The United States has more artists in the 2026 SKINGRAPHICA® Global Artist Rankings than any other country. 29 of the world’s ranked artists work there, nearly 3 times as many as the next country, including 3 of the 10 in Black Ivy, the Global Top 10. New York City and greater Los Angeles lead with 10 each.
The methodHow the 2026 rankings were judged
An anonymous panel of inspectors spent more than 3 months reviewing a full year of fresh and healed work from artists on 4 continents, measured against 6 published criteria. Nobody can apply and nobody can pay. Every title lasts 12 months and must be earned again. Each list is alphabetical, so there is no number 1, only peers. Read the criteria and process.
Global Top 10Black Ivy, the 3 Americans in the Global Top 10
Black Ivy names the 10 finest tattoo artists in the world. 3 of them work in Los Angeles. See the full Black Ivy list.
GRAPHICALos Angeles and Southern California
Greater Los Angeles is home to 10 ranked artists, from black and grey realism to fine lettering and blue ink ceramic skin.
GRAPHICANew York City
New York City also has 10, with Garden Ink, L.O.V.E Machine and Monolith Studio each home to 2 ranked artists.
GRAPHICAThe Pacific Northwest
GRAPHICATexas
GRAPHICAAcross the rest of the country
The full GRAPHICA list has an inspector’s citation for every artist. Each name above links to the artist’s profile, with their studio, styles and how to find them.
Before you bookGetting the most from a top artist
Work at this level is booked months ahead, so the best thing you can bring to the appointment is skin in good condition. Start PRIME 21 days before to hydrate and smooth the canvas, then protect the first 14 days of healing with LOCK. Our guide to preparing for a tattoo covers the rest.
QuestionsThe best tattoo artists in the USA, answered
How were the best tattoo artists in the USA chosen?
By an anonymous panel of inspectors who reviewed a full year of fresh and healed work against 6 published criteria. Nobody can apply or pay, and every title must be earned again each year.
Who are the top 10 tattoo artists in the USA?
The rankings do not rank artists within a country. 3 artists based in the US are in Black Ivy, the Global Top 10, Steve Butcher, Oozy and PittaKKM. Another 26 are in GRAPHICA, the Global Top 100.
Which US city has the most top tattoo artists?
New York City and greater Los Angeles, with 10 ranked artists each in 2026.
How do I book one of these artists?
Each artist’s profile lists their studio and Instagram. Artists take bookings through their own studios, and SKINGRAPHICA® does not book on their behalf.
Can an artist pay or apply to be ranked?
No. There is no application, fee or commercial relationship that can put a name on the list or take it off.
The SKINGRAPHICA® Global Artist Rankings 2026 were published on 1 November 2026. Cities and studios are as listed on each artist’s profile. Artists who split their time between 2 cities are listed in their US city.
