I’ve had a very unconventional way of starting my tattoo career and getting to where I’m at now. With no formal apprenticeship, I’ve taught myself how to tattoo by studying professionals on YouTube and surrounding myself around talented artists that I can continue to learn from. I’m never satisfied and always trying to find ways to level up in the industry.

My beginning days started with me tattooing in my dorm room, mostly tattooing my college basketball teammates that seen my artwork from my classes. My major was business until switching to art my sophomore year. Always loved art, but I also wanted to open some sort of business. When I came home from school after graduating college, I started to take tattooing more seriously. Although I was working in my parent’s basement, I was saving up for a private studio which I got in February 2016. From there I expanded to a large private studio and now I have a multilevel tattoo shop, Gremlins Tattoo Lounge, that houses about 10-12 artists.

I love how tattooing has taken me around the world to show case my talent. Puts me in the same room as some of the most talented artists in the world! I also love how much clients embrace me and give me artistic freedom on their tattoos. They tell me all the time how many compliments they receive on the daily. Brings me joy. 

I love to do tattoo conventions with a travel group I put together with my fellow tattoo artist Jordan. Always competing for the tattoo contests and networking. I’m truly grateful and can’t wait to see what the future has in store.


Adriana (she/her) is an Award Winning Tattoo Artist known for her vibrant color work and highly detailed whimsical pieces on all skin tones. She developped a unique style incorporating realism and illustrative elements to create one of a kind tattoos, custom made to fit each client’s body and tailored to every skin tone. 

As a Queer and Body Positive Female Tattoo Artist, she loves how tattoos help people feel beautiful and reclaim their bodies after trauma which is why she particularly enjoys doing scar cover ups. 

Adriana and her wife Anna opened Evening Star Tattoo in Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY where she currently tattoos full time. Please sign up for her Mailing List through her website for all travel updates and last minute availability. 


Self Taught artist out of Los Angeles California. Specialize in Black & grey, anime as well as color.

Peace one and all, Ace here, originally from Belize, been living in Chicago since a teenager. Studied architecture and industrial design then transitioned into tattooing. Had a traditional tattoo apprenticeship. I’ve had 10yrs of experience tattooing realism and detail dense designs in melanated skin , perfecting the longevity of healed work and no keloid infections. Been on Black Ink Crew “Chicago” on special occasions. Also apart of the creatives community of Chicago. Let’s have some fun and make art, thanks for reading and doing your research. 

My name is Kayo, a professional tattoo artist with over a decade of experience in the industry. Born in Macon, Georgia, and raised in Fort Valley, my passion for art led me to the world of tattooing in 2010.
I specialize in realism and illustrative styles, as well as cover-ups that transform and elevate my clients expectations.
One of my greatest strengths is working with all skin types, including melanated skin, ensuring that every piece I create is rich in detail, vibrancy, and longevity. My mission is to push artistic boundaries and provide every client with a custom, high-quality tattoo that stands the test of time.
Whether you're looking for a bold new piece, a seamless cover-up, or an intricate design that enhances your natural canvas, I'm here to bring your vision to life. Let's create something unforgettable.

Katrina "Kat Tat" Collins is a multi-talented artist, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and reality TV star. She made history as the first African American woman to own a Beverly Hills tattoo studio, Enigma Tattoo. Kat rose to fame on VH1's "Black Ink Crew: Chicago," showcasing her remarkable skills. Specializing in black and grey tattoos, her versatile style spans from full color to photorealism. Celebrities and clients worldwide flock to her beautiful Beverly Hills studio for her sought-after work.

Rich always knew art would be the ship he would sail on but he had to find a way to get to the boat. As an accomplished athlete, Rich used sports to further his education and build his business. He attended Wagner College on an athletic scholarship and graduated with a B.A. in Fine Arts. He got to the boat. 
Sitting with clients for hours while he tattoos them has helped fuel Rich’s curiosity about the social impact his artwork has on people; noting that tattoo sessions in a sense have become therapeutic for many. ‘So many people experience similar problems and hardships, the only thing that differentiates them is how they express themselves.” Says Rich. No matter the medium, Rich’s creative approach is to generalize common issues and concerns that frequent his tattoo sessions. Drawing what seems fit from reality.

