‘Doesn’t feel like work’: These Brisbane tattoo artists wouldn’t leave their job for anything
We have profiled more than 20 Brisbane tattoo artists that are leaving their mark on the industry, one tattoo at a time. See the full list
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For young tattoo apprentices long hours in the studio and hand cramps are just a part of the job. It’s a compromise they’re willing to deal with, because it’s within the studio that magic is made. Scars are turned into beauty, memories are etched onto a living canvas and words said by the deceased are permanently imprinted on their loved ones.
These are more than 20 Brisbane tattoo artists that are leaving their mark on the industry, one tattoo at a time.
Lilli Reinhardt | Tattoos by Lilli
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tattoosbylilli/
After falling in love with drawing at a young age, tattooing was the perfect career choice for Lilli. Leaning towards illustrative pieces, Lilli says she “has so much fun.”
“I fell in love with the industry because of the ability to create pieces that my clients will love forever and that make them feel confident,” she said.
jeremy Cook | J Cook Designs Tattoo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcookdesignstattoo/
Jeremy specialises in freehand, cover-ups, portraits, traditional, Japanese, watercolour and script designs. The artist designs intricate and realistic tattoos that outshine reference photographs and look impressively true-to-life.
Casey Tattoos
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/casey_tattoos/
Inspired by pop culture, the accuracy of each piece is beyond impressive. Leaning into tasteful nudity when required, Casey’s art is a tribute to the best parts of anime culture.
Anita Wilson | Anita Wilson Tattooist
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/anitawilsontattooist/
Combining extraordinary watercolour techniques with fine line art, Anita has carved a niche in creating art that is larger than life.
Steph Stiletto | Back in Black Tattoo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backinblack.tattn/
Artist Steph is drawn to the industry as it allows her to meet people and create mesmerising art. Not one to stick to one style, she said classic styles keep drawing her back in.
“I’m currently going through a baroque appreciation. I want to do more of this style to challenge myself really,” she said.
Billy Tanos | Iimmerse
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iimmerse/
Billy is an expert in taking pop culture to a new dimension, integrating Pokemon, The Simpsons and the most iconic anime moments into his work.
Mimsy Gleeson | Tattoos by Mimsy
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/trailertrashtattoo/
Whimsical and sweet, every design is a little silly with a lot of sass. You can’t help but smile at the Mimsy’s adorably unique designs.
Tahleea Brown | Kaizen Ink
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kaizen__ink
Achieving her childhood dream of becoming a tattoo artist, she said she appreciates every single client. “From a young age I fell in love with the way tattoos tell stories, memories, and identities,” she said.
“To bring a person’s idea to life was something I found very special and still do to this day.”
Not identifying with one style in particular, she said she loves using negative space, heavy black, and intricate details in unison to create a “visually stimulating” piece.
David Williams | Body Canvas Tattoo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodycanvastattoobrisbane/
After working in the industry for more than 10 years, David has become an expert in creating colourful yet muted pieces.
Brooklyn Bee Tattoo
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bklynbeee/
Describing her work as “bubblegumtrad,” every single piece made by Brooklyn is nothing less than enchanting and whimsical. From bees, to cats, and the childhood terror that was Mr Squiggle: everything designed by Brooklyn is undeniably magical.
Tori Kennedy
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/elune_adore_/
Tori creates fine line black and grey floral, botanical and ornamental designs. Her fine line wrap designs give the illusion of permanent whimsical jewellery.
Sam Read | Sam Read Tattoos
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/samreadtattoos/
Sam describes the freedom of working for herself as one of the biggest positives of the industry. “From setting my own schedule to managing my business, it allows me to dedicate most of my time to creating art,” she said.
“After 10 years in the industry, I’ve connected with so many kind and creative individuals, who, despite our differences, all share the same passion for art.”
Her style is neo-traditional, adding in touches of fine line and illustrative work.
“I love tattooing any pieces with animals, botanical, floral, and natural elements.”
Nathan Mathers | Nathan Mathers Tattooist
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nathan.matherstattooist/
Working primarily with blacks and greys, Nathan’s work is hyper-realistic, designing powerful pieces with unbelievable depth.
Elise Campbell | EC Tattoos
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ec.tattoos/
Tattooing is anything but work for Elise. “I love being in the tattoo industry because I get to make art everyday, meet all kinds of amazing people and bring their ideas to life,” she said.
She primarily works with fine line pieces and loves to work with dainty designs.
“Within fine line there is so many niches to explore I can’t pick a favourite,” she said.
Nyssa Elliott | Nyssa Tattoo
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nyssatattoo/
Inspired by pop culture with a touch of colour, every piece designed by Nyssa takes you to another world full of wonder and whimsy.
Jon FTW
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jon_ftw
Using complex shading techniques, Jon is able to give each piece a touch of realism while ensuring each tattoo lasts the test of time.
Emma Driml | Thirteenth Angel Ink
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thirteenthangel.ink/
Emma said she loves the challenge of designing the perfect tattoo for her client. “It is a very direct and personal form of art I can do to make someone happy,” she said.
“For this reason, it is more fulfilling than selling art for a wall or as a product.”
Her artistic style bounces between delicate flowers and creepy girls.
“I don’t know if I chose a style as much as made a lot of little choices I prefer. For example, I normally choose to stipple shade as the texture feels more illustrative,” she said.
Matt Curzon | Matt Curzon Tattoo
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mattcurzon/
Matt is able to bring 2D pieces of art to life with his signature amber tinge, shading and bold in-your-face designs.
Alyssa Jade | Yokyo Tattoo
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/yokyotattoo/
Alyssa is passionate about designing bold pieces of art, with flexible hours and no uniform being a major selling point of the industry. “I love being able to create art everyday, consistently learning, building great relationships and meeting amazing people,” she said.
She describes her art styles as oriental, Japanese and blackwork.
Chris V Tattoos
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/chrisvtattoos
Channelling some of the most terrifying creatures ever to grace a horror movie, Chris designs realistic tattoos that are impressively scary.
Brendan OC Tattoo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendanoctattoo/
Brendan draws impressively detailed pieces of art freehand, working with contemporary and Japanese styles.
Claudia Riddiford | Claudia Tattoos
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/claudiatattoos/
Claudia describes creating art for a living as a privilege. “I think the best part is not only creating permanent art for my clients but also helping people feel more comfortable and confident in themselves, and their bodies.”
She specialises in illustrative pieces, working primarily with botanical and ornamental pieces.
“I enjoy bringing elements of fine line and high contrast together for a product that considers longevity, as our tattoos will always change as we age,” she said.
Mystik Tattoos
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mystiktattoos/
Bold 3D lettering is what Mystik excels at. Every single piece is drawn freehand but without a flaw, with every new unique design as impressive as the last.
Brooke Jager | Brooke Jager Tattoo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookejagertattoo/
Currently working as a third year apprentice at Temple Tattoo Nundah, Brooke’s talent is unbelievably impressive for the short time she has been part of the industry.
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