In this powerful and unexpectedly uplifting episode of The Good Grief Podcast, Mike O’Connell and host Pete Waggoner sit down with Minneapolis tattoo artist Carlen Gil to explore one of the most personalized memorial options available today: incorporating cremated remains into tattoo ink.

From the history of tattooing to the science behind cremation ink refinement, this episode blends artistry, trust, grief, and legacy. Carlen shares the emotional responsibility of tattooing something that will live on someone’s body forever, while Mike explains how families can transform cremated remains into a meaningful, lasting tribute.

The result is a conversation that challenges stereotypes about both funeral care and tattoo artistry — and highlights the deep humanity shared between them.

Episode Timestamps

00:00:36 – Introduction to tattoo artist Carlen Gil
00:01:47 – Why people choose tattoos: decorative vs sentimental
00:03:54 – Breaking stereotypes: funeral directors and tattoo artists
00:09:34 – Introducing cremated remains in tattoo ink
00:10:00 – The four-step cremation ink refinement process
00:12:26 – Most common memorial tattoo requests
00:13:54 – The history and symbolism of skull imagery
00:16:00 – Do tattoos hurt? Placement and pain explained
00:20:41 – Cover-ups, name tattoos, and tattoo regret
00:24:00 – How tattoos age over time
00:27:30 – Why cremation tattoos are growing in popularity
00:29:00 – The long history of tattooing across cultures
00:30:36 – Why licensing and consultation matter
00:33:00 – Tattoo “flash” and choosing the right design
00:34:53 – How O’Connell Family Funeral Homes facilitates the process

Takeaways

• Memorial tattoos using cremated remains are becoming more common and deeply personal.
• Tattooing is a collaborative process built on trust between client and artist.
• Cremation ink undergoes a rigorous refinement and sterilization process before use.
• Black ink works best because carbon is more stable and recognizable to the body.
• Tattoos age and evolve with the body — thoughtful design ensures longevity.
• Licensed, trained artists and proper consultation are essential for safety.
• Personal memorialization is evolving beyond traditional urns and headstones.

Memorable Quotes

Carlen Gil:

“It's just like these tattoos are gonna be with people the most beautiful moments of their lives.”

“It is permanent, so let's get it right.”

“I always say name tattoos are a curse.”

“I think that's actually one of the most beautiful parts of tattooing — it ages with people.”

“Ultimately, my goal for everybody is to love their tattoos, whether I'm doing it or someone else is.”

Mike O’Connell:

“I think it's the most personalized way to memorialize somebody.”

“We're seeing that this is up and coming.”

“Just let O’Connell’s take care of it.”

“It's not much — just about one ounce.”

Resources Mentioned

• Engrave Ink (cremation ink processing partner)
• The Remover (tattoo removal service referenced)
• Carlen Gil – carlin.tattoo@gmail.com
• Instagram: @carlentatooine

Transcript

Disclaimer:

This podcast is produced with the aim to provide accurate and insightful information. Please note that the transcripts are generated with the use of AI and edited, but may not reflect a 100 percent accurate representation of the original discussions. There might be minor discrepancies in the spoken content due to editing for clarity or brevity. We encourage listeners to refer to the original audio for the most faithful representation of the episode’s content.