
Get your ink on!
By Rebecca Jane Stokes — Written on Dec 03, 2018
Photo: instagram

When you're an ink junkie like me, it can feel like no matter how many tattoos you get you can never seem to get enough! It's not just the process that's ever-so-slightly addictive, it's the art, it's the experience, it's connecting with a tattoo artist whose vision you love and collaborating with them to make a piece that's going to be utterly one of a kind.
It's for this reason (and pure aesthetics, duh) that I can't get enough of stalking the best tattoo artists on Instagram. Okay, so that's pretty hyperbolic, so let me clear some stuff up: I am not actually stalking anyone, but as a passionate lover of tattoos and the masters who make them, I cannot help but spend countless hours researching and scrolling through the Instagram feeds of my favorite tattoo artists.
But like so many other corners of the internet, it isn't always easy to find exactly what I'm looking for when it comes to awesome tattoos and the awesome people who make them. Thankfully, I've been passionate about tattoos for long enough that, at this point, I have a pretty dope list of artists whose pages I am always checking if I want to see the latest trends in tattoos, the most beautiful art, and totally inktastic inspiration.
If you're like me and you heart a little curation when it comes to looking at Instagram and tattoo artists' work, you're in the right place! That's right, I'm sharing my list of the 15 best tattoo artists on Instagram. Check out what they do, even if you don't ever plan on getting inked yourself, because their work might compel you to change your mind.
1. Sasha Unisex
Fox tattoo done at #sashaunisex #foxtattoo #amsterdam
A post shared by Sasha Unisex (@sashaunisex) on Nov 3, 2018 at 12:51pm PDT
With blocks of color, Sasha creates tattoos that are veritable works of art.
RELATED: 15 Places On Your Body For A Memorable & Unique Coordinate Tattoo
2. Tea Leigh
Tea's specialty is fine detail work that really makes her work stand out from the proverbial crowd.
3. Gabby Colledge
Gabby's skill is her versatility. Few artists can successfully ink tiny tattoos and big ones with such flare and style.
4. Stephanie Brown
PSA: Life sized peonies only, thanks.
A post shared by Stephanie Brown (@feralcatbox) on Mar 27, 2018 at 6:54pm PDT
Stephanie is the peony QUEEN. You've got to check out the floral landscapes she weaves on skin.
5. Johnny Gloom
Anger burning me, anger turning me, Into someone I don’t know #strangelovela
A post shared by (@johnnygloom) on Oct 15, 2018 at 8:17pm PDT
Gloom is a black ink master who can create stunning and edgy designs on anyone.
6. Georgia Grey
Had a amazing time at @bangbangnyc thank you to everyone who came and got tattooed! #georgiagrey
A post shared by Georgia Grey (@georgiagreytattoos) on Oct 1, 2018 at 8:25am PDT
Watercolor tattoos are definitely having a moment and nobody does it better than Georgia.
7. Franki Tattoo
Franki combines geometric shapes with natural splendor to create tattoos the likes of which you've never seen.
8. Dr. Woo
Connected in cycles #hideawayatsuitex #slimneedle
A post shared by Doctor Woo (@_dr_woo_) on Sep 15, 2018 at 1:21pm PDT
Dr. Woo is the skull king. If you don't believe me, check out his feed!
9. Dillon Forte
Spiral galaxy sacred geometry macro cosmic sleeve in progress.
A post shared by Dillon Forte (@dillonforte) on May 16, 2017 at 3:43pm PDT
Dillon's tattoos aren't just ink, they are works of art of the abstract variety.
10. Peter Aurisch
A meeting with #joanmiró today. Danke Katja #peteraurisch #nevadajohnny #joanmiró #lichtenberguptown
A post shared by peteraurisch (@peteraurisch) on Mar 31, 2017 at 9:02am PDT
And speaking of abstract geniuses, nobody uses color in the abstract the way Peter does!
11. Neo Loves Tattoo
Neo's massive tattoos are basically bits of armor, the kind you'd see in a futuristic Mad Max-type reality.
12. Chaim Machlev
Chaim's tattoos aren't realistic, but who needs realism when you can get such stunning precision?
13. Alice Carrier
Thanks so much, Michael!! Safe travels
A post shared by Alice Carrier (@alicerules) on Nov 3, 2017 at 7:01pm PDT
Who needs to buy a dozen roses that will one day wither and die when you can have this kind of luscious forever rose inked on your person?
14. Okan Uçkun
A post shared by (@okanuckun) on Apr 25, 2018 at 8:45am PDT
If you're looking for discreet, memorable, and simple perfection, you've come to the right artist.
RELATED: 50 Insanely Detailed Dotwork Tattoos That Will Make You Want One (Like, Now.)
15. Jonathan "JonBoy" Valena
Want to get a specific signature on your body? Check this noise out! Jon's all about inking handwriting so it looks next to identical to the real thing.
16. Corey Divine
Want a couples tattoo but worried it'll look like a hot mess if you guys ever break up? Corey's got you covered.
17. Susanne Konig
Someone sneaked into the cozy cat heart!
A post shared by Suflanda (@suflanda) on Nov 28, 2018 at 9:26am PST
If you're a child at heart you'll love the sweet imaginative creations this artist whips right up!
18. Tati Fox
This style is totally art deco inspired. If it weren't ink on a body you might think that it's a real thing!
19. Lauren Winzer
If 90s nostalgia and/or comedy tattoos are your bag, then you're going to love what Lauren has to offer!
20. Jess Chen
so many lil stickers over a course of a year, tysm brayden all healed
A post shared by jess chen (@__jesschen__) on Nov 14, 2018 at 2:23pm PST
Related Stories From YourTango:
You can cover your body with perfect, artistic stickers, or you can just go see Jess and get something just as adorable that lasts forever.
21. Keith "Bang Bang" McCurdy
@victoria_art.nyc appts@bangbangforever.com
A post shared by Bang Bang Tattoo (@bangbangnyc) on Nov 20, 2018 at 1:27pm PST
This dude has inked people like Rihanna multiple times. If he's good enough for Rihanna, he's good enough for you.
22. Stephanie Brown
It’s important to gently introduce your bird to your other bird @badgalpz
A post shared by Stephanie Brown (@feralcatbox) on Nov 18, 2018 at 4:21pm PST
Stephanie's tattoos are each sumptuous works of art that feature rich color. She's a collaborator who loves creating one of a kind designs with her clients.
23. Amanda Wachob
These tattoos are all so delicious you'll find yourself drooling AND pining over every image that pops up on her feed.
24. Rit Kit Tattoo
The best part about these tattoos is that you have to look at them twice before you realize that they aren't the real McCoy.
25. Laura Maju
Laura is a hand-poke tattoo style rockstar. She proves that you don't have to be in prison to get a poke and stick.
RELATED: 8 Celeb Tattoo Artists To Follow On Instagram For Your Next Tattoo Inspiration
Rebecca Jane Stokes is a writer living in Brooklyn, New York with her cat, Batman. Her work focuses on relationships, pop culture and news. For more of her work, check out her Tumblr.