The 10 Best Tattoo Artists in Houston: Artists to Trust

Jenna Lambert

Discover the top 10 best tattoo artists in Houston with our ultimate guide, featuring the most talented and respected tattoo artists in the city.

Houston has a long and rich history of artistic expression, from the vibrant murals that decorate the city’s buildings to the world-class museums that showcase some of the finest works of art in the world. The city’s tattoo scene is no exception, with a diverse community of artists who draw inspiration from a wide range of sources, including pop culture, nature, and the rich cultural traditions of the city’s many communities.

Whether you’re looking for a traditional American tattoo, Japanese style tattoo, a hyper-realistic portrait, or a unique and custom design, Houston has an artist who can bring your vision to life. From the established masters who have been tattooing for decades to the up-and-coming artists who are pushing the boundaries of the art form, Houston’s tattoo scene is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself. So whether you’re a seasoned tattoo enthusiast or a first-time client, we invite you to explore the 10 best tattoo artists in Houston and discover the perfect artist to create the tattoo of your dreams.

The Best Tattoo Artists in Houston

Steve Soto – Soto Gang Tattoos

Steve Soto is the founder of Soto Gang Tattoos, a studio that has become a Houston staple for exceptional tattoos. With over 20 years of experience, Steve is known for his incredible attention to detail and ability to create stunning, unique pieces of art. His portfolio includes a variety of styles, from realistic portraits to traditional Japanese tattoos. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind tattoo, Steve Soto is the artist for you.

Pablo Delgado – Scorpion Studios

Pablo Delgado is the owner of Scorpion Studios, a Houston-based tattoo shop that has been in operation for over 20 years. With a passion for realism, Pablo is known for his stunning portrait work, as well as his ability to create lifelike animals and nature scenes. He is also a talented cover-up artist, able to transform old, faded tattoos into beautiful, new pieces of art.

Jesse Rix – Timeless Tattoo

Jesse Rix is a self-taught artist who has quickly made a name for himself in the Houston tattoo scene. His unique style combines realism with abstract elements, resulting in breathtaking pieces of art that are both beautiful and thought-provoking. Jesse is also known for his ability to create intricate geometric designs that flow seamlessly with the body’s natural curves.

Bobby Padron – Red Dagger Tattoo

Bobby Padron is the owner and lead artist at Red Dagger Tattoo, a Houston-based studio that specializes in custom tattoos. Bobby’s portfolio includes a wide range of styles, from bold, colorful pieces to black and gray realism. He is also a talented portrait artist, able to capture the likeness and personality of his subjects with incredible detail.

Kevin Burdick – 713 Tattoo Parlour

Kevin Burdick is a veteran tattoo artist with over 25 years of experience. His portfolio includes a variety of styles, from traditional American tattoos to realistic portraits and everything in between. Kevin is also a skilled cover-up artist, able to transform unwanted tattoos into beautiful new pieces of art.

Melissa Valiquette – Sacred Heart Tattoo

Melissa Valiquette is a talented artist who specializes in black and gray realism. Her portfolio includes stunning portraits and nature scenes, as well as intricate mandalas and other geometric designs. Melissa is also a skilled cover-up artist, able to transform old, faded tattoos into beautiful new pieces of art.

Ray Banda – Bound By Design

Ray Banda is the owner and lead artist at Bound By Design, a Houston-based tattoo shop that has been in operation for over 15 years. Ray’s portfolio includes a wide range of styles, from traditional American tattoos to bold, colorful pieces. He is also a talented portrait artist, able to capture the likeness and personality of his subjects with incredible detail.

Chris Ayala – Artistic Impressions Tattoo

Chris Ayala is a talented artist who specializes in black and gray realism. His portfolio includes stunning portraits and nature scenes, as well as intricate geometric designs. Chris is also a skilled cover-up artist, able to transform old, unwanted tattoos into beautiful new pieces of art.

Chris Cockrill – Secret Tattoo

Chris Cockrill is a talented artist who specializes in traditional American tattoos. His portfolio includes bold, colorful pieces with a classic feel that will stand the test of time. Chris is also skilled at creating custom pieces that incorporate elements of the client’s personal style and interests.

