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9 Best Tattoo Artist in Singapore to Ink Your Skin [2023]
If the body is your canvas, then inking it is your life's expression. Check out these 10 best tattoo artist in Singapore to seek!
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What defines an artist?
Tattoo artists are no different from those who grasp a paintbrush and create their works on a piece of canvas.
They are professionals who create and apply tattoos a client may request, and for many of them, each completed work is the culmination of years of hard work and grit. The majority of tattoo studios offer hundreds, and even thousands, of images that the customer can choose from.
Today, tattoos are recognised as a form of artistic expression, with many reasons why a customer may decide to get inked. It’s not uncommon to see people around Singapore sporting one – whether that’s a massive work or a subtle one on a less conspicuous part of the body.
With the sheer number of tattoo parlours and artists available in Singapore today, where should you choose to go? Since it’s a permanent procedure, you want to get someone who is reliable and knows their stuff well.
Luckily for you, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best tattoo artist in Singapore below! Read on to find out more.
1. BMF Ink Tattoo Studio
| Type of Information | Details |
| Website | https://www.bmftattoo.com/ |
| Highlights to Note | – Run by a team of 3 which includes the founder, an experienced tattoo artist who has done and taught art – Consultation is free, where you will be advised of the most suitable option – Receive a touch-up within 6 months from the tattooing for free – Prices begin from $100 for simple designs |
| Address | Katong Shopping Centre, 865 Mountbatten Rd, #01-93, Singapore 437844 |
| Contact Details | Email: [email protected] Tel: +65 9423 9655 |
| Operating Hours | Closed on Sunday Monday – Saturday 11am – 3pm |
| Online Reviews | 269 Google reviews (Average rating: 5.0 / 5.0) |
BMF Ink Tattoo Studio was founded by Nina Chua, a talented tattoo artist who has been in the field for 6 years.
She has been doing fine art since her childhood and has taught a wide variety of art forms, including:
- Chinese calligraphy
- Oil painting
- Acrylic painting
- Mixed media
- Pencil and charcoal
Once she learnt how to use the tattoo machine, there was no going back. Together with the rest of the team, Liz and Lou, they tattoo your ideas and ink them into reality. The studio works with ethics and professionalism as they ink out breathtaking tattoos.
Consultation is free, and you get a complimentary touch-up within 6 months of your appointment. Prices start from $100 for simple and smaller designs and $200 per hour or a quote per piece for larger and more complicated ones.
2. INKVASION Tattoo Studio
| Type of Information | Details |
| Website | https://inkvasiontattoo.com/glenntan/ |
| Highlights to Note | – Owned by an adept tattoo artist who has over a decade of experience tattooing – Worked at a famous tattoo studio prior to setting up his own – Proficient in most types of tattoo styles – Tattoo shop is located in a convenient area of Orchard |
| Address | Far East Shopping Centre, 545 Orchard Road, #06-15, Singapore 238882 |
| Contact Details | Email: [email protected] Tel: +65 8127 5371 |
| Operating Hours | Closed on Sunday Monday – Saturday 12pm – 7pm |
| Online Reviews | 38 Google reviews (Average rating: 4.9 / 5.0) 91 Facebook reviews (Average rating: 5.0 / 5.0) |
INKVASION is owned by tattoo artist Glenn Tan who has more than 10 years of experience.
He worked at a notable tattoo studio with tattoo artist Brandon Christopher before venturing out and setting up his own business. Glenn is adept at many types of tattoo styles, ranging from freehand custom Polynesian sleeves to Japanese oriental back pieces, and more.
His new and modern tattoo parlour is located in an accessible part of Orchard Road, Singapore’s famous shopping belt. Glenn works with the other tattoo artists, Brandon and Catt, to create premium tattoos that transcend time.
3. Vagabond Ink Tattoo
| Type of Information | Details |
| Website | https://www.vagabondink.com/ |
| Highlights to Note | – Comprises of 4 unique individuals with their own quirks – Studio has been around since more than a decade ago with plenty of experience – Prominent tattoo artist is known for her sketch work and vibrant style – No longer takes phone calls or messages, fill in the form on their website to get in touch |
| Address | 333 Kreta Ayer Rd, #01-21, Singapore 080333 |
| Contact Details | Email: [email protected] [email protected] |
| Operating Hours | Closed on Sunday Monday 12pm – 8pm Tuesday 12pm – 6pm Wednesday – Saturday 2pm – 8pm |
| Online Reviews | 42 Google reviews (Average rating: 5.0 / 5.0) 49 Facebook reviews (Average rating: 4.9 / 5.0) |
Vagabond Ink is a private tattoo studio that is managed by 4 unique tattoo artists, the most well-known being Peenut Lee. It has been around since 2010 and has come a long way since then amidst unending support from its loyal customers.
