Auburn, California’s Newest

Eco-Friendly Tattoo Shop

Custom Body Art with Respect for the Planet

Welcome aboard The Mothership Tattoo Collective—a studio where fine art meets mindful tattooing. Our crew of versatile, eco-conscious artists brings over 20 years of combined experience to the table, specializing in black and gray, ornamental, color, realism, and illustrative styles. Whether you’re after something bold, delicate, or deeply personal, we approach every piece with care, creativity, and a respect for both your story and the planet. This is more than a tattoo shop—it’s a space for collaboration, transformation, and art that lasts. Our various artists specialize in the following tattoo styles:

  • Ornamental

  • Blackwork

  • Black and Gray Realism

  • Color Realism

  • Floral

  • Geometric

  • Illustrative

  • Cartoon and Anime

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Auburn, California is a hidden gem for anyone looking to combine their tattoo journey with a little adventure. With its rich indigenous history, charming downtown, and easy access to scenic trails, rivers, and local wineries, Auburn offers the perfect blend of art, nature, and relaxation. Whether you're traveling from near or far, it's a peaceful and inspiring place to get tattooed—one where you can slow down, explore, and leave with a beautiful piece of body art and some unforgettable memories.

Female Owned LGBTQ+ Inclusive Studio

  • Penguin, tattoo shop owner, sitting in front of her station with brightly colored ink in the background.

    Penguin Rafferty

    CO-OWNER

    Filipino American tattoo artist who finds inspiration in nature, pop-culture, plants, and animals. I try to bring a sense of connection, curiosity, and care into everything I make. With a background in Graphic Design, and a Visual Communication Degree from The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Penguin’s work feels bright, playful, and bold.

  • Ashely Foreman, tattoo shop owner, working on an arm.

    Ashely Foreman

    CO-OWNER

    Ashely is an experienced tattoo artist, painter, and illustrator based in Auburn, California. She blends black and grey illustration, ornamental, and geometric styles with nature and floral inspired motifs to create deeply personal and transformative body art. With a background in studio art and multimedia from Humboldt State University, Ashely's work emphasizes anatomical flow, client collaboration, and eco-conscious practices. She is heavily influenced by her mixed ancestral heritage.

  • Micah Pisarek resident tattoo artist at Mothership Tattoo Collective in Auburn, CA

    Micah Pisarek

    RESIDENT ARTIST

    Micah Pisarek is a tattoo artist and multidisciplinary creative based in Auburn, California. His work blends fine art, symbolism, and spirituality, drawing on themes like nature, psychedelia, and personal transformation. Micah brings deep intention and technical skill to every piece, whether on skin or canvas. Micah works in a mostly illustrative style with lots of hatching.

Ashely Foreman - @faelien.ink

Moth and mushroom tattoo on a leg
Geometric and abstract blackwork body art
Floral Mandala design on an upper arm
Gorgeous upper chest ornamental dotwork and floral tattoo design
Indigenous pattern black modern tribal tattoo work on back
a beautiful red tail hawk tattoo on a persons arm
An ornamental tattoo on a person's chest
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Ms. Penguin - @tattoosbypenguin

Colorful tattoo on leg featuring cartoon-style characters and text "My Aunt is a Zombie from Hell."
Colorful tattoo on a person's arm featuring a red rose, orange snake, and various flowers.
Forearm tattoo featuring colorful succulents including echeveria and a trailing vine.
Colorful chest tattoo featuring a cosmic theme with a planet surrounded by patterns at the top, a frog on water lilies in the center, and additional floral designs and fish.
Tattoo of pancakes with butter and syrup, surrounded by strawberries and flowers.
A person wearing a black sleeveless shirt with a detailed octopus tattoo covering their upper arm and shoulder.

Micah Pisarek - @amanduron.inks

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FAQ

  • Custom tattoos start with your ideas—whether it’s a specific image, a feeling, or a story you want to tell. From there, you’ll work with your artist to talk through the concept, placement, size, and style. Once everything’s aligned, the artist creates a one-of-a-kind design tailored just for you. It’s a collaborative process that combines your vision with the artist’s creativity, experience, and eye for flow—so the final piece feels personal, intentional, and made to live beautifully on your body.

  • Every artist creates some pre-made tattoo designs from time-to-time. If you decide that you want one, from their website or social media, reach out to your artist for pricing and specific details.

  • Each artist at The Mothership offers their own pricing. If you’re interested in working with an artist, reach out to them to find out their minimum, hourly and even day rates.

  • The Mothership Tattoo Collective uses various biodegradable supplies including ink caps, plastic-alternatives and setups. We are adding new earth-friendly supplies every day. We also are planning to host events that can give back to the community and nature.

  • Auburn, CA is closer than you think. Just 30 miles East of Sacramento, we’re located in the Sierra Foothills.

    Many clients say the beautiful scenic hour-and-a-half drive from Reno or Lake Tahoe is well worth the journey.

    San Francisco and the Bay Area are only about 2 hours away and the rates here are usually much lower than those near you.