Tattoos are a core part of the modern luxury milieu, and the best tattoo artists are significant influencers and partners in luxury fashion and culture. We’ve rounded up the 10 best tattoo artists and parlors in the US, plus some top international tattoo artists and studios. And for those who aren’t ready for a full commitment, here are the top temporary tattoo brands that you should know about.
Tattoo Artists are core to the luxury ecosystem
Tattoos have consistently transcended social hierarchies, despite being widely known as a symbol of rebellion and counter-culture
If it feels like everyone you know has one, that’s not surprising. A fifth of UK residents have tattoos; among those under 30, its one in three. It’s estimated that 45 million Americans have at least one tattoo; 40% of U.S. adults between the ages of 26-40 have at least one.
Tattoos were once loved by the elite
Perhaps surprisingly, our era is not the first time that elites have embraced tattoos. For example, I was surprised to learn that the delicate, corseted socialites of the Victorian era flirted with ink — adorning themselves in themes featuring butterflies, flowers and dragons.
then they fell out of fashion
In the latter decades of the 20th century, tattoos were decidedly NOT posh. As our founder wrote about her perceptions of them growing up, “In Michigan, in the ’70’s, they were the province of bikers and longshoremen, people who had been incarcerated and maybe the occasional gang member.”
For me, growing up in the ’80’s and ’90’s near the Jersey shore, tattoos were associated with teens who would choose cartoon characters or inaccurate Chinese symbols at boardwalk tattoo parlors. At least bikers and longshoremen had some street cred!
This wasn’t just a middle-class American perspective. In Japan, for centuries tattoos have been associated with crime and criminals, particularly the organised gangs known as yakuza.
now, we’re in a new renaissance in the art of tattooing
There is no denying that we are experiencing another renaissance in the art of tattooing. Reality television shows like Ink Master, Black Ink Crew: Chicago – and even a show dedicated to fixing bad tattoos imaginatively named Tattoo Fixers – occupy airtime throughout various cable networks. Tattoo artists have been elevated to media personalities and fashion influencers.
And of course, there’s Instagram. Tattoo studios and artists have gained major traction on the platform — it’s a match made in heaven, really. Celeb-favorite ink studio, Bang Bang, for example, has 2.2 million followers. And the visual medium makes it easier than ever to find inspiration from tattoo artists across the globe to craft your own custom design.
If you’re feeling the itch for your first tattoo, or maybe your second or third, check out our round up of the latest generation of highly skilled and respected tattoo artists around the country. For the commitment phobes (raising hand), we’ve included some cool temporary tattoo brands so that you (and I) can join in on the trend too.
The Best Tattoo Artists and Parlors in the World
Here are the top 10 tattoo artists and parlors in the US right now.
New York City
New Yorkers think they have the best everything. Best bagels, best shopping, best museums…and what do you know? They even live alongside the best tattoo studios and artists.
1. bang bang
At Bang Bang, you can get inked from Cara Delevigne’s, Rihanna’s and Katy Perry’s tattoo artist, Keith “Bang Bang” McCurdy…if you’re willing to wait. If not, McCurdy has been a champion of diversity and hiring women and has a roster of 20 artists. We love Liz’s intricate laser precision line work, Trudy’s gorgeous sense of color and modern compositions, and Dez for their black and grey realism and portraits. After you select your artist, you can call or email the shop with a detailed description of your design.
2. dot creative group
Dot Creative Group is a private studio that offers custom designs by appointment only. Artists specialize in photorealism, and black and gray art, while some artists specializes in blackwork. Look through their galleries for immaculate portraits, botanicals, and more.
3. invisible nyc
Invisible NYC, on the Lower East Side, specializes in the art of Japanese tattooing. Seven artists help to bring these full sleeve and full body masterpieces to life. Thanks to their highly-stylized composition, you will feel the urge to reach out and touch the flower petals and fish scales – and even the snakeskin.
The top US and international tattoo artists. Top: Bang Bang Tattoos; Bottom: Sophie C’est la Vie of Saved Tattoos. Courtesy Photos.
4. east river tattoo
At East River Tattoo, the emphasis is on maritime folk art and 19th century traditional tattooing. As such, there’s an old-tyme feel to their artwork. We love the work from founder Duke Riley, which looks as if it could be found in a folk-art print or in the pages of a fable. Riley is an artist in a variety of mediums, and you can visit several of his pieces as a part of the permanent collection at the Brooklyn Museum.
