The 14 Best Tattoo Artists on Instagram
Whether you're covered in tats or prefer to remain ink-free, there's no denying tattooing is an art.
Who: @bangbangnyc
Why: Keith "Bang Bang" McCurdy is a celebrity favorite; he's famously inked Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Kylie Jenner, and Cara Delevingne (he's responsible for the "DD" tattoo she and Jourdan Dunn got together last year). McCurdy opened his first shop in NYC last year, and his Instagram showcases his work alongside the pieces done by his talented team of artists.
Who: @dr_woo_ssc
Why: Dr. Woo (real name: Brian Woo) is one of the most in-demand tattoo artists in LA. Working out of West Hollywood's Shamrock Social Club, he's inked the likes of Drake (famously, a praying hand emoji), Johnny Depp, and yes, Rihanna. According to the New York Times, his signature is a grouping of circles, arrows, and dots, which fans have dubbed "Woo arrows."
Who: @laurenwinzer
Why: This Aussie has amassed a massive Instagram following thanks to her ultra-girly tattoos depicting colorful cartoon characters and vibrant floral arrangements.
Who: @tealeigh
Why: Leigh is an illustrator who specializes in old-fashioned "stick and poke" tattoos, which use a needle to poke ink into the skin. Leigh's nature-inspired designs are beautifully delicate — and in high demand.
Who: @scampbell333
Why: Campbell is Marc Jacobs's go-to tattooer (he's also inked the likes of Courtney Love and Robert Downey Jr.) and is about to take the leap into world of performance art. On Thursday, Nov. 12, he opens Whole Glory, a four-day show where he'll tattoo whatever he wants on complete strangers. Learn more about the legendary artist at the New York Times.
Who: @jonboytatoo
Why: Those seeking tiny, delicate works or graphic larger pieces flock to Jon Boy at West 4 Tattoo.
Who: @sashaunisex
Why: Sasha specializes in colorful, watercolor-inspired pieces and just launched her own line of limited-edition temporary tattoos (left).
Who: @suflanda
Why: This German tattooist works solely in black ink to create surreal, highly detailed pieces.
Who: @coreydivine
Why: Divine's graphic, geometric tattoos are positively mesmerizing.
Who: @tilldthtattoo
Why: Herzdame works with a spare palette — black, gray and the occasional splash or red, green or blue — and specializes in geometry and shading for a wholly unique look.
Who: @sarahgaugler
Why: Gaugler proves her range with an oeuvre that includes tiny, spare line pieces and heavier, detailed works — all rendered with precision and skill.
Who: @peteraurisch
Why: Aurisch works out of Berlin, adorning his customers with colorful, Picasso-inspired works.
Who: @timorsuper
Why: This tattooist's ultra-detailed pieces range from the ultra-surreal to hyper-realistic.
Who: @minkasicklinger
Why: Sicklinger's eye for detail translates into bold, geometric tattoos depicting spiritual and natural motifs, animals, and the human form.