10 Best Tattoo Artists in Seattle: Unique Styles and Skilled Artists

Discover the best tattoo artists in Seattle with this in depth guide. Find the best tattoo artists in Seattle for your next ink.

Tattoos have become increasingly popular over the past few years, and the city of Seattle is no exception to this trend. With a plethora of tattoo studios and artists in the area, it can be challenging to determine which artist is the best fit for your needs. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best tattoo artists in Seattle and what sets them apart from the rest.

The History of Tattooing in Seattle

Tattooing has a long and storied history in Seattle, dating back to the early 20th century. The first recorded tattoo artist in the city was a man named Walter Cleveland, who began tattooing in the 1920s. At the time, tattooing was not yet widely accepted, and Cleveland had to operate his shop in secret. However, as the popularity of tattoos grew, so did the number of tattoo artists in the city.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Seattle became known as a hub for punk and alternative culture, and tattooing became increasingly popular among this community. Artists like Don Ed Hardy and Jack Rudy began visiting the city, bringing with them a new style of tattooing that emphasized bold, graphic designs. This style, known as New School, quickly gained popularity in Seattle and became a defining feature of the city’s tattoo scene. Today, Seattle is home to a thriving tattoo community, with a wide range of artists and styles represented.

The Best Tattoo Artists in Seattle

Shane Wallin – Cicada Tattoo

Shane Wallin is a renowned tattoo artist who has been in the industry for over 20 years. He specializes in traditional Japanese tattooing and has won numerous awards for his work. Wallin is the owner of Cicada Tattoo, which is located in the heart of Seattle’s Pioneer Square. Cicada Tattoo is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and Wallin’s team of talented artists are well known for their incredible attention to detail and ability to bring clients’ visions to life.

Rob Johnson – Laughing Buddha Tattoo

Rob Johnson is the owner of Laughing Buddha Tattoo, which is located in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle. Johnson has been a tattoo artist for over 15 years and has gained a reputation for his unique and creative designs. His work often features bold lines and vibrant colors, and he is particularly skilled in creating intricate and detailed pieces. Laughing Buddha Tattoo is a popular spot for those looking for custom designs and high-quality work.

Kristina Bennett – Hidden Hand Tattoo

Kristina Bennett is a talented tattoo artist who specializes in black and gray realism. She is the owner of Hidden Hand Tattoo, which is located in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle. Bennett’s work is highly detailed and often features portraits, animals, and other natural elements. She is particularly skilled in creating tattoos that look like they are part of the skin, rather than just a design on top of it.

David Hogg – Artful Dodger Tattoo

David Hogg is a respected tattoo artist who has been in the industry for over 20 years. He is the owner of Artful Dodger Tattoo, which is located in the University District of Seattle. Hogg’s work is highly regarded for its intricate details and bold lines. He is particularly skilled in creating traditional American tattoos, and his shop is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Jeff Cornell – Slave to the Needle

Jeff Cornell is a veteran tattoo artist who has been in the industry for over 25 years. He is the owner of Slave to the Needle, which has locations in both Seattle and Ballard. Cornell’s work is highly respected in the industry, and he is particularly skilled in creating custom designs that fit his clients’ unique personalities and preferences. His shop has won numerous awards and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Tanya Magdalena – Dark Age Tattoo

Tanya Magdalena is a well-respected tattoo artist who specializes in large-scale pieces. She is the owner of Dark Age Tattoo, which is located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle. Magdalena’s work often features animals, natural elements, and other intricate designs. She is particularly skilled in creating tattoos that flow well with the body and has gained a reputation for her stunning black and gray work.

Aaron Bell – Slave to the Needle

Aaron Bell is another talented artist who works out of Slave to the Needle. He has been a tattoo artist for over 20 years and is known for his intricate and detailed work. Bell is particularly skilled in creating custom pieces that are unique to each client. His work often features bold lines and bright colors, and he is highly regarded in the industry for his technical skill and creativity.

