Once considered as taboo, tattoos have come a long way in Malaysia, and many people have embraced the trend of expressing themselves through body art. Seeing someone all tatted up walking down the streets doesn’t seem that odd anymore. It’s easy to get a tattoo nowadays, now that more and more people are getting into the inked arts, but finding the right tattoo artist who can fully realize your vision could be a challenge.
Despite their rise in popularity and how common tattoos have become, getting one is still a big decision for many of us. That’s why research is KEY, so you can make a decision that you won’t regret. To make the process easier, we did some digging ourselves! Here are 8 talented local tattoo artists who you may or may not know of that you GOTTA check out:
Black Cat Tattoo Studio (@blackcatmy)
If you’ve been looking into tattoo studios, you’ve probably come across Black Cat’s Instagram account. Each of their eight artists has a distinct style, so you may be certain to discover someone that can assist you in best expressing yourself. You can either tell them about a design you had in mind, or let the artist create something for you, whether it’s tribal, portraiture, illustrative, or fine line. Opened in 2008, all of their artists have extensive experience, so rest assured that you’re in good hands.
Sanmao Handpoked (@sanmao_yiminpokes)
Yi Min, the woman behind Sanmao Handpoked, is well-known for her handpoke tattoos influenced by Chinese artwork. Hand-pokes are tattoos that are done by hand with a push needle and ink without the use of any machinery. The artist is particularly noted for her use of animal characters, as well as her innovative use of negative space to produce dynamic compositions that are a good starting point for beginners. Her handpoked tattoos are definitely the way to go if you want something dainty yet vibrant.
Lance (@lance_tattoo)
Blackwork tattoos have been on the rise lately, and they’re basically tattoos that include bold patterns, thick lines filled with black ink, and their use of negative space to create some really cool designs. Lance from 99% Tattoo is a Penang-based tattoo artist noted for his prison and blackwork tattoos. Bold, expressive, with some occasional dark undertones, his tattoos will make you stand out in the best way possible.
Theodora (@tatt00edslut)
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If we only had three words to describe her style, it’s: whimsical, dark, and meticulous. Theodore from Reggae Ink Tattoo Studio is the artist behind many intricate, dark and gothic blackwork tattoos that have us in awe. This is definitely someone you should look into if you’re looking to go all out. And of course, +10 brownie points for her Instagram handle.
Con Ele (@conlll)
Annie, otherwise known as Con Ele, is well-known for her blackwork and stippling tattoos. Her signature? Pet tattoos! Many pet owners have come to her for their beloved pals to be tattooed on their body in the distinct Con Ele style. Her unique and imaginative ideas are among the reasons why her work is so highly recognised in the community. She is regarded as one of the top female tattoo artists in Malaysia.
Joowei (@inkbyjoowei)
The women did NOT come to play today! Joowei from @inkystudjo is known for her lively art style, thanks to her expert skills in shading and creating dimension for her realistic tattoos. She also does abstract line art tattoos where she free-hands the design directly onto the skin. You can choose to design your own tattoo, or go for her contemporary flash tattoos.
Sugee (@sugeeepokes)
A tattooist by day, a toymaker by night. @sugeeepokes from PowPow Tattoo is another girlboss tattoo artist that you should check out. Her floral tattoos are among the most popular in her catalogue. Her expert skills in line work give a ton of details to her tattoos, while also keeping it clean and simple. She also does flash tattoos of cats, ducks, and other contemporary designs that will add an adorable touch to your look.
Chantek Tatu (@chantektatu)
Chantek Tatu definitely has some cantik tattoos! Making their debut last year, their tattoos have certainly caught some attention, most notably the warped-style tattoos done by artist @cheehui__. Besides, if you’re looking for something more old school, @c90s__‘s designs will definitely not disappoint. Based in Penang, you’ll likely feel a sense of nostalgia when you step into their studio, thanks to their old-timey interior design, resembling a beauty salon in the 80s.
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