This post started as a small collection until I started to really look at the top tattoo artist in the field. I could have easily made the list twice as big. I’ll save more for a later post. In the mean time enjoy the work of these top tattoo artists working today.
Aaron Cain – Tattooing since 1991, Aaron Cain has developed the biomechanical tattoo style like few others. Taking inspiration from the top tattooist and artist in his field Aaron Cain has risen to the top of the custom tattoo spectrum. Cain’s tattoos can be distinguished by thick lines and hard edges amid the cluster that is biomechanical. Not only is he on the top of the tattooing field Cain produces a full line of custom tattoo equipment.
Paul Booth – The name Paul Booth immediately brings images of death and mayhem to mind. An established tattooist and artist Booth is well known in the tattoo industry for his almost lifelike portraits of everything evil. After devoting nearly twenty years of his life to the art of tattoo, where his is revered for his efforts to elevate the medium into the realm of fine art, Paul Booth has become a household name. His unparalleled dedication to the evolution of his craft has garnered him numerous awards around the globe, top tier magazine features (among them, many cover stories), public and television appearances including CNN, MSNBC, DISCOVERY, A&E, TLC, MTV and more.
Nick Baxter – Nick Baxter is well known for his gorgeous large scale color tattoos. “Tattoos are an exciting and especially rewarding medium to work in, as the personal interaction and displaying of the work is a large part of it. However, there are some visual limitations to working on skin, but a lot of the challenge and fun for me is to figure out effective ways around these, to try to push the genre to new heights and possibilities.” Baxter Says.
Ryan Dearringer – Ryan Dearringer is an award winning, custom tattoo artist at Sacred Ink, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is among a new breed of tattoo artists, who attempt to blend art, in all its wonders and splendors, into the world of tattoo. He pulls inspiration for his tattoo work from all styles and influences of art, and attempts to push the boundaries of tattoo to new levels. Whether it be Portraits, Old School tattoos, New School tattoos, Graffiti style, or Fine art tattoos, Ryan has a way of making it work in an innovative manner. He believes that the core of what makes a tattoo artist great, is that they are an artist first, and a tattoo artist second. He approaches each and every tattoo design he creates in a similar manner.
Carson Hill - At just under 30 years old Carson Hill is a biomechanical master. “My goal as an artist of any kind is to improve. To further understand dimensional reality, light and shadow and how it plays with all things, the complexity of simplicity, the depth of infinity, and so on, and interpret it into my work. To further define my subtle message through each artwork I bring into manifestation.” Hill says.
Mike DeVries – A rather young addition to the ever competitive tattoo market, Mike DeVries has stood his ground as one of the top color tattooist in the country. DeVries continues to create ultra realistic color tattoos that look as though they will jump off the skin at any minute. Hoping to expand his abilities, to achieve the utmost realistic pieces on skin. “Portraits, animals and pin-ups are my favorite things to do; anything that is real.” Mike says.
Jesse Nesse – Specializing in cover up tattoos as well as world renowned custom color tattoos, Jessee Nesse has risen to not only the top tattooist in Nebraska, but to the rank of top tattooist in his field. Nuclear Ink Custom Tattoo first opened in the summer of 1999 located in South Omaha. In 2000, it moved to it’s current location just north of 72nd and Dodge Street in Midtown. The shop was started out as a shop exclusively for custom tattoos.
Bob Tyrrell - Bob Tyrrell started tattooing at the tender age of 34, already a student of art, Tyrrell has risen to the top of the tattooing field with his insanely realistic black and grey portraits. If you are in the market for a wickedly realistic tattoo then you should look no further then Bob Tyrrell. The finished works of this tattooist look like they are ready to jump off the skin and join in conversation.
Brandon Bond - Brandon Bond is one of the most successful, published, and award winning tattoo artists in the world. He is the owner of the thriving All or Nothing Tattoo empire in Atlanta, Georgia. He also owns a publishing company called Stranglehold which sells movies, books, clothing, artwork, and other tattoo related products. After 15 years of compulsive workaholism, Brandon still tattoos constantly, staying booked about a year in advance. Last year Brandon opened a second studio Anti Art Elite. Located northwest of Atlanta, GA.
Guy Aitchison - Guy Aitchison is at the top of the biomechanical tattoo field. He has produced some of the best large color biomech tattoos I’ve ever seen. Torn between painting and tattooing he has created numerous works featured in top art and tattoo magizines. Guy believes tattooing is a very critical type of commercial art, where success or failure of any given project has very deep implications for the client. This forces an extra degree of dedication and flexibility on the part of the artist, and the clients’ participation helps maintain a flow of fresh ideas and images into the artist’s bag of tricks.
143 responses so far ↓
1 Anthony // Apr 10, 2009 at 2:52 am
James Kern Tattoo monster is also one of the best !
