MATT KAMMERER

Matt Kammerer · Tattoo Artist at Permanent Vacation Tattoo

Portrait of tattoo artist Matt Kammerer
Lifestyle image related to Matt Kammerer's tattoo work
Lifestyle image related to Matt Kammerer's tattoo work

Artist Bio

Matt was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, where his earliest passions were sports and art - a combination that still drives his tattooing and portrait work today.
The summer before seventh grade, Matt's family moved to a new school district, where an art teacher helped him grow and thrive. He spent countless hours drawing portraits of professional athletes, which continues to inspire his work.

After high school, Matt attended the University of Minnesota's architecture program, but quickly realized that path wasn't for him. He moved back to Omaha and found himself spending more time in tattoo shops - drawn to the culture, creativity, and community.

In 2006, Matt moved to Alaska and began tattooing through an apprenticeship at Sublime Line Tattoo in Fairbanks. He fell in love with American Traditional while still keeping up his passion for portraits. In 2009, he moved to the St. Louis area and has been tattooing in St. Charles County since 2011 - joining Permanent Vacation Tattoo in 2018, where he continues to work today.

Matt's roots are firmly planted here now. He married his wife in 2022 (she's from St. Charles), and together they've built a modern Brady Bunch with his three kids and her two. When he's not at the shop doing rad tattoos, you'll usually find him drawing artwork for professional athletes or sports-related charities, tinkering with his hot rod, or doing classic dad stuff.

Share your ideas, reference photos, and placement and we'll plan your next session.

Style & Approach

Specialties
  • American Traditional
  • Black & grey realism
  • Portraits

If you're unsure about sizing, placement, or how an idea will translate to skin, Matt is happy to walk through options before booking.

@mattkammerer_pvt

A detailed black and grey portrait of the iconic rapper Ice Cube, showcasing expert shading and crisp realism. The subtle texture and expression capture his unmistakable presence and attitude, paying tribute to hip-hop culture.
A large-scale Japanese-inspired backpiece featuring a fierce tiger surrounded by bamboo, skulls, and swirling clouds. The bold composition and traditional color palette showcase balance, power, and movement.
This striking tattoo portrays a woman adorned with an octopus headdress in bold black and grey tones. The fluid tentacles and intense gaze merge beauty with strength in a surreal composition.
A vibrant neo-traditional Sacred Heart design with floral accents and fiery detailing. The bold reds and yellows create a dynamic focal point that symbolizes devotion and resilience.
Paired tattoos depicting a tiger entangled in barbed wire and a panther framed in flowing smoke. The contrast between orange and black highlights their fierce energy and traditional tattoo roots.
A dramatic black and grey chest piece featuring a skeletal figure kissing a woman in Día de los Muertos style makeup. The detailed shading and emotional imagery blend themes of love, life, and mortality.
A bold, colorful sailfish leaping through stylized waves. The saturated blues, yellows, and oranges create a striking tropical energy with a classic traditional layout.
A coiled black panther intertwined with a red rose in true American traditional fashion. The bold lines, rich color palette, and timeless imagery embody classic tattoo heritage.
A dramatic skull topped with dripping red wax and a burning flame. The contrast between black shading and vivid color accents gives this tattoo a haunting yet balanced feel.
A black and grey eagle mid-dive with red background highlights. The sharp contrast and movement showcase strength and traditional boldness.
A traditional-style panther morphing into a woman with dramatic eyes and vintage makeup. The design blends classic pin-up and animal motifs for a unique, old-school statement piece.
A grotesque, horror-inspired tattoo resembling torn flesh shaped into a mask. The bold texture and gory details make this design stand out as a bold, macabre creation.
A surreal design featuring red webbed lips with an eyeball spider emerging from the mouth. The mix of horror and pop-art style creates a striking, imaginative visual.
A gentle bear portrait surrounded by bright flowers and a blue butterfly. The soft shading and pastel colors combine nature and calm symbolism beautifully.
A menacing skull wearing a crown of flames and holding four aces. The bold black and grey shading and dramatic highlights give it a fierce, commanding presence.
A detailed black and grey piece featuring cascading roses with realistic depth and shading. The soft gradient work adds an elegant and timeless look to this classic floral tattoo.
A coiled black and grey snake entwined with bold floral designs. The classic shading and composition highlight traditional tattoo aesthetics with strong movement and contrast.
A roaring tiger head rendered in deep black and grey tones. The fine detailing and placement give this piece fierce energy and realism.
A striking forearm design combining soft-shaded roses with a bold skull motif. The smooth gradient work creates an elegant contrast between beauty and mortality.
A large chest tattoo featuring a detailed eagle beside a waving American flag and three crosses. The imagery powerfully blends symbolism of strength, faith, and freedom.
A sorrowful angelic figure holding a skull, done in classic black and grey. The soft shading and composition evoke a timeless sense of melancholy.
A lifelike black and grey dog portrait surrounded by bright blue flowers. The combination of realism and traditional linework creates a heartfelt memorial feel.
A full sleeve of intricate geometric and mandala-inspired patterns. The precise linework and dot shading showcase balance, symmetry, and technical mastery.
A bold traditional tiger head tattoo featuring saturated oranges and greens. Strong outlines and expressive detail give it a classic old-school feel.
A fantasy-inspired design blending a tiger’s power with a serpent and vibrant wings. The bright colors and hybrid composition create a striking, dynamic piece.
A vivid, old-school wizard surrounded by yellow lightning and mystical energy. The bold linework and saturated hues capture a sense of vintage fantasy and power.
A realistic black and grey portrait of a smiling dog with bright, expressive eyes and a lifelike texture. The soft shading and careful detail bring out the pet’s personality and warmth beautifully.