Marissa Kusumi – Super Genius Tattoo

Marissa Kusumi is a talented tattoo artist who specializes in bold and colorful designs. She is the owner of Super Genius Tattoo, which is located in the Belltown neighborhood of Seattle. Kusumi’s work often features pop culture references, animals, and other whimsical designs. She is particularly skilled in creating pieces that are both fun and technically sound, and her shop is known for its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Kian Forreal – Hidden Hand Tattoo

Kian Forreal is a respected tattoo artist who specializes in black and gray realism. He works out of Hidden Hand Tattoo in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood and is known for his stunning portrait work. Forreal’s pieces often feature intricate details and shading, and he is particularly skilled in creating tattoos that look like photographs. He is highly regarded in the industry and has won numerous awards for his work.

Randy Engelhard – Tattoo Randy

Randy Engelhard is a well-respected tattoo artist who splits his time between Seattle and Germany. He is known for his stunning black and gray realism work, and his shop, Tattoo Randy, is a popular destination for those looking for high-quality tattoos. Engelhard’s work often features portraits, animals, and other natural elements, and he is particularly skilled in creating pieces that are both technically sound and visually stunning.

The Best Tattoo Shops in Seattle

Artful Dodger Tattoo & Comics

Located in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, Artful Dodger Tattoo & Comics is a unique tattoo shop that combines tattooing with comic books and graphic novels. The shop is owned by Damon Conklin, a highly skilled tattoo artist who has been in the industry for over two decades. Conklin’s work often features bold colors and graphic designs, and he is particularly skilled in creating pieces that incorporate pop culture references. The shop’s relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, combined with its love of comic books, make it a popular destination for those looking for a fun and unique tattoo experience.

Hidden Hand Tattoo

Hidden Hand Tattoo is a highly respected tattoo shop located in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood. The shop is owned by Jeff Cornell, a talented artist who is known for his stunning black and gray realism work. Cornell’s pieces often feature intricate details and shading, and he is particularly skilled in creating tattoos that look like photographs. The shop’s clean and modern design, combined with its highly skilled artists, make it a top destination for those looking for high-quality tattoos in Seattle.

Super Genius Tattoo

Super Genius Tattoo is a popular tattoo shop located in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood. The shop is owned by Amanda Kusumi, a highly skilled artist who is known for her whimsical and fun designs. Kusumi’s work often features pop culture references, animals, and other playful elements, and she is particularly skilled in creating pieces that are both technically sound and visually stunning. The shop’s relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, combined with Kusumi’s skill and expertise, make it a must-visit for those looking for a fun and enjoyable tattoo experience.

Slave to the Needle

Slave to the Needle is a well-established tattoo shop located in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood. The shop is owned by Aaron Bell, a highly respected artist who has been in the industry for over two decades. Bell’s work often features bold and graphic designs, and he is particularly skilled in creating tattoos that incorporate traditional Japanese elements. The shop’s clean and modern design, combined with Bell’s expertise and experience, make it a top destination for those looking for high-quality tattoos in Seattle.

Under the Needle

Under the Needle is a highly regarded tattoo shop located in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood. The shop is owned by Aaron “Smitty” Smith, a talented artist who is known for his stunning black and gray realism work. Smith’s pieces often feature intricate details and shading, and he is particularly skilled in creating tattoos that look like photographs. The shop’s modern and spacious design, combined with Smith’s skill and expertise, make it a top destination for those looking for high-quality tattoos in Seattle.

Seattle is home to some of the most talented tattoo artists in the industry. Whether you’re looking for traditional Japanese tattoos, bold and colorful designs, or intricate black and gray realism pieces, there is an artist in Seattle who can bring your vision to life. We hope this list has helped you narrow down your search and find the best tattoo artist for your needs. Remember to always do your research, look at artists’ portfolios, and choose an artist who you feel comfortable with and whose work speaks to you.