Jorell Elie: Tattoos That Talk
If you’ve ever met Jorell Elie, you know his tattoos feel like they’re alive. He blends color, composition, and emotion in a way that makes each piece feel like it’s breathing. At Ink & Dagger, Jorell brings a mix of bold illustrative work and painterly detail, creating artwork that’s as unique as he is.
California Roots to the Tattoo World
Born in New York but raised in California, Jorell grew up surrounded by art and animation. Saturday morning cartoons and classic Disney movies sparked an early love for storytelling through imagery—a theme that is reflected in his artwork.
Tattooing came later. His first tattoo, a pair of flags honoring his South Korean and South African roots, didn’t go perfectly (think upside-down flags). But that experience taught him something important: how intimidating the tattoo world can feel for first-timers. Now, he’s made it part of his mission to make sure every client feels comfortable, confident, and heard.
Learning, Growing, and Finding His Voice
Jorell begun tattooing in 2009 after an apprenticeship under Alex Guma in Georgia. After a few years, he made his way back to California, working at The Honorable Society in West Hollywood and then at Outer Limits in Long Beach alongside tattoo legend Kari Barba.
For a while, Jorell was best known for his watercolor tattoos—but over time, his focus shifted. “ Now I lean into being critical of every piece and trying to get better individually by piece, not so much in my style. I think style always comes through.”
These days, his work blends color realism and illustration, pulling in loose watercolor elements while keeping everything structured, readable, and built to last.
Inspired by Light, Motion, and Everything In Between
When it comes to inspiration, Jorell doesn’t limit himself. He finds beauty in everything—from light hitting a flower to the lines in an old sculpture. “My wife will take a random photo of something that doesn’t look like much, but I’ll see the way the shadows fall or the contrast in color and think, ‘that’s a background for a tattoo.’”
He also credits his early love of cartoons and animation for shaping his sense of movement and gesture. “I loved seeing the sketch marks and imperfections in old Disney movies,” he says. “That human touch—that’s what I want in my tattoos.”
More Than Just a Tattoo
For Jorell, tattooing is about connection. He values clients who see tattoos as experiences, not just art pieces.
"My ideal client is someone who’s willing to listen and be open to the experience, because tattoos are permanent and create a bond that’s rarely explored. I don’t want to be forgotten as a tattooer—these pieces stay with you for life, long after cars, houses, or anything else.”
“No matter your background—whether you’re a governor, a biker, or anyone in between—if you want to represent yourself in a meaningful way, that’s the client I want to work with."
Life Outside the Studio
When he’s not tattooing, Jorell keeps it simple. You’ll find him at home with his fmaily and dogs, probably cooking dinner, watching sports, or enjoying a game of golf or soccer. He calls himself a “house hippo,” but his creativity doesn’t stop when he leaves the shop—it just shifts to wherever his energy is needed.
Book Your Next Tattoo with Jorell
From bold color to fluid linework and everything in between, Jorell’s artwork is ready to be shared with anyone seeking a unique and lasting experience. Ready to start something new?
Check out his portfolio and submit a booking request form to bring your ideas to life.
