15 Toronto tattoo artists to follow on Instagram for ink inspiration

Aug 10 2016, 3:05 am

Toronto isn’t just a hotbed of culinary fusion, world-class fashion and superior athleticism.

It’s also home to a slew of artists — tattoo artists specifically — who know a thing or two about expressing personal style.

Whether you’re covered in ink or you prefer to remain tattoo-free, there’s no denying that tattooing is a seriously impressive art form.

And while there’s no doubt hundreds of talented tattoo artists in Toronto, we’ve rounded up 15 that have caught our attention on social media recently.

So if you’re looking for ink inspo, or you’d rather just admire some phenomenal ink from afar, make sure to give these 15 Toronto artists a follow on Instagram.

Tim Pausinger

No one quite does vintage tattoos like Tim Pausinger who works out of Kensington Market’s popular tattoo destination Pearl Harbor Gift Shop. His traditional work definitely has a modern vibe to it, especially his take on pinup girls. If you’re going to go classic, go with Tim.

Jenn Liles

A photo posted by Jenn Liles (@jenntattoos) on

Working out of Toronto’s Hidden Door Studio, Jenn specializes in traditional Japanese designs that are absolutely mesmerizing.

Alex Snelgrove

Added fingers to Fox’s sleeve 💅🏻

A photo posted by Alex Snelgrove (@snelgrove) on

Those seeking more highly detailed and graphic, geometric tattoos, flock to Alex Snelgrove who works out of The Okey Doke Tattoo Shop on Dundas.

Alanna Mule

If you’re interested in more delicate works or graphic larger pieces, make sure to pay Alanna Mule, co-owner of Bellwoods Tattoos, a visit.

Kris Sharon

A photo posted by Kris Sharon (@leadhead) on

Kris works primarily in black ink and is known for creating highly detailed, surreal pieces. You can find him inking Toronto’s finest out of Arrowhead Tattoo Studio on Ossington Ave.

Tammy Kim

Excited to complete this!! Thanks for being so tough on your first sit Dougal!!

A photo posted by Tammy Kim (@tammykimtattoo) on

We fell in love with Tammy’s work because of the amount of detail that goes into each and every design. Working out of The Okey Doke Tattoo Shop, Tammy specializes in clean lines and shading, creating a unique look that’s unlike anything we’ve seen before.

Brandon Ing

Skinny line sad drake for one of my favourites @mcrules ! Thanks pal👌🏻6️⃣🙏🏻 #6god

A photo posted by Brandon Ing (@moveslow) on

Despite being new to the tattoo business, Brandon has proven his skills by combining vintage designs with modern elements — as you can see from this incredible Drake piece — creating stunning custom tattoos. You can check out Brandon’s work at TCB Tattoo Parlour.

Lisa Sinner

Working out of Queen West’s Adrenaline Tattoo, Lisa is skilled in dot work tattoos which uses small dots as shading and often incorporates geometric designs.

Mason James

Mason is another stand out artist who works primarily in black ink and dot work. Working out of Toronto’s Black Widow Tattoo, Mason’s Instagram feed is filled with gorgeous and inspiring works which often incorporate geometric angles to create eye-catching pieces.

Lizzie Renaud

Lizzie can transform your favourite characters and people into mesmerizing pieces of art. Known for her portraits, Lizzie tends to incorporate vivid pastel hues and soft shading into her pieces, which sets her pieces apart from the crowd. You can find her working out of Speakeasy Tattoo.

Curtis Montgomery

Known for his clean lines and unique designs, Curtis has an extensive portfolio of quirky tattoos you won’t find anywhere else. Curtis spends his time working both in Toronto and Montreal, so give him a follow if you want to know where he’ll be posted up next.

Emma James

Here’s another one of the hand with the tulips #tattoo #tulips #flowertattoo #girlswithtattoos #torontotattoo

A photo posted by emma james (@theemmajames) on

Emma James is another Speakeasy artist, who doesn’t shy away from gorgeous colour pallets and specializes in bright colours and clean arrangements, which makes for stunning and classic designs.

Chris Price

Another look at the mo’s whole leg piece. @bellwoodstattoo

A photo posted by CHRIS PRICE (@chrispricetattoos) on

If you’re interested in a full arm or leg pieces, Chris Price is your guy. His stunning pieces incorporate bold colours and unique designs. Make sure to follow him if you want to find out where he’ll be working next.

Mike Storey

If you’re into next level black and grey shading work, look no further than Mike Story the extremely talented artist working out of The Black Pearl. Specializing in portraits and murals, Mike can bring your visions to life.

Glen Hartless

Here’s a massive Hamsa I got to do the other night.

A photo posted by glenhartless (@glenhartless) on

Glen is another insanely talented and popular tattoo artist in Toronto working out of a private studio. His Instagram feed shows off his precise line work and knack for composition.

Ainsley SmithAinsley Smith

+ Torontonians
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