Noah Holden’s Inspired Designs

“What better way to evangelize than to have permanent pictures of God’s goodness and love walking around on His creation?”

Noah Holden is a Texas-based artist specializing in black and grey and fine line tattoos.

Clients travel hundreds of miles to visit his studio, Bear Fruit Tattoo, where he approaches art with a faith twist.

“I’ve seen the influence my artwork has had with my subtle evangelism; and in 2023, I thought it was time to be more overt,” Holden shared.

“Now I get to connect with people and their stories while recreating and portraying their testimonies so they can go out and be a billboard for Christ.”

Holden, who has over 126,000 followers on TikTok, has been an artist for over a decade. What started as a creative way to save money and erase a high school summer break of boredom turned into a huge blessing.

“By 20 years old, I had created paintings in my hometown for businesses and residents and had features in local gallery shows,” he shared.

“I had artwork shipped to other states to be featured again. That led me to where I am today.”

The artist credits his faith as the source of his art. He is grateful to God’s faithfulness in guiding him and providing for him through times of artist’s block.

“Knowing the value of the Giver made me want to always put out my best work,” he explained.

Holden truly injects a faithful attitude into his work, even when critics question his art. He doesn’t allow their criticism to hinder his purpose; he simply greets them with the Gospel.

“Christians adamantly against tattoos don’t realize that their reasoning often hinders other believers from experiencing a real relationship with Jesus,” he shared.

“Too many people lead with what you can’t do as a Christian instead of allowing people to experience an organic relationship with God who loves them and will correct them if need be.“

Holden shared that he has experienced God’s correction in his own life.

“Most people don’t know this. I don’t think I’ve said this publicly,* but I had completely quit tattooing at one point because I thought God didn’t want me to do it,” he recalled.

“It had nothing to do with Scripture or money. It was heavy on my heart; the next day I sold all my equipment, deleted my social media and all my portfolio photos. That’s why my Instagram looks like I haven’t tattooed for that long.”

Holden worked other jobs, but they lacked fulfillment. One day while driving he had a revelation.

“The problem wasn’t tattoos; it was idolatry,” he explained. “I had trusted my gift more than the Giver. I had more faith in my ability to provide than I did in His position as the Provider.”

In an unusual twist for a tattoo artist, Holden shared that he doesn’t think tattoos are for everyone.

“I think the Holy Spirit convicts the people who are not supposed to have tattoos. I’m on the side of biblical consistency,” he said.

“I also believe that the whole Bible is true. I think that when we allow scriptures to live in their home (leaving verses in context), we get to see the true power of the Word of God.”

Reflecting on the Bible, the artist stated, “The Bible says that we will know people by their fruits. I’m just trying to pass out good fruit and plant good seeds.”

*Interview conducted in June 2024

—Logo from Artist’s Facebook page