As the Indiana Pacers prepare for their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000, local tattoo artist Kiarra Baxter ignited social media with a Tyrese Haliburton-themed tattoo.
Baxter, who operates under the professional name KirayTattoos, posted a public offer on Facebook just days after Haliburton’s viral “choke” gesture during the Eastern Conference Finals.
“I posted I would do it for free because it’s a style I’ve really been interested in,” Baxter told the Indianapolis Recorder.
Baxter is also a lifelong Pacers fan, stating how she and her father bonded during her childhood. She received many inquiries regarding the tattoo, but her selection process was reasonably straightforward.
“I went with the first person who messaged me,” Baxter said.
The 8-hour session immortalizes Haliburton’s celebration on a 21-year-old client from Indianapolis, who was, “proud to be from Indiana and support her hometown team,” Baxter said.
Baxter described the client as a casual fan motivated by the city’s historic playoff energy.
Baxter’s journey began eight years ago after drawing tattoos for peers in Anderson, Indiana. She was mentored under tattoo artist Brian Winston and an apprenticeship with artist Amani Tre Niner for over two years before establishing her career.
Her work gains visibility as she prepares for a tattoo convention in Trinidad — part of a global circuit that previously included London.
“The convention reached out directly, which was a big deal for me,” Baxter said. “Taking opportunities like this is part of the craft. I am excited.”
Baxter waived her usual fees for the Haliburton piece, emphasizing community spirit.
“When the city’s excited, you want to be part of that,” Baxter said. Her Instagram (@kiraytattoos) has surged with Pacers-related inquiries since the design went viral.
“It’s a memorable time to be a Pacers fan, whether they win or not,” Baxter said.
The Pacers face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on June 5.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846. Follow him on TikTok @HorsemenSportsMedia. For more 2025 NBA Finals coverage, click here.
Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Parham has worked with various leagues to provide a diverse perspective in sports, including the Big Ten, Big East, IHSAA, IndyCar, MLB, NHRA, NFL, NBA, WNBA, WWE and the Olympics. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