Peenut specialises in sketch work and is able to complete tattoos of varying styles, sizes and shapes. Having started out as a painter before she entered the industry, she has since evolved her art from paper to skin.
Her art is recognised for her bold, vibrant and sketchy tattooing style.
4. Fingers Crossed Studio
| Type of Information | Details |
| Website | https://itsfingerscrossed.com/ |
| Highlights to Note | – Modern and chill tattoo studio that also offers piercings, eyebrow embroidery and sells its own range of products – Leading tattoo artist has a decade of experience and started out as a self-taught artist before taking up an apprenticeship and opening his own studio – Specialises in black work, dotwork, geometry, sketchy and etching tattoo styles – Book early because of the long waiting list |
| Address | Heritage Place, 21 Tan Quee Lan St, #05-07, Singapore 188108 |
| Contact Details | Email: [email protected] |
| Online Reviews | 12 Google reviews (Average rating: 5.0 / 5.0) |
Fingers Crossed Studio gives off a contemporary and laid-back vibe, providing these key services:
- Tattoos
- Piercings
- Eyebrow embroidery
It also sells a range of products like hats, accessories, prints, shirts and more. One of its leading tattoo artists, Jared Asalli, did his first tattoo in 2011 with just cheap equipment and YouTube videos as his guide.
After a stint as an apprentice at Vagabond Ink, he proceeded to establish his own studio in 2014. His work typically revolves around intricate geometry, sketchy and etching designs, dotwork and black work. You’ll realise that he rarely touches colours.
The waiting list for the studio stretches up to months at a time, so make sure you book your appointment early!
5. Shadow Show Tattoo
| Type of Information | Details |
| Website | http://www.sgshadowtattoo.com/tattoo-artist/ |
| Highlights to Note | – Created almost 2 decades ago by an avid tattoo fanatic – Founder is well-known in the industry and has been participating in various tattoo shows and exhibitions, and was even invited as a guest to Paris – Helen’s rates start from $300/hour – The team has been creating new designs for years – Follows closely to stringent guidelines and regulations – Uses single-use consumables for your safety and world-famous methods to tattoo – Services include tattoo repair for failed tattoos – Offers tattoo lessons for those interested to learn |
| Address | 244 Geylang Rd, Singapore 389303 |
| Contact Details | Email: [email protected] Tel: +65 9772 9704 |
| Operating Hours | Monday – Sunday 2pm – 12am |
| Online Reviews | 475 Google reviews (Average rating: 4.9 / 5.0) |
Shadow Show Tattoo was set up by tattoo artist Helen Li 17 years ago.
A huge fan of the art of tattooing and tattoo designs, she established the studio to pursue her passion. She specialises in:
- Japanese tattoos
- Realistic tattoos
- Tattoo repairs
Throughout nearly 2 decades, the Shadow Show Tattoo team has been innovating new designs with fiery resolve.
As it experiments on tattoo ideas, the team also conforms to the strictest guidelines and regulations to ensure a safe and pleasant tattooing experience, be it for someone’s first time or repeated visits.
Be assured that the shop uses only single-use consumables that are promptly discarded after use. They also employ leading techniques to create their tattoos.
Its services cover:
- Tattoo art on all bodily areas
- Tattoo art on scars
- Tattoo repairs on failed tattoos
- Tattoo modification
6. 8 Volts Tattoo
| Type of Information | Details |
| Website | https://www.8voltstattoo.com/ |
| Highlights to Note | – Started out many years ago with 2 driven tattoo artists who have both won many awards – Both artists enjoy travelling the world to improve their art – Creates amazing work for clients as they offer insightful advice – Has a massive portfolio of designs today with 6 tattoo artists – Advised to book an appointment instead of walking in |
| Address | Orchard Plaza, 150 Orchard Rd, #03-12, Singapore 238841 |
| Contact Details | Email: [email protected] Tel: +65 6737 7948 |
| Operating Hours | Monday – Sunday 11am – 5pm |
| Online Reviews | 394 Google reviews (Average rating: 4.9 / 5.0) 59 Facebook reviews (Average rating: 4.9 / 5.0) |
8 Volts Tattoo started with 2 main artists, Joe Wang and Joel Ang, both of whom are incredibly driven tattoo artists. They have bagged home numerous awards from different international tattoo conventions, a testament to their skills.
Joe likes to render tattoos with a bold and robust methodology. He travels around the world to stay relevant in the industry and to seek out new approaches to better his craft.