5. tenderfoot studio
Head to Bushwick, Brooklyn to find the renowned Tenderfoot Studio. They feature NYC’s top tattoo artists, as well as the best traveling artists from around the world. The studio uses only vegan ink, which is made from plant-based glycerin and is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Browse through the studio’s twelve artists to find the one whose style best matches your own.
The top US and international tattoo artists, L to R: Rachel Hauer of East River Tattoos; Regino Gonzalez of Invisible NYC. Courtesy Photos.
The Rest of the United States
And if you’re not in New York? Los Angeles also seems to be a hub for the country’s most talented tattoo artists. We have four California recommendations for you, as well as one in Miami.
6. shamrock social club la – mark mahoney and team
In L.A, Shamrock Social Club’s motto is, “Where the Elite and the Underworld Meet.” The studio has certainly inked their share of the Hollywood elite: Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt, and Angelina Jolie, if we’re going to drop some names. The owner, Mark Mahoney, is known as a pioneer of black and grey tattoos and his colleagues are first-rate too.
7. Woo
And if you’re a fan of Shamrock Social Club, then you must check out the work of Los Angeles artist Dr. Woo, who began there before opening his own private studio. He specializes in the art of single needle tattoos, which have helped to shape the way popular culture perceives the artform. With more than a million followers, he is one of the most celebrated tattoo artists in the US, and past clients include people like Drake and Miley Cyrus.
8. memoir tattoos la – kim saigh
Another L.A institution is Memoir Tattoos, a predominantly custom tattoo studio. Kim Saigh, who was featured on reality tv show L.A Ink is the woman to work with if you are looking for mesmerizing color tattoos. And if you’re feeling inspired, the studio does take the occasional walk-in – worth noting when it can often take months (or years) to get off a waitlist.
The top US and international tattoo artists. Upper: Mark Mahoney of the Shamrock Social Club; Lower: Kim Saigh’s work at Memoir Tattoos. Courtesy Photos.
9. The Honorable Society Tattoo Parlor and Lounge
The Honorable Society was opened in 2009 by Marco Cerretelli. Since then, they’ve offered residency to top tattoo artists from all over the world. This is the place to go for variety, since the parlor boasts artists who have talent in American traditional, realism, watercolor, fine line, and any other style what you can imagine. You tell them what you want, and they will find you the artist who is the best match.
10. tattoo & co
Miami’s award-winning Tattoo & Co is located in the Wynwood Arts District of Miami, Florida. You’ll have plenty of eye candy to inspire your next creation. It’s home to a team of talented artists.
international
This list of outstanding tattoo artists and parlors outside the US is far from exhaustive. But here are five tattoo artists and parlors to visit in London, Hong Kong and Tokyo. Or, if you’re feeling truly adventurous, you can opt to travel deep into the forest for a legendary form of Buddhist tattooing.
1. good times tattoo
One of the best tattoo parlors in London is Good Times in Shoreditch. The space is filled with natural light, and it’s home to several of London’s best tattoo artists. They include Nikole Low of cable tv’s London Ink; Piotrek Taton; and Jon Peeler. Personally, we love the delicate fineline tattoos from guest artist Ellis Cooper.
2. parliament tattoo
Located in an old factory in North London, the custom designs at Parliament Tattoo are by appointment only. There are many artists that specialize in different types of texhniques.
The top international tattoo artists, L to R: Rebecca Vincent of Parliament Tattoos; Good Times Tattoos, London. Courtesy Photos.
3. three tides tokyo
Tebori is the traditional Japanese method of tattooing, and Three Tides in Shibuya, Tokyo is one of the best-known tattoo studios providing the service. They also carry an extensive line of tattoo and graffiti-inspired merchandise. However, purists may want to visit a private tattoo studio in Tokyo. That requires some inside knowledge and connections, as these artists don’t advertise and many don’t speak English.
4. freedom tattoo hong kong – gabe shum
David Beckham and LeBron James are reportedly among the clients sporting tattoos inked by Gabe Shum, the owner of Freedom Tattoo in To Kwa Wan. It’s the self-proclaimed largest tattoo parlor in Asia. Shum has more than 30 years of experience, and you’ll also find talented guest artists in the studio.
