Meet the Artists

A man with long, curly dark hair and a beard, wearing tattoos, nose rings, earrings, and a black shirt with metal embellishments, standing in front of a decorative mirror and green plants in an indoor setting.

Desi

Desi Arellano is a true master of his craft with extensive experience in the field.  By focusing on the quality of alloys and how it affects human skin, he offers his clients an insightful and safe experience with the installation of jewelry. Desi provides his clients quality jewelry selection, a stress-free piercing procedure, and makes himself available to clients through all stages of the healing process.

Through working with the finest jewelry manufacturers and private jewelers, Desi only selects pieces that meet his and his clientele’s highest standards.

Modern piercers are upscale jewelry artisans that do alternative installations. Desi attends major annual conferences and stays on the cutting edge of his trade, always utilizing the newest and highest preferred methods in his field. His desire to constantly advance his skill level and knowledge allows him to hone his craft in a way that ensures the most exceptional experience for his clientele.

A woman with purple and blue styled hair, light eye makeup, piercings on her nose and ear, wearing earrings, and a beige lace top with black floral pattern. The background is blurred.

Alex

Alex has been piercing professionally for 5 years. She first joined the Artifact family in January of 2020 and was hired full time in June of 2022.

Her favorite piercings to do are paired nostrils. Symmetry makes her heart happy.

On her days off she enjoys spending time with her son as well as antiquing for vintage pyrex and carnival glass.

Young woman with long blonde hair, wearing a white tank top and black bottom, standing against a textured beige wall.

Stephanie

Originally from Boston, Stephanie has called California home for the past 12 years. Before stepping into the piercing industry, she spent 13 years as a professional model, where she developed a passion for personal style, self-expression, and helping people feel confident.

Two and a half years ago, she followed that passion into body piercing and hasn’t looked back. She loves creating a welcoming, comfortable experience while helping clients find jewelry and placements that make them feel like the best version of themselves.

When Stephanie isn’t in the studio, she’s spending time with her amazing 3-year-old daughter, who keeps life fun, busy, and full of adventure.

A woman with reddish-brown hair and blue eyes wearing a black headband with metal eyelets and a black knitted top.

KIT

Kit has been part of the Artifact team since September 2025. She helps with everything from booking appointments and handling repairs to jewelry styling and curating personalized piercing setups.

Not sure what you want? Kit helps bring each client’s dream piercing vision to life by assessing anatomy and creating setups tailored specifically to them.

Whether you’re planning a new project or refreshing your current look, she enjoys helping clients find pieces that feel uniquely their own. In her free time, Kit enjoys spending time with her animals and taking dance classes.