Tattoo Artists I Like... Inspired by Lone_Wolf's "Tattoos! WTF!?" Thread

Call.Me.Ishmael
Rhode Island
I did one of these threads a while ago when the usual suspects were whinging about tattoos on dancers.

Anyway, here's a selection of tattoo artists that I like. It's obvious that I lean towards black and grey over bright color artists. 

I'm not going to win over any haters, but perhaps correct some misconceptions about the level of work that's available. I'm a solidly middle aged man with many tattoos, and I'm picky about what I get and from who.

Whereas, most of what you see in strip clubs does not represent the pinnacle of tattoo artistry. 

Kelly Violet
https://www.instagram.com/kellyviolence

Maud Dardeau
https://www.instagram.com/mauddardeau

Thomas Hooper (a true favorite)
https://www.instagram.com/thomas__hooper

@lustandconsume
https://www.instagram.com/lustandconsume

Roxx
https://www.instagram.com/roxx_____

Deni Aktemirov 
https://www.instagram.com/deni_aktemirov

Fredao Oliveira
https://instagram.com/fredao_oliveira

Heidi Furey (also... hot babe)
https://instagram.com/heidifureytattoos

Gakkin
https://instagram.com/gakkinx

Jean Pierre Mottin
https://instagram.com/jean_pierre_mottin
Specifically...
https://www.instagram.com/p/BoMwYSLlDjx/

Alex Tabuns
https://instagram.com/alex_tabuns

9 comments

  • Funkycold88
    •
    5 years ago
    This is a friend of mine. He did a couple for me before he moved to California.

    https://www.instagram.com/tattoosbymikep…
  • Call.Me.Ishmael
    •
    5 years ago
    Funky... That style isn't for me, but your buddy has chops.
  • Nidan111
    •
    5 years ago
    I am currently tattoo free, but I have one drawn out that I really want to get someday. I took the drawing concept to the supposedly “best tattoo artists” in the St Louis area to have it done. I walked in the parlor to get this done along with my older daughter. His Parker was packed. I showed the “best artist tattoo dude” what I wanted. He looked at it and told me, “You don’t want that. It has too much difference within the art”. I told him that this is in fact what I am looking for because it tell a story about me, my family, and just how much I love them and the extent that I would go through in protecting them. He again told me that I didn’t want that. I then told him that he was supposed to be the Best in St Louis. He affirmed that he was. I then told him that, in my mind, you are probably the best at making revenue off of tatoos, but you certainly are NOT AN ARTIST. Thanked him and walked out. So, when I can find me a true artist that is good at tattoos, then I will get mine.
  • Jascoi
    •
    5 years ago
    The only tattoo I may consider is a tasteful small ‘DNR’ above my heart. (probably both in English and in Spanish.)
  • Call.Me.Ishmael
    •
    5 years ago
    Mister... I've seen that before. I talked to an EMT who stated that he'd probably resuscitate even with the presence of that tattoo, because he'd hate to find out afterwards that "DNR" is a loved one's initials or something like that.

    Perhaps more effective if incorporated into a red cross or medical symbol, or spelled out completely.
  • Call.Me.Ishmael
    •
    5 years ago
    Nidan... Without seeing your concept art, I'm not able to be completely sympathetic. When tattoo artists hit a certain level of talent and popularity, they're turning down more work than they're taking on. And their schedule is still packed.

    So, if the concept art isn't their cup of tea (for whatever reason), they'll take a pass. They'll also take a pass if the style isn't in their wheelhouse. I wouldn't take a woodcut tattoo concept to an artist known for bright, full color anime / cartoon-style tattoos, because that artist would (rightfully) show me the door.

    Don't look for the best tattoo artist in X area. Look for the best artist in that particular style, then see if that person can recommend someone in your region.
  • Funkycold88
    •
    5 years ago
    Here you go Ishmael. This is Chris Huff. My guy Mike was in his shop when he was getting started.

    https://www.instagram.com/tattoosbychris…
  • flagooner
    •
    5 years ago
    Heidi Furey (also... hot babe)

    I'd be pissed if this one gave me a tattoo. She really fucked up on one of those tats.

    Her tattoo had a guy with 4 eyes. That's worse than a 6th toe or 2 left feet.

  • Call.Me.Ishmael
    •
    5 years ago
    Nice. Chris Huff's work is closer to what I like.
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