The artists.
Masters Of Ink & Art.
We are a collective of the world’s top talent, brought together under one roof, joining forces in a symphony of passion and creativity to form the world’s first all-star team of tattoo artists. Our versatile team specializes in a wide range of styles, including black and grey realism, colour realism, cover-up, Japanese, micro realism, floral, and fine line tattoos. This diversity ensures that every client’s vision can be brought to life with exceptional skill and artistry.
Esteban Rodríguez is the visionary force behind Heartless Ink, redefining the tattoo industry. As Founder, President, and lead artist, Esteban has transformed Heartless Ink into a powerhouse of creativity and innovation, where tattooing meets the highest standards of fine art.
Born in Cuba, Esteban’s artistic journey began at the “Academia de Bellas Artes” and continued at Toronto’s Academy of Realist Art, where he mastered classical drawing and painting. His exceptional talent led him to join the faculty as a mentor. With over 15 years of combined training, Esteban has seamlessly merged fine art with tattooing, specializing in hyper-realistic tattoos unmatched in detail and artistry.
Esteban’s leadership extends beyond his personal success — he has handpicked and assembled the industry’s first all-star team of tattoo artists, attracting the world’s finest talent to Heartless Ink. Alongside studio co-founder, Ash Khani, Esteban established Heartless Ink with a bold vision: to elevate tattooing to the standards of fine art. His commitment to this mission drives every aspect of the studio’s operation and continues to elevate its reputation in the world of art and tattooing.
Whether through his highly sought-after tattoos or his original oil paintings featured in collections around the world and the movie industry, Esteban’s impact on the art world is profound and far-reaching. A testament to this is his features on luxury lifestyle magazine for men, which highlight how his art and personal style showcase tattoos as a luxury accessory for the modern man. Esteban’s ability to blend vision, technique, and leadership has made him an unstoppable force, revolutionizing tattooing and setting new standards for the industry worldwide.
Hailing from the scenic town of Andes, Antioquia, Daniel Felipe Sánchez Diez has transformed his love for art into a distinguished tattoo career, specializing in black and grey realism, surrealism, and traditional American styles. Born in 1991, Daniel’s early fascination with art found its ultimate expression in tattooing, where his work quickly began to stand out. Over his 10-year journey, Daniel has amassed 17 major awards, becoming a force in the tattoo scene. Highlights of his career include winning Best Tattoo of the Day and first place in Traditional American at Expo Tatuaje Medellín in 2019, and sweeping top honours at Expo Tattoo Táchira in 2023, where he claimed first place in both black and grey realism and traditional American, along with Best Tattoo of the Event.
Daniel’s impact extends beyond competition. His expertise and keen eye for detail have made him a respected judge at events like Expotattoo Neiva. As part of the Heartless Ink collective, Daniel brings his unique artistic style and award-winning techniques, continuing to innovate and inspire in the world of tattooing, and solidifying his place among the industry’s elite.
Daga Hurtado is a renowned tattoo artist with over 13 years of experience, celebrated for his mastery in illustrative realism and advanced colour and shading techniques. His exceptional talent has earned him more than 52 awards at prestigious tattoo conventions across Argentina, Venezuela, Mexico, and beyond. A respected figure in the industry, Daga is frequently invited as a judge at top tattoo events, underscoring his authority and influence. His artistic versatility, spanning airbrushing, oil, coloured pencils, acrylics, watercolor, and graphite, brings unparalleled depth and vibrancy to his tattoos.
Daga’s commitment to excellence and passion for his craft are evident in his personalized approach, ensuring every client leaves with a masterpiece. His strong background in graphic design and expertise in managing creative projects make him a dynamic force in the tattoo world. As a key member of the Heartless Ink collective, Daga Hurtado continues to elevate the art of tattooing, bringing his innovative spirit and vision to this elite team of world-class artists.
Jonathan Alexander Garcia Yepes, known in the tattoo world as Cayms, is an undisputed master of his craft, standing at the pinnacle of the global tattoo industry. Hailing from Medellin, Colombia, Cayms has spent over 16 years refining his skills, transitioning from graffiti to tattooing with a visionary approach that sets him apart. With over 15 prestigious awards from top conventions such as Expo Tattoo Medellin and Rionegro Tattoo Fest, he is widely recognized as one of the most talented artists in the field. Renowned for his expertise in cover-up tattoos, Cayms has earned the nickname “The Wizard” for his extraordinary ability to transform poorly executed tattoos into stunning new works of art. His mastery of cover-ups allows clients to redefine their identities, reclaim their self-image, and move forward with renewed confidence. His technique not only replaces bad tattoos with exceptional art but also helps clients regain a sense of personal empowerment.
