Meet The Team

N’Vious Tattoo Gallery | Cookeville TN

long story short

Founded in 2022 by Rik Sharp, N’Vious Tattoo Gallery began as a one-man tattoo studio in the heart of Cookeville. Rik’s vision was never just to create tattoos—it was to build a community of artists who viewed tattooing as a true art form.

As the shop grew, Rik welcomed apprentices and fellow tattoo artists who shared his passion for creativity, craftsmanship, and continual growth. What started as a solo venture evolved into an art collective dedicated to both tattooing and fine art, bringing together artists with unique styles and perspectives.

Today, N’Vious Tattoo Gallery is built on the values that inspired it from the beginning: authenticity, hospitality, exceptional customer service, and a judgment-free atmosphere where everyone is welcome. More than a tattoo shop, it’s a creative space dedicated to championing the arts in the Upper Cumberland and helping clients feel comfortable being exactly who they are.

the n’vious crew

Meet the artists and apprentices at N’Vious Tattoo Gallery

Rik Sharp

Shop Owner/ Tattoo Artist

Rik Sharp is the owner and lead artist at N’Vious Tattoo Gallery. With years of experience behind the machine, Rik is best known for his strong black and gray tattoo work, creating bold, detailed pieces that stand the test of time.

Rik takes a collaborative approach to tattooing, working closely with clients to develop custom designs that bring their ideas to life. Whether it’s a large-scale piece or a meaningful personal tattoo, he focuses on strong composition, clean execution, and timeless black and gray artistry.

As the owner of the shop, Rik is dedicated to maintaining a clean, professional, and welcoming environment for both clients and artists. His passion for tattooing shows not only in the work he creates, but in the culture he helps build inside the studio.

When he’s not tattooing, Rik enjoys building model trains, riding his motorcycle, and hunting for unique antiques and vintage finds.

Corey Dickens

Tattoo Artist

Corey has been tattooing for five years and enjoys working in a range of styles. He especially likes fine line and color tattoo work, along with black and grey realism, and is always excited to take on more neo-traditional color pieces.

Before becoming a tattoo artist, Corey studied at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in the Fine Arts department. Art has been a lifelong passion for him, and tattooing has become a natural extension of that creative path.

Outside of the shop, Corey is a devoted husband and father, spending most of his free time with his family. He’s incredibly grateful to make a career out of tattooing and looks forward to welcoming many more clients through the doors of the shop.

Zachary Hickey

Tattoo Artist

Zach’s path into tattooing wasn’t a straight line—it was a decade of filling sketchbooks, a detour through animation school, and a lot of knocking on doors until the right one finally opened. That persistence shaped Zach’s philosophy: if you have a vision, he has the grit and the ink to help bring it to life.

Clients who sit in Zach’s chair can expect a collaborative experience. Whether he’s diving into the lore behind a design or just vibing to a good playlist, Zach’s goal is always the same: a professional, sterile, and relaxed environment where clients feel comfortable and involved in the process.

When he’s not holding a tattoo machine, Zach is probably holding a D20 or a deck of cards. He’s a massive fan of Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, and just about any tabletop game that mixes strategy with imagination.

If you’ve got an idea you want to bring to life, Zach is ready to roll for initiative.

Adam Kamptner

Tattoo Apprentice

My name is Adam Kamptner, and I’m passionate about creating artwork that people are proud to carry with them. Whether you come in with a clear vision or just the beginning of an idea, my goal is to make the tattoo process comfortable, collaborative, and enjoyable from start to finish.

I enjoy creating new art, taking on new ideas, and continuing to grow my skills with every piece I do. I believe a great tattoo experience is about more than the finished artwork—it’s also about listening to my clients, making them feel comfortable, and creating something that feels personal to them.

Outside of tattooing, I’m an easygoing guy who enjoys baseball, cheering on the LA Dodgers, spending time outdoors, and growing vegetables when I get the chance.

I’m grateful for every person who trusts me with their tattoo, whether it’s their first or one of many. I look forward to building lasting relationships with my clients and being someone you feel comfortable coming back to for years to come.

Michelle Rivera

Tattoo Apprentice

Michelle is a tattoo apprentice at N’Vious Tattoo Gallery in Cookeville, TN, with a lifelong love of art, creativity, and storytelling. After years of creating in different ways, she finally decided to stop letting fear make the decisions and pursue something she had wanted for a long time: becoming a tattoo artist.

As an apprentice, Michelle is focused on building strong fundamentals, developing her own artistic style, and creating solid tattoos she’s proud to put into the world. She’s currently building her portfolio through apprentice flash and select projects while continuing to learn under the experienced artists at N’Vious.

Just as important as the art is the experience. Michelle wants the people in her chair to feel comfortable, welcomed, and free to be themselves. Whether it’s your first tattoo or your fiftieth, getting tattooed shouldn’t feel intimidating.

She’s still learning, still growing, and she’d love for you to be part of the journey. 🖤

Let’s Create Together

At N’Vious Tattoo Gallery, we believe the best tattoos start with a great conversation. Whether you have a clear vision or just an idea you’re exploring, our artists will work with you to create a custom piece that fits your style, story, and personality. We strive to provide a welcoming, low-pressure environment where everyone feels comfortable being themselves. From consultation to finished tattoo, we’re here to make the experience just as memorable as the artwork. Let’s create something you’ll be proud to carry for a lifetime.