talent, Michelle’s father encouraged her to explore the world of tattooing, and she tattooed her first piece on him at just 14 years old.
Despite her early exposure to the tattoo world, Michelle wasn’t initially ready to commit to tattooing as her full-time career. She spent time exploring other artistic avenues, studying at the Odense Fag og Beklædningsskole, a creative school where she focused on clothing design and animation. However, by the age of 19, Michelle realized that tattooing was her true calling and decided to pursue it full-time.
Struggles and Breakthroughs
Like many artists, Michelle faced challenges on her path to success. She struggled to find her identity within her work, all while navigating personal difficulties, including becoming a mother at a young age, the dissolution of her marriage, and battling depression. During these tough times, Michelle’s artistic style began to evolve, reflecting the emotions and thoughts she was experiencing. This emotional depth gave her work a unique, raw edge that resonated with people and propelled her into the spotlight.
Over time, her work gained widespread attention, and Michelle became one of Denmark’s most renowned tattoo artists, joining the exclusive group of 5-10 artists who are internationally known for their style. She now has the privilege of creating the designs she wants, allowing her clients to experience her vision rather than simply fulfilling customer requests.
A Master of Abstract Realism and Portrait Tattoos
Michelle Vestergård’s tattoo style is defined by her mastery of abstract realism and portraits. She often works on a large scale, using the natural flow of the body to guide her brush-like strokes and create tattoos that are not only visually stunning but also deeply emotional. Her abstract tattoos are a perfect balance of softness and boldness, blending fine realism with the raw, unpredictable elements of the abstract. While her tattoos may appear melancholic or dark to some, Michelle finds beauty in these contrasts, and her work evokes powerful emotions from those who view it.
In recent years, Michelle has focused more on classic portraits, finding personal meaning in helping people honor lost loved ones through her work. As someone who has experienced loss herself, Michelle understands the importance of creating a tattoo that not only looks beautiful but also provides comfort to her clients.
Why Michelle Chooses Onyx Products
As a perfectionist, Michelle is very particular about the tools she uses, and that’s why she trusts Onyx needles for her tattoo work. The precision and sharpness of Onyx needles allow Michelle to achieve the intricate details required for both her abstract and portrait tattoos. She’s especially fond of how the needles perform on different skin textures and body parts, ensuring a smooth tattooing experience every time.
Michelle also uses Onyx’s tattoo aftercare products, which help her clients’ tattoos heal beautifully. In collaboration with Onyx, she has developed a private label aftercare line specifically for her studio. This custom aftercare solution ensures that her clients receive the best possible treatment, contributing to the longevity and quality of her tattoos.
Accomplishments and International Recognition
Michelle Vestergård’s talent has earned her a place on the international stage, where she has become a highly sought-after artist and judge at tattoo conventions. Notably, she was the first female Danish artist invited to work at the prestigious London Tattoo Convention—a major milestone in her career.
In addition to her international acclaim, Michelle has been a judge at nearly all Danish tattoo conventions over the years. She currently oversees the logistics and rules for the judging panels at HCA Ink and Prison Ink, two of Denmark’s top tattoo events.
Here are just a few of the awards Michelle has won throughout her career:
- 1st Place Best of Show – Melt Down, Trölhatten 2019
- 1st Place Best of Saturday – Inkbash, Stockholm 2023
- 1st Place Best Black and Grey – HCA Ink 2018
- 1st Place Best of Saturday – Mondial, Paris 2022
- 1st Place Best of Friday – 50 Shades of Ink, Helsingborg 2018
These awards reflect Michelle’s commitment to excellence and her standing as one of the top tattoo artists in Denmark and beyond.
Conclusion
Michelle Vestergård’s journey from a young artist struggling to find her identity to an internationally recognized master of abstract realism and portrait tattoos is truly inspiring. Her unique ability to blend emotion with art has made her one of the most sought-after tattoo artists in Denmark. With the precision of Onyx needles and the care of Onyx tattoo aftercare products, Michelle continues to push the boundaries of her craft, creating tattoos that are both visually stunning and deeply meaningful.
To explore Michelle’s incredible work, follow her on Instagram at @michellev_tattoo and witness the art that has captured the hearts of clients around the world.