Tina Bafaro – Flying Squid Tattoo

Tina Bafaro is a versatile artist who excels in a variety of styles, including traditional American tattoos, black and gray realism, and neo-traditional designs. Her portfolio includes stunning portraits and nature scenes, as well as unique pieces that incorporate elements of pop culture and other eclectic influences.

The History of Tattoo Artists in Houston

Tattooing has a long and rich history in Houston, dating back to the early 1900s when tattoo parlors were first established in the city. These early tattoo artists were largely self-taught, learning their craft through trial and error and by studying the work of other artists. Many of these early tattoo parlors catered primarily to military personnel stationed in the area, and tattoos were often seen as a mark of bravery and strength.

Over the years, the tattoo scene in Houston has grown and evolved, with new styles and techniques emerging and new artists making their mark on the city. Today, Houston is home to some of the most talented tattoo artists in the country, drawing clients from all over the world who come to experience the city’s vibrant artistic culture and to get inked by the best of the best. With a rich history and a bright future, Houston’s tattoo scene is a testament to the power of art to inspire and transform.

best tattoo artists in houston

Houston’s vibrant artistic culture has given rise to some of the most talented tattoo artists in the country.

The Best Tattoo Shops in Houston

Electric Chair Tattoo

With a focus on custom designs and a commitment to safety and cleanliness, Electric Chair Tattoo has earned a reputation as one of the top tattoo shops in Houston. Led by owner and head artist Mikey Vigilante, the shop offers a wide range of styles and services, from traditional tattoos to large-scale custom pieces.

Black Pearl Tattoo Co.

Founded in 2015, Black Pearl Tattoo Co. has quickly become one of the most popular tattoo shops in Houston. The shop’s talented artists specialize in a range of styles, from black and gray realism to bold and colorful designs, and their commitment to quality and customer service is unmatched.

Red Dagger Tattoo Studio

Known for their stunning neo-traditional designs and intricate detail work, Red Dagger Tattoo Studio is one of the most respected tattoo shops in Houston. Led by owner and artist Jose Perez Jr., the shop has a loyal following of clients who appreciate their unique and highly personalized approach to tattooing.

Scorpion Studios

Founded in 1998, Scorpion Studios is one of the oldest and most respected tattoo shops in Houston. Their team of skilled artists specialize in a wide range of styles, from traditional tattoos to fine-line black and gray work, and their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has earned them a loyal following.

Royal Flesh Tattoo and Piercing

With a focus on bold and colorful designs and a commitment to safety and cleanliness, Royal Flesh Tattoo and Piercing is one of the top tattoo shops in Houston. Led by owner and head artist Adrian Vargas, the shop offers a range of services, from custom tattoos to body piercings.

Texas Body Art

With two locations in Houston, Texas Body Art is one of the most popular tattoo shops in the city. Their team of talented artists specializes in a range of styles, from realistic portraits to bold and colorful designs, and their commitment to quality and customer service has earned them a loyal following.

Flying Squid Tattoo

Founded by artist Tina Bafaro, Flying Squid Tattoo is known for their stunning traditional American tattoos, black and gray realism, and unique neo-traditional designs. With a focus on custom work and a commitment to creating highly personalized tattoos, the shop has quickly become one of the top tattoo shops in Houston.

Houston’s vibrant artistic culture has given rise to some of the most talented tattoo artists in the country. From the traditional American tattoos that harken back to the city’s early tattoo scene to the bold and innovative designs of today’s up-and-coming artists, Houston’s tattoo scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. Whether you’re a first-time client or a seasoned tattoo enthusiast, the 10 best tattoo shops in Houston offer a range of styles, services, and experiences that cater to every taste and budget.

If you’re looking for the perfect tattoo artist to bring your vision to life, we encourage you to explore the best that Houston has to offer. With their commitment to quality, customer service, and artistic excellence, these top tattoo shops in Houston represent the very best of the city’s vibrant and diverse tattoo scene. So book your appointment today, and experience the beauty and power of tattooing in one of the most creative and inspiring cities in the country.

Jenna Lambert

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