Los Angeles - Who are the best artists in town?

[jacobhh]

I just moved to the LA area was hoping to compile a list of the best tattooers in town. There seems to be a lot of west coasters around here so I thought this would be a good place to ask. I am mostly looking for American traditional (more traditional the better) but am also a big fan of Mr. X style black work. Let me know if this is in the wrong category. Thanks!

[irezumi]

I can't believe people are asking questions like this.

[Kev]

LA is huge, but I guess your ready to drive if you live there ;)

First thing that came to mind was Spotlight http://spotlighttattoo.com/

The Shamrock Social Club http://www.shamrocktattoo.com/index2.html

Then NORM/ Will Rise: http://www.normwillrise.com/studio/

[TrixieFaux]

You might also want to look into: Dark Horse, The Original True Tattoo, Unbreakable, Memoir...

[Lochlan]

Lots of good artist especially the guys at DarkHorse!

[Avery Taylor]

Gold Rush, GoodTime Charlie's

[CultExciter]

Ever hear of Bob Roberts?

[jacobhh]

I can't believe people are asking questions like this.

Please excuse my ignorance...

Yes I know about Spotlight, Gold Rush, Dark Horse, and stuff like that, I was just looking for maybe some lesser known shops because there seem to be literally 100s out here.

[hogg]

Please excuse my ignorance...

Yes I know about Spotlight, Gold Rush, Dark Horse, and stuff like that, I was just looking for maybe some lesser known shops because there seem to be literally 100s out here.

If you already know about those shops--for my money, some of the best shops anywhere for traditional--then I wouldn't worry too much about lesser-known shops. Because you're right: there are hundreds of them in LA.

[lving4today]

Psh, being that close to some awesome shops yet looking for lesser known??! Please trade me locations.

[Joe Shit]

I was in LA a few years ago,and i should have gone to Spotlight just to check it out.I'll have to go next time.

Some of these shops are south of LA.

Evermore Tattoo Los Angeles | Home

THE DOLOROSA TATTOO CO 2010

San Clemente Tattoo*|*San Clemente, CA – Orange County's premiere custom tattoo shop with professional, experienced tattoo artists.San Clemente Tattoo*|*

ALCHEMY TATTOO

Yer Cheat'n Heart Tattoo - Gardena, Ca. - Hermosa Beach, Ca.

Brian Taylor Custom Tattooing

http://www.facebook.com/SeaGypsy31

[Joe Shit]

Port City Tattoo

Outer Limits Tattoo And Body Piercing - Long Beach - Anaheim - Costa Mesa - Orange - California

Fine Tattoo Work - Home

DrePerales.com, tattoos

Body Electric Tattoo | Home

Freak Chic Tattoo

Broken Art Tattoo

[kylegrey]

@jacobhh Second Lucky Bastard at Fine Tattoo as big joe said , or if your looking for Mr X like black work hit up

his co-worker Maxime Buechi who guests in L.A.

[WGDRMZwylie]

spotlight and dark horse. hit up grant cobb at spotlight. they also recently got bubba reeves call him. or if your trying to get one of the best girl heads go to adam warmerdam at dark horse

[kylegrey]

Thomas Morgan is re-building a shop in Huntington Beach , HB Tattoo

Thomas Morgan | Facebook

[suburbanxcore]

Anyone know of the likelihood of a good walk in shop in LA? Obviously there are some killer shops, but I'm not 100% sure how my trip is going to go. I know Dark Horse and Spotlight etc are great, but I don't know about availability. I'll probably call as it gets closer, but trying to get a little guidance first. I'll be flying out in February.

[suburbanxcore]

Good to know. Sometimes you have these ideas about shops as hard to get into, but it turns out wait lists aren't bad or walk ins are plentiful. And sometimes it's the opposite. Haha. Just figured I'd see if anyone had experience. Thanks, @daveborjes.

[Graeme]

Good to know. Sometimes you have these ideas about shops as hard to get into, but it turns out wait lists aren't bad or walk ins are plentiful. And sometimes it's the opposite. Haha. Just figured I'd see if anyone had experience. Thanks, @daveborjes.

For what it's worth, I saw a video interview with Bob Roberts somewhere and he said that you can usually get tattooed by him with a couple of weeks notice. I don't have any first hand experience with him, so take that as you will, because the internet, but I wouldn't assume that it's necessarily difficult to get tattooed at these shops. Never hurts to call and see.

[Colored Guy]

I had checked out the LA tattoo scene in 2010 and was blown away by the amount of good shops that were everywhere. Looking at people on the street, traditional style was really alive and doing well.