Tyler Abner is a tattoo artist based in Cincinnati, Ohio, specializing in traditional tattooing with a focus on vibrant color as well as intricate black-and-grey work. Passionate about creating beautiful tattoos, Tyler enjoys designing timeless, aesthetic pieces such as roses, women, birds, and butterflies etc.. His work blends classic techniques with a modern touch, always aimed at capturing the unique beauty of each design. Tyler’s approach is rooted in craftsmanship, with a dedication to delivering high-quality, personalized tattoos that stand the test of time.


Jason is a Portland-based tattoo artist with a rich background of global experience. After years of traveling and working across South America, Europe, Scandinavia, and Nepal, he spent five years living and tattooing in Costa Rica. 

Specializing in large-scale tattoos, Jason is known for creating designs that complement and flow with the natural contours of the body. His work spans a range of styles, from traditional Japanese-inspired pieces to bold blackwork designs, often blending elements of both.

Adam Gibson is a Los Angeles based artist with 15 years experience. With a traditional tattoo upbringing he has worked in shops for half his life now, blending Americana and south western imagery, with outlaw biker, and queer flamboyance to his designs. Whether it’s a one shot tattoo or large scale work his style shows through his work in both black and grey or his distinct color palate. Although home base is LA, you can find him tattooing in the western US or in his international travels. His aim is to give you a laid back yet professional experience from the moment you walk through the door. Looking forward to tattooing you and thanks kindly.

I got my bearings tattooing here in the Bay Area over 10 years ago. I spent a few years working in NYC and in Denver, CO before settling back home in the North Bay Area. I've liked what I like since long before I got to tattoo for a living: Strong, bold tattoos. I have also always worked in walk in shops, so I believe that versatility is a must in the profession of tattooing. 

San Francisco Bay Area native, Ross grew up with an obsession for drawing as a child which turned into a serious obsession for Graffiti.   Ross received a BFA in printmaking from CCA in Oakland in 2001.   That same year he had begun his first tattoo while apprenticing under Theo Mindell of Spider Murphy’s in San Rafael Ca.   Ross has worked at various shops from Los Angeles to Santa Rosa and landed permanently in San Francisco at Idle Hand Tattoo.  Through the world of Tattooing, He has traveled throughout many parts of the world doing short guest spots tattooing at shops, as well as countless tattoo conventions and made long lasting friendships with artists and clients alike.   

My name is rich, I am a tattooist from the United Kingdom now residing in New haven CT USA. I specialise in traditional tattooing, particularly large scale tapestry style traditional using western and eastern themes.

Rose Hardy is an acclaimed tattoo and ceramic artist known for her distinctive decorative aesthetic. She was born in New Zealand and has become a prominent figure in the art world, dividing her time between Los Angeles and New York.

Rose's work has garnered global recognition, having been showcased at notable galleries such as Summer Set House in London, Galerie Arts Factory in Paris and Outre Gallery in Melbourne. 

Rose is also featured on television shows such as "Tattoo Redo" on Netflix, "Ink Master" on Paramount, and "Tattoo Artist of the Year" on E4. 

In 2019, Rose founded Tenderthorn Studios, a ceramics company that specializes in porcelain and 22-karat gold. The studio creates exquisite home decor and beautiful objects inspired by antique aesthetics, with a modern sensibility. Rose's passion for sculpture and design is evident in her work, as she crafts modern heirlooms that blend timeless elegance with contemporary artistry.

Tanner Ramsey is a tattoo artist based in Los Angeles, known for his unique blend of traditional black and grey tattooing with an avant-garde edge. Specializing in strong, timeless designs, Tanner pushes the boundaries of tattoo art by integrating elements from abstract painters and folk artists into his work. His approach fuses subjects and imagery in innovative ways, creating pieces that feel traditional with contemporary expression. With a commitment to artistic integrity and an eye for detail, Tanner's tattoos reflect his ongoing exploration of style, form, and drive to grow.

A handpicked list of bold, timeless artists that Austin Maples personally knows and trusts to deliver exceptional tattoos.

Top Traditional Tattoo Artists

CURATED BY AUSTIN MAPLES

About the List

About Austin Maples

Artist Application

CURATED BY AUSTIN MAPLES

About the List

About Austin Maples

Tyler Abner

Jason Tyler Grace

Adam Gibson

Nick Paine

Ross K. Jones

Rich Hadley

Rose Hardy

Tanner Ramsey

Artist Application

Representation in Tattooing—Kevin Laroy and the Artists Leading the Way

The Beauty of Floral and Botanical Tattoos

10 3D Tattoo Artists You Should Know

The Roots and Aesthetics of Cybersigilism Tattoos

8 Cybersigilism Tattoo Artists You Should Know

The Aesthetics and Themes of Traditional Tattoos

Contemporary Hyperrealism: 3D Tattoos

Tribal Tattoos and Influence

11 Engraving Tattoo Artists You Should Know

Ruben Barahona: Crafting Dark Realism and Horror Tattoos in the Heart of NYC