The top international tattoo artists, L to R: Three Tides Tattoo Tokyo; David Beckham shows off his Freedom Tattoo from Gabe Shum in Hong Kong. Courtesy Photos.
the top temporary tattoo brands to try
Feeling interested, but not quite ready to commit? Enter temporary tattoos, which have come a long way since kid’s birthday parties. Nowadays, they are a match for the real deal, and last anywhere from two weeks to a year. And if you can’t find a design you like, many companies will even let you design your own. The possibilities are endless.
The top US and international tattoo artists and temporary tattoo brands.
1. jagua
If you have some artistic skills or have a friend who does, you might want to try a Jagua tattoo kit. Jagua is a 100% natural gel derived from the Jagua fruit tree. It stains the skin with a blue-black color and will last approximately two weeks. The kit comes with the formula to create the gel, tools to store and apply the gel and lastly, a variety of stencils to create your design. The full intensity of the color will appear 24-48 hours after the application.
2. flash tattoos
Flash Tattoos offer trendy and feminine designs with a wild child flair. They make tattoos for every holiday, as well as themed packs – such as beachy, floral, or celestial – and even custom designs. They’re also the originators of the metallic tattoo. The tattoos will last 4-6 days with proper care. FYI beach babes, these tattoos are waterproof but NOT sunscreen-proof.
The top temporary tattoo brands, L to R: Flash Tattoos; Jagua Tattoos. Courtesy Photos.
3. tattly
Tattly is a Brooklyn based company that sells “fake tattoos from real artists.” They are printed with vegetable ink and come in pairs, sets or sheets. We’ve seen them in many of our favorite indie boutiques, as well as in revered art institutions like the MoMA and Whitney Museum. They offer tattoos in every size and design, including landscapes, watercolors, words, and more. And once you find a tattoo you like, you can search by artist to see what else that person has created. One fun recommendation? Check out these scented botanical tattoos designed by Vincent Jeannerot in collaboration with Agilex Fragrances.
Top temporary tattoo brands: Tattly. Courtesy Photo.
4. tattoorary
We’re loving these white and metallic tattoos from Tattoorary. The brand is based in the Netherlands and also offers Delft blue designs. Wedding season is approaching – could this be your something blue?
The top temporary tattoo brands, L to R: Tattoorary Deflt Blue; Ephemeral Tattoos. Courtesy Photos.
5. artwear tattoo
Since these top tattoo brands are temporary, why not go all out and try on a full sleeve tattoo? Artwear Tattoo works with established and up and coming artists to create their wearable art. At $22, it’s a very affordable way to change up your entire look (or just surprise your crew).
6. Inked by Dani
Inked by Dani offers a line of temporary tattoos that are hand drawn, vegan, and cruelty-free. Look through her fun and festive pre-set packs, which come in collections like “flower child,” “bad babe,” and “self love.” And if you love what you see, she also makes nail art – perfect if you’re already in the mood for a little bit of makeover fun.
Top temporary tattoo brands: Inked by Dani. Courtesy Photo.
7. Paperself
Paperself may be best known for their paper lashes – yes, that’s right – but they also make some of the most eye-catching temporary tattoos we’ve seen. Though they do make images in black and white, it’s the metallic and watercolor options that really stand out to us. We can’t get over the whimsical beauty of these cloud tattoos.
8. Conscious Ink
We love the idea of tattoos as a form of manifestation, and Conscious Ink takes the idea to heart. They see temporary tattoos not as a fun party game, but as a real tool for self-change – a constant reminder of the qualities we’re hoping to hold close and emulate. And whether you’re looking to make changes to mindset, health, social causes, relationships, or any other area of your life, their words will help you on your way.
Top temporary tattoo brands: Conscious Ink. Courtesy Photo.
9. Inkbox
Inkbox uses a special ink for their temporary tattoos that allows them to last way longer than the average set. And if you don’t like their design options, you can create your own – or even get the tattoo marker. This magic pen will give you the chance to draw your own freehand tattoo.
10. ephemeral tattoos
When it comes to temporary tattoos, Ephemeral is doing something a little different. First of all, their tattoos gradually fade over twelve months – not twelve days – so you have a little (actually, a lot) longer to spend with your design. And these are temporary tattoos you receive at a studio – just like the real thing. If you live in New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, make your appointment today.
The Best Tattoo Artists and Parlors in the World
Whether you opt for permanent or temporary – or a combination of both – there’s a look out there for you. Who’s your favorite artist? And are you Team Temporary? Or all in?
