There are a lot of factors that go into making a tattoo great — subject, design, placement, composition and color, to name a few. You can have the coolest idea ever, but getting a quality tattoo really comes down to picking an artist and shop that can turn your dream design into ink you'll still love in 50 years.
Tattoo shops aren't defined by how many years they've been operating, as long as they have experienced artists with distinct styles and the skills to match. Black Sails was established in 2012, but its five artists have many years of experience specializing in a variety of styles, including American traditional, traditional Japanese, and black-and-white/color realism tattoos.
Latest from Scotty
Posted by Black Sails Tattoo on Friday, June 5, 2015
Read More: Getting Under My Skin
As stated in their name, No Regrets
Tattoo Parlor aims to create art that matches the customer's unique style with
an attractive design that will last a lifetime. The shop has been operating in
Posted by No Regrets Tattoo Parlor on Monday, February 23, 2015
Posted by No Regrets Tattoo Parlor on Friday, May 15, 2015
Lady Luck opened in 2006 and features five artists that specialize in realism, portraits, lettering, and traditional American tattoos. One thing to note is that all appointments are made in person, not over the phone. Fortunately, it's just a ten-minute drive from campus — and a permanent tattoo is worth the effort.
Idle Hands' staff includes three tattoo artists and two piercers. The style is largely traditional American, but many of their tattoos include cartoon and realistic elements. As far as piercing goes, they can add bling to ears, noses, lips, cheeks, eyebrows, chins, necks, backs, wrists and a multitude of other unique spots. It's not for the faint of heart, but if you like eye-catching piercings, Idle Hands may be the right place.
Finished this fun guy today! Tattoo by: Joe Tower
Posted by Idle Hands Tattoo on Friday, July 31, 2015
Posted by Idle Hands Tattoo on Thursday, April 9, 2015
Living Canvas lives up to its name by transforming its customers' bodies into living works of art. The shop has been operating since 1993 and specializes in tribal tattoos, traditional American and symbolic designs, as well as contemporary and original art. Six artists work in the shop and they have tattooed a long line of famous clients, including Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee and Shawn Marion of the Phoenix Suns.
Here's another look at the phoenix sleeve Mark Walters was working on today!
Posted by Living Canvas Tattoos Inc on Friday, August 14, 2015
Take a look at this incredible hourglass piece that Brandon Quinn did!
Posted by Living Canvas Tattoos Inc on Saturday, June 6, 2015
Shops near the ASU Downtown campus:
Golden Rule's mission is to tell stories through their tattoos in downtown Phoenix. They have two locations, on Roosevelt Street and Camelback Road. Between the locations are 11 artists specializing in realism, portraits, American traditional, geometric and cartoon tattoos.
Boom. @naturenox made this. The top is fresh, bottom is healed. #GoldenRuleTattoo #goldenruletattoocamelback #forest...
Posted by The Golden Rule Tattoo on Monday, November 9, 2015
Here's some fun feet that @evanrudetattoos made his mark on! #goldenruletattoo #GoldenRuleTattooRoosevelt #tattoo #foottattoo #feettattoo
Posted by The Golden Rule Tattoo on Sunday, November 15, 2015
27 Tattoo is committed to creating quality custom tattoos. The shop houses three artists with expertise in portraits, realism, cartoons and geometric tattoos. Unfortunately for younger tattoo enthusiasts, 27 Tattoo doesn't ink anyone under age 18, whether or not a parent or guardian is present.
High Noon Tattoo has ten artists with diverse expertise ranging from abstract styles to traditional American pieces and hyper-realistic portraits. With so many artists, it's easy to find a professional with the style and finesse to bring your dream tattoo to life.
Gypsy Rose Tattoo was established in 2011 and features four tattoo artists with over forty years of combined experience. Their work incorporates styles from traditional American, Japanese, black and gray and mid-century tattoos.
When you think of a tattoo studio, you probably think of a grungy environment with leather and the lingering scent of Cuban cigars and whiskey — but that couldn't be much farther from reality when it comes to Revival Art Collective. The tattoo studio is home to four artists as well as an art gallery that hosts film screenings, fashion events and art classes.
Related Links:
Tempe tattoo artists discuss industry changes
Think before you ink: How to go about getting your first tattoo
Reach the reporter at skylar.mason@asu.edu or follow @skylarmason42 on Twitter.
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