On the other hand, Joel is a young talent who has gained recognition for his work. Although he has moved to Melbourne to work for another tattoo studio, he flies back home from time to time as a guest artist at the studio.
They deliver exceptional work to their customers while providing valuable advice at the same time. Now, the business has expanded to 6 talented tattoo artists, boasting a vast array of mindblowing designs curated for their customers.
While walk-ins are accepted, it is based on an availability basis. Book an appointment to secure your slot!
7. Wild Paw Tattoo
| Type of Information | Details |
| Website | https://www.wildpawtattoo.com/ |
| Highlights to Note | – A cosy tattoo shop for tattoo lovers to practice their art – Has 5 tattoo artists, one of the more known ones who enjoys creating neo-traditional tattoos – Tattoo artist likes to work with colour instead of just black – Has a wealth of knowledge when deciding on the correct combination of colours for skin tones and is open to suggestions – Uses vegan ink which may be preferred by those who care about the earth and the animals |
| Address | 30A Bali Ln, Singapore 189866 |
| Online Reviews | 16 Google reviews (Average rating: 5.0 / 5.0) |
Wild Paw Tattoo is a cosy corner for those who love tattoos and the art of creating them.
The shop has 5 tattoo artists, with Julian Chia being one of the more popular artists. He enjoys developing brilliant neo-traditional tattoos that are ideal for animal aficionados. He works with plenty of colours, so if you’re looking for a tattoo that shines through its vibrance, he’s the ideal one to find.
You can trust his knowledge in finding the right mixture of colours that suits your skin tone and feel free to voice any suggestions you have to him. In addition, Julian uses vegan ink that shows how much he cares for the environment.
8. Horikawa Tattoos
| Type of Information | Details |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/horikawatattoos/ |
| Highlights to Note | – Studio is highly knowledgeable in traditional Japanese tattoos – Creates personalised designs based on Japanese mythology – Run by industry veteran Baldwin Chew who is regarded as one of the best in the craft |
| Address | 20A E Coast Rd, Singapore 428747 |
| Contact Details | Email: [email protected] Tel: +65 9093 0682 |
| Operating Hours | Monday – Sunday 2pm – 11pm |
| Online Reviews | 120 Google reviews (Average rating: 4.9 / 5.0) 50 Facebook reviews (Average rating: 4.8 / 5.0) |
Horikawa Tattoos has profound knowledge of traditional Japanese tattoos.
It crafts customised tattoo designs based on the culture and history of Japanese mythology. Industry veteran Baldwin Chew runs the tattoo shop. Although he started out with a keen interest in body modifications, he was led into tattooing by a former boss.
Over time, his passion grew and eventually, he spent all his time on the art. After nearly 15 years of practising tattooing, Baldwin is recognised as one of the best in the industry.
Today, he runs his studio with 3 other professional tattoo artists.
9. Melvin Tattoo
| Type of Information | Details |
| Website | http://www.melvintattoosg.com/ |
| Highlights to Note | – Led by owner Melvin who has been tattooing since 2014 – Has taken part in many tattoo conventions held worldwide, particularly in Asia and Europe – Specialises in tattoos like oriental abstract, calligraphy, and Chinese painting – All tattoos done in his studio have a free touch-up session |
| Address | 2 Sembawang Walk, Singapore 757616 |
| Contact Details | Tel: +65 8660 0070 |
| Operating Hours | Closed on Sunday Monday – Friday 12pm – 8pm Saturday 12pm – 5pm |
| Online Reviews | 57 Google reviews (Average rating: 5.0 / 5.0) |
As its name suggests, Melvin Tattoo is helmed by owner Melvin, who has nearly 20 years of experience under his belt.
He has participated in a vast number of tattoo conventions, particularly those in Asia and Europe. Some of them include Taiwan, Venezia, London and Florence. Melvin believes that his body is the canvas of his life, where every line and shading etched onto it reflects his personal experience.
He specialises in tattoos like:
- Calligraphy
- Oriental abstract
- Chinese painting
Take note that he doesn’t tattoo on the fingers, face, and for those aged 18 and below, and that all tattoos were done at his studio come with a complimentary touch-up session.
Conclusion
Do you have any reviews and comments to share regarding our choices for the best tattoo artist in Singapore?
While SBO is committed to supporting our local businesses, we welcome any feedback and anonymous sharing regarding your experience with tattoo artist in Singapore.
We hope that this guide will be useful in helping you to make an informed decision when it comes to finding the best tattoo artist in Singapore.
Featured Image by benjamin lehman on Unsplash
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