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If switching up your hair color wasn't a drastic enough way to ring in the new year, then perhaps getting some new ink will do the trick. Last year, we compiled a list of eight of our favorite tattoo shops in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Now, we've updated the list by adding a few more parlors. Did we miss anything great? Let us know in the comments below.—Additional reporting by Talia Roshas
Red Rocket isn't on the LES or in Brooklyn, but you can expect some great things from this West Side shop. Vinny Romanelli's portraits are pretty impressive, as are Erica Flannes' whimsical pieces.
The artists at Inkstop on Avenue A have a variety of styles covered. For fine lines and realistic pieces, head to Eric Ringall. For custom work, Japanese styles, or religious iconography, that's Jose Soto. And for a Marilyn Monroe portrait, ask Ronen.
Favored by ink lovers for it's friendly staff and modest pricing, North Star has become a New York City tattoo staple. If Sanskrit or other relic prints are your thing, be sure to request Anna Melo. For portraits, Rodrigo Melo is your man.
Last year, Adorned closed its Brooklyn location, so all of its talented tattooers and piercers are now under one roof at the 2nd Avenue location. The recently-renovated space boasts an impressive array of artists who specialize in everything from Japanese styles to intricate black-and-gray shading to traditional-style color pieces.
This East Village tattoo shop is a favorite among neighborhood locals and anyone who appreciates good ink from a staff that's mastered fine lines and bright colors. And ladies: If you're a little shy about getting that thigh tat done by a man, you'll be pleased to know that about half of East Side's staff is female.
Dare Devil can give you an awesome old-school, tradition style tattoo, but it doesn't stop there, as Brad Fink and Bern are top notch when it comes to Japanese-style tats. As a bonus, you can find the same artists at their sister shop, FunCity Tattoo, which is located on Saint Marks.
Kings Avenue Tattoo is noted for is incredibly clean presentation and patient, attentive staff. Previous patrons assure that after an extensive consultation, it's impossible to walk away with anything less than perfection. Brian Paul is recommended for tattoos that require small detail, and Kat Von D does stints a guest artist.
Invisible on Orchard Street is appointment-only, so don't plan on just walking in and picking something off a stale board. The shop, which also doubles as an art gallery, specializes in traditional Japanese and American tattooing, and is owned by top-notch tattooer Troy Denning.
Most likely, you've probably heard the name Bang Bang before, as he's the artists that's responsible for tattooing Rihanna. After leaving East Side Ink, Bang Bang opened his own shop on Clinton Street this year.
There are over a dozen resident tattoo artists working out of Three Kings on Manhattan Avenue, along with a half dozen guest artists. The shop is owned by artists Alex McWatt, Matty No Times, and Myles Karr, and not too long ago, was where rapper Wacka Flacka's got "the baddest girl in the world" tattooed on his leg.
Tattoo Culture is an interesting spot because there are actually only two resident artists, but the shop acts as a home-away-from home for guest international artists. In the meantime, head on over if you're market for a soft, super impressive watercolor-style tattoo.
Flyrite Tattoo has been in the ink business for over 15 years, and is currently run by artist Steven Huie. In total, there are only four (awesome) tattooers working out of the shop, so while walk-ins are welcome, appointments are definitely recommended.
You'll find Scott Campbell at Saved, who's responsible for some of Marc Jacobs' ink. Among the rest of its talented artists are Chris O'Donnell, who's mastered vibrant color, and Seth Wood, who's your go-to-guy for a killer animal tat.
Red Rocket isn't on the LES or in Brooklyn, but you can expect some great things from this West Side shop. Vinny Romanelli's portraits are pretty impressive, as are Erica Flannes' whimsical pieces.
The artists at Inkstop on Avenue A have a variety of styles covered. For fine lines and realistic pieces, head to Eric Ringall. For custom work, Japanese styles, or religious iconography, that's Jose Soto. And for a Marilyn Monroe portrait, ask Ronen.
Favored by ink lovers for it's friendly staff and modest pricing, North Star has become a New York City tattoo staple. If Sanskrit or other relic prints are your thing, be sure to request Anna Melo. For portraits, Rodrigo Melo is your man.
Last year, Adorned closed its Brooklyn location, so all of its talented tattooers and piercers are now under one roof at the 2nd Avenue location. The recently-renovated space boasts an impressive array of artists who specialize in everything from Japanese styles to intricate black-and-gray shading to traditional-style color pieces.
This East Village tattoo shop is a favorite among neighborhood locals and anyone who appreciates good ink from a staff that's mastered fine lines and bright colors. And ladies: If you're a little shy about getting that thigh tat done by a man, you'll be pleased to know that about half of East Side's staff is female.
Dare Devil can give you an awesome old-school, tradition style tattoo, but it doesn't stop there, as Brad Fink and Bern are top notch when it comes to Japanese-style tats. As a bonus, you can find the same artists at their sister shop, FunCity Tattoo, which is located on Saint Marks.
Kings Avenue Tattoo is noted for is incredibly clean presentation and patient, attentive staff. Previous patrons assure that after an extensive consultation, it's impossible to walk away with anything less than perfection. Brian Paul is recommended for tattoos that require small detail, and Kat Von D does stints a guest artist.
Invisible on Orchard Street is appointment-only, so don't plan on just walking in and picking something off a stale board. The shop, which also doubles as an art gallery, specializes in traditional Japanese and American tattooing, and is owned by top-notch tattooer Troy Denning.
Most likely, you've probably heard the name Bang Bang before, as he's the artists that's responsible for tattooing Rihanna. After leaving East Side Ink, Bang Bang opened his own shop on Clinton Street this year.
There are over a dozen resident tattoo artists working out of Three Kings on Manhattan Avenue, along with a half dozen guest artists. The shop is owned by artists Alex McWatt, Matty No Times, and Myles Karr, and not too long ago, was where rapper Wacka Flacka's got "the baddest girl in the world" tattooed on his leg.
Tattoo Culture is an interesting spot because there are actually only two resident artists, but the shop acts as a home-away-from home for guest international artists. In the meantime, head on over if you're market for a soft, super impressive watercolor-style tattoo.
Flyrite Tattoo has been in the ink business for over 15 years, and is currently run by artist Steven Huie. In total, there are only four (awesome) tattooers working out of the shop, so while walk-ins are welcome, appointments are definitely recommended.
You'll find Scott Campbell at Saved, who's responsible for some of Marc Jacobs' ink. Among the rest of its talented artists are Chris O'Donnell, who's mastered vibrant color, and Seth Wood, who's your go-to-guy for a killer animal tat.
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