Map of artists registered on the Ink on Sky platform using the Ink on Sky Pro app (try it for free)
New York City continues to be a global tattoo powerhouse, home to some of the most talented and innovative artists in the industry. In Ink on Sky we have created the ultimate ranking of NYC’s best tattooers of 2025—masters of realism, fine line, neo-traditional, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or looking for your first piece, these artists are setting the bar for excellence. Ready to discover the top names shaping the tattoo scene? Let’s dive in!
Víctor Mané
Based in Brooklyn, New York, Víctor Mané is a true expert in Black & Grey tattooing, renowned for his ability to transform photographs into breathtaking skin art. As the founder of Minimal NYC, his work is characterized by hyper-realistic details, smooth shading, and a mastery of contrast that brings his tattoos to life.
Darwin Enriquez
With over 20 years of experience, Darwin has solidified his reputation as one of New York’s finest tattoo artists. As the founder of Inknation Studio, he is known for his custom realistic art, captivating collectors with his flawless execution and attention to detail. His mastery of textures, depth, and lifelike imagery has made him a standout figure in NYC’s tattoo scene.
Yomico Art
A true master of realism in both black & grey and color, Yomico is one of the most recognized tattoo artists in the world. Based in Brooklyn, his breathtaking work blends precision, depth, and emotion, making each tattoo an unforgettable masterpiece. Known for attending conventions worldwide, Yomico’s artistry transcends borders.
Zlata Kolomoyskaya
As co-owner of Dot. Creative Group in New York, Zlata Kolomoyskaya has mastered the art of micro-realism, creating incredibly detailed miniature tattoos that look like photographs imprinted on the skin. Her precision and ability to capture depth in such a small scale make her work truly unique.
Oscar Akermo
As co-founder of Monolith , a contemporary tattoo studio in Brooklyn, and mentor at C23 Labs, an online tattoo academy, Oscar Akermo is not just an artist but a leader in the industry. Specializing in fine line and micro-realism, his tattoos are known for their intricate details and masterful compositions. His ability to blend precision with artistic vision has made him one of the most sought-after tattooers in New York and beyond.
Deanna Barricella
Working at Inked NYC Tattoo Shop, Deanna Barricella is a rising star in the world of micro-realism. Her ability to create hyper-detailed, small-scale tattoos with incredible precision has earned her a spot among New York’s top artists. With flawless shading and lifelike compositions, Deanna’s work proves that even the smallest tattoos can make a big impact.
Juan Espinoza
Juan Espinoza is a New York-based artist known for his unique fusion of black & grey with color. His conceptual approach transforms tattoos into storytelling masterpieces, blending realism with artistic expression. If you’re looking for a tattoo that goes beyond aesthetics and carries deep meaning, Juan’s work is a must-see.
Gunny
A true master of blackwork tattooing, Gunny is one of the most recognized artists in New York. You can find him at Inked Studio NYC and The Secret Tattoo Studio, where he creates bold, intricate designs that showcase his technical precision. Featured in numerous magazines and news outlets, Gunny has helped elevate blackwork—a style that may seem simple but requires incredible skill to execute flawlessly.
Paweł Indulski
Working at the renowned Bang Bang Tattoo, Paweł Indulski is a true expert in micro-realism, known for his clean, polished, and hyper-detailed work. His tattoos look like miniature works of art, executed with unmatched precision. Beyond tattooing, he also has his own jewelry brand, further showcasing his artistic vision and craftsmanship.
Felipe Soares
If you’re a fan of Māori tattoos, Felipe Soares is the artist you’re looking for. Based in Manhattan, NY, he has made a name for himself with his traditional Māori patterns, blending cultural authenticity with flawless execution. His intricate linework and deep understanding of the style have set him apart as one of the top specialists in this ancient and meaningful art form.