Cayms’s talents extend beyond cover-ups to colour realism, shading, and oriental styles, where his technical precision meets a deep empathy for each client’s unique story. His expertise has earned him invitations to judge at major international events, including Viva La Tinta Chile and Venezuela ExpoTattoo, further solidifying his status as a leader in the industry. Relentless in his pursuit of excellence, Cayms brings unmatched skill and dedication to his clients. As a key figure at Heartless Ink, his work continues to set new standards in tattoo artistry, making each piece a transformative and unforgettable experience.
Born in Ukraine, Anastasiia Mikaskina, better known as “Mika”, has been passionate about drawing since childhood. After many years tattooing in Germany and Poland, she now brings her expertise to Heartless Ink. Mika is known for her efficiency and her specialization in cover-ups and neo-traditional styles. Her background in design, anatomy, and architecture allows her to compose highly dynamic and impactful tattoos. Mika’s use of vibrant, saturated colours gives her work a distinctive “candy” look, setting her apart in the industry. Her large-scale colour tattoos have earned her recognition and numerous awards in both Europe and Canada.
Mika’s most recent accolade includes winning Best Tattoo of the Day at the Toronto Tattoo Show, highlighting her outstanding talent and creative vision. Always dedicated to learning and pushing the boundaries of her art, Mika continues to innovate and elevate her craft. Her passion, skill, and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable member of the Heartless Ink team, where her unique style and artistic vision leave a lasting impression.
Originally from Vietnam, Tommy Ha joined Heartless Ink, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence. Working alongside Esteban Rodriguez, Tommy has built an impressive portfolio of sleeves and large-scale pieces. Specializing in black and grey realism and micro-realism, Tommy’s work is distinguished by his attention to contrast and his mastery of shading, setting his portfolio apart from the typical black and grey artist.
Tommy’s ability to create unique and impactful art has made him a highly sought-after artist, consistently booked and always pushing his skills further with each project. His dedication to his craft and his passion for creating meaningful, lasting art make him an integral member of the Heartless Ink team, where he continues to make a lasting impression through his exceptional tattoo work.
Originally from China, Gwyn Yu specializes in fine-line tattoos, known for her dainty and delicate black-and-white designs, as well as her vibrant use of colour. Her work is celebrated for its precision and beauty, transforming personal stories into exquisite art. As Heartless Ink’s fine-line specialist, Gwyn’s style was chosen to contrast and complement the studio’s bold approach, adding a refined and intricate touch to the team. Gwyn’s passion for drawing and painting led her to earn a Diploma in Animation from Singapore and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography and Painting from Canada. After a successful stint as a fashion photographer, she discovered her true calling in tattooing, where she found a perfect blend of design, drawing, and painting.
Gwyn’s tattoos are more than just ink on skin; they are lifelong testaments to beauty, passion, and self-expression. Her ability to blend clients’ aspirations with her artistry ensures each piece is unique and meaningful. As a vital part of Heartless Ink, Gwyn continues to elevate fine-line tattooing, leaving a lasting mark in the industry.
With a background in graphic design and digital media, Aram Badalyan combines traditional art skills with a modern approach, specializing in intricate line work and black and grey realism. His expertise in portraiture sets him apart, known for capturing lifelike detail and powerful personal narratives. Aram’s artistic journey is defined by rigorous training and a passion for creativity. Studying under Esteban Rodriguez at the Academy of Realist Art, Aram mastered classical techniques of drawing before transitioning to tattooing at Heartless Ink under Esteban’s mentorship.
Believing in art as a profound form of self-expression, Aram uses tattooing to help clients tell their unique stories. As part of the Heartless Ink team, he continues to push creative boundaries, bringing his refined vision and passion to each piece he creates.
The Operations.
Unparalleled Service. Unforgettable Experience.
At Heartless Ink, operations is more than just logistics—it’s the heartbeat of our commitment to excellence. Our team orchestrates every detail, from seamless booking processes to personalized consultations, ensuring that every client feels valued, understood, and supported. We pride ourselves on creating a smooth and enjoyable journey from start to finish, allowing our artists to focus on their craft while our operations team takes care of the rest.
Ash
Co-Founder & President
Ash Khani is a self-driven innovator and entrepreneur with a strong background in business development, real estate and construction, where he developed expertise in project management and workflow optimization. In 2019, he entered the tattoo industry by partnering with Esteban Rodriguez, sharing a single goal: to elevate tattoo art to the level of fine art. This vision led to the founding of Heartless Ink Tattoo Boutique, now one of Toronto’s most influential tattoo brands.
