Dawn is based in Chicago, where she was born and raised. She describes herself as “ridiculously anal-retentive, which is a blessing and a curse.” Along with artistic designs, she offers 3D nipple/areola tattooing for breast cancer survivors, surgical scar coverups/embellishments, and re-pigmentation. Dawn has been the go-to for all types of scar tattooing. Along with helping her breast cancer warriors, Dawn works regularly with survivors of self-harm. She is honored and humbled to help serve survivors. 

 

Dawn has been tattooing professionally since 1998, after serving a formal 2-year apprenticeship with Cap Szumski at Timeless Tattoo in Atlanta, GA. Through blood, sweat, and tears, she earned her way into the craft. She returned to Chicago in 2004 to be nearer to her family and began working at Tattoo Factory in the notorious Uptown neighborhood. She remained there until November of 2012.

 

With love and blessings from her Tattoo Factory family, she opened a private studio in 2012 in Old Irving Park neighborhood on the Northwest side. In October of 2017,  Brennan and Dawn opened Bella Rose Tattoo in Albany Park, Chicago.