Inked Girl of the Month: Frankie Fictitious Turns Skin into Canvas and Stage into Art

Burlesque star and tattooed trailblazer embraces self-expression through art, performance, and ink

San Francisco-born Frankie Fictitious is an international burlesque performer, artist, and costumer who has been captivating audiences around the globe. As a queer Asian American artist, Frankie has made her mark in the world of burlesque, earning the title of Miss Exotic World from the Burlesque Hall of Fame and ranking among the top 50 most influential burlesque performers worldwide.

Frankie’s love for tattoos began early, growing up surrounded by music, art, and self-expression. “I have always seen my body as a blank canvas,” she says. “In middle school, I formed an all-girl rock band, and being part of that world naturally drew me to tattoos.” Her first tattoo, a treble clef behind her ear, marked the start of a lifelong passion for collecting meaningful, custom pieces from artists she admires.

While her tattoos may not always carry deep symbolism, each one reflects her personal journey and love for art. “Next up: my neck,” Frankie teases, hinting at her next piece of ink. Beyond tattoos, Frankie’s heart belongs to burlesque—a performance art that fuses costuming, storytelling, dance, and connection with audiences worldwide.

Before her burlesque career took flight, Frankie spent 13 years at Zebra Tattoo & Piercing in Walnut Creek, moving through roles from counter girl to shop manager, tattoo apprentice, piercing apprentice, and creative director. “Being featured in Inked Magazine as Girl of the Month feels like a full circle moment,” she shares. “I was in the Pin-Up issue back in 2018, and now eight years later, this recognition is a dream come true.”

Fans can follow Frankie’s work on Instagram and TikTok at @FrankieFictitious and explore her website at frankiefictitious.com. In addition to touring the U.S. and planning a European tour in 2026, Frankie hosts GLAMARATI, a monthly queer burlesque event in San Francisco that blends high-glam striptease with bold modern edge, continuing to redefine the art form and showcase the power of performance.