10 Tattoo Artists You Need to Follow on Instagram
In search of new ink? Look to these chic, young tattoo artists for all your inspiration and booking needs.
Whether you're a first-time client or a certified ink-lover, chances are you've discovered that finding the perfect tattoo artist can be tricky. Searching blindly on social media or asking your inked-up friends can take ages, and if you're itching to get your next tattoo—we don't blame you—look to this comprehensive list of primarily New York City-based young, cool tattoo artists trending both online and among real clients in the area.
While tattoos are often seen as a way to express yourself through a permanent piece of art on your body, many tattoo enthusiasts forget that it's a two-way street, and many tattoo artists develop their individual styles based on the looks that they love. If you're particularly passionate about achieving a certain style with your next piece, look to like-minded tattoo artists who can help you realize your vision.
If you're simply in search of tattoo inspiration, trying to develop a sense of your personal taste in tattoos, or are hunting down the next available booking, we've got you covered. L'OFFICIEL has gathered a guide to all the most talented tattoo artists working with trendy tattoo styles in NYC so you can get your next piece just in time to show it off this summer during the sweltering, sunny days on the horizon.
If you're in search of a minimalistic, abstract tattoo, look no further for your inspiration than Shu, or @maiyashu.pokes on Instagram. A multi-disciplinary artist, Shu studied illustration at New York City's renowned School of Visual Arts before graduating and becoming a resident artist at Vacation Forever Tattoo Studio in Chinatown. With custom, freehand, or flash designs available and experience in a variety of styles, Shu is the ultimate tattoo artist to follow if you're looking for smooth, sweeping botanical designs.
NYC-based tattoo artist Deb, @hihyotattoo on Instagram, specializes in free-flowing, dynamic tattoos characterized by clean, simple lines and exquisite pointilist detailing. Whether you're in search of ultra-detailed floral ink or a dreamy, soft-lined tattoo, you'll find all of your inspiration for your next tattoo with Deb.
Adept in both machine and hand-poked tattooing, NYC-based Rachel Tae is an artist in residence at Atelier Eva in Brooklyn. If you're in search of a delicate, fine-lined tattoo, look no further than Tae's surrealist, ornamental designs.
Not interested in the wave of trendy minimalistic tattoos that have cropped up lately? For your next tattoo, opt for a resplendent, intricate Renaissance painting-esque tattoo à la @ansirkov. With soft shadows and a micro-realistic appearance, this artist's style can be translated to any of your favorite works of art, one of her dreamy flash tattoos, or a custom design.
For your clean-cut, sharp, eye-catching ornamental tattoo needs, check out @_missyworld_, who has seemingly perfected the art of balancing engaging visual interest with simplicity. For the tarot-lover or astrologically-invested, Missy is among the most talented hand-poke tattoo artists specializing in all things celestial.
Looking to hop on the abstract, minimalistic tattoo trend? Look for all your tattoo inspiration in @playinginink's Instagram feed, where you'll find countless photos of the sonar frequency-style designs that the artist specializes in. Whether you opt for this style to mesh with existing tattoos or you're in search of standout, but simple ink, we have no doubt that this style will spark ideas for your next piece.
For fans of the photorealistic ink style, look to Jenni Palomaa, a Brooklyn-based self-taught tattoo artist, for endless inspiration. Palomaa's style is characterized by intense stippling, an ink dotting technique, that offers a hyper-realistic effect enhanced by hazy, dreamy edges.
Another expert in the stippling tattooing technique, @jankypoker, offers a unique take on the ornamental, simplistic tattoo genre. Rena, a NYC-based artist, utilizes the technique to construct pieces that appear textured, creating a visual effect akin to embroidery or patchwork. If you're in search of a delicate, timelessly chic tattoo design, look to pieces by Rena for all of your inspiration, whether you're looking for a tiny flash tattoo or complex custom design.
If tattoo trends over past years have shown us anything, it's that botanical tattoos will always be in. Whether you're in search of a sprawling strawberry vine tattoo like this one or a dainty floral tattoo, seek out @qviara, renowned by clients for both her skill with the needle and her grace in guiding first-time tattooees through the subject.
Tired of seeing black and white ink all over your feed? Take this as your sign to follow @renuue_ink for vibrant, pastel tattoo designs. Tattooing with colored ink can be notoriously tricky, but judging based on Renùue's grid, it's clear that the NYC-based artist has got the art down to a T.
