Jennifer Kraybill
September 20th, 2024
Bucket List Ink: Must-See Tattoo Shops Every Enthusiast Should Visit
Looking for your next tattoo destination? We've rounded up the must-visit shops every tattoo enthusiast should have on their radar! These are the spots where creativity flourishes, artists collaborate, and masterpieces come to life.
Inked Miami
Inked Tattoo Shop Miami brings cutting-edge tattoo artistry to the vibrant heart of Miami Beach. Born from the legacy of Inked Magazine, which has showcased celebrities, models, and artists in over 100 issues, Inked Tattoo Shops Miami delivers a full 360° Inked experience. The shop fuses fine art and tattoo culture, featuring a diverse roster of top-tier artists skilled in styles ranging from fine line to realism, ensuring personalized, high-quality tattoos that tell each client’s unique story.
More than just a tattoo studio, it serves as a dynamic creative space, combining a tattoo shop with an art gallery. Regular workshops, events, and exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences promote art and culture in all its forms. Whether local or visiting, clients have access to premium aftercare products, industry-leading techniques, and the same world-class experience that has attracted celebrity clients at the Inked NYC location.
10 Thousand Foxes
Astoria, Queens NYC
In 2019, 10 Thousand Foxes Tattoo opened its doors, welcoming some of the finest national and international artists. Located in the vibrant Astoria neighborhood of Queens, the studio was founded on two guiding principles: fostering a supportive space where artists could grow and thrive together and ensuring that clients felt welcomed, heard, and valued.
Fast forward five years, and owner Tim O’Connor (@TOC_TATTOO) reflects, “We’ve built an incredible team that truly supports the vision of 10 Thousand Foxes. From our manager to the artists, each of us plays a crucial role in providing clients with a unique and personal experience. We take pride in educating, being transparent, and collaborating to create meaningful, long-lasting art.”
Whether you’re an artist, collector, or admirer, all are welcome.
Fine Ink Studios
20+ Locations Throughout Florida
At Fine Ink Studios, customer care is at the heart of everything they do. Each tattoo and piercing represents a personal journey, and Fine Ink Studios is dedicated to making that experience memorable, comfortable, and uniquely tailored to each client. From the moment a customer steps into any of their 20+ locations, they’ll experience genuine care in every interaction, from discussing ideas to crafting the perfect design.
Fine Ink Studios is built on trust and lasting relationships. By truly listening to their clients’ visions and delivering top-quality art, they ensure the experience goes beyond just great tattoos. They also offer perks like free touch-ups, complimentary jewelry changes, and exclusive events to show their appreciation for customer loyalty.
Their artists are the heart of Fine Ink Studios, bringing unmatched creativity, professionalism, and passion to every project. They take pride in their craft, ensuring that each piece of art reflects the individuality of the client.
West Side Tattoo
Colorado Springs, CO
West Side Tattoo is an iconic establishment renowned for its exceptional tattooing and top-tier customer service. Known for its welcoming environment, West Side Tattoo accepts all projects, large or small, while ensuring a humble and ego-free atmosphere. The team of artists functions more like a family, comprising 20 international resident artists and hosting weekly guest artists from around the world, offering a wide range of styles and techniques.
Since its founding in 2005, West Side Tattoo has been committed to providing clients with the best possible tattoo experience, creating lifelong memories. As the team continues to grow, the relationships built with each client are highly valued, making each experience unique and personal.
Whether it’s your first tattoo or an addition to an existing collection, West Side Tattoo invites everyone to experience the difference. The talented artists are dedicated to bringing your vision to life and crafting a masterpiece that can be cherished for years to come.
Thomas Street Tattoo
Manchester, United Kingdom
Thomas Street Tattoo is located in the heart of Manchester city centre, this bespoke tattoo studio attracts visitors from across the UK and beyond. The studio features a diverse range of talented tattoo artists, including Roman, a seasoned artist specializing in Japanese tattoos, as well as traditional, neo-traditional, and black & grey styles. Zoli, who began his career in street shops mastering various styles, now focuses on black & grey realism and fine line tattoos. Otis, with a background in graffiti, excels in script, manga, blackwork, and tattoos for black skin.
The street studio offers bookings for all of these styles and welcomes walk-ins for spontaneous clients. In addition, the studio provides a walk-in service for piercings, with two of Manchester’s top piercers who specialize in ear curation and offer a wide selection of custom jewelry for a truly personalized experience.
Shanghai Tattoo
Folsom, CA
Shanghai Tattoo was founded in 2007 in Shanghai, China, by the acclaimed tattoo artist Zhuo Dan Ting, also known as Ms. Ting. As one of the first women in China to tattoo and operate a professional studio, Ms. Ting quickly built a reputation for exceptional artistry, establishing Shanghai Tattoo as one of the city’s premier tattoo destinations.
In 2018, Ms. Ting brought her artistic vision to the United States, opening Ms. Ting’s Shanghai Tattoo in Sacramento, CA. The upscale studio soon became a beloved part of the Folsom community, renowned for its unparalleled craftsmanship and dedication to quality. By 2024, Shanghai Tattoo reached a significant milestone by acquiring their own building in Historic Folsom.
The studio is home to a talented team of tattoo artists, each specializing in a diverse range of styles, including Japanese and Chinese traditional, black and grey and color photorealism, American and Neo-traditional, Traditional Chinese watercolor, custom Chinese calligraphy, and more.
Three Roses Studios
Fairfield, Connecticut
Three Roses Studio, established in 2016, is Fairfield, Connecticut’s first tattoo and fine art gallery. Specializing in traditional Japanese tattooing and showcasing the work of local artists, it is a private, custom studio run entirely by a single artist. This one-on-one approach allows the artist to dedicate full attention to each project, providing clients with an exceptionally private, intimate, and personal experience.
The unique combination of a fine art gallery and an intimate tattoo studio creates a truly distinctive atmosphere, making it an ideal space for tattoo enthusiasts, art lovers, or anyone with a passion for creativity.
CaliLou’s Tattoos
Reno, NV
CaliLou’s Tattoos is a queer, female owned shop operated by two best friends (Cal and Lou). Inspired by the Barbie movie to make a change, they created a space that’s not just pink but truly welcoming.
Their goal is to provide a safe environment where clients can freely express themselves. Over time, the studio has become more than that—it’s a place where the Tattoo Barbies have found mutual support, with clients helping them thrive as their true selves.
Art Collector Tattoo Studio
Los Angeles, CA
Recognized as Los Angeles’ top tattoo studio, Art Collector brings together award-winning artists from around the world, each with their own distinct style. Specializing in creating vibrant and unique tattoos that truly stand out, the studio attracts clients from across the U.S. who are drawn by its commitment to quality and creativity. Whether seeking something bold or intricately detailed, Art Collector ensures that every tattoo becomes a personal work of art. The team is passionate about turning ideas into unforgettable designs, leaving clients proud and excited about their new ink.
For booking, visit artcollectortattoo.com.
First Class Tattoos
New York, NY
First Class Tattoos is an upscale studio located in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, offering exceptional customer service in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Specializing in custom tattoo designs that capture each client’s unique vision, the studio is home to several talented artists. Shop owner Mikhail Anderson is renowned for his breathtaking galaxy tattoos and vivid realism, while Sasha Davy is celebrated for her intricate line work.
Nina Palagonia brings neo-traditional designs to life with impeccable color blending. Explore their artists and find the one that resonates with you. For quotes or to connect with the right artist for your project, visit firstclasstattoos.com.
Find more article about the tattoo industry here.
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