Artist Spotlight: Miranda at Copperhead Tattoo & Piercing

Artist Spotlight: Miranda at Copperhead Tattoo & Piercing

If you’re looking for a tattoo that feels bold, intentional, and full of personality, Miranda is someone you want to sit down with.

A tattoo artist at Copperhead Tattoo & Piercing in Austin, Miranda brings years of experience, a deep love for classic styles, and a creative approach that blends beauty with edge. Her work pulls from everything from traditional tattooing to Japanese influence, all while keeping things fun, expressive, and personal.

We sat down with Miranda to talk about how she got started, what inspires her, and what it’s really like to get tattooed by her.

Growing Up Around Creativity

For Miranda, tattooing was always part of the world around her.

“I was around the scene as a kid. My dad is a musician, so we were always around creatives, and everyone had tattoos,” she says. That early exposure stuck with her. Tattooing always felt fascinating, even before it became a career.

At 19, she took her first real step into the industry by working the front desk at a shop to get her foot in the door. From there, she worked her way through just about every role. Over the years, she built experience in different areas before fully stepping into tattooing.

“I’ve been in the industry for a decade now. I’ve done practically everything from front desk, to piercing, and finally tattooing.”

An Artist Who Never Stops Learning

Tattooing professionally for just over five years has made one thing clear to Miranda: This industry never stops teaching you.

“I’m still learning new things with every tattoo. It’s an endless process,” she says.

To be a great artist, Miranda believes that tattooing takes dedication. It is not something you casually pick up. “You have to be dedicated,” she explains. “There will be projects that keep you up at night, and it’s a constant learning curve.”

That mindset shows up in her work. Every piece is approached with care, attention, and a drive to keep improving.

Style, Inspiration, and What She Loves to Tattoo

Miranda works across a range of styles, including traditional, neo-traditional, illustrative, and Japanese. She is comfortable working in both color and black and grey, which gives clients a lot of flexibility.

When it comes to subject matter, she knows exactly what she enjoys. “I adore animals, ladies, fantasy, anything random and funny,” she says. As for placement, she keeps it simple. Arms and legs are her bread and butter, but of course will tattoo other body parts with just as much enthusiasm.

Her artistic personality is all about balance. She likes to bring together different energies in a way that feels natural and visually strong.

“I like things that have a good soul to it. Balancing beauty and elegance with something opposite. I like to make things look pretty.”

Her inspiration comes from everywhere. Classic Japanese work, art nouveau, vintage ads from the 30s through the 70s, nature, graffiti, architecture, and fantasy all play a role in shaping her designs.

“Most things are beautiful that are created with intention.”

What It’s Like to Get Tattooed by Miranda

Miranda keeps her sessions relaxed and flexible.

“I have a TV at my station. I typically go with however the client feels for the session and gauge how it is from there.” She reads the room and adjusts based on the client’s energy, which helps people feel more at ease.

For her, a great artist-client relationship comes down to mutual respect.

“Respect for art, letting the artist take the reins on designs,” she explains. At the same time, she respects the client’s vision, since they are the ones wearing the tattoo for life.

When it comes to ideas, she prefers a starting point rather than a fully locked-in concept. That freedom allows her to be more creative and deliver a stronger final result.

If someone is not sure what they want, her advice is simple: Do research to figure out what you like.

Why Copperhead Felt Like the Right Fit

Miranda joined Copperhead Tattoo & Piercing for a mix of personal and professional reasons.

For her, Copperhead gave her immediate good vibes. She also wanted to work in an environment where she could balance work and family life.

“I wanted to work with someone who was also a parent, trying to balance work and family life. Passed by it one day and here I am.”

The culture at the shop made it an easy decision.

“It’s great. Everyone is super chill and we look out for each other.”

That sense of support carries over into the client experience as well.

Life Outside the Shop

Outside of tattooing, Miranda’s world revolves around her son.

“I love hanging out with my son. He takes up most of my free time,” she says. They spend time outdoors hiking, swimming, cooking, and gardening. When she gets the chance, she also enjoys painting and watching older, unique films.

“I try to live as intentional as possible. I hate wasting time.”

One thing that might surprise people about her is where she almost ended up before tattooing.

“Before I started tattooing I was in school for mortuary science… to work in the funeral industry, specifically embalming.”

Favorite Tattoos and What’s Next

Some of Miranda’s favorite work has pushed her creatively.

“I’ve done a few fantasy ladies which I adore, and I’ve done a few Japanese inspired bird back pieces that have really pushed me into a new direction.”

Projects like those are what keep things exciting and continue to shape her style.

As for her own personal collection of tattoos, one stands out in particular. “My favorite is my 50’s style greaser Frankenstein I got on the back of my calf when I was 17.”

Looking ahead, she has plans for something bigger, and plans to travel to Europe to get her full back piece done by an artist she admires.

Her dream projects are easy to sum up: “Anything with animals and ladies.”

Advice From Miranda

For anyone getting tattooed for the first time, she keeps it practical.

“Don’t drink the night before, eat a good breakfast, get good sleep, bring things that make you comfortable.”

And for anyone thinking about becoming a tattoo artist? “Practice, practice, practice.”

Right now, she is focused on continuing to grow creatively, especially through painting and personal work.

Walk-Ins Are Always Welcome!

Come see Miranda at Copperhead for your next tattoo or piercing.