Marisa DiMattia's Guide to Getting Inked in LA
Marisa DiMattia is the ultimate go-to source for all things tattoo. The globe-trotting New York lawyer and writer is co-founder and editor of Needled.com, which includes videos, photo galleries, and a forthcoming online community for tattoo aficionados. The Needled blog offers a daily record of tattoo culture ranging from news and events to artist profiles and reviews. This modern Greek goddess sports full sleeves, an elaborate backpiece, and much more. Most of her tattoos are custom blackwork done by her husband, acclaimed blackwork tattoo specialist Daniel DiMattia of Calypso Tattoo. Marisa keeps busy developing Needled, consulting for international law firms, and helping run Calypso with Dan. Somehow she found the time to put together her ultimate guide to getting inked in Los Angeles. While she could have included many more (Mister Cartoon is missing, solely because of his rapper and rock star-filled waiting list), here are 10 of Marisa DiMattia's top tattoo shops in LA.
Vintage Tattoo Art Parlour
5115 York Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90042
(323) 254-6733
If you long for the days when tattoo parlors were staffed with bikers and brawlers, and not art school hipsters, Vintage Tattoo will take you old school. It's a place … where you can get a good story from Baba or Tennessee Dave along with a good tattoo as long as they don't think you're an ass. Speaking of, you'll find a bunch of naked butts, guns and a listing of Bab's favorite porn stars on their website, but take these guys seriously. Baba is one of the best letterers in the country, and Tennessee Dave was needling skin when most of today's tattooists were in diapers. [link]
Art & Soul Tattoo
2604 S Robertson Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 202-7203
[link]
Manifest Tattoo
E 7th St & S Los Angeles St
Los Angeles, CA 90014
This brand, spanking new atelier by the tattoo wunderkid Nathan Kostechko is as difficult to find as it is to pronounce his name, but once you set up your appointment, … you get the address, directions, and one fabulously executed tattoo. Even with just four years of tattooing, Nathan is making a name for himself with his new school style. Comedian Margaret Cho jokes that she has tattoos older than Nathan but still praises the work he did on her half sleeve. Catch this rising star before his popularity leads to a long wait list. [link]
Black Wave Tattoo
118 S La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 932-1900
[link]
Sunset Strip Tattoo
7524 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 874-4596
[link]
Tattoo Lounge
12206 Venice Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 391-5181
Formerly Tabu Tattoo, artist Swag and his wife Patti revamped this West LA parlor last year, but kept the most important facet of the studio: stellar tattooing. In … addition to Swag's impressive portfolio, the Tattoo Lounge is home to Bugs, one of today's tattoo rock stars known for his truly unique, impressive works influenced by cubism. International guest artists are also the studio's draw. Recently, Shige of Yellow Blaze in Japan offered locals an opportunity to get masterful Japanese irezumi without traveling across the Pacific. [link]
Zulu Tattoo
165 S Crescent Heights Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 782-9977
[link]
Tattoo Room
17728 Chatsworth St
Granada Hills, CA 91344
(818) 832-0100
You can't just walk through the door of this custom, appointment-only studio and get tattooed, but the work of Robert Atkinson and Danielle Oberosler is worth the wait. … Robert's portfolio is renowned for his modern interpretation of Japanese tattooing, achieving a true harmony with the body. Danielle rocks the portraits, pin-ups, and photorealistic work in general. Both have won numerous awards, earning them a rep worldwide. As an added treat, Rick Walters also comes in on Saturdays to work on clients. [link]
Spotlight Tattoo
5859 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 871-1084
[link]
Shamrock Social Club
9026 W Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 271-9664
[link]