2 Paul James // Aug 15, 2009 at 11:17 pm
A few honorable mentions:
Robert Hernandez
Tim Kern and James Kern
Tom Renshaw
Kat Von D
Nikko
etc. etc.
3 Daniel Rainey // Aug 19, 2009 at 7:08 pm
You missed Steve Moore of Vancouver who absolutely deserved to be on this list.
Also Nikko Hurtado, Lu’s Lips, Derek Noble, Tim Biedron…I guess making it a top ten is tough…so many amazing artists.
4 Nick Serman // Sep 6, 2009 at 11:58 am
Definitely Filip Leu, Jack Rudy, Jose Lopez, Victor Portugal and my personal tattoo artist- DammNice from NYC!
5 Frank // Sep 25, 2009 at 10:13 pm
I can’t believe you don’t think Jose Lopez, from Lowrider Tattoos, is one of the top 10 tattoo artist in the world, I think his work is much better than some of those you have mentioned in your site, his work is absolutely incredible.
6 Curt // Sep 26, 2009 at 11:26 am
I appreciate everyone commenting on who they think is the top of the tattoo field.
This isn’t a list of the best tattoo artists. I simply featured ten of my favorite artists. I will be making another “top artists” post shortly and appreciate the input.
7 Mike // Sep 26, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Really good list. Appreciate it as a really good research point. Looking forward to your “top artists” post
8 Michael // Nov 4, 2009 at 10:09 am
Russ Abbott should be on this list. As should Cecil Porter.
9 gerald // Nov 9, 2009 at 11:02 pm
DAMN!!! paul booth and bob tyrell is the greatest artist in the world… all their works are just copied by other artist!! including the artist in the top.!!
10 Ben G. // Nov 18, 2009 at 2:15 am
What really makes an artist a “top artist” anyway?
I believe its the careful balance of skill on all accounts. What’s important to me may not be as important to you.
I prefer a talented artist that I feel comfortable with. Someone I wouldn’t mind having touched me in such a way as to leave a lasting impression.
There’s an artist out there for ever personality type. The guys mentioned above are some of the more famous. I’m sure they’re all kick ass to know in person!
P.S. I have a calf sleeve session with a one Mr. DammNice. Stay tooned!
11 bryan // Nov 28, 2009 at 3:03 pm
i agree with the list with the exception of jesse.
12 Terry Ribera // Dec 3, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Shige, Filip Lue, Robert Hernandez, Marcus Pacheco, Steve Moore, Dave Knight, Lars uwe, Aaron Cain.
Well this is my list.
I do tattoos for a living.
Terry Ribera
13 Terry Ribera // Dec 3, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Oh yeah, Chris Conn too
14 Big R // Dec 18, 2009 at 10:40 am
Nate Beavers is amazing as well, especially his photo-realism mixed with old school. wow.
http://www.tattoosbynate.com/
15 Jon // Dec 22, 2009 at 10:43 am
Very nice list… Guy Aitchison, hands down, greatest tattoo artist ever. The other guys are all amazing, and I’m sure there are countless others who are ridiculous as well… montetattoo.com
16 Kay // Dec 22, 2009 at 1:49 pm
I’m surprised no one mentioned Mario Barth.
http://www.mariobarthtattoo.com
17 Francisco P. // Dec 24, 2009 at 1:52 am
First, I want to say thanks to Ben G. After reading your comment, I looked up DammNice and agree-he is the real deal!
Francisco Pagan
18 chad // Dec 30, 2009 at 9:29 pm
the best ive seen is reco from king of ink ive see him do a bob marley peace in 30 min and it was just like the pic killer artist and very fast
19 Jerry // Jan 2, 2010 at 4:37 pm
Does anybody know of a tattoo artist that can do legit, chinese stlye tattoos?
20 Josh 0'connor // Jan 5, 2010 at 3:11 pm
Are the majority of posters on this blog US citizens: I found this blog to be very biased towards american artists: The names on this blog are 85% american…
Apart from Victor Portugal and Robert Hernandez no-one mentioned any european or south american artists!
21 Mads (Denmark) // Jan 6, 2010 at 3:40 am
Tim Kern Should definitely be on that list…
22 John // Jan 6, 2010 at 9:00 am
A 5k round trip to the US is out of the budget for a lot of us. Would be nice to see a top 10 europe and a top 10 world wide to accompany this.
23 Kay // Jan 7, 2010 at 10:30 am
Mr. Mario Barth is from Austria, and has recently opened up a Starlight Tattoo in Malaga, Spain, and is working on opening three more in Europe and one in Asia (according to his website, mariobarthtattoo.com). :)
24 Terry Ribera // Jan 14, 2010 at 2:10 am
Filip Lue
Lars Uwe
Rob Koss
Robert Hernandez
Mick
Boris
Marcus Lehnard
Claus Foremen
Zed La head
Tin Tin
I don’t if it’s the best in Europe, but they are a few of my favorites
25 Markus // Jan 18, 2010 at 4:29 pm
You missed Steve Moore from Vancouver, BC for sure.
