The 5 most famous tattoo parlors in Los Angeles

Open seven days a week, this custom tattoo studio specializes in American traditional tattoos (their well-written blog even explains the history and meaning of many traditional tattoos). If you want an old-school panther or any kind of traditional sailor tattoo, this is the place to go.

Founded in 1999 by Craig Jackman, who is famous for his portrait work and his sense of humor, this popular tattoo parlor recently moved to Silver Lake. From old-school traditional to single-needle portraits, they are proficient in every style and open seven days a week.

This is a charming spot – a tattoo parlor where you might have a cup of tea. Among the many talented artists working here is Marco Cerretelli, who trained beneath Maurizio Fiorini, the Italian tattoo master. Cerretelli is known for his ‘girl heads’, and black and gray neo-traditionalism.

Opened in 1995 by Karina Mayorga, this small and bright space is one of the oldest female-owned tattoo studios in the US and has an all-women staff of artists. Mayorga’s work is highly regarded; she especially likes doing black and gray portraits.

Mark Mahoney, the proprietor of this studio, is a legend and one of the most important tattoo artists in the world. His idiosyncratic career makes for lots of good stories, and his style is singular. Good luck trying to book him, though; his list of clients is long and includes many celebrities.