Austin Maples is a Los Angeles-based tattoo artist with 15 years of experience, known for his innovative approach that blends American Traditional with alternative tattoo techniques specializing in smooth grays. His signature style combines bold lines and meticulous shading to create striking, cohesive designs.

Specializing in large-scale work like sleeves and back pieces, Austin has completed over 50 back pieces and dozens of sleeves. He is equally dedicated to crafting smaller, meaningful tattoos, ensuring every client walks away with a unique piece of art.

Austin is committed to providing a white-glove service, emphasizing customer care and creating an unforgettable experience. His mission is to leave clients with tattoos that not only make them proud of the art they wear but also carry a lifelong story and experience with it.

["Fine Line", "Line Work", "Minimalist", "Traditional"]

Sad Amish, created in 2010 through the artistic vision of Nicolas, who is recognized for his unique style featuring mythical characters and romantic representations. Over time, Alexandra joined as the manager, transforming Sad Amish into a fusion of art, clothing, and diverse creative expressions.The designs and the tattoos are characterized by finelines silhouettes, who capture the essence of an emotion. Influenced by comics and manga with an interpretation of neo-traditional tattoo style, transcribes in a more thin and realistic way.

["Illustrative", "Neo Japanese", "Neo Traditional", "Photo Realism", "Realism", "Traditional"]

Art has been a constant in my life since I could hold a pencil. Throughout the years, I've dabbled in quite a few mediums including graphite, charcoal, paint and even glass blowing. I ultimately landed on tattooing and have never looked back.

Born and raised in New York, where I began my career, I quickly moved through an apprenticeship before relocating to North Carolina, where I have been for the last 12 years. Aside from being a father and a husband, tattooing has been one of the most rewarding things in my life and I strive to bring that joy into each and every project I take on.

I specialize in large scale work such as full sleeves, torsos, and backs!

["Fantasy", "Fine Line", "Illustrative", "Traditional"]

Alo, I am Mariel! I am a Mx/US  border-child. I am an owner and artist of  Mono Moon in San Francisco, CA as well as resident artist at Ink Garden Studio in San Antonio, TX. 
I have a background in fine arts with a MFA in sculpture. My main focus is fine-line blackwork, with everything that includes animalia, botanical, mythological creatures, curiosities, and everything in between. 
I am all client-base oriented and all my pieces are mainly custom. I offer special features such as “Create Your Own Guardian (Tescuani)” – where my clients can create their own creature. Other features I offer include “Altares” and “ [Por-ce-la-chos]”. 

["Anime", "Cartoon", "Illustrative", "Neo Traditional", "Traditional"]

With their career beginning in 2019 Dallas has been tattooing at Tiger Tattoo alongside Lisa Del Toro and Silver Star. They've since developed a unique style rooted in traditional tattooing with an emphasis on exploring vibrant illustrative designs and black-and-gray pieces. They plan to travel to more cities soon. In their free time Dallas enjoyed Magic: The Gathering, video games, great food and spending time with their pets. 

["Fine Line", "Illustrative", "Ornamental", "Realism"]

Laura is a tattoo artist based in Orlando. Detail-orientated and precise, she specializes in the art of black and grey realism. Laura specifically finds joy in exploring surrealism, crafting lifelike portraits, and combining different styles to create something unique and detailed for her clients. 

I have been engaged in art for more than 10 years. I work in the style of color tattoo, abstraction & surrealism.


Established in 2009, my journey in the art of tattooing has been a varied and enriching one. Over the years, I have explored a range of styles including traditional, neo-traditional, black and grey, color realism, and traditional Japanese influences. Drawing from this diverse background, I have honed my craft and developed a unique specialization in sacred geometric, ornamental, and blackwork tattooing.

At the core of my approach is a deep connection with my clients. Before creating their tattoo, I take the time to understand their story, allowing me to craft a piece that truly resonates with their individuality. I believe in involving my clients in the creative process, ensuring that the final artwork feels like a natural extension of them, seamlessly integrated into their being.

As the proud owner of Algorithm Tattoo and Fine Arts in East Islip, NY, I have cultivated a private studio space that allows for complete focus and dedication to each intricate piece. With no distractions, I am able to pour my passion and expertise into every tattoo, creating timeless pieces that feel as though they have always belonged to their wearer.

["Abstract", "Fine Line", "Micro Realism", "Realism"]

My name is Jess & I am a traveling artist based primarily out of Philadelphia, PA. All of my passions truly coincide... I love all things nature - in life & in tattooing

["3D", "Abstract", "Realism", "Surrealism"]

Tattooist Ari specializes in Surrealism and graduated from art school in Korea. She blends 3D and 2D elements into surreal compositions, amplifying the design’s impact and capturing emotion in every detail.

["Fine Line", "Geometric", "Traditional"]

I’ve been a tattoo artist and jeweler for over two decades, pouring my soul into creating pieces that tell stories. My journey started in 2004, when I began tattooing under Andy Smith in North Anjuna Beach, Goa, India. During those years of apprenticeship, I learned not just the craft but the deeper connection between art and identity. 

After honing my skills, I opened my own tattoo studio in India, where I spent years bringing people’s stories to life through ink. My craft has taken me across the world—I’ve tattooed in England, France, Mexico, Thailand, and Nepal, each place adding its own influence to my work and perspective. 

On the jewelry side, I’ve been fortunate to create pieces for red carpets and films like *Aquaman 2* and *Fast & Furious 10*, as well as designing for Jason Momoa’s private collection. Every creation, whether tattoo or jewelry, carries a piece of my journey—rooted in sacred symbolism, raw emotion, and a belief that art connects us to something bigger. 

It’s not just work; it’s my life’s calling.