26 misetro // Jan 19, 2010 at 10:36 am
hes the best of the best no one can top him fuck a mami fuck a poda fuck a chicago tattos misetro is the #1 artist.
27 JOHN DIMARTINO // Jan 20, 2010 at 3:31 pm
YOU PEOPLE IN THE TATTOO WORLD SHOULD KNOW BETTER MARIO BARTH IS BY FAR THE BEST ARTIST IN THE WORLD AND BY THE WAT ONE OF THE BEST PEOPLE YOU WILL EVER MEET BELIVE ME I ONCE KNEW HIM VERY WELL AND I COULD ASSURE YOU HE IS VERY DEDICATED IN HIS FIELD
28 miestro // Jan 21, 2010 at 9:40 am
miestro is one of the best tattoo artist i mean not sayin he is just the best but i know their is an chick out in LA and she does some sick shit.
29 arghlemonster // Jan 22, 2010 at 12:28 pm
Don’t forget mentions to Carlos Cabral and Marcio Magath, from Brazil.
30 michaelangelo // Jan 30, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Victor Portugal, originally from Uruguay and now curently living in Poland is in a league of his own. He shits all over the majority of the american tattoo artists that are mentioned on this blog. Not only is his style unique but he is a very humble man, a rare attribute in this day and age. He is a true artist and i feel blessed to have tattoos done by this artist. Mark my words, in the next 4-5 years Victor Portugal will be a name to be reckoned with (if he already isn’t).
31 travis // Feb 1, 2010 at 10:05 pm
robert hernandez should for sure be on that top ten list. i like that nick baxter is on there. he is rediculous. aaron cain shouldnt be on the top maybe number 6. dan marshall is one of my favs. and mike cole will probably blow some of you away. jose lopez is good but not top ten. filip leu not top ten to me either. and jerry as far as legit chinese tattoos, i dont know why you want that but chris trevino from perfection tattoo in austin texas has chinese nailed well enough to get 200+ bucks an hour and have a huge wating list. or maybe he does jap shit who can tell…
32 Jesse Neese // Feb 7, 2010 at 1:28 am
Wow, I am really flattered to be included in your list, although you have my website, pics etc. with the wrong surname.
33 Dan // Feb 12, 2010 at 11:13 am
Robert Hernandez is amazing,… glad he atleast got an honorable mention. Another amazing artist is
Victor Portugal. He is every bit as good as the others, in fact, I think he is better, but that is probably just a personal preference.
34 Curt // Feb 14, 2010 at 6:51 pm
Hey Jesse, I fixed the typo. sorry about that.
35 miestro // Feb 16, 2010 at 8:07 am
now u know he iz a good artist miestro is my step father he does mine and my tattoos they’re great so amny peolpe come to him for tattoos not just that but his hand writing is so pretty most people get it tattooed on them.
36 Daniel // Feb 19, 2010 at 11:03 pm
F*ck mario barth and his starbucks of tattooing, whoever said that, and brandon bond does not belong on the top 10, 20 or 100. He’s average at best. Its based on art and skill not how much money you make for both of those two. Marketing doesn’t hide lack of skill!
37 Roger // Mar 10, 2010 at 11:48 am
Mario Barth is low level bad taste stuff. Plus he looks like a complete douchebag in his website. What’s that look he has on his face? Blue Magnum? Is he pimpin his chain? His list of clients is prob tops, but his work is low level stuff.
38 Mister Cocktail // Mar 16, 2010 at 5:00 pm
I’m sorry but a few of the artists quoted above are very far from being part of the best in the world. General public will focus on the global rendering of the tattoo.
But when you’re a tattoo artist, you start understanding that there are two totally different things, that are technique, and creation. It’s not the same when the tattoo is done freehand without references, or frop photoshoped picture. Therefore, Mike DeVries or Nikko are absolutely nothing when compared with Roberto Hernandez, for instance.
Taking nice picture, using two or three options on photoshop, making patiently children-like transfers isn’t art. It’s technique. It’s nowhere creation. If you give Mike Devries a pen and a white sheet, or if you ask him freehand, you’ll see how far away he’d be from guys like Roberto Hernandez or Luca Natalini.
Focusing on ONE stuff (portraits) and ultra-specializing to the point you become awesome in that area makes you nothing more than a huge technician.
For me, top level tattoo artists are guy who create, who have visions and put them on skin. And if once in your life you have the opportunity to see Roberto Hernandez at work in a convention, you’ll see how much above he is from people who basically are nothing more than a color copier with color popup feats.
