ABOUT THE ARTIST

Matt (Mehmet Gokkara) is a Los Angeles–based tattoo artist specializing in black & grey realism. With a strong background in fine art and a passion for storytelling through ink, he creates tattoos that are not only technically refined but also deeply personal and emotionally resonant. Originally from Turkey, Matt has worked with clients across the globe and has participated in major tattoo conventions in both Europe and the United States. His work has been featured in several respected tattoo magazines including Global Tattoo Mag, Natural Ink Magazine, Tattoo Love Magazine, and media platforms such as Haberpoint.com, Macrohaber.com, Tekmanset.com, Medyamanset.com, and Porthaber.com. Matt currently works at Surrender Inc. on 3rd Street in Santa Monica, where he transforms personal stories into timeless, custom-designed tattoos. His style is defined by smooth shading, deep contrast, balanced compositions, and refined technique. He has worked as a guest artist in multiple cities including Istanbul, Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle, Denver, and New York—bringing his realism-focused style to a wide variety of clients and collaborating with industry professionals worldwide. Matt has also participated in notable international conventions such as: * San Diego Tattoo Arts Festival * Body Art Expo – Pomona * Marmaris Tattoo Convention * Izmir Tattoo Festival Every tattoo is approached as a one-of-a-kind piece, crafted with intention and executed with care. Whether it’s a portrait, a full-sleeve concept, or a micro-realistic detail, Matt’s work combines visual impact with personal meaning. His calm energy, sharp eye for detail, and client-focused communication style create a smooth and inspiring tattoo experience.