The 10 Best Tattoo Artists in New York City: The Masters of Ink

Discover the best tattoo artists in New York City, from traditional American to Japanese style tattooing, in this comprehensive guide to the best tattoo artists and shops in the city.

New York City is known for its vibrant art scene, and the tattoo community is no exception. Whether you’re looking to get your first tattoo or you’re a seasoned collector, finding the right artist can be a daunting task. To help make your search easier, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best tattoo artists in New York City.

The History of Tattooing in New York City

Tattooing has a long and varied history in New York City, dating back to the late 19th century when tattoos were primarily associated with sailors, soldiers, and other members of the working class. In the early 20th century, as tattooing became more mainstream, a number of famous tattoo artists opened up shops in New York City, including Charlie Wagner, who worked out of a shop on the Bowery, and Samuel O’Reilly, who is credited with inventing the first electric tattoo machine. Today, New York City is home to some of the most innovative and skilled tattoo artists in the world, who continue to push the boundaries of the art form and create stunning and unique designs for their clients.

The Best Tattoo Artists in New York City

Bang Bang

Bang Bang is one of the most famous tattoo artists in the world and has tattooed many celebrities, including Rihanna, Justin Bieber, and Cara Delevingne. His shop is located on the Lower East Side and is known for its clean, minimalist design. Bang Bang’s style is realistic and highly detailed, and he is known for his ability to create intricate designs that flow with the body’s natural curves.

Amanda Wachob

Amanda Wachob is a tattoo artist and fine artist based in Brooklyn. Her style is characterized by abstract, watercolor-inspired designs that blur the lines between tattooing and fine art. She has exhibited her work in galleries around the world and has been featured in numerous publications, including The New York Times and Vogue.

Mike Rubendall

Mike Rubendall is the owner of Kings Avenue Tattoo, a well-respected tattoo shop with locations in Manhattan and Long Island. Rubendall’s style is traditional and highly detailed, and he is known for his ability to create complex designs that incorporate multiple elements. He has won numerous awards for his work and has tattooed many high-profile clients.

Stephanie Tamez

Stephanie Tamez is a tattoo artist and co-owner of the legendary Saved Tattoo in Brooklyn. Her style is highly personalized, and she works closely with her clients to create designs that reflect their individuality. Tamez is known for her ability to incorporate a wide range of influences into her work, including traditional American tattooing, Japanese art, and graphic design.

Virginia Elwood

Virginia Elwood is a tattoo artist and fine artist based in Brooklyn. Her style is characterized by bold, graphic designs that draw inspiration from a wide range of sources, including traditional American tattooing, Japanese art, and graffiti. Elwood has exhibited her work in galleries around the world and has been featured in numerous publications, including The New York Times and Rolling Stone.

Keith “Bang Bang” McCurdy

Keith “Bang Bang” McCurdy is the founder and owner of Bang Bang Tattoo, located on the Lower East Side. McCurdy has tattooed many celebrities, including Rihanna, Cara Delevingne, and Katy Perry. His style is highly detailed and realistic, and he is known for his ability to create designs that flow with the body’s natural curves.

Jonboy

Jonathan “Jonboy” Valena is a tattoo artist based in Manhattan. His style is characterized by delicate, minimalist designs that draw inspiration from a wide range of sources, including fine art and fashion. Jonboy has tattooed many high-profile clients, including Kendall Jenner, Hailey Baldwin, and Sofia Richie.

Scott Campbell

Scott Campbell is a tattoo artist and fine artist based in Brooklyn. His style is highly detailed and incorporates a wide range of influences, including traditional American tattooing, Japanese art, and contemporary art. Campbell has exhibited his work in galleries around the world and has been featured in numerous publications, including The New York Times and GQ.

Roxx

Roxx is a tattoo artist based in Brooklyn. Her style is highly personalized and draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, including traditional American tattooing, Japanese art, and graphic design. Roxx has tattooed many high-profile clients, including Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, and Demi Lovato.

Megan Massacre

Megan Massacre is a tattoo artist and reality TV personality based in New York City. Her style is characterized by colorful, playful designs that draw inspiration from a wide range of sources, including pop culture, traditional American tattooing, and Japanese art. Massacre has tattooed many high-profile clients, and she has been featured on numerous television shows, including TLC’s “NY Ink” and “America’s Worst Tattoos.”