39 Roger // Mar 16, 2010 at 10:40 pm
Agree with Daniel. Btw where is Chris O’Donnell on this list??????
40 ryan // Mar 22, 2010 at 11:59 am
Sean Herman @ royal street tattoo in Mobile, Alabama!
41 OSCAR // Mar 23, 2010 at 11:37 pm
All these artists are excellent, and we each have different tastes in what we like to see in tattoos. But to me Shige from Japan stands as the top tattoo artist, at least in my book. You can see the control in his lines and shading, his colors are so balanced, its almost perfect. Ya’ll should check him out, http://www.yellowblaze.net
42 r // Mar 27, 2010 at 5:52 pm
Oleg is the best tattoo artist just check goblins taking out time,
43 swag // Mar 31, 2010 at 1:21 am
Mister Cartoon? Chris Lombardi?
44 Annie // Apr 29, 2010 at 6:53 am
Jaja, how come there is never something “new” to find or even listed? Sorry, but these “artists” are all great craftsmen but a bore and not really inspiring. What about the french design?? Bugger. When it comes to individuality and new style there are two that should be ahead of all the rest: Yann from yourmeatismine and Jef from Boucherie Moderne.
45 kohs // Apr 29, 2010 at 1:49 pm
You guys need to check out Jeff Gogue..serious serious artist and possibly the most original..Mister cocktail might agree…and yea..that Barth guy and damn nice…yea..not good
46 Karl // May 9, 2010 at 8:05 am
It is very hard to say who the top 10 is. It is a progression, the guys doing the best work years ago, might not seem to be the best these days, but they brought the changes and techniques needed for todays top guys be where they are. Shige and Thomas Hooper are who I would regard as being up there also these days.
I agree with the Robert Hernandez comments. I have two Hernandez tattoos, both freehand no stencils and one done with no references or prior sketching. He seems to be one of the influential artists of the last few years.
47 Lauren // May 10, 2010 at 8:30 pm
Anyone know of the best artists in Colorado? Austin seems to be the nearest artist on these lists to me…
48 Bobby Durango // May 14, 2010 at 2:00 am
It’s awefully egotistical to say any of these guys are the BEST. Were dealing with art which follows all types of guidelines and when incorporating styles, techniques, and induvidual onlooker taste, who’s to say which is better than another. But I do agree with most, it’s the versatility in the artist that truley makes him or her valued on the scale overall.
Check out Randi Polillo’s work from Dynasty Tattoo in New Jersey. He’s got what it takes.
49 Dan // May 14, 2010 at 12:31 pm
Ha,… I have seen a lot of lame tattoo out there and I can say, those are lame tattoo’s and crappy art. I have no reason to be pc. Some people do crappy work, some people do medium work, some people do great work, and some people are geniuses. Some people just know how to capture the beauty in different areas better than others and it doesn’t matter what the piece is. It could be a skull or it can be a flower. I just looked at Jeff Gogue’s work and he does do nice work. Victor and Robert,…- awesome
50 Austin Jacoby // May 16, 2010 at 6:03 pm
does steve moore work out of a shop? if so..which?
51 nevame // May 18, 2010 at 6:52 pm
Robert Hernandez is amazing definitely top three at least. Also check out Juan Salgado from Puerto Rico and Elio espinal from brooklyn.
52 Mike G // Feb 1, 2011 at 4:56 pm
You deffinately forgot a great artist from philly! His name is Greg Montone. He works out of studio one tattoo in noorwood pa. Check him out!
53 Busketeer // Feb 2, 2011 at 5:17 pm
I have to agree with Mister Cocktail on the difference between an “artist” and a “tracer”.
The question he raises however is what the definition of “tattoo artist” is.
Is it someone who creates great looking tattoos or someone who creates great art through tattooing.
I think the bottom line is, just like anything else, some are better at one thing than another, therefore we should be asking, “Who is the best tattoo artist… if I want a color portrait” or “Who is the best tattoo artist… if I want an original piece of art involving skulls and kittens”, etc.
54 DAVE S // Feb 11, 2011 at 9:55 pm
Does anyone know any really good tattooists in Canada or near the Canadian border?
