In a world where art often takes a backseat to practicality, tattoo artist Keith Drapeau is a bold reminder that passion can shape a meaningful career. A self-taught artist with nearly 400,000 social media followers, Keith’s path has been anything but conventional. From his early days as a collegiate track and field athlete to becoming one of Oklahoma’s most sought-after tattoo artists, his story is one of resilience, creativity, and authenticity.
Finding Art Through Sport
Keith’s journey began long before he picked up a tattoo needle. “I was always really big into art growing up. I was like the weird art kid,” he recalls. “I had a callus on my middle finger just from growing up with a pencil in my hand.”
However, his trajectory veered into athletics, competing at the University of Oregon and the University of Oklahoma (OU). It wasn’t until an injury sidelined him that Keith started reimagining his future. “Once I realized the athletic dream wasn’t going to work, it was like, what’s next?” he says. “Tattooing gave me something I enjoy doing and could make a career out of.”
It was a push from his college roommate that ultimately set Keith on the path to tattooing. “My roommate had seen me drawing and was like, ‘Why don’t you try tattooing?’ At first, I thought it was just a joke, but then I started looking into it more seriously. He saw the potential in me before I did.”
Self-Taught and Self-Tested
Keith’s first tattoos weren’t on clients—they were on himself. “I feel like I should be able to do it on myself first before I do it to someone else,” he explains. “Plus, if I can show that my work is good on me, then it makes it more reliable for someone else to trust me.”
While his self-taught journey was unconventional, it was grounded in discipline. “A lot of college kids just don’t care. They’re like, ‘You can tattoo? Let’s do it.’ But I wanted to be smart about it and make sure I was confident in my ability before tattooing someone else.”
Pushing the Limits
Today, Keith’s work is anything but ordinary. He gravitates toward large, complex pieces that demand hours of focus. “I don’t find a sense of accomplishment in small tattoos that take five or ten minutes,” he says. “I like the big, complex stuff that leaves your back hurting and has you lying on the floor afterward—that’s what feels meaningful.”
It’s this commitment to challenging himself that has drawn clients from all over the world. “The power of social media is wild,” Keith says. “I’ve had people from all over reach out to me about tattoos because they see the kind of work I put out.”
Influences and Inspirations
Keith credits his mom for inspiring his artistic journey. “Art in general is tied to my mom. She’s the one who got me into art,” he shares. “She never got to see me tattoo because I didn’t start until after she passed, but I know she would’ve been proud.”
Traveling has also played a role in shaping his artistic style. “I like seeing the influence and different styles and cultures in tattoos, especially Eastern Asian styles, like the hammer-and-nail techniques. But for my own work, I pretty much let clients bring me their ideas, and I help bring them to life.”
The Midwest HQ Collaboration
Keith recently collaborated with Midwest HQ on a project that celebrated Oklahoma’s vibrant creative scene. The campaign, filmed by Los Avitiuh of Pillo Productions, brought together some of the state’s brightest talents. Keith contributed his unique artistry by tattooing the Midwest HQ logo on the inside of a model’s lip—a bold and unconventional statement that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the project.
“Midwest HQ is all about celebrating local creativity,” Keith says. “Being part of this project felt special because it’s not just about me as an artist—it’s about connecting with others and showcasing what Oklahoma has to offer.”
Beyond the Chair
Keith’s connections as an athlete continue to influence his career. “Being an athlete, especially at places like Oregon and OU, connected me to people across different sports,” he says. “Now I tattoo athletes—NBA, NFL players—and those connections bring a lot of influence and exposure.”
Locally, Keith recently collaborated with Midwest HQ for a project celebrating Oklahoma creatives, blending his love for the state’s culture with his expertise as an artist. His involvement showcases his dedication to building community through art.
Looking Ahead
As Keith’s career evolves, he’s exploring new opportunities, including a potential nationwide tattoo tour and plans to open his own studio in Dallas. “It’s all about figuring out what comes next,” he says.
For aspiring tattoo artists, his advice is simple but powerful: “The only thing stopping you from doing it or being great at it is you. The more time you put in, the better you’ll get. You get out what you put in.”
A Lasting Impression
Tattooing has given Keith the freedom to embrace his creativity while connecting with people on a deeply personal level. “You really get to know someone when they’re in the chair for hours,” he says. “Plus, I’m creating something they’ll carry with them for the rest of their life. It’s only permanent.”
Keith Drapeau’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the courage to follow your passions. From the track to the tattoo chair, he’s found a way to leave his mark—both on skin and on the heart of Oklahoma’s creative scene.
