Chicago has an incredibly vibrant and diverse tattoo scene, home to many talented artists across a wide range of styles. From delicate line work to vibrant neo-traditional designs, to stunningly realistic portraits, the Windy City has something to offer every tattoo enthusiast. In this article we talk about Top 10 Tattoo Artists In Chicago In 2024.
Ryan Flaherty – Pioneer Tattoo Studio
Ryan Flaherty specializes in exceptional realistic tattoos, renowned locally and nationally for his incredible attention to detail and ability to create stunningly lifelike portraits and scenes. Operating out of Pioneer Tattoo Studio in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, Flaherty’s books are often filled months in advance, such is the demand for his exceptional talent. The studio itself has a warm, welcoming atmosphere perfect for getting inked.
Location: 3513 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Website: pioneertattoo.com
Molly Emrick – Ash and Ivory Tattoo
Molly Emrick is the owner and primary artist at Ash and Ivory Tattoo in West Town. Her specialty is elegant line work and dotwork tattoos with an ethereal, whimsical style. Emrick’s designs often feature mythological themes and fantasy-inspired elements rendered with an incredible eye for detail. The studio is appointment-only, ensuring clients receive a highly personalized tattoo experience.
Location: 2009 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60612
Website: Ash and Ivory Tattoo
Esther Garcia – Butterfat Studios
Formerly of Butterfat Studios, Esther Garcia has become one of Chicago’s most in-demand artists for her unique custom botanical tattoos. Her nature-inspired pieces incorporate flowers, plants, leaves, and organic shapes into beautiful, flowing designs. Garcia places special emphasis on education and ethical practices within the industry. Her former home, Butterfat Studios, is known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and all-female artist collective.
Location: 2908 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Website: Butterfat Studios
David Allen – Private Studio
David Allen is a tattoo artist on a mission – to transform lives through his art. A specialist in paramedical tattooing, Allen focuses on working with breast cancer survivors, creating incredible areola restoration tattoos and covering mastectomy scars with beautiful designs. His watercolor-inspired pieces are vivid yet gentle, providing both aesthetic beauty and psychological healing. Allen works out of a private studio space to provide clients complete comfort and privacy.
Website: David Allen
Speck Osterhout – Evoke Tattoos
If you’re looking for a truly one-of-a-kind tattoo from an artist who pushes the boundaries of creativity, look no further than Speck Osterhout. Based out of Evoke Tattoos in Logan Square, Osterhout has gained a loyal following for his unique, sometimes strange but always incredible custom designs. No idea is too weird or unconventional for him to bring to life in skin art.
Location: 2900 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Website: Evoke Tattoos
Miles Maniaci – Great Lakes Tattoo
Miles Maniaci is the owner and an artist at Great Lakes Tattoo, known for both vibrantly colored and powerfully dark, realistic tattoos rendered in incredible detail. His pieces showcase expert blending and shading for a smooth look with stark dimension. When bright colors meet realistic style, the eye-catching results speak for themselves. Maniaci is also committed to community outreach, hosting charity events.
Location: 1148 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
Website: Great Lakes Tattoo
Jacob Kearney – Two Olives Tattoo
Located in Lakeview, Two Olives Tattoo is home to Jacob Kearney, one of Chicago’s top artists for precision black and gray tattoos. Kearney’s portfolio showcases incredible line and dotwork, realism, and large-scale, high-detail pieces with a stunning sense of dimension. Known for being welcoming to all, the studio’s walls are lined with art from guest artists from around the world.
Location: 3200 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657
Keara McGraw – Time Being Tattoo
At Time Being Tattoo in North Center, Keara McGraw creates delicate tattoos with a meaning, embellished with fine lines and soft watercolors. Her work is petite with purpose, adorning the body with symbols of impermanence and the passage of time. As her studio tagline says, she places “permanent markings on impermanent vessels,” reminding us to stay present.
Location: 1839 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Michael Lopez – Ageless Arts
With an expert eye for detail, Michael Lopez has mastered the art of black and gray realism. Lopez has over a decade of tattooing under his belt, steadily building a portfolio of incredible portraits and photorealistic scenes. Known for quality lines and smooth shading, his work makes images seem to leap right off the skin. Lopez tattoos out of Ageless Arts’ Oak Park and Chicago locations.
Location: 2407 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60623
Website: Ageless Arts Tattoo
Julia Campione – Good Omen Tattoo
Rounding out Chicago’s list of top artists is Julia Campione of Good Omen Tattoo in North Center. Campione’s specialty is illustrative animal and botanical tattoos with neo-traditional and realism influences. Her portfolio pops with color and imagination. With an appointment-only schedule, Good Omen provides a personalized, comfortable tattoo experience for clients.
Location: 2716 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Website: Good Omen
From delicate designs to bold, vibrant showstoppers, Chicago is home to exceptionally skilled and diverse tattoo artists for all styles and tastes. This list only scratches the surface of the city’s incredible talent and imagination. Whether looking for your first tattoo or adding to an existing collection, you’re sure to find an amazing artist to bring your vision to life in Chicago. I sincerely hope you find this “Top 10 Tattoo Artists In Chicago In 2024” article helpful.
Raghav Sethi is a renowned tattoo artist at specialyoutattoo.com, where he shares his expertise on tattoo artistry and answers queries related to the craft. With over a decade of experience, Raghav combines artistic innovation with technical precision to create unique, personalized designs. His extensive portfolio highlights his versatility and dedication to the art form. For inspiration and to connect with Raghav, follow his Instagram.
