London is home to some of the most talented tattoo artists and studios, each offering unique styles that cater to every aesthetic — from bold blackwork to delicate fine-line designs. Whether you’re looking for surreal imagery, classic traditional motifs, or intricate geometric patterns, this guide highlights the top 10 tattoo artists and top 5 tattoo shops in the city, helping you find the perfect artist for your next piece.
Top 10 tattoo artists in London!
1. Matt Pettis (@matt_pettis_tattoo)
Matt Pettis specialises in bold blackwork and intricate illustrative tattoos, often featuring dark, surreal, and nature-inspired themes.
2. Eternal (@eternal________________)
Eternal specialises in fine-line, minimalist, and abstract blackwork tattoos. The style leans towards soft, poetic, and expressive compositions, making Eternal’s work feel both modern and timeless.
3. Kelly Violet (@kellyviolence)
Kelly Violence is a tattoo artist known for her bold blackwork style, featuring thick lines, high contrast, and gritty, punk-inspired designs. Her work often includes dark, surreal, and raw imagery, blending a DIY aesthetic with strong, rebellious energy.
4. Otto D'ambra (@otto_dambra)
Otto D'Ambra is a tattoo artist known for his surreal, fine-line blackwork that blends geometric, organic, and abstract elements. His designs often feature intricate details, dreamlike compositions, and a mix of realism with surrealism, creating visually striking and thought-provoking tattoos.
5. Dani Queipo (@daniqueipo)
Dani Queipo is renowned for his expertise in traditional and old-school tattoo styles. His work is characterised by bold lines, vibrant colours, and classic imagery, often featuring motifs such as roses, daggers, and eagles.
6. Alina (@alina_tattoo)
Alina specialises in delicate fine-line tattoos with an emphasis on elegant, minimalist designs. Her work often features floral motifs, intricate details, and soft, precise line work, creating a timeless and refined aesthetic.
7. Teide (@teidetattoo)
Teide specialises in traditional psychedelic tattoos, blending bold lines, vibrant colours, and surreal, dreamlike imagery. His work merges classic American traditional elements with abstract and imaginative compositions for a striking visual style.
8. Mishla (@mishlatattooillustration)
Mishla is a tattoo artist known for distinctive blackwork style, characterised by bold lines, intricate details, and a woodcut-like aesthetic. The designs often feature surreal and dark imagery, creating a striking and unique visual impact.
9. Caleb Kilby (@calebkilby)
Caleb Kilby is a London-based tattoo artist known for his distinctive abstract line work style. His tattoos feature minimalist, geometric designs with a focus on clean lines and negative space, creating a modern and artistic aesthetic.
10. Zinaida Pasko (@zinaida_pasko)
Zinaida Pasko is a London-based tattoo artist renowned for her expertise in colour and black & grey realism, particularly in portraiture. Her work showcases meticulous attention to detail and a profound ability to capture lifelike representations.
Top 5 tattoo shops in London
1. Parliament Tattoo (@parliamenttattoo)
Parliament Tattoo is a London-based studio known for its diverse range of tattoo styles. Their resident artists specialise in traditional, medieval, folk-inspired, and intricate blackwork designs. With a mix of classic and contemporary approaches, the studio offers unique, custom tattoos tailored to each client.
2. SCM Tattoo London (@southcitymarket)
South City Market is a London-based tattoo studio renowned for its black and grey custom tattoos, with a particular emphasis on micro designs. Their artists specialise in styles such as Japanese, minimalist, anime, geometric, realism, henna, and watercolour tattoos.
3. Sang Bleu Tattoo London (@sangbleutattoolondon)
Sang Bleu Tattoo London is a renowned studio offering a diverse range of tattoo styles. Their artists specialise in intricate blackwork, geometric patterns, and detailed illustrative designs.
4. Six Bullets Tattoo (@six_bullets_tattoo)
Six Bullets Tattoo specialises in bold blackwork with strong contrast, dynamic line work, and heavy shading. Their designs blend traditional and modern elements, often featuring mythological and dark fantasy themes.
5. Sans Patrie Studio (@sanspatrie.studio)
Sans Patrie Studio offers a refined blackwork style with intricate line work, fine shading, and a minimalist yet expressive aesthetic. Their designs often feature surreal, abstract, and nature-inspired elements, blending artistry with bold simplicity.
With such a diverse and thriving tattoo scene, London has something for everyone, whether you prefer timeless traditional designs, bold statement pieces, or intricate, fine-line tattoos. These artists and studios are among the best in the industry, each bringing a unique artistic vision to the craft. No matter your style, you’re sure to find inspiration and expert craftsmanship in the heart of the city.