55 WICKED // Feb 18, 2011 at 11:20 am
I agree with some of te postings and opinions….but….there definetly is alot of other tattoo artist out there who aint even reconized because they aint on tv or clothing….with that said Heres a few nobody mentioned who are the shizznet when it comes to custom art and being and artist not a color copier or photoshop magician with a good technique….and who can actully free hand tattoos with no refrence….Victor Portugual….PlacasO…Steve Soto….joshua Carlton….john montgomary….robert hernandez…..pint…..checko….joselopez….and the list gos on with not only tattooist from califoria that have more awards than kat von d or corey miller and are in the same state but for exmple Steve Soto over 300 awards nation wide for his beautiful black and gray art and tattoos…..kat von d….tv star never even seen awards in her tv show miami ink neither but thats just my opinion :-)
56 thomas // Feb 20, 2011 at 11:14 pm
honorable ment: anil gupta
57 JW // Feb 28, 2011 at 10:41 am
Dave S
Bob Tyrrell Detriot,MI
One of the best in the world
58 JW // Mar 2, 2011 at 5:56 pm
I have been inked by Ryan Dearringer @ Black Market Tatto in Indianapolis, IN. Ryan does amazing work and is a very grounded person. He is very professional and will go out of his way to delivery kick ass orginal art! Very nice CLEAN shop. Check it out if every in Indianapolis. Highly recommended!
59 Mochi // Mar 6, 2011 at 1:44 am
Looking for an excellent cover up/ color lightheaded in TX. NM. or CO. Anybody have suggestions? Thanks in advance ;)
60 JW // Mar 7, 2011 at 11:52 am
Mochi
Not sure how easy it will be it get in but
NICK BAXTER in TX – you will not be disappointed! AMAZING color work
See Curt’s listing above
61 JW // Mar 7, 2011 at 12:02 pm
Mochi
Check out Nate Beavers too
I think he is located in Houston
62 patlock // Mar 8, 2011 at 11:58 pm
victor portugal
shigge
gogue
who the hell put on this list and forgot this guys?
63 Ali // Mar 11, 2011 at 5:04 pm
What about Wiz Khalifa?
64 joah // Mar 13, 2011 at 12:51 pm
tomas tomas and victor portugal are in a leauge of their own. period!
65 JW // Mar 20, 2011 at 9:31 pm
some more Killer artist
Josh Woods
Nate Beavers
Carlos Torres
Steve Soto
Mike Demasi
Kore Flatmo
Dave Tedder
Manu
Henrik
Joe Capobianco
66 Chuck // Apr 14, 2011 at 8:22 pm
I’m fortunate to live in California and have some amazing work by Mike Demasi, Mike Devries, and Shane Oneill. Looking forward to getting color biomechanical from Roman Abrego- check out his work it’s amazing and want to get some black & gray bio from Josh Duffy.
67 Erik // Apr 23, 2011 at 9:05 pm
Shane O’Neill does excellent work. I’d definitely put him in the top 10 B&G portrait artists.
68 JW // Apr 25, 2011 at 11:43 am
CHuck u lucky Fuck! What an amazing collection! Does any other state have so many top artist? This is just a quick list – Cain, Hill, Ribera, Conn, Torres, Soto, Turk, Placaso, Jiro, Porter, Barber, Johnson, Big Gus, Vedova, Rudy, Rassener, Pachero, Roberts, Puente, Demasi, Abrego, O’neil, Miller,Rojas, Hurtado, Devries, Duffy,lopaz, Chu -the list goes forever – unbelievable artists!
69 nikkirose // Apr 30, 2011 at 8:39 pm
JW, who is the O’Neil you are speaking about in your list? I know a bad a** tattoo parlour, Black Wolf, in Las Vegas and the artist in the shop are amazing. they are true artist and should be known (if they are not already)… Black Wolf was at one time Bad Apple, but it still has some of the same artist as when it was Bad Apple the name is now Black Wolf. I strongly recommend this tattoo parlour for any one. it has variety.
Black Wolf Tattoo Parlour
Names to know…
Jason Roofe
Anthony Ortega
Jesse Sr.
Mickey Wright
Justin McRoy
Mikey “Tubs” Nietupski
Pat O’Neil
Zach
70 dougy // May 11, 2011 at 5:18 pm
ronnie east is the best from nc by far dnt knw bout top ten but damn good
71 Ron // May 18, 2011 at 2:41 pm
Who is the best tattoo guy around the Pittsburgh area. Would I have to go to NY or is there one in ohio, Virginia, or ect.
72 Meenal // May 19, 2011 at 5:47 am
SHIGE is the best tattoo artist this side of the globe.His lines,shading and colors are perfect.I’m not just saying that because I have a full back tat by Shige san, but he is indeed podigal.
73 Sedgwick // Jun 6, 2011 at 1:49 pm
I can’t believe there’s not a single female tattoo artist on this list! Shame on you. Here are a few, for anyone who needs to know that there actually are tattoo artists without penises:
Hannah Aitchison
Denise de la Cerda
Joy Rumore
Tasha Rubinow
Lindy Pagan
Emma Porcupine
Kate Hellenbrand
Megan Hoogland
Valerie Vargas
74 JW // Jun 8, 2011 at 12:32 am
kick ass artist outside US
Steve Moore, Boris, Andy Engel, Luca Natalini, Simon & Volko, Juan Salgado, Henrik, Hernadez,portugal,Shige, Miss Nico,Tofi,Ulrich Kramer,Markus Lenjard,Tin Tin,Dimitry
75 annonynous // Jun 11, 2011 at 6:56 am
Tim Hendricks should belong in this list!!
