Artist | Discover Cat James — San Diego Tattooer

✺ CAT JAMES ✺

I left San Diego years ago looking for answers… only to return home years later and find them all right where I started.
I like to remind myself that returning as a changed person, after all that time, is not the same as never having left.

My art journey began as a graphic designer. I worked as a freelancer for years then taught myself handpoke tattooing while living in Sayulita, Mexico. I traveled and did both for a few years in Mexico, California and Hawaii.

OSNT was established in 2021 and I had my sights set on a traditional apprenticeship for machine tattooing ~ which I found in Denver, Colorado. I learned from an incredible mentor, tattooed and ran Old Sol Fiesta artist market events for two years before leaving to live (and rewire my nervous system) in Baja, Mexico.

My workload in Denver had taken a massive toll on my body and mind. After a year of taking it slower, surfing most days and traveling back to the US to do guest spots, I found myself moving to Australia. It was a place I had been dreaming of calling home for a long time.

Attempting to stay connected to my art and people in the US and Mexico, I flew back a lot that first year. I did intensive guest spots and took on the remote position as creative director of a taproom in Denver. I struggled energetically and socially, living a split double life.

I decided that I had to be more present in my Australia life. I took a hiatus from tattooing (and social media) in 2025, not sure if I would return. Meanwhile I did some painting and design work for a local coffee shop, went to Film School and began my helicopter pilots license.

Down under and flipped upside down, I missed my people. I reflected a lot on what matters to me, how I want my art and work to be intentional, & what I still wanted to learn…

The storefront of a tattoo shop named El Camino Tattoo, with large glass windows and doors, black awning, and two white potted plants outside. Inside, framed artwork and tattoo designs are visible.

✺ ✺ ✺

I’m officially part of the crew at EL CAMINO TATTOO, an awesome little shop in the coastal town of Encinitas, CA.

HERE’S THE UPDATES:

✺ I’ve moved back to SAN DIEGO & plan to stay.

✺ I’m very clear about my priorities being my health & my community.

✺ I’m easing back into TATTOOING!
3 days/week in San Diego only (no traveling/guest spots).

✺ BOOKS ARE OPEN!!!Submit a tattoo inquiry form to book.

✺ Boundaries with work = Slow to respond. Please be patient with me.

✺ Old Sol New Tricks

Tattoo Inquiry Form

Group of surfers carrying surfboards on the beach towards the ocean in Australia.

Two young women standing under an arched bridge with power lines and trees in the background. One woman is holding a skateboard.

Cat James with tattoos on arms and legs, wearing a white t-shirt with a graphic design collaboration on the back, and denim shorts, standing in an empty skate pool.

A woman with tattoos and sunglasses sitting cross-legged on the sidewalk with her back against a red wall, beside a large decorative image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, with an arched opening made of brick on the left and a metal door with heart-shaped patterns on the right.

A young woman with long wavy hair, wearing a black cap with a colorful OSNT design, a nose ring, and a blue hoodie, smiling on a rocky beach inn oceanside san diego with cloudy sky in the background.

A person wearing an adobe colored Old Sol New Tricks graphic t-shirt with a snake illustration, and black shorts. The person has long dark hair. Another person with tattoos on their forearm is touching their shoulder.

TESTIMONIALS

"I met Cat when she was still an apprentice. I found her on instagram and was immediately drawn to her line work and style. If i could rate 100/10, I would. Everything from booking, to her creative process, to the final product of each tattoo, she nails it all. I highly recommend presenting her an idea and letting her run with creatively. She wont steer you wrong!"

Zak Stensland
"I adore Cat’s work and was stoked to get a chance to be tattooed by her. It was a truly special experience. I may have came in a client but I left as a friend. Her work speaks speaks for itself. She’s really found a unique style and her passion for the craft and her personality will keep you coming back for more."

Kelly Hagen
"I fell in love with a design cat did for her and her family so when she was open to doing something similar for me, I was stoked. To this day, it is the best work I’ve gotten and I admire her art on me every single day. The line work is INSANE. Cat’s attention to detail, precision, and passion she pours into her work shows"

Keilani Francisco
"Me encanta! Todo lo que salga de esa mano fluyeee <3"

Naomi Cabello (hand poke)
"I’ve been tatted by Cat four times now and have been so happy with not only my experience getting inked and the conversations that we shared, but her artistry on my body as well. I’m always in love with the result. The tattoos she’s done on me are my favorites; she is my favorite person to get tattoos from and I will absolutely be booking with her any time she is in Colorado again"

Olivia Caperton
"I’ve had three tattoos by Cat and they are my absolute favorite pieces to show off. Cat has the best vibe, is a total professional, and is so easy to talk to. She’s always made me feel comfortable to ask questions and kindly shared her guidance and expertise when I needed it. Fingers crossed I’ll get back in her books next time she’s in Denver!"

Kyla Munoz
"I won’t ever get tattooed by anyone else again! Cat never fails to do incredible work, everywhere I go I get compliments on my art that she created. Every experience I’ve had with Cat has been warm and welcoming. She is an amazing tattoo artist, and an even more amazing human."

Rachel Dolphin (hybrid hand poke & machine)