["Hyper Realism", "Photo Realism", "Realism"]

Dallas native, Kevin Laroy, is an award-winning celebrity tattoo artist, TV Personality and fashion forerunner who is widely-known for his appearance on Season 8 of VH1's Ink Master, seasons 5 & 6 break-out star for Black Ink Crew NYC and MTV's 'Just Tattoo Of Us' (USA).
Notorious for his photo-realistic portraits and pop-culture inspired pieces, Kevin has almost two decades of tattoo experience under his belt. He's rapidly emerging as a prominent personality & figure of the Black and LGBT community. Kevin's latest project includes him as cast of the very first season of ‘Black Ink Los Angeles’ 2023.

["Cartoon", "Dark Art", "Graffiti", "Illustrative", "New School", "Traditional"]

Super Tat Zapper located in Richmond, Virginia!

Nicole Zummo is a Professional Tattoo Artist with a deep passion for bringing her clients ideas to life. Her artistic journey began at a young age, fueled by a curiosity to explore various creative mediums, including drawing, painting, wood burning, calligraphy, and fluid art. 

At 19, she began her tattoo apprenticeship, dedicating four and a half years to learning under the guidance of her mentor. In 2022, Nicole opened her private studio in Hauppauge NY, where she currently tattoos clients. Her love for travel takes her to various destinations - frequently to Saint Augustine Florida, and San Diego California, where she regularly tattoos. Now entering her eighth year as a professional tattoo artist, Nicole continues to refine her signature style. She is particularly drawn to botanical, sea life, and antique-inspired designs, bringing intricate details and thoughtful artistry to each piece. While her specialties are evident in her work, Nicole welcomes all tattoo styles.

Based in New York, Pablo is a Colombian handpoke tattoo artist with a background in architecture and design.
His approach to tattooing is characterized by abstract lines that elegantly flow with the body's natural shape to create stunning, decorative designs. 
Pablo freehands each piece to harmonize with the client's form, resulting in tattoos that are not only visually captivating but also deeply personal.

["Dark Art", "Graphic", "Realism", "Traditional"]

Hello! My name is Katya, and I’d love to introduce you to the world of dark tattoos. Each of my designs is more than just ink—it’s a story that I perfect on paper before bringing it to life on your skin.

If you’re interested in a custom design, feel free to share more details about your idea, the placement on your body, and the approximate size. I’m always open to your ideas, or if one of my existing designs resonates with you, we can work with that. Let’s create your unique story together!


I’m Davide, an anime tattoo artist who loves turning passion into custom tattoos—dynamic, bold, and packed with detail. Color is definitely my thing, but I’ve got solid black and grey skills too.

After six years diving into different tattoo styles, especially neotraditional which matched my drawing vibe, I decided to follow what I’ve always been obsessed with: anime, manga, and Japanese culture. That choice brought me all the way to the U.S. cause the enthusiasm here for this world is awesome!

Now I’m based in Atlanta, GA, but you’ll often find me on the road doing guest spots and hitting up conventions around the country.

["Geometric", "Ornamental", "Traditional"]

MitchB is the owner and resident artist at GreyScale Tattoo Gallery in Virginia Beach, VA. MitchB is a first generation, multi-award winning, self taught tattoo artist, husband and father who started his professional journey tattooing in 2014. Mitch has been specializing in custom one-of-a-kind tattoos ever since. Sacred Geometry has been the main focus of his tattoos since 2017 and he continues to grow, learn, and expand his Sacred G every day; pouring his heart and soul into every tattoo while manifesting eye-opening experiences in life changing moments through the art of tattooing.

["3D", "Hyper Realism", "Illustrative", "Realism", "Traditional"]

Hello, I'm Nicole Rizzuto, a former NBSTSA-certified surgical technologist and licensed tattoo artist specializing in medical tattooing since 2019 in New York. I’m passionate about blending art and medicine to help patients, particularly breast cancer survivors, through aesthetic restoration.

I began body art tattooing in 2003 and transitioned into medical tattooing after recognizing a need for breast reconstruction nipple tattoos. My experience as a surgical technologist allowed me to work closely in the operating room, where I gained invaluable insight into patient care and surgical procedures.

In 2023, I founded the Alliance of Medical Tattooing, a professional organization focused on setting industry standards and fostering collaboration in the medical tattooing field.

With six years in medical tattooing, I feel privileged to be part of my clients' healing journeys, offering the "final touches" that help restore confidence and wholeness. Art has the power to heal, and I am committed to making a meaningful impact.

Dakota Weik (aka Inked Abroad) explores global tattoo cultures, and documents his experiences with artists around the world.

The World's Best Tattoo Artists

CURATED BY INKED ABROAD

About the List

Artist Application

CURATED BY INKED ABROAD

About the List

Austin Maples

Sad Amish

Jon Ronzka

Maba Bayona

Dallas Carlos

Laura Saenz

Ruslan Millinhton

Nick Fierro

Nizzy Bop

Ari Tattoo

Maxime Plescia-Buchi

Judicael Vales

Kevin Laroy

Jesse Smith

Nicole Zummo

Pablo Gomez

Katya Nomerchuk

Davide Set

Mitch B

Nicole Rizzuto

Artist Application

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6 Names to Know in Blackwork

Balancing Creativity and Client Requests

How to Photograph Tattoos for Portfolios and Social Media

Sacred Lines: The Evolution of Geometric Tattooing​

Tattoo Pricing Explained: Why Tattoos Cost What They Do

Women Tattoo Artists Redefining Colorful Tattoo Trends

The Cultural Roots of Single-Needle Tattooing

How to Run a Wanna Do Drop Using CO:CREATE

Sacred Lines: The Evolution of Geometric Tattooing