76 craigyboy // Jun 16, 2011 at 1:01 pm
lifelong artist now in my 40′s and never have i seen detail & colorwork like dmitriy samohin from ukraine. do yourself and the tattoo world a favor and look him up..
77 Omar // Jun 17, 2011 at 11:58 am
Jeremy Swan?! Anyone?!
78 Tom // Jun 26, 2011 at 5:54 am
Kamil Mocet is an amazing artist. Check him out
79 Sheila // Jul 12, 2011 at 12:44 pm
Well..
Never forget about Joseph Ghiller from Malta…
Amazing artist…
80 Frankie Ardler Ink // Jul 12, 2011 at 7:58 pm
Your all talking through the hole in your farters people, clearly Mike De Vries is number one!!!
The “rest” are ALL 2nd place! Get real people
81 Scott // Jul 14, 2011 at 12:52 am
Mark mahoney freddy negrete are super top notch! Cool
82 jas // Jul 17, 2011 at 2:01 pm
Mr. Anil Gupta from NYC. The Best Tattooist in The World…
83 Wylie // Jul 26, 2011 at 5:10 pm
bob roberts needs to be on the list
84 KAT // Jul 31, 2011 at 4:27 pm
Who is the BEST 3D Tattoo Artist in the world???….. yes, 3D…
85 Andy // Aug 3, 2011 at 12:40 am
for me DMITRIY SAMOHIN is the BEST!
86 joe bruno // Aug 4, 2011 at 11:34 pm
Jun Cha and jose lopez are significantly better then the artist you have listed…
87 Tommy // Aug 13, 2011 at 7:52 am
Dunno who created this but leaving Andy Shou from Taipei Taiwan off this list is LUDACRIS! You guys have lost your marbles!
88 Summer Teeth // Aug 21, 2011 at 4:35 am
Found This Site/Post Cuz I’m Looking For Great Artists In The West Coast. If Anyone Could List Any That Come To Mind Please Let Me Know.
PS. The First Person I Heard Of Was Mark Mahoney, What Do Yall Think Of Him.?
89 Lion // Aug 27, 2011 at 2:20 pm
KAT vON d is the number 1 artist well at least in the top 3 no disrespect to other artist but she got tattooing between her legs an she is fu**** the hell out of the ink industry
90 rachel // Sep 10, 2011 at 6:10 pm
@joe bruno…….THANK YOU !
I read thru all these replies thinking why the hell has nobody mentioned JUN CHA?
He is amazing as both artist and tattoo artist…..
I hope one day i can make it from new zealand to get a JUN CHA tattoo…..
91 Julius // Sep 18, 2011 at 7:21 pm
Joe Capobianco…..100% absolutely Top ten!!!
92 DEZ // Sep 19, 2011 at 3:10 pm
DaveTedder sucks why did anyone mention that yahoo
93 Aggelos // Sep 24, 2011 at 8:01 am
jeff gogue
nick baxter
jesse smith
victor portugal
timmy brb
nikko hurtado
tofi
pawel gawkofski
boris
sake tattoo
shige
den yakovlev
These are all you need to see
94 Kenny // Sep 24, 2011 at 8:58 am
I’m looking for a Black and Gray artist in NJ. Any recommendations?
95 STEVE // Sep 28, 2011 at 11:46 pm
JOSE PEREZ JR FROM DARK WATER TATTOOS IN IL IS AWSOME
96 kyle // Oct 5, 2011 at 4:32 am
Does any 1 know of an artist in the UK that will be as good as n e of the names mentioned
97 JW // Oct 16, 2011 at 8:39 pm
Oleg Turyanskiy
DMITRIY SAMOHIN
Alex De Pase
Ryan Hadley
Nobu
Ryan Mason
Cory Kruger
Jo Harrison
David Newman Stump
Jeff Ensminger
Phil Holt
Jeff Suaric
Troy Denning
Thomas Hooper
Stefano Alcantara
Chris O’Donnell
98 jooo // Oct 20, 2011 at 3:11 pm
GEORG SCHATZ IS ONE OF THE BEST TOOO
99 Elke // Oct 26, 2011 at 2:27 pm
Also an amazing artist in Europe is Gerrit Termaat
100 br // Nov 1, 2011 at 1:33 pm
Grime, Philip leu, come on too many to list, sure as hell not just 10.
101 Manny // Nov 1, 2011 at 9:47 pm
STEVE SOTO!!!!!!!