 I’m TJ Brown, a self-taught tattoo artist with nearly two decades of experience. Based in Chicago, I specialize in anime, pop culture, and portrait tattoos in both color and black & grey. I take pride in creating high-quality tattoos that look amazing on all skin tones, ensuring every piece is as bold and unique as the person wearing it. My goal is to build a community that values creativity, representation, and excellence in ink both in Chicago and beyond.


Versatile tattoo artist specializing in Black & Grey realism. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, bringing a creative and dynamic approach to every piece creating one of a kind tattoos. 

hey guys my name is inkbypnut. If you haven't heard of me I've been tattooing almost 2 decades. I specialize in anime tattoos and putting vibrant color on melanated skin. I don't all forms of pop culture including color realism and Black and gray ink the pop culture realm of course

NYC raised, Draya Penzo is an award winning, highly sought after Tattoo artist currently located in Virginia Beach. A natural born creative, besides tattooing, she is also an experienced painter, fashion designer/seamstress and digital designer. Her talents landed her a spot as a lead cast member on VH1's ''Black Ink Crew'' Season 6 and 7 in Chicago, as well as season 10 in NYC. She is well known for her ability to create realism tattoos that have a three dimensional feel as well as portraits that are seemingly life like. Her 15+ years in the tattoo Industry has made her a well rounded artist, comfortable in taking on many tattoo styles. 

My name is Brian Dancy. I've  been tattooing over 10 years. I’m located downtown Wayne Michigan 30 mins away from Detroit. I’ve done everything across the board with tattooing but found a love with doing pop culture and anime tattoos. 

I love color and a good cover-up challenge! I go by “the witchdoctor” since my art is a form of alternative healing! You can see me tattoo on Netflix - “Tattoo Redo” and I specialize in color on melanated skin. Follow more of my iconic tattoo moments on my IG @miryamlumpini ❤️

Dallas native, Kevin Laroy, is an award-winning celebrity tattoo artist, TV Personality and fashion forerunner who is widely-known for his appearance on Season 8 of VH1's Ink Master, seasons 5 & 6 break-out star for Black Ink Crew NYC and MTV's 'Just Tattoo Of Us' (USA).
Notorious for his photo-realistic portraits and pop-culture inspired pieces, Kevin has almost two decades of tattoo experience under his belt. He's rapidly emerging as a prominent personality & figure of the Black and LGBT community. Kevin's latest project includes him as cast of the very first season of ‘Black Ink Los Angeles’ 2023.

As an African American, most of Oba’s art was African American themed until about the age of 20, because of the limitations he placed on himself as an artist. Work and time dedicated to family did not allow for Oba to continue concentrated paintings. Oba then ventured into photography, digital arts and editing because it was a quicker medium to express his art. Oba continued his career and explored his interest in fashion and has since created and studied fashion & design.
Within three years, he was able to focus on his identity an artist, and how to integrate high fashion into art with graphics and photography. Around this that time, Oba was really able to find his voice as an artist, placing emphasis and value on finishing, presence and quality. Inspired by artists such as Salvador Dali, John Galliano and Karl Lagerfeld, Oba has a hard time giving his art a description as he feels it always grows from a new thought. “Creativity is one of those fleeting things; like a breeze. If you don‘t catch when it comes, you will miss it. Trust inspired thought.”

Born in California, raised in Arizona, I grew up drawing for as long as I can remember. A random phone call started my journey into the tattoo industry. And while I didn’t start with the intention I have now, the transformation I’ve had in my life through my journey is something I appreciate and shapes my future. I look forward to working with alll who are interested in collaborating and connecting with me!

My name is Kenneth J. Or Ken for short. I’m 31. My whole like is pretty much centered around art. I want to know it all 

var _virtual_index=state.title;return _virtual_index

Text

A carefully curated list of top artists specializing in melanated skin, selected by Kevin Laroy, an accomplished artist and trusted expert in the tattoo industry.

Top Artists Specializing in Melanated Skin

About the List

About Kevin Laroy

Artist Application

About the List

About Kevin Laroy

Erick Satchell II

Adriana Hallow

Deshay Jones

Ace Of Zenith

Kayo “Kaytovenn” Hall

Kat Tat

Richard "Made Rich" Parker

TJ Brown

Kilo Grams

Pnut No EA

Draya Penzo

Brian Dancy

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