Inkscribed: 2026 Thesis

A vertical line drawing of a lotus flower with a swirling, vine-like stem decorated with small circles, in the style of a tattoo studio in North Wales.

Archetypal Origins

Kaitlin Spering has devised a series of five original characters, each based on a different archetype: the Hero, the Innocent, the Rebel, the Magician, and the Lover. These characters are designed as individuals with their own presence and story; paired with tattoo designs tailored to their identity and narrative. By aligning each character with a distinct archetype, the work shows how shared human experiences and emotion can take shape through imagery that resonates across individuals and communities. This body of work emphasizes the importance of connection between artist and subject as well as individual and collective experience.

Gallery wall in a North Wales tattoo studio featuring a digital print of five characters, a small shelf with art supplies, a framed drawing, and a large wall decal of the same five characters.

Display of character art featuring five illustrated figures, five circular Vitruvian-style designs labeled with archetypes, a QR code, and a life-sized cardboard cutout at this Tattoo Studio in North Wales.

An art display at a tattoo studio in North Wales featuring character sketches, a small shelf of objects, and a life-sized paper cutout of a character on two white walls.

The Archeyptes

Tattoo Meanings

Black and white line art of a human skull partially buried among large, jagged spikes, reflecting the bold style found at a tattoo studio in North Wales.

A vibrant splash of pink liquid against a white background, captured for a North Wales tattoo studio.

The Archetypes

Each character represents a different archetype and the emotions, choices, and experiences connected to it. Select an archetype to learn about the character, their story, and the tattoo designs created around them.