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Tattoo culture is still in its infancy in Ireland, though the industry is expanding in size and popularity. A new wave of accomplished artists are emerging, who are pushing their limits to create the next piece of wearable art. It’s worth remembering that tattoos are on your skin forever and last longer than trends, so choose wisely. Instagram and Pinterest are an incredible source of inspiration and the more ideas you present to your chosen artist, the better your tattoo will come to fruition. Whether you’re on your first tattoo or your twenty-first, know that you’ll be in expert hands with these incredible artists. Ready for a spark of daily ink envy?
Relatively new to the tattoo scene, Niamh joined the team at Spilled Ink after a short stint as an apprentice. If you already follow her on Instagram, you’ll know that her style is fun and energetic and with lots of colour. There’s an underlying traditional element to her style, too, but she infuses her own touch of artistic design to each piece. Niamh’s work came to notice during the Repeal campaign when she used her craft to etch feministic slogans into the skin of people appealing for the right to safe, legal abortions.
Based in The Ink Factory on Wellington Quay, Ian specialises in traditional, sailor-Jerry style tattoos that are bold and vivid and easily recognisable. Iain’s exceptional artistic abilities and expanding technical expertise means he’s not only one of the youngest tattoo artists working in Dublin today, but also one of the most promising. With a burgeoning portfolio of traditional tattoo’s, Iain is one of the leading lights at The Ink Factory.
Lee Brown is a master tattooer. Working from his Live Fast Tattoo studio, opposite Trinity College, Lee has spent the last number of years perfecting his craft and guest-tattooing in some of Ireland and the UK’s most-popular studios. His unique, black and grey, wood-grain style is what sets him above the rest. But, like most artists, his work isn’t restricted to one style and he regularly tattoos full-colour, traditional and neo-traditional styles. Drop into his studio and chat to him.
Niamh Gannon is also relatively new to the tattoo community here and recently joined the team at the Ink Factory. She has an abundance of passion to develop and perfect her craft, as well as having a deep-rooted appreciation for the art form. She’s always loved tattoos and first got work aged 19, before making the transition to the other side of the needle six years later. Her work touches on all styles of tattooing – from dainty little love hearts and anchors and text to large-scale, full-colour pieces – but she’s most passionate about practicing traditional-style pieces. Equally, though, her black and grey work is flawless and her range is truly impressive. Niamh’s future as a tattoo artist looks bright.
With over 20 years experience in the Tattoo industry, artist Maja Bohemien has firmly established herself as one of the best traditional/neo-traditional tattooist working in Dublin today. Her beautiful, fully customised old-school tattoos are both bold and elegant. Bohemien’s use of colour and delicate line-work create hyper-realistic finished pieces that look as though they can come to life. Her high-quality work means she’s in demand both here and in Europe, so if you’re planning on paying Maja a visit, plan it in advance. Not content with being proficient in one particular style, Maja has also inked some beautiful Maori and Polynesian Tattoos during her career that you can see on her Instagram.
Magne – better known as Hands Inked on the internet – specialises in traditional hand-poke tattoos. For anyone unfamiliar, hand-poke – also known as stick and poke tattoos – are done by hand only, and not by machine. The artist uses a needle attached to a piece of wood or a stick and carefully etches ink into the skin by hand – one dot at a time. The process is more time-consuming than getting a tattoo with a traditional gun, but the result is absolutely worth it. Because of their nature, hand-poke tattoos tend to be smaller and more dainty, so this is a great style for anyone looking for something small that they can treasure forever.