Top 10 American Tattoo Artists: Streaker Records
Streaker Records Executive Director/A&R Rob DPiazza gave PWV his Top 10 favorite tattoo artists in the US. Well…. actually his Top 8. Rob describes a little bit of why he chose each artist though so you’ll be occupied, if you can read that is! DOOH.
Rob said:
“With all the travel that musicians do, it’s hard to find an artist on the road that you can trust to do an amazing job when you get that urge. I am more that covered on most of my body and while I have some bad tattoos, I also have many beautiful ones done by some really talented people. It’s hard for me to rate them because they all have different styles so I’m just gonna throw names out there and people can decide for themselves.”
– in no particular order –
1. Brian Wahl – Frisco Tattoo – San Francisco CA – Brian is my go to guy. I have been getting tattoos from him for about 10 years now. We just have that connection where he understands exactly what I am looking for and how to make sure my crazy ideas come to life. He has quick light hands but knows how to make sure the color stays vibrant. He is currently doing my back piece of a Japanese styled tiger taking a dagger out of my back. I didnt ask for this piece but he drew it one day and called me up saying he had a gift for me. Next thing I know I have a custom full back piece being being sized up and hours later the outline and much of the initial shading was done. I still have many hours to go but it gives me a great excuse to visit SF every now and then. He specializes in a lot of traditional, Japanese, and full color art.
2. Shawn Conn – The Ultimate Tattoo and Body Piercing – Rochester NY – Shawn is who Brian Wahl apprenticed under. This guy is extremely versatile. He specializes in black and grey, as well as human and animal portraiture. I am more than confident that anyone that goes to see this guy will leave loving the art on their body. Outside of being a phenomenal tattoo artist, Shawn is also a painter and has had work in many art shows around the globe. He is probably one of the highest awarded tattoo artist I have met and for good reason. He is definitely worth seeing if you are in Upstate NY anytime soon.
3. Jet DiProjetto – Love Hate Tattoo – Rochester NY – Another amazing artist out of Rochester, NY. Jet owns Love Hate Tattoo, the very shop I spent months in getting work done. Jet was actually the first person to tattoo me when I turn 18. The shop was about to close when i came in. I told Jet it was my birthday and I wanted to schedule an appointment. He said I couldnt leave the shop without getting my birthday tattoo that night. His willingness to stay late so I could get worked on really stood out in my head. I always felt welcomed into this shop by all the artist and have been worked on by many of them. Jet works on many of my friends from home and has a huge reputation as one of the most sought after artist in NY. Booking with Jet is a nice wait as he is normally booked 6 months out. He is one of the founders of the Rochester Tattoo Expo which brings in amazing artist from around the world and is always a big deal. He does amazing Japanese style work and his shop has been recognized as Best Tattoo Shop countless years in Rochester with many awards on the walls.
4. Aidan Monahan – FTW Tattoo – Oakland CA – I met Aidan through Brian Wahl. He was always a lively character in the tattoo shops. Our common love for music and my willingness to discover new artist always kept our tattoo sessions unique. A member of a band himself, we would crank the tunes and talk about shows while he did one of my favorite tattoos I have, Tom Servo from Mystery Science Theater 3000 on the inside of my right leg. He packs in color and always has a good story to tell while getting worked on. He does a lot of traditional style work and has amazing painting skills as well as my old house was full of painting he had given to my roommate at the time.
5. Krooked Ken – Black Anchor Tattoo – Denton Maryland – I met Krooked Ken at the Rochester Tattoo Expo and was blown away by him. While I havent been personally tattooed by him yet i had the pleasure of watching one of his sessions. He has a very old school style and his bold colors make for an amazing art piece. He is definitely a staple in the tattoo community. His willingness to give also impressed me. Ken holds annual fundraisers for March of Dimes. He usually sends out a mass email to other industry artist and get tremendous response from it. in 4 years they raised nearly $40,000 for such a great cause.
6. Brandon Bond – All or Nothing Tattoo – Smyrna GA – This guy is simply awesome. He is a master at dark art. A blend of creepy and beautiful. Almost scary. I saw a tattoo he did of the cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland that was so good. The colors pop and you just get a complete feeling out of all his work. Its well thought out and the pieces flow so well. A must if you are down south.
7. Oliver Peck- Elm Street Tattoo – Dallas TX – Oliver used to travel on the Van’s Warped Tour and you wouldnt think there would be a huge wait to get to this guy on a tour being in the sun all day. This guy set up shop in a custom trailer and put many hour in under the hot sun. Lot of traditional work come from this guy. He is worth every dollar you spend on him and I can’t say enough good things about him. Solid lines, bold colors, ton of style. Get to this guys shop and get pretty.
8. John Tieken – Last Days Tattoo – San Diego CA – I met John on one of those “I need a tattoo right now!” moments. I walked up and down a strip of about four different tattoo shops and he was the only artist that gave me the time of day. I wanted a brutal great white tattoo and he was more than willing to help make that a reality with such limited space available on my arm. Another artist with quick hands himself. I never felt like he was milking the clock or trying to make a quick buck. The shark came out amazing and I was stoked to learn I was one of the first few customers in a relatively new shop. We exchanged facebook contact and while we dont talk often, i see his post of recent work and they all come out amazing. If you are in the neighborhood definitely check this guy out.
Streaker Records Official
About the Author
Denise Borders 39, Los Angeles. Denise founded PWV in 2008 and remains the primary manager and photographer/videographer. She is not secretly obsessed with Joey Cape.
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