One of the most influential body arts are tattoos which is known to constantly evolving with the time. Keeping in mind the increasing number of tattoo fanatics, in this article, our writers have curated a list of the top 10 influential tattoo artists in the world. It also gives a short description of the artists which will help the readers to know them well.
Famous tattoo artists worldwide have time again created inked trends that have taken the tattoo fanatic by storm. However, the current generation of tattoo artists has a striking taste and is reinventing designs every day with the influence of celebrities and experts on social media. From the A-listed tattooed celebrities to the most trending enthusiasts or influencers, everyone has their favourite tattoo artist. If you want to know more about the tattoo artists influencing the art of getting inked worldwide, scroll down for the deets!
Top 10 Tattoo Artists in the World
Here are the world’s top 10 tattoo artists who are recognised for their contribution to creating history in tattoos through ink. Here we go!
Kat Von D
Born in 1982, Katherine Von Drachenberg aka Kat Von D, is a celebrity tattoo artist, entrepreneur, and makeup artist. Initiated her career in tattoos when she was sixteen, and she is now known as one of the prominent black-and-grey tattoo artists in the Hollywood and makeup industry. She has also been featured in TLC’s American Reality show, LA Ink, along with her studio, High Voltage Tattoo.
The tattoo artist is known to ink some renowned celebrities including Beyonce, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Margaret Cho, and Eve. With an estimated net worth of $20 million, as of 2024, Kat Von D charges $200 on a per-hour basis for a basic tattoo design.
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Mark Mahoney
Mark Mahoney, who started her career in tattoos in 1977, is the founder of black and ink grey art and celebrity tattoo artist. Known as one of the top 10 most influential tattoo artists, initially, he used to tattoo bikers, gangsters, and outlaws; those were the groups aimed for tattoos. Mark Mahoney is also known for being the owner of one of the most booked tattoo studios in Hollywood, Shamrock Social Club. The artist is known for tattooing some Hollywood stars including Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, Rihanna, Jared Leto, David Beckham, and Leto.
Dr. Woo
Born and raised by hard working immigrant parents, Brian Woo is a Hollywood-based tattoo artist, who did an apprenticeship under Mark Mahoney, at his world’s renowned tattoo shop, Shamrock Social Club.
Under Mahoney’s apprenticeship, Dr Woo developed his black-and-grey craft using single-needle fine lines. Brian Woo earned immense popularity due to his tattoo designs, eventually leading him to open his tattoo shop.
The tattoo artist is known to ink some prominent Hollywood personalities including Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Hailey Bieber, Ellie Goulding, Drake, Zoe Kravitz, Kendall Jenner, Harry Styles, Cara Delevingne, and Chiara Ferragni.
As of 2024, Brian Woo has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million and charges USD 200 for an hour of tattoo sessions.
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Margot Robbie
Margot Robbie, an actress and tattoo artist, has won esteemed nominations for her appearances, including an Oscar. Some of her television appearances showcase her inking skills in Justice League and Suicide Squad wherein she tattooed her co-stars earned her popularity. Moreover, in 2017, she appeared in the Graham Norton Show, wherein she inked one of the show’s production staff.
Robbie’s fascination with tattoos led her to buy a tattoo gun from eBay, following which she inked her friends and co-stars.
While Robbie didn’t hold a licence, she is known to tattoo more than 50 personalities.
Jonathan Shaw
Jonathan Shaw is a world’s renowned tattoo artist who is known for owning New York’s oldest tattoo shop, Fun City Tattoo Studios which runs two locations, St. Marks Place and MacDougal Streets. Initiated in 1976, the artists ventured into their careers when the tattoo was an illegal practice.
Known for tattooing the world’s renowned gangster, in 2000, the artist retired and settled down in the Brazilian Abyss of Rio De Janeiro. Additionally, Shaw is the first tattoo artist to make a guest appearance on a TV talk show, The Tonight Show With David Letterman.
The artist has inked some of the Hollywood celebrities including Johnny Depp, The Cure, Marilyn Manson, Joe Coleman, Orlando Bloom, and Tupac Shakur. Through his acclaimed tattoo skills, Shaw has earned an immense net worth.
Jonathan ‘JonBoy’ Valena
A youth pastor and tattoo artist, Jonathan JonBoy Valena, gained the limelight after he inked the famous supermodel Hailey Baldwin Bieber, in 2015.
As of 2024, Vallena’s tattoo shop, which is located on the second floor of Moxy Times Square, boasts over 20,000 satisfied customers. Not only the acclaimed Hailey Baldwin Beiber, but Vallena is also known to tattoo some of the other prominent Hollywood celebrities including Kendall Jenner, Justin Bieber, Zayn Malik, Chloe Grace Moretz, and Sofia Richie.
With an estimated net worth of $1.5 million, a media source suggests that he demands USD 1000 to USD 3500 from his clients for his fine tattoo work.
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Mr. K
A graduate of the Parsons School of Design, Mr K is a versatile tattoo artist and former graphic and streetwear designer. Following a beginner’s designer career, he decided to follow his passion for tattooing as a full-time career. Later, he established South Korea’s one of the popular tattoo studios, Keith’s Bang Bang Studio.
The artist is known to tattoo some of the renowned artists including David Beckham, Rita Ora, Liam Hemsworth, Odell Beckham, and Michael J. Fox.
Ryan Ashley DiCristina
A celebrity tattoo artist and social media influencer, Ryan Ashley DiCristina, has more than 1.7 million followers on Instagram. Initially, the artist spent 10 years in New York City where she hosted prominent television shows for multiple TV productions like Grudge Match and Ink Master. Her achievements include featuring as the first and only tattoo artist who worked with the conglomerate, Apple, in their new educational project, Today At Apple. Additionally, she has led many seminars on her trademark style of tattooing in Barcelona, Cancun, and Richmond.
Melody Mitchell
Melody Mitchell is a renowned tattoo artist who is known for tattooing unique canvases. With more than 367k followers on Instagram, Melody Mitchell has been fascinated by art since childhood. With an initial career in arts and photography, Melody Mitchell later took illustration and tattoo as her full-time profession. Mitchell specialises in inked bold tattoos and has an impressive portfolio of more than 20 thousand customer base.
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Joanna Roman
Joanna Roman is a tattoo artist who is known for his simple and elegant tattoo designs. Known for being a color realism tattoo artist, Roman’s Tattoo and Piercing shop, Chronic Ink Studios, is known for its huge customer base. With tattoo charges varying from $100 to $200, the tattoo studio has more than 200k followers on Instagram.
Final Words
Today, when it comes to inking yourself, we have a wide range of ideas. From Joanna Roman to Mark Mahoney, our coveted list includes the top 10 most successful tattoo artists. While all of them have their tattoo studio now, some of them have worked with renowned Hollywood celebrities. If you are also looking forward to getting a tattoo, follow the above-mentioned list for assistance.