Victor Hugo
A resident artist at Inked NYC, Victor specializes in Japanese traditional tattoos with bold colors and large-scale compositions. His breathtaking full-back pieces and sleeves capture the essence of Irezumi, blending classic motifs with modern precision. His mastery of this ancient art form makes him a standout in New York’s tattoo scene.
Mat Rule
Known for his unique and eye-catching style, Mat Rule blends black & grey micro-realism with colorful cartoon characters, creating tattoos that stand out as true works of art. Splitting his time between Los Angeles, New York, and Paris, his innovative approach has made him a sought-after artist worldwide. If you’re looking for a tattoo that merges realism with playful nostalgia, Mat is the perfect choice.
Lena Diamanti
Renowned for her exceptional color realism, Lena Diamanti brings tattoos to life with her mastery of vibrant and flawless tattoos. Based in New York, she also travels for guest spots, sharing her artistry worldwide. Her ability to create hyper-detailed, lifelike tattoos with striking colors makes her one of the top color realism artists in the industry.
Bobby Cupparo
Splitting his time between Texas and New York, Bobby Cupparo is known for his fully colored tattoos, specializing in breathtaking galaxies and landscapes. His ability to capture depth, light, and vivid hues makes his work truly awe-inspiring. If you’re looking for a tattoo that feels like a painting on skin, Bobby’s artistry is second to none.
Tony Vilella
Specializing in realistic tattoos in both color and black & grey, Tony is known for his breathtaking recreations of famous paintings and lifelike designs. Beyond his artistry, he is also the founder of GOAT Tattoo Products, a high-quality stencil brand. His ability to transform skin into a canvas of masterpieces makes him one of the most impressive tattoo artists in New York.
Anthriller
Working at Inked NYC, Anthriller is known for his highly detailed tattoos, blending blackwork with realism. Whether crafting realistic or micro-realistic pieces, his work stands out for its subtle shading and ultra-fine lines, creating an elegant and sophisticated aesthetic. His precision and unique approach make him a standout artist in New York’s tattoo scene.
Olya
If you love botanical tattoos, Olya is the artist to know. Specializing in floral and nature-inspired designs, she creates vibrant, elegant, and beautifully detailed tattoos that bring the skin to life. Based at Mikiri Gallery in New York, her work is perfect for those seeking a delicate yet striking tattoo infused with natural beauty.
Damian Gorski
A true expert in color realism, Damian Gorski is known for his effortless ability to blend and work with vibrant hues. Splitting his time between New York, London, Miami, and Los Angeles, he brings his stunning, lifelike tattoos to clients worldwide. His skill in creating hyper-detailed, painterly tattoos makes him a top name in the industry.
Fountain NYC
Known for his abstract concepts and masterful use of shadows and negative space, Fountain NYC is a standout artist in New York’s black & grey scene. His unique approach blends fluid, artistic compositions with fine shading, creating tattoos that are both thought-provoking and visually striking. If you’re looking for a black & grey tattoo with depth and originality, Fountain NYC is the artist to watch.
Carolina Caos
Originally from Italy and now based in the U.S., Carolina Caos is an exceptional color realism artist. Traveling between New York, Portland, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Denver, she is known for her ability to blend multiple images into a single breathtaking composition. Her mastery of color, light, and creativity makes her one of the most exciting tattoo artists in the industry today.
Neil Chetcuti
Traveling between New York, Toronto, and Malta, Neil Chetcuti is a master of black & grey realism. His tattoos stand out for their incredible detail, depth, and smooth shading, bringing lifelike images to the skin. With a refined technique and a global presence, Neil continues to impress collectors seeking top-tier realism.
María Álvarez
Specializing in realism and fine line tattoos, María Álvarez splits her time between New York and Los Angeles, while also owning Lumbre Studios in Valencia, Spain. Her work is characterized by delicate details, smooth shading, and elegant compositions, making her an artist for those who appreciate subtle yet highly detailed tattoos.