Each of these tattoo artists brings their unique style and personality to the world of tattooing in New York City. Whether you’re looking for a traditional design or something more avant-garde, you’re sure to find the perfect artist for your needs among this list of the best tattoo artists in New York City.

The History of Tattoo Artists in New York City

The history of tattooing in New York City dates back to the 19th century when tattooing became popular among sailors and soldiers. Tattoo shops began to pop up in New York City’s seaport neighborhoods, such as the Bowery and the Lower East Side. These shops were often located in underground spaces and were frequented by a rough-and-tumble clientele.

In the 20th century, tattooing became more mainstream, and tattoo shops began to move above ground. One of the most famous tattoo artists of the era was Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins, who opened a tattoo shop on the Bowery in the 1930s. Other prominent tattoo artists of the time included Milton Zeis, who worked out of a shop on the Lower East Side, and Herbert Hoffman, who operated a tattoo shop on Coney Island. Today, New York City is home to some of the most talented and respected tattoo artists in the world, and the city’s tattoo culture continues to thrive and evolve.

Tattooing has a long and varied history in New York City, dating back to the late 19th century when tattoos were primarily associated with sailors, soldiers, and other members of the working class.

The Best Tattoo Shops in New York City

If you’re looking for the best tattoo shops in New York City, you won’t be disappointed. The city is home to a wealth of talented artists and reputable shops, each with its own unique atmosphere and style. Here are five of the best tattoo shops in New York City, along with a brief write-up on each of them:

East Side Ink

Located in the East Village, East Side Ink is one of the most well-respected tattoo shops in New York City. The shop was founded in 1992 by renowned tattoo artist, Joshua Lord, and has since become a go-to destination for anyone looking for high-quality, custom tattoo work. The artists at East Side Ink specialize in a variety of styles, from traditional American to Japanese and black and gray, and the shop prides itself on its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

Daredevil Tattoo

With two locations in New York City (one in Manhattan and one in Brooklyn), Daredevil Tattoo is a popular choice for anyone looking for a great tattoo. The shop has been around since 1997 and has a reputation for creating unique and memorable designs. The artists at Daredevil specialize in a variety of styles, including traditional, neo-traditional, and new school, and they are always happy to work with clients to bring their ideas to life.

Three Kings Tattoo

Located in Brooklyn, Three Kings Tattoo is a boutique tattoo shop that has gained a reputation for its high-quality work and welcoming atmosphere. The shop was founded in 2008 by tattoo artists Matty No Times, Alex McWatt, and Myles Karr, and has since become a go-to destination for anyone looking for custom tattoo work. The artists at Three Kings specialize in a variety of styles, including traditional American tattoos, Japanese, and black and gray, and they are always happy to work with clients to create the perfect design.

Bang Bang Tattoo

With a clientele that includes some of the biggest names in Hollywood (including Rihanna, Justin Bieber, and Cara Delevingne), Bang Bang Tattoo has become one of the most famous tattoo shops in the world. Located in the Lower East Side, the shop was founded by tattoo artist Keith “Bang Bang” McCurdy, and has gained a reputation for its innovative and eye-catching designs. The artists at Bang Bang specialize in a variety of styles, including black and gray, watercolor, and fine line, and they are always happy to work with clients to create something truly unique.

Saved Tattoo

Located in Brooklyn, Saved Tattoo is one of the most respected tattoo shops in New York City. The shop was founded in 2005 by renowned tattoo artist Scott Campbell, and has since become a go-to destination for anyone looking for high-quality, custom tattoo work. The artists at Saved specialize in a variety of styles, including traditional American, Japanese, and black and gray, and they are known for their attention to detail and their ability to create designs that truly capture the spirit of their clients.

In conclusion, if you’re looking to get a tattoo in New York City, you have a plethora of amazing options to choose from. Each of the ten tattoo artists listed here brings a unique perspective and skill set to the table, and they are all highly respected within the tattoo community. By doing your research and choosing an artist whose style and personality resonate with you, you can ensure that you end up with a tattoo that you’ll be proud to show off for years to come.