WHO I am

A man with glasses and a moustache sitting in a tattoo studio, with a tattoo design on his arm, looking directly at the camera. There is a bed, tattoo equipment, and shelves with ink bottles in the background.
A man with tattoos on his arm wearing glasses, a beige cap with text, a black apron, and black gloves working on a tattoo or art project in a room with a lamp and a smartphone on a stand.

I’m Derek Ream, a Houston tattoo artist specializing in traditional and neo-traditional Japanese tattoos. My work brings together bold linework, expressive color, and compositions designed to flow naturally with the body. I’m drawn to the powerful imagery of Japanese tattooing, from dragons and tigers to flowers and mythological figures, and the way these subjects create movement and tell a story.

Drawing and painting have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. That foundation continues to shape my approach to tattooing, particularly how I use color, contrast, and open space. Each design begins with a strong composition, with attention to how its shapes and details will translate to skin and remain readable over time.

I work from a private, appointment-only studio, offering custom tattoos alongside original pre-drawn designs. The process is collaborative: we discuss your ideas, placement, and size, then develop a direction that brings your vision together with my artistic style. My goal is to create artwork with a strong visual presence and give each client the time and attention their tattoo deserves.

A tattoo artist with tattoos on his arms, wearing a black cap and gloves, tattooing a person's leg in a tattoo studio. The artist is focused on his work, surrounded by tattoo equipment and supplies.

Gallery

Here are some selected tattoos I’ve completed. For a more comprehensive view of my portfolio, please visit my Instagram page (@derekream.tattoos).

Tattoo of a Japanese warrior fighting a tiger on a person's leg.
Tattoo of a fierce dragon with black and red scales, claws, and a long tail, coiled around the arm.
Colorful tattoo of a blue demon mask with red and yellow accents, horns, surrounded by purple flowers and green leaves.
Tattoo of a Daruma doll with pink flowers and green leaves on a person's arm.
A tattoo of a traditional Japanese warrior wearing a helmet with a crane bird on top, surrounded by red flowers.
A tattoo of a black and white bird with outstretched wings and a long, slender beak, surrounded by red flowers with green leaves on a person's upper thigh.
Colorful tattoo of a fierce green dragon or demon face with orange eyes, sharp teeth, and purple and orange accents on the shoulder of a person wearing a purple shirt.
Colorful traditional Japanese-style tattoo of a woman playing a lute with a dragon behind her on a person's arm.
Tattoo of a black and red snake wrapped around a cloud on a person's forearm.

Guest Artist Opportunities

I have worked as a guest artist at other tattoo studios and remain available for select guest opportunities. Studio owners interested in hosting me can contact me at derekreamtattoos@gmail.com with their location, proposed dates, and additional details.

A glimpse into a room with a small table covered in a cloth, shelves with various bottles and objects, a black chair, and a workspace with tools and supplies, viewed through a doorway.

STUDIO

Derek Ream Tattoos, LLC is a private, appointment-only, licensed tattoo studio in Houston, Texas, specializing in custom tattoos created in a quiet, focused one-on-one environment. Designed for clients who value intentional work and a more private experience, the studio offers a calm alternative to the distractions of a traditional walk-in tattoo shop.

Every appointment is structured to allow full attention on the design, placement, and execution of each piece. A controlled setting supports clear communication, precise stencil placement, and the level of concentration required for clean, lasting work.

Sessions are scheduled individually so each client has dedicated time, privacy, and a process built around their tattoo from consultation through completion. There is no rush between appointments, no walk-in interruptions, and no unnecessary background noise competing with the work itself.

The studio is built around a simple standard: custom tattooing approached with structure, precision, and respect for permanence.