10 Best Tattoo Artists in LA and Their Top Designs

Best tattoo artists in LA
Dive into the art world of the best tattoo artists in LA, where creativity knows no boundaries. Explore their unique styles with us.

Want to get a tattoo from the best tattoo artist in LA? Los Angeles tattoo artists are famous for their talents, and sometimes you can just get lost in the list of names and tattoo shops. We know how it feels, that is why we have compiled a list of the top 10 professionals in different styles. Moreover, you can book a session with them on our website at any time. We also will take a look at the most popular tattoo studios in the city. 

Read on to dive into the diverse tattoo culture in LA with us!

If you live in California and don’t want to travel to Los Angeles for a new tattoo, we have a solution for you. Read our article on the best tattoo artists in California to find an artist in your city.

10 Best Tattoo Artists in LA

Most of the best tattoo artists in southern California live in LA, and it’s probably not surprising, as it’s a city of creativity and opportunity. Let’s take a look at 10 professional tattoo artists together and find out why are they considered the best.

Jing — Best Fineline Tattoo Artist

Jing, one of the best tattoo artists from Los Angeles, has earned her popularity with elegant designs with stunning color palettes. She came to the world of tattooing with a rich traditional art education from the Central Academy of Fine Arts in China and the Zurich University of the Arts. Jing often talks about her passion for creating magic on human skin, which she uses as a canvas. She finds inspiration in traditional Chinese art and strives to convey its beauty through her tattoos. 

Each of Jing’s tattoos tells a compelling story, showcasing her dedication to the art of fine lines and nuanced coloring, with which she creates real magic on the skin. Her artistry resonates with those looking for a combination of classic Chinese aesthetics and modern tattoo aesthetics.

Jing — Best Fineline Tattoo Artist

Nik Lucas — Best Trash Polka Tattoo Artist

Nick Lucas stands out as a dynamic artist known for his skills and distinctive approach. Ten years of tattooing experience allows Nick to skillfully combine realism and abstraction in his designs, giving a fresh and unique feel to each of his creations. He works in black and gray, color and realistic styles, but his favorite is trash polka style. This style is characterized by layering surrealistic elements on a realistic image, and Nick’s tattoos organically combine chaotic and bold elements of this style.

Nick emphasizes speed and quality in his work and strives to save clients time and money while providing them with the best tattoos possible. He also enjoys creating designs for cover-up tattoos.

 

Nik Lucas — Best Trash Polka Tattoo Artist

Adam Parrot — Best Neo-Traditional Tattoo Artist

Adam Parrot began his journey in art inspired by graffiti, skateboards, and comic books. He now has nearly twenty years of experience in professional tattooing, which has allowed him to become an expert artist with a unique style. Adam specializes in Japanese and neo-traditional designs, giving preference to full-color inks. Regardless, he also creates tattoos in black and gray, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement. 

You can find him in Rabble Rouser Tattoostudio, where he creates his designs. This studio only works with unique ideas, which Adam’s diverse portfolio proves. His ability to organically blend tradition with modern trends makes him one of the best tattoo artists in LA.

Adam Parrot — Best Neo-Traditional Tattoo Artist

Ruby Croak — Best Watercolor Tattoo Artist

Ruby has developed her unique tattooing style as a result of her art education and years of sharpening skills with the guidance of the best tattoo artists. Throughout her artistic career, she has participated in major International Tattoo Conventions numerous times, making her art known even beyond the borders of the United States. Specializing in watercolor and abstract tattoos, she draws inspiration primarily from Native American cultures. 

Ruby’s passion for art led her to open a small but cozy High Art Tattoo studio in the historic district of W. Adams in Los Angeles. The studio reflects her desire to provide a safe and welcoming space for people seeking creative expression through body art and piercings.