102 jenny // Nov 12, 2011 at 8:55 pm
Anil Gupta at Inkline in NYC. He wasn’t on “Ripley’s Believe it or Not” for no reason.
103 murrray // Nov 14, 2011 at 3:09 pm
canada/ john dutchman tattoos,paul jefferies,smilin buddha, vinnie ruocco ,new world tattoos
104 Erin // Nov 16, 2011 at 2:48 pm
Check out Liz Cook too, she is based out of Dallas but travels heaps!
105 George // Nov 21, 2011 at 10:45 am
Paul Acker has made it to this list, hes among the best of the best
106 Ernesto D. // Dec 14, 2011 at 9:56 pm
El Bara – True Love Tattoo, Madrid – incredible!
James Rodriguez – awesome upcoming artist, Old Towne Tattoo, Orange
107 Ivan // Dec 15, 2011 at 2:42 am
WTF no Cartoon??? Jack Rudy? “Who started this gangsta shit, and thats the mother fuckin thanks I get.” Just cause you can trace a Picasso and shade the fuck out of it doesn’t make it a Picasso.
108 Arni // Dec 16, 2011 at 5:47 am
much great European artists !!!!
in France a génius HORIGAB (val tatt) Irezumi master !
and Mario Barth in Austria !
GREAT ARTISTS!
109 wil // Jan 6, 2012 at 11:18 am
one word… Grime
110 Stephanie Z // Jan 8, 2012 at 8:42 pm
DMITRIY SAMOHIN
NADINE BRYANT
& JOSHUA CARLTON
Should ALL be on this list!
111 Cheshire // Jan 17, 2012 at 3:53 am
Where is Jeff Gogue or Shiege?
112 John-Philip // Jan 17, 2012 at 2:34 pm
Was looking for tattoo artists to write features. thanks admin and all posters, this was really helpful. collected at least 50+ names i never heard of! Ill add artist features, bios, galleries and interviews on tattoos.net regularly.
And for the best artist, I think that its all a question of perception. Art is subjective after all! (but my personal favorites are Tyrrell, Booth and Devires :)
Thanks everyone!
113 JunioR // Jan 30, 2012 at 3:59 am
TOP BEST…Hands down “Jose Lopez”Lowrider Tattoo, Southern California!!! For those that dont know who he is,look him up!! Amazing work!
114 weston // Feb 1, 2012 at 12:47 am
Josh Duffy, who I actually works with Mike Devries at MD tattoo (Mike Devries) shop, who is listed above aswell, is one of the most phenomenal black/grey artists in the country/world. I personally have been tatted twice by him, and when I show my tattoos I have by Josh Duffy to people there jaw drops. Someone also mentioned Josh as well on the comments and he is definatley up there as a top in the ink game. Especially being able to work with Mike Devries on the daily. Check out Josh’s work..amazing!
115 amzad // Feb 6, 2012 at 3:50 am
pleas you see Indian artist Anil Gupta work. I think he is NO 1
116 Ben // Feb 26, 2012 at 4:24 pm
This list is completely erroneous. If Grime is not on the list, the list is bullshit.
117 Drew // Feb 27, 2012 at 12:18 pm
Jesse Smith!!!!
118 Michael // Feb 29, 2012 at 2:25 pm
I see many talented artists but I was wanted to know if anyone had a few names of artists that excell in the relm of japanese style tattoos
119 johnny javason // Mar 2, 2012 at 1:06 pm
body art is a fantastic way for artists and people to express their inner thoughts. It takes great skill to be a tattoist, not only a good drawer, but a very attentative, creative and sturdy handed person.
120 jaydub // Mar 11, 2012 at 9:33 pm
I gotta say that Mr. Scary has gotta be up there, along with Dmitriy Samohin, Liz Cook, George De Niro Galindo, Halo, Caesar, And the list goes on…
121 Lyndsay // Mar 18, 2012 at 1:09 pm
You must check out Danny Bayron and when you look at this work keep in mind that he’s only been tattooing for 3 years. You won’t believe it. He’s at Konkrete Jungle in Columbia MD.
122 Ruby Leigh // Mar 24, 2012 at 1:29 pm
Aren’t we forgetting about Shanghai Kate?