As co-founder and president, Ash has been instrumental in driving Heartless Ink’s success. His expertise in designing and managing the studio’s high-level operations seamlessly complements Esteban’s leadership on the creative side, creating a powerful synergy that has elevated Heartless Ink to new heights in the industry. Drawing on his interior design and construction experience, he created a cutting-edge studio that embodies the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. His dedication to excellence is reflected in every aspect of the client experience, from same-day responses to inquiries and a streamlined booking process to free, collaborative design consultations. Under Ash’s leadership, Heartless Ink has become renowned for producing the highest quality tattoos and creating an unforgettable experience, attracting top-tier artists and tattoo collectors. This comprehensive approach guides clients through the entire journey—from design to aftercare—ensuring an exceptional experience from start to finish. Ash’s strategic thinking and focus on long-term growth, combined with his integration of advanced systems and software, have optimized Heartless Ink’s operations, enabling the studio to scale while maintaining exceptional quality and delivering real value to clients. Together, Ash and Esteban’s commitment to excellence and innovation continues to drive Heartless Ink’s success, making it a leader in Toronto’s tattoo industry.
Azianna
Studio Manager
With extensive experience in the vibrant world of tattooing, Azianna Chee-na plays a pivotal role at Heartless Ink as the studio manager. Her deep understanding of the industry and her commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset to the studio. Azianna oversees all aspects of studio operations, including recruiting, training, and managing the administrative staff, ensuring that the studio runs smoothly and efficiently.
Azianna’s leadership is crucial in maintaining Heartless Ink’s high standards of customer service. She is dedicated to creating a seamless client experience, from the initial inquiry through to the final tattoo and aftercare, making sure every client receives personalized attention and care. Her expertise in client relations helps foster lasting relationships, enhancing client satisfaction and loyalty.
In addition to managing the day-to-day operations, Azianna plays a key role in shaping and implementing the studio’s strategic direction and ensuring that all staff uphold the studio’s commitment to professionalism. Her focus on delivering exceptional service and her ability to handle every detail with precision contribute significantly to the continued success and outstanding reputation of Heartless Ink. Azianna’s leadership, dedication, and passion are at the heart of the studio’s thriving environment, making Heartless Ink a standout destination for world-class tattoo artistry.
Serpil
Administrator
With a professional background rooted in luxury retail and operations, Serpil Crisostomo brings a strategic, organized, and personalized approach to supporting the talented artists at Heartless Ink and ensuring the seamless operation of the studio. Originally from Toronto, Serpil Crisostomo has always excelled at harmonizing diverse talents and resources to achieve a shared vision. Drawing from her experience working with exclusive clientele who demand nothing but the best, she expertly helps Heartless Ink attract and cater to the highest caliber of clients.
Serpil’s commitment to excellence is reflected in every aspect of her role. She takes pride in ensuring that the customer service provided matches the elite level of artistry the studio is known for. Heartless Ink’s tattoo process, designed with the utmost attention to detail, is something Serpil helps maintain every step of the way. From ensuring same-day responses to client inquiries, streamlining a timely booking process, and coordinating free, no-commitment design consultations, she helps create an elevated customer experience that allows clients to collaborate closely with artists and feel supported throughout the entire process.
As the studio’s administrator, Serpil takes pride in maintaining an efficient and well-coordinated environment that allows artists to thrive. She plays a crucial role in this dynamic creative space, where every detail contributes to crafting unforgettable experiences and turning clients’ tattoo visions into reality. Her ability to blend professionalism with a personal touch has made her an invaluable asset, ensuring that Heartless Ink continues to deliver exceptional service and artistry at the highest level.
Samuel
Content Creator
Samuel Rodriguez, a visionary content creator with Cuban roots, brings a unique filmmaking style to Heartless Ink. As a tattoo enthusiast himself, Samuel’s passion for the art form enables him to deeply understand and capture the vision of the artists he collaborates with. His expertise in directing, editing, color grading, and sound design allows him to craft compelling visual stories that elevate the studio’s brand. From videos and photos to ads, Samuel’s work plays a crucial role in aligning Heartless Ink’s visual presence with its mission of raising tattooing to fine art. His dedication to storytelling and creative innovation makes him an essential part of the team’s success.
BENJI
IT Manager
With a deep-rooted passion for technology and a strong academic foundation, Benjamin Sarras is an essential force behind Heartless Ink’s operational success. Holding advanced degrees in economics, data analysis, and computer science, Benjamin skillfully combines technical expertise with analytical insights to streamline the studio’s processes.
At Heartless Ink, Benjamin plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the systems and infrastructure work seamlessly, empowering the administrative staff to deliver a superior customer experience. His work with client databases is particularly vital, as it allows the studio to track every step of the client journey—from inquiry, to consultation and tattoo, and finally aftercare. This system enables the administrative team to offer a personalized and customized approach, ensuring clients receive the highest level of service. Known for his adaptability and drive to explore new challenges, Benjamin perfectly embodies Heartless Ink’s commitment to innovation and excellence. His invaluable contributions have been instrumental in supporting the studio’s growth and its reputation for providing world-class tattoo experiences.