Ruby Croak — Best Watercolor Tattoo Artist

Dan Bones — Best Illustrative and Black and Gray Tattoo Artist

Dan began his journey as a tattoo artist in New York City in 2010. Over the years he has become a multidisciplinary artist and has demonstrated his talents not only in tattooing, but also in oil and watercolor painting, commercial illustration, animation, and even art direction. Dan specializes in illustration and technical black-and-gray work, bringing his deep artistic vision to every piece he creates. His tattoos are highly detailed and strive to convey an entire story in a single drawing.

Currently, Dan devotes all of his time to tattooing, working at Memoir Tattoo in West Hollywood. His ability to break boundaries between different art forms and create exceptional works makes him a noteworthy figure among the best tattoo artists in Los Angeles.

Dan Bones — Best Illustrative and Black and Gray Tattoo Artist

Bruno Malkaviano — Best Dotwork Tattoo Artist

Despite the name of one of the best tattoo artists in the city, Bruno’s path to art began in the movie industry, and a passion for sketching. The turning point came in 2012 when a friend, noticing Bruno’s sketches, handed him a tattoo gun and asked him to create a tattoo for her. The instant affection between Bruno and the art of ink sparked a passion for creating tattoos that have lasted ever since. He draws his designs in blackwork, dotwork, and linework styles, and the sketch elements give a unique dynamic to all of his creations.

Today, Bruno continues to develop his skills, constantly looking for new ways to improve his work. His approach is characterized by a preference for deconstructing images, a purposeful escape from the obvious.

Bruno Malkaviano — Best Dotwork Tattoo Artist

Lidia (Lidz) Bressoud — Best Dotwork Tattoo Artist

Lydia Bressoud, known as Lidz, presents herself as a distinctive artist whose work is a statement of dedication to the art of tattooing and her clients. Her specialty is dotwork and for Lidz this style has a deep personal connection, evoking warm feelings that remind her of her father. Her artistic style is characterized by grace and subtlety, making each piece beautiful and unique. She loves the art of tattooing with all her heart because it allows her to constantly evolve and grow. 

As a testament to her commitment to inclusion, Lidz opened a private PuchicaTattoo Studio, where she offers a safe and welcoming space for people of color. She sincerely enjoys her art as much as her clients, who would never leave her for another tattoo artist.

Lidia (Lidz) Bressoud — Best Dotwork Tattoo Artist

Dave Hatton — Best Realism Tattoo Artist

Jing, one of the best tattoo artists from Los Angeles, has earned her popularity with elegant designs with stunning color palettes. She came to the world of tattooing with a rich traditional art education from the Central Academy of Fine Arts in China and the Zurich University of the Arts. Jing often talks about her passion for creating magic on human skin, which she uses as a canvas. She finds inspiration in traditional Chinese art and strives to convey its beauty through her tattoos. 

Each of Jing’s tattoos tells a compelling story, showcasing her dedication to the art of fine lines and nuanced coloring, with which she creates real magic on the skin. Her artistry resonates with those looking for a combination of classic Chinese aesthetics and modern tattoo aesthetics.

Dave Hatton — Best Realism Tattoo Artist

Jose Moreno — Best Photo Realism Tattoo Artist

Jose hails from the beautiful city of Malaga in the south of Spain. His first exposure to art began with graffiti, laying the foundation for exploring the diverse artistic styles that have shaped his artistic path. Jose has spent the last six years honing his skills in photo-realistic tattooing, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement. He pays special attention to details when creating future designs, striving to achieve a striking resemblance to a photograph.

For a long time, he was a guest tattoo artist at many studios in Malaga, but in 2021 he took a bold step and settled in Los Angeles. He now works at the cozy 10K Foxes Tattoo studio, where he turns his clients’ dream tattoos into a masterpiece on the skin.

 

Jose Moreno — Best Photo Realism Tattoo Artist

Martin Kelly — Best Illustrative Realism Tattoo Artist

Martin is a prominent figure in the Los Angeles tattoo community, noted for his mastery of blackwork, fineline, and realism. He prefers intricate designs, working on which requires a lot of skill and attention to detail. Each of his works could be an illustration of an ancient legend that has come down to the skin from the pages of books. This is not surprising as Martin’s tattoo style is inspired by engravings, he achieves this effect through detailed shadowing and specific detailing on all of his work. 