Bicem Sinik
Based in New York City, Bicem Sinik is known for her refined, mystical, and geometric tattoo style. Her work blends precision and symbolism, creating tattoos that are both visually stunning and deeply meaningful. With her signature delicate yet bold designs, she creates fine and delicate tattoos.
Maria Garza
Splitting her time between Denver and New York, María Garza is a standout blackwork artist. Working at Inked NYC, her tattoos feature bold contrasts, intricate linework, and striking compositions. Her mastery of the blackwork technique makes her one of the top names in the industry for those seeking powerful and elegant designs.
Pony Lawson
Splitting his time between Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles, Pony Lawson is a true pioneer in the tattoo world. Known for his hyper-detailed micro-realism, patch-style tattoos, and unique gold-effect tattoos, his work is nothing short of breathtaking. A contestant on Ink Master Season 16 and the creator of the Tattoo Stencil App, Pony continues to push the boundaries of tattoo artistry, turning skin into museum-worthy masterpieces.
Jesse Levitt
Owner of Darkspace Art Collective in New York, Jesse Levitt is a true specialist in horror tattoos. His work stands out for its intense depth, eerie realism, and haunting compositions, bringing nightmares to life on skin. The way he plays with shadow, contrast, and dimension makes his pieces even more unsettling and immersive—perfect for lovers of dark and macabre art.
Pony Reinhardt
Pony Reinhardt is the owner of Tender Foot Studio in New York known for her delicate and intricate blackwork tattoos. Specializing in animal and botanical designs, her work blends fine lines and detailed compositions, creating tattoos that feel both elegant and organic. Her unique artistic vision makes her a top choice for those seeking nature-inspired blackwork tattoos.
Denys Sivak
Based in New York, Denys Sivak is a master of color realism, bringing tattoos to life with his incredible attention to detail and smooth blending. His work captures lifelike depth and striking color compositions, making each piece a true work of art on skin.
Eoghann McGregor
Known for his traditional-inspired tattoos, Eoghann McGregor adds a unique touch by primarily working in black ink, while enhancing his designs with bold accents of orange, yellow, and red. This distinctive approach makes his tattoos stand out with strength and intensity, creating a powerful and modern take on classic tattooing.
Xavi Canti
Tattooing at Noble Art in New York, Xavi Canti is a master of fine line work, often creating large-scale, intricate pieces. His signature style combines black ink with striking red accents, adding depth and contrast to his designs. His ability to blend delicacy with boldness makes him a standout artist in the fine line tattoo scene.
Sumok Kim
Based in New York, Sumok Kim is a highly skilled artist specializing in hyper-detailed black & grey realism. His tattoos are known for their exceptional precision, depth, and smooth shading, bringing lifelike images to the skin with stunning clarity. For those seeking flawless, high-definition black & grey tattoos, Sumok Kim is a top-tier choice.
San Lop Tattoo
Working at Noble Art Studio in New York, San Lop Tattoo is an expert in micro-realism, creating highly detailed, miniature tattoos with precision and finesse. Her ability to capture lifelike textures and intricate details in small-scale designs makes her a top choice.
Chang
Based in New York, Chang is a talented fine line tattoo artist, known for his delicate and sophisticated designs. His work stands out for its clean, precise lines and elegant compositions, making each tattoo feel like an elegant decoration of the skin.
Dim
Working at Monolith Studio in New York, Dim is a master of micro-realism, specializing in miniature, full-color pet portraits. His ability to capture the tiny details, fur textures, and expressions of beloved pets makes his work truly exceptional. If you’re looking for a vivid image of your pet Dim is the perfect artist for the job.
Alexey Mashkov
Based in New York, Alexey Mashkov is a visionary tattoo artist who blends color realism with gaming and graffiti influences. His signature style includes famous portraits enhanced with graffiti-style lettering, glowing red eyes, and black ink dripping from the mouth, creating a bold, rebellious, and highly artistic effect. His work is truly unique, making him a must-know name in the tattoo industry.
