Inked Man of the Month April: Ryan Stacks Is Living Loud, Tattooed, and Unapologetically Himself

Ryan Stacks doesn’t do anything halfway. From traveling the world to coaching wrestling, writing romance novels, and building a body of meaningful tattoos, everything he does is rooted in intention.

Born and raised in Walla Walla, Washington, Stacks now lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is a photographer, romance author, and content creator, but more than that, he is someone constantly chasing experience. So far, that includes 26 countries and counting.

“I’ve always loved art and paintings growing up,” Stacks says. “Seeing how tattoos could flow with the body, with the muscle and natural curves, that’s what really pulled me in.”

The Meaning Behind Ryan Stacks’ Tattoos

For Ryan Stacks, tattoos are more than aesthetic. They are an extension of identity and storytelling.

His first tattoo, a striking depiction of Jesus crucified on the cross along his right side, set the tone early.

“It represents faith, but also that He’s always on my side. Even in the darkest moments I have to work through.”

From there, his collection expands into pieces that reflect personality as much as meaning. A strand of classic Christmas lights wraps around his right arm, a nod to his love for the holiday and festival culture.

“Everyone knows I’m crazy for Christmas.”

Stacks is a self-described raver, drawn to the energy and connection of music festivals. That passion keeps him returning to Electric Forest, where community and creativity collide.

Travel, Tattoos, and Resilience

While some of his tattoos are complete, others are still in progress. His next goal is finishing an anime-inspired sleeve on his left leg, a project that will take him back to Spain to reconnect with the original artist.

Beyond tattoos and travel, Stacks dedicates his time to coaching high school wrestling. It is a role that reflects his mindset and discipline.

“My heart will always be in that wrestling room. Teaching kids not just wrestling, but how to be tough in life.”

That perspective is shaped by his own adversity. At 18, Stacks was involved in a major accident that left him with no feeling in his right hand and limited functionality.

Instead of slowing down, he adapted and kept moving forward. That resilience is now part of everything he does.

Inked Man of the Month Ryan Stacks Looks Ahead

Being named Inked Man of the Month is something Stacks sees as both recognition and opportunity.

“It’s an honor. It feels good to be acknowledged, but more importantly, to show off the Disney tattoos to more people. Disney magic makes people happy.”

That balance between edge and positivity defines his overall aesthetic. His tattoos range from faith-based imagery to playful Disney designs, all coexisting as part of his story.

Looking ahead, Ryan Stacks is not slowing down. He is working on a new dark fantasy romance series, and preparing to return to Electric Forest this summer.

For Stacks, tattoos are only part of the story. The real impact comes from how he lives, creates, and continues to push forward.