Sarah “Penguin” Rafferty
My art draws inspiration from the bold visual elements of tattoos—vibrant colors, dynamic shapes, and striking contrasts. This is where my skills as an artist shine. I incorporate bright palettes, animals, nature to create whimsical pieces that evoke emotion.
I often turn to movies and pop culture for studies in detail and technique. Exploring nature and animals sparks playful imagination while embracing silliness and whimsy in my work.
Vibrant Paintings & Expressive Drawings Inspired by Life
Sarah “Penguin” Rafferty is a Sacramento-born artist of Filipino, German, and English heritage. A mother of two, she is a professional tattoo artist and former graphic artist who creates vibrant, whimsical pieces inspired by the visual elements of tattoos, nature, and pop culture.
She attended Natomas Charter School Performing and Fine Arts Academy before earning an AA in Visual Communications from The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. As an experienced artist, with 8 years of professional tattooing background, Sarah has participated in over a dozen art gallery group shows, live-painted at the Wide Open Walls Festival, and was featured in the Sacramento History Museum’s exhibit, Tattooed and Tenacious: Inked Women in California’s History.
Her work celebrates bold colors, animals, and emotional expression, embracing playfulness and creativity in every piece. This approach really highlights her skills as an artist in unique ways.
Check out her interview in CanvasRebel to read an in-depth article about her as a tattoo artist. If you’d like to hire her for a custom piece or see her work in-person check out her Instagram page for updates or contact her here.
