A LIFE BUILT BY PURPOSE: CODEY DORAN

A LIFE BUILT BY PURPOSE: CODEY DORAN

Photography by Dustin Genereux

Raised in Los Angeles, Codey Doran built his foundation in fine art before ever picking up tattooing — what most know him for today.

Influenced by masters like Caravaggio and Rembrandt, he began oil painting in high school, developing an eye for light, contrast, and composition that still defines his work.

It didn't take long for tattooing to become a career of its own, and eventually became the owner his shop at the end of 2020.

Having clocked in well over his 10,000 hours, his work has made it onto legends like Jelly Roll, Marshmello, mgk, Chris D’Elia, and Mötley Crüe’s Nikki Sixx. He even tattooed Cobra Starship bassist Jake Massanari live on stage at Warped Tour. It was a full-circle moment for someone who never missed a summer at the festival growing up.

Years in, the challenge remains the same: staying relevant in one of the most competitive cities, without losing himself in the process. For Doran, success is simple: "find your purpose, and build a life around it."


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A LIFE BUILT BY PURPOSE: CODEY DORAN

Having clocked in well over his 10,000 hours, Codey Doran has tattooed legends like Jelly Roll, Marshmello, mgk, Chris D’Elia, and more.