Tattoo Artists to Follow on Instagram

When planning out your next tattoo, one of the best things you can do is follow some artists on Instagram. The more familiar you become with their style, portfolio, and what you like and don’t like, the easier your decision will be to make. Of course, you’re probably already following Kat Von D and other tattoo superstars, but below are some tips on how to find your tattoo artist soulmate and some of our faves that you may not already be following.

Finding Tattoo Artists to Follow

If your end goal is to end up with a new tattoo that you love, you’ll want to adhere to some parameters when following tattoo artists so that you don’t get overwhelmed. First, make sure that you’re following some local artists. Not everyone can afford to fly across the country (or even internationally!) for their next piece. But if you find an artist that you absolutely love, keep your eye on tattoo conventions that they attend, and they just might end up in your general area in the future.

Next, keep in mind what you’re in the market for. If you love the way mandalas look but could never see yourself getting one, try not to only follow artists that specialize in mandalas. Artists typically specialize in certain styles, so someone who is excellent at mandalas isn’t necessarily great at realism or watercolor.

Tattoo Artists We love

Here are some artists that are masters of their trade, changing the industry, and creating some truly swoon-worthy ink.

Sasha Unisex

Watercolor enthusiasts should follow Sasha Unisex for some unbelievable animal portraits.

Shanghai Kate Hellenbrand

Shanghai Kate Hellenbrand has been tattooing folks for half a century now. She was doing it long before it was mainstream and well before women took the industry by storm. Known as “America’s Tattoo Godmother,” Kate is still a giant in the industry and has an Instagram full of celebrity run-ins, Sailor Jerry stencils, and tattoos.

Pony Wave

An Ink Master vet, Pony Wave specializes in super realistic tattoos. She regularly transforms arms, shoulders, and ribs into gardens.

Rick Schenk

Rick Schenk’s style of blackwork and black and grey tattoos is visually arresting. Check out his Instagram for more ink like this awe-inspiring take on Medusa.

Miryam Lumpini

Known for her vibrant, transcendent, neo-traditional style, Miryam Lumpini is an LA tattoo artist also known as “The Witch Doctor.” Her clientele includes a long list of celebrities like Skrillex, Swae Lee, and Jhené Aiko.

Anthony Michaels

Appearing in Ink Master seasons 7 and 10, Anthony Michaels has a knack for vivid color and black and white hyper-realistic portraiture.

Mr. Lauder

You’ve probably seen black and red tattoos, but what about Lichtenstein-influenced black and pink tattoos? Hailing from Canada, Mr. Lauder’s tattoos are unique, to say the least—and often racy. Follow him for truly distinct ink.

Sema Graham

For super striking blackwork or black and red tattoos, follow Sema Graham from Chicago.

Melody Mitchell

You may have seen her on Black Ink Crew, but if you’re not following her on Instagram, too, you’re missing out on some seriously gorgeous ink pieces. She does a little bit of everything from blackwork to traditional.

Katrina Jackson

Another Black Ink Crew start, Katrina Jackson was the first black woman to own a tattoo parlor in Beverly Hills. Her style is bold, illustrative, and all-around badass.

Kevin Laroy

Known for his photo-realistic portraiture work, Ink Master’s Kevin Laroy’s Instagram will get you thinking about who deserves a tribute tattoo on your body, even if it’s Kevin McAllister.

Ghinko

If you’re into intricate blackwork tattoos that look like they could be hung in the Louvre, follow Ghinko on Instagram.

Rita “Rit Kit” Zolotukhina

Anyone who loves nature should be following Rita Zolotukhina for her gorgeous leaf-scapes. Check out this remarkable fern.

Lauren Winzer

A whimsical celebrity tattoo artist, Lauren Winzer creates lighter-side tattoos that look amazing.

Zaya

Last on our list is Zaya, from across the pond in the UK. Her fine-line blackwork tattoos will take your breath away.

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