Portrait of Melissa Martell, Cleveland Tattoo Artist and owner of The Glass Cat tattoo studio.

Melissa Martell - Tattoo Artist and Owner

I am Melissa Martell, the proud owner of The Glass Cat, a private tattoo shop nestled in the heart of Cleveland, Ohio at the historic Tiffany Glass Building.

The name, The Glass Cat, is inspired by my fondness for collecting vintage ceramic cat figurines and my appreciation for kitschy things. This unique aesthetic not only shapes my tattoo style but also resonates in my studio decor.

With a background in graphic design and fine art, along with 8 years of experience in the tattooing industry, I offer a distinctive combination of creativity and expertise in every piece I create.

Tattoo Style and Influences

My tattoo style embodies a blend of cuteness, boldness, whimsy, and anthropomorphic elements, injecting each design with playfulness.

Drawing inspiration from 1960s and 70s vintage illustrations, Mexican folk art, and artists such as Mary Blair, I craft tattoos with a fusion of vintage aesthetics and contemporary tattooing techniques. This distinctive approach resonates with clients who appreciate a mix of classic flair and modern artistry in their tattoos.

Subjects I enjoy tattooing include cute creatures, vintage themes, pop culture references, and cats!

Beyond Tattooing

Outside the world of tattooing, art remains a central part of my life. When I'm not at the studio, you can find me immersed in various art projects, selling my art prints and paintings at local markets. I share this passion with my partner, Jacob, and together, we founded Bunney Mart.

At Bunney Mart, we hand dye and design t-shirts that reflect our artistic vision and shared interests, which include metal music, pop culture, and all things cute.

In my personal life, I enjoy spending time with Jacob and our adorable Chihuahua, Jerri. We bond over snack foods and watching weird 80s horror movies.

Find the best tattoo artist for you

To uncover the ideal tattoo artist who best resonates with your distinctive style, begin a conversation and let’s see if we’re a good fit! Visit my contact page.

I tattoo by appointment only at The Glass Cat Tattoo Shop in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, and you can occasionally find me at Show Pigeon Tattoo in the City of Orange, CA.