Hong Kong Tattoo Artists You Need To Follow On Instagram
Header image courtesy of @mirmandainks
Whether you’re itching to get another tat, or you just want to dream about the potential of maybe, possibly, one day getting body art, we’re here to help. Hong Kong is stocked with an array of talented tattoo artists, and with just the scroll of your thumb, you can pick up some inspiration for your next tattoo piece on these Hong Kong-based tattoo artists’ Instagram accounts.
Minimalistic
Photo courtesy of @nathalie.talii
Nathalie Tali
Nathalie’s work often centres around geometric patterns, symbols, and natural elements. Think tree roots, dark holes, solar systems, and everything beyond the horizon. Her alluring designs are etched with black ink and the occasional pop of red and orange tones. If you like minimalistic dark themes, Nathalie is your girl.
Photo courtesy of @mirmandainks
Mirmanda
Minimalism is dominating mainstream tattoo designs these days, and if you’re a fan of celebrity minimalistic tattooists like Dr Woo, Bang Bang NYC, and JonBoy, you have to give Mirmanda’s instagram a follow. Her mesmerising brand of sharp, clean lines peppered with surrealism, as well as attention to detail, is pretty darn staggering.
Photo courtesy of @gagama
Magaga
Magaga specialises in delicate lines and ink that seems to float right above the flesh. Her instagram page is filled with plenty of minimalistic linework and sketchy designs such as the one above. Her designs are primarily black ink linework, but she also adds bold washes of colour if the designs call for it. What’s more, Magaga’s work is more than just pretty—each piece is specially designed and holds a deep meaning and personal story for her clients.
Colourful details
Photo courtesy of @mini_tattooer
Mini Lau
Cute Korean-style watercolour tattoos are trending in Hong Kong these days, and if that’s what you’re into, Mini Lau is one of the best in Hong Kong. Lau has mastered the difficult balance of faint, almost whimsical tattoos and intricate detailing. Her dainty pieces are loaded with soft colours, fine lines, and realism. Whether you want classic flowers on your collarbone, or an Iron Man blasting through your arm, Lau does it all.
Photo courtesy of @lizgaustattoo
Elizabeth Gaus
New York and Hong Kong-based tattoo artist Elizabeth Gaus specialises in abstract watercolour pieces as well as playful brushstroke tattoos. As the founder of White Walls Tattoo Studio in Tai Kok Tsui, she often incorporates her own style into animal illustrations. From minimalistic, abstract creations to mystical colour drawings, or even Chinese calligraphy pieces, you’ll find a wide range of tattoos on Elizabeth’s Instagram.
Photo courtesy of @iconoglyphs
Rich Phipson
Rich Phipson isn’t only just a mainstay of one of Hong Kong’s coolest tattoo parlours, Star Crossed Tattoos—he’s also a pro at creating playful designs with bold black lines you literally won’t find anywhere else in town. His work regularly features fierce animals or ancient gods, like the tattoo of Odin shown on the picture above.
Photo courtesy of @handpoke_tree
Hand Poke Tree
If you haven’t tried hand poke tattoos yet, Hand Poke Tree’s Instagram photos will likely persuade you to do so. With daily flash sale designs available, the designs are cute, minimalistic, and colourful. Perfect for those who need a reminder to stay youthful and fun, the designs range from childhood favourites like the Teletubbies to colourful flowers and retro-style unicorns.
Read More! Check out 6 things you should consider before getting a tattoo.
Realism
Photo courtesy of @zinktattooshop
Zac Wong
If you’re looking to tattoo a realistic picture of someone close to your heart, Zac Wong, owner of Zink Tattoo in Tsim Sha Tsui can help. Winning first place in the realism category at Macau’s Tattoo Convention this past June, you’re in safe hands with Zac. From intricate tattoos of the lion dance to a portrait of your beloved pet and family members, his expert shading skills brings ink to life.
Photo courtesy of @kinstattoo
Kin Liu
Owner of Soul Canvas Ink in Sheung Wan, Kin Liu has over 13 years of experience under his belt as a tattoo artist in Hong Kong. Known for his lifelike black-and-white human portrait tattoos, you’ll find tattoos of everything, from baby portraits to female angel warriors and even famous K-pop stars.
Chinese-inspired
Photo courtesy of @argontattoo
Argon
Argon’s mysterious, dark feed of his traditional Chinese calligraphy tattoos shows off his expertise on the subject. For those who want a modern edge to their tattoo, consider adding in a touch of colour or spacing out the Chinese characters to make the word less obvious and give the artwork an abstract appearance. One of our favourites includes the Chinese character of the word “heart” (pictured above). While it’s one of his simpler tattoos, Argon shows off the aesthetics of the Chinese ink by imitating the natural brushstrokes made by a Chinese calligraphy brush. He also frequently posts calligraphy work that he’s done on paper, for those who love following stylish typography.
Photo courtesy of @jimmyhotattoo
Jimmy Ho
While he may not have the most aesthetic Instagram feed, Jimmy Ho is a tattoo legend in Hong Kong. Ho’s 40-year long career has seen him ink countless gangsters, soldier, and film stars from all over the world. Even now in his sixties, Ho remains one of the coolest and most forward-thinking tattooists in Hong Kong. The tattoo legend’s Instagram page is littered with his traditional Chinese and Japanese pattern tattoo work, as well as throwback photos from the past, giving us a glimpse into Hong Kong’s tattoo culture through the ages.
Originally published on June 5, 2019 by Sarah Moran. Updated on August 14, 2019 by Doris Lam.
Read More! Check out 6 Hong Kong artists you need to know about, or explore the rest of our Culture section.
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