123 GM // Mar 30, 2012 at 3:38 pm
It’s doesn’t get any better than this…
Adam Kremer
Alex de Pase
Alex Gotza
Andrzej Lenczuk (Lenu)
Andy Engel
Anna Hang
Bez
Bob Tyrrell
Caesar TheHun
Carlos Torres
Dan Hazelton
Darwin Henriquez
Denis Sivak
Dmitriy Samohin
Florian Karg
Gabriel Sven
George Mavridis
Guy Aitchison
Hexa Salmela
Jack Rudy
Jason Butcher
Jason Dunn
Jeff Gogue
Joe Capobianco
Johan Finné
Jose Lopez
JP Wikman
Jun Cha
Laura Juan
Mike DeVries
Nick Baxter
Nikko Hurtado
Paul Booth
Pavel Krim
Piotr Deadi Dedel
Robert Hernandez
Robert Pho
Sake
Sandor Pongor
Tom Renshaw
Tomasz Tofi Torfinski
Tommy Lee Wendtner
Toxyc – Last Rites Tattoo
Juan Salgado
Victor Portugal
Xavier Garcia Boix
124 Maddie // Apr 3, 2012 at 10:56 pm
Jeff Gogue hands down is the best artist in the world.
125 Tattoo // Apr 17, 2012 at 3:12 pm
Agree Tim Kern Should definitely be on that list!
126 Melanie // Apr 28, 2012 at 6:46 pm
I am looking for the best pet tattoo artists. And not the exact photo copy tattoos. I like the artistic bold color and great background scenes . I was thinking of Hannah Aitchison because she is great at color and does awesome backgrounds in her work but I’m not entirely sure of her doing dogs. I know she’s mostly pin-ups. Also has to be great at capturing detail in hair. And i don’t like the creepy imagery some specialize in, i like artistic cartoon (ish) color . I’d like to know all the best but especially on the west coast, Washington or Cali if possible! Can the guys who are knowledgeable of this help me??
127 Joe // May 3, 2012 at 10:02 pm
Why is eric merrill not on this list? His color work is insane.
128 lee // May 9, 2012 at 1:47 pm
didnt read all comments, but didnt see a mention for mr david corden
129 Sixer // May 21, 2012 at 12:23 am
Jeff Gogue for sure
130 JW // May 24, 2012 at 12:49 pm
Victor Whitmill should be up there
131 zoran // May 30, 2012 at 1:48 am
Den yakovlev, victor portugal, paul booth, anil gupta, mike devries, tom renshaw….but the best of the best..hands down..is den yakovlev!!!
132 Del // May 30, 2012 at 8:47 am
Jason Leigh should be on this list he is in Dunedin Fl and does all custom work
133 Annie // May 31, 2012 at 9:53 pm
Dean Deakyne anyone?
134 Tracey // Jun 9, 2012 at 10:48 am
Steve Moore works out of Nanaimo…. http://www.getmooretattoos.com my husband is in the process of a full sleeve with him right now, he’s amazing!
135 Masama // Jun 13, 2012 at 11:45 pm
MARVIN S. MARIANO is a filipino artist from Canada who will eventually top this list!! Gotta check him out or Google his art. Probably the most nicest guy you’ll ever come across and humble too, lol. Dude’s already been an established Artist in several industries (Comic Book Industry, Toys, TV and Film). With the kind of tattoo’s he’s producing he’ll easily reach the best of the best as well! Perhaps in a class of his own :D.
136 craigyboy // Jul 3, 2012 at 1:02 pm
i know this is about “current” artists..but just have to give reverence to norman collins. without this man NO ONE on this list is made possible – PERIOD. rip sailor jerry..
137 villela // Jul 19, 2012 at 8:25 pm
does anyone know any good tattoo artist in savannah gorgia???
138 Dan Tellez // Aug 4, 2012 at 2:07 am
Look out for some new artists stepping it up…like many of us…there is way too much wonderful talent to be discovered …everyone mentioned on this sight and in the comments from fellow comrades r amazing …keep it up to all TRUE artists everywhere …Dan Tellez
139 Mike Nicholson // Aug 6, 2012 at 10:09 am
This list is too commercial and having a top ten is harsh, dont get me wrong… these are amazing artists but there is even better out there.
140 melissa // Aug 8, 2012 at 12:56 pm
Anyone know of a really good artist in the tampa st pete orlando area of FL? that specializes in bright colors I want a half sleeve done but with extreme colors and cant seem to find someone local that does good work. melissa_mojo@yahoo.com
141 Calex // Aug 17, 2012 at 11:46 am
Does anyone know any extremely talented color realism tattoo artists in the mid-west or northeast coast region? Anywhere from Chicago over to Boston and New York Area. I’d appreciate the help, thanks.
142 iago // Sep 26, 2012 at 8:55 pm
I agree with Mr. Cocktail, to be the best, you should be able to create and not just copy/transfer.
Carson Hill did a free hand on me that was amazing. Truly a master of his style.
Carlos Torres is amazingly creative and transfers his creation effectively.
Victor Portugal is god-like.
Dmitry Samohin – Wow! This is the future of tattoos.
143 Jake // Sep 29, 2012 at 2:48 am
Jun Cha should be number 1. In my mind, he’s the best tattoo artist I know of.
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