Rob Banks
Rob Banks is a master of classic traditional tattoos. His work stays true to the bold lines, vibrant colors, and timeless designs that define the style. Whether it’s skulls, daggers, eagles, or pin-ups, his tattoos have that authentic, old-school charm, you can find him at Five Points Tattoo NYC.
Jon boy
A fine line tattoo icon in New York, JonBoy is renowned for his delicate, minimalist designs, attracting a clientele that includes A-list celebrities. His tattoos are characterized by ultra-thin lines, subtle details, and an effortlessly elegant aesthetic, making his work a favorite among those looking for refined and timeless body art.
Stefano Alcantara
With 30 years of experience, Stefano Alcantara is a true icon in realism tattooing, splitting his time between New York and Florida. His work is defined by depth, and lifelike precision, making him one of the most respected realism artists in the industry. His legacy in the tattoo world continues to inspire both artists and clients.
María Fernández
Splitting her time between Hamburg and New York, María Fernández is a talented blackwork artist known for her soft, delicate shading. One of her signature themes is dinosaur tattoos, which she designs with a unique blend of fine lines and smooth black tones. When in New York, you can find her at the world-famous Bang Bang Tattoo, one of the most prestigious studios in the industry.
Anderson Luna
Anderson Luna is a talented tattoo artist known for his stunning geometric and tribal designs. His large-scale pieces are captivating, drawing the eye with their bold patterns. Blending modern geometric styles with traditional tribal elements, Anderson creates tattoos that are both timeless and powerful. You can find him at the world-famous Bang Bang NYC studio.
Joshlin
Working at the prestigious Bang Bang NYC, Joshlin is a highly skilled artist known for his black micro-realism tattoos. While his specialty lies in creating intricate, lifelike designs in black ink, he also incorporates color into his work from time to time. With a reputation built on his incredible versatility and attention to detail, Joshlin has earned his place as one of the top tattoo artists.
Loko lines
True to his name, Loko Lines is obsessed with fine line tattooing. His work is exclusively focused on delicate, precise, and ultra-thin line designs, creating tattoos that are both subtle and striking. You can find him at High Line Tattoo NYC, where he continues to push the boundaries of fine line artistry.
Olivia
Located at Macondo Brooklyn in New York, Olivia is a talented tattoo artist who blends fine line work with blackwork, creating unique and abstract designs. Her style is delicate yet bold, playing with minimalism, intricate details, and artistic abstraction.
Ghinko
In the heart of New York, at Blindreason Tattoo NYC, Ghinko brings tattoos to life with a blend of micro-realism and fine line artistry. Her designs are subtle, elegant, and incredibly precise, capturing the smallest details with a soft, brush-like touch.
Joe Redding
Joe Redding is based in New York; he’s an artist who masters the balance between fine line and black & grey tattooing. His work stands out for its clean, intricate lines and smooth shading, creating elegant designs. Whether it’s a minimalist composition or a detailed black & grey piece.
Fan Wu
Owner of IMA – Ink Me Alley, a private studio in Brooklyn, New York, Fan Wu is a tattoo artist dedicated to bringing anime art to life on skin. Her work captures the essence of beloved anime characters, using vibrant colors, fine details, and dynamic compositions.
MR.K
Working out of the renowned Bang Bang NYC, Mr. K Tattoo is a fine line specialist known for his precise, delicate, and intricate designs. His work embodies elegance and minimalism, often featuring detailed line work and sophisticated compositions.
Can Gurgul
With 17+ years of experience, Can Gurgul is a fine line and micro-realism specialist at INKED NYC. His expertise spans black & gray, dot work, hyper-realism, and scar cover-ups, using his signature whip shading technique for seamless results. Each tattoo is a carefully crafted piece of art, designed to tell a story with precision and meaning.
Do you think you should be in the ranking? Sometimes we miss some artists and we add them little by little. Sign up and write us on instagram @ink.on.sky to keep you in mind.
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