Martin enjoys drawing custom designs for clients, transforming their dreams into antique engravings on the skin.

Martin Kelly — Best Illustrative Realism Tattoo Artist

Tattoo Studios in Los Angeles You Must Visit 

Tattoo Studios in Los Angeles You Must Visit 

If we talk about the best tattoo artists in Los Angeles, it is impossible not to mention tattoo studios. Choosing a place where you will get a tattoo is as important as choosing a tattoo artist. 

📌 Tip:
Don’t be afraid to ask about hygiene standards and licensing, it’s completely normal, moreover, you can ask for a visit to the tattoo shop before getting inked there.

For those who look not only at the reputation of the tattoo artist but also at the place where he works, we have compiled a short list of tattoo studios that are considered to be the best in LA.

  • Studio City Tattoo — this tattoo studio is known for its commitment to quality work and high standards of hygiene. Studio City Tattoo offers a variety of styles including traditional, black and gray, and colored tattoos, meeting a variety of customer preferences.
  • Rabble Rouser Tattoo — this studio owner is proud of his diverse and talented team of artists who work in a wide range of styles, from traditional to modern. Here you can find Adam Parrot, a tattoo artist on our list.
  • Generation8Tattoo — this tattoo studio has a reputation for skilled artists. They strive to provide a comfortable and creative space for clients looking for unique and personalized tattoos. Founder Dave Hatton has set a goal to make the studio one of the best in the world and welcomes tattoo professionals to the team.
  • Memoir Tattoo — this tattoo studio is known for its commitment to creating meaningful and personalized tattoos. The studio emphasizes a collaborative approach, working closely with clients to bring their ideas to life. It’s also the creative home for Dan Bones, a tattoo artist on our list of the best in LA.
  • Broken Art Tattoo — a reputable tattoo studio that prides itself on its artistic approach and professionalism. It is known for its tattoo artists who strive for excellence in different styles, providing a variety of creative options for clients.
Best tattoo artists in LA

Summary

Los Angeles is a city of talent and a rich tattoo culture that is easy to get lost in. In this article, we’ve covered the 10 best tattoo artists in LA and explored their unique styles and designs that have brought them recognition. Whether you love intricate designs, vibrant colors, or timeless classics, these artists will bring your fantasies to life. You can contact them right now via our website, as our team works for you every day.

We hope our article was helpful to you, and that you found a tattoo artist for your future stunning tattoo!

FAQ

⭐ Where Do the Celebrities Get Tattoos in LA?

Celebrities often get tattoos at famous Los Angeles studios such as Shamrock Social Club, which has worked with stars such as Johnny Depp and Lady Gaga. Broken Art Tattoo, recognized for quality work, is rumored to have clients like Scarlett Johansson and Chris Evans.

💰 How Much Is the Average Tattoo in Los Angeles?

The average cost of a tattoo in Los Angeles is usually $200 per hour, with most artists charging by the hour. Keep in mind that factors such as size, complexity, and experience of the artist can affect the final cost. High-end artists or those in high demand may charge a higher price.

😎 Who Is the Most Respected Tattoo Artist in LA?

One of the most influential and respected tattoo artists in Los Angeles is Dr. Woo. In addition to his detailed work, he is known to have a two-year waitlist for clients. The owners of famous tattoo shops, such as Dave HattonDave Hatton, founder of Generation8Tattoo studio, are also very popular.

🤔 Who’s the Best Linework Tattoo Artist in LA?

Linework is a complex style that requires patience and great accuracy from the tattoo artist because one uneven line can ruin the whole design. The best linework tattoo artists in LA are Dr. Woo, Jing, and Martin Kelly, as they have spent many years practicing and learning to achieve amazing results.

Contents

Was this article helpful?

Stay Tuned

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive new guides, ideas, and useful tips for tattoo artists and fans first.

You may also enjoy these articles: