Choosing a tattoo shop in a city like New York could prove to be trivial. You should not walk into the parlor closest to you hoping to get exactly the kind of ink you want to sport.
The options are vast but for the first timers, it could prove to be a somewhat difficult choice to make. There’s Three Kings Tattoo down the 572 Manhattan Eve in Brooklyn that you don’t need to have an appointment for, with the rates are to kill for.
Or you could go for Fun City Tattoo, which is the choice of Captain Jack Sparrow himself. A clientele including Johnny Depp speaks volumes about the parlor’s reputation.
However, it is necessary that you think this through, before you make your choice.
The choice of where to get a tattoo is as important as the choice of the design. The abundance of tattoo artists on the streets makes it very easy and cheap to get a tattoo. However, this could prove to be costly in the long term and what you save by getting a cheap tattoo off the streets could cost you in cover-up treatments. Also, the risk of HIV cannot be just shaken off.
You should make an informed decision as there are complications to your choice of artist and parlor.
While getting a tattoo, right price is not your only concern, health is far more significant. Other important factors that you should weigh while making the choice are the creativity of the artists. Tattoos are for life and you don’t want to end up with one that is not fully up to your standards or doesn’t get appreciated. Artist’s responsiveness to your queries or concerns related to the process or the design is also important, so that you are fully onboard with it.
While deciding on a tattoo shop, you should try to go for someplace that has been around for a while. The ample fact that they have been around for a while is a proof of their dependability.
Your choice of design is the most important factor, however. Every parlor has its own specialty. While some parlors are known mainly for a certain art style, there are those whose versatile artists can pretty much draw anything and everything you ask them to. Some have a tattoo collection that can blow you away while there are others who excel at custom designs and will meet your expectations if you want to get a tattoo of your own creation.
Things to consider:
- Don’t rush!
- Take the time to find the right design
- Research different shops beforehand and don’t be afraid to ask questions
- Choose a wise tattoo placement
- Take care of your tattoo afterwards to avoid infection
- Don’t go inside a tattoo parlor when you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs!
Now that you know what your primary concerns should be when picking your tattoo parlor, let’s talk about some of the most famous and talked about parlors in the New York city.
Fun City Tattoo
Which place better to begin with other than one of the oldest spots for getting your inks done? It was established nearly four decades ago by Jonathan Shaw who has been tattooing locals even before it was legal in the States. Although the legendary inker has retired, his legacy lives on through a team of five artists that are believed to be best in the business. Fun City boasts a reputation and clientele that makes it the clear-cut choice if you are willing to spend.
Contact number: 212-353-8282. Address: Saint Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009
Three Kings Tattoo
Don’t have an appointment? No problem. With a team of 14 artists, Three Kings is known for servicing walk-ins. They are also known for bringing in famous guest artists from around the world every now and then. Being the popular choice of Indie rock bands of Brooklyn, this parlor attracts a lot of customers. Using iPads to break down different styles and designing portfolios for customers, they aim to make sure you are completely satisfied with your inks.
Contact number: 718-349-7755. Address: 572 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Majestic Tattoo
If you are looking for body ink that is abstract or psychedelic, then Adal Hernandez’s Majestic Tattoo is your place to go. Starting off from Chicago and Texas, Hernandez has been working in New York City for over 15 years now. Considered to be one of the best inkers, he can execute your tattoo ideas no matter how vivid they are. Waiting time for his appointment could be around six weeks, but if there’s any artist worth the wait, it’s him.
Contact number: 212-431-3323. Address: 1086 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11221
Sacred Tattoo
This is not your average tattoo parlor. This place makes it onto the list because of its unique premises that features an art gallery reflecting trends and cultural arts in its paintings and sculptures. Their name says it all. The varying styles of the 19 artists present attract a very wide range of clients and you are sure to get what you want no matter how peculiar your choice of design might be.
Contact number: 212-226-4286. Address: 424 Broadway, New York, NY 10013
Hand of Glory Tattoo
Specializing in traditional American and Japanese inspired designs, this place is also well known for its flash art. Owning a gallery space built specially for custom-tattoo work, this should be your choice if you want to design your own inks and be creative.
Contact number: 718-832-5020. Address: 429 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Rising Dragon Tattoos
Got a thing for dragon tattoos? Darren of the Rising Dragon Tattoos is your man. He has been in the business for more than 25 years and has served the likes of Emma Stone, so it’s fair to say that he is a pretty big deal.
Contact number: 212-255-8288. Address: 51W 14th Street, New York, NY 10011
East River Tattoo
If your ink preferences involve traditional maritime styles, this place will cater your needs. Led by artist Duke Riley along with Liam Sparkles, Sue Jeiven and MXM, this parlor is well known for its visionary tattoo styles. Before working as a tattoo artist, Riley was designing submarines and staging sea raids. Crazy, isn’t it?
Contact number: 718-532-8282. Address: 1047 Manhattan Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Spending your money on any of these tattoo shops rather than getting a cheap fix is your best bet to satiate the tattoo enthusiast inside you.
Pick wisely.
