12 More Tattoo Artists You Need to Follow on Instagram

After this long movie season year, we are long overdue for a movie-break! I've taken a hiatus from talking about story and cinematography and film tropes to indulge in another one of my passions: Tattoos. The last few years have been full of sessions to expand my own collection (I'll be posting something about my newest piece as soon as I can get some decent pictures!), but more than anything, finding new artists with styles to drool over take up much of my leisure, online surfing time.

I've shared some personal favorites on Through the Reels before (check out a list of 15 Artists here and 10 More Artists here if you haven't seen them), and there are so many more that have consumed me with need—particularly a need to save up enough money to get tattoos from them all! My current obsession is blackwork pieces; you'll see plenty of incredible ones below!

So once again, here are my very personal recommendations for ink-tastic artists to liven up your Instagram feeds, with 12 More Tattoo Artists You Need to Follow on Instagram:

(NOTE: all images via each artist's Instagram pages, I do not claim ownership of these)

1. Bicem Sinik

Located: private studio (Istanbul, Turkey)

Why I Love Her: Described once by Bored Panda as the Turkish Dr. Woo (who hasn't been featured on these lists simply because he's so popular), Bicem creates intricate designs with the finest of needles. Her work is whimsical, and her dot and line work give me a longing feeling in the pit of my gut. I knew I always wanted to pay a visit to Istanbul.

10 More Tattoo Artists You Need to Follow on Instagram

It was less than 6 months ago that I posted a list of the 15 Tattoo Artists You Need to Follow on Instagram, and you guys devoured it! It quickly became my most viewed post, and continues to get hits every day. So I would be remiss if I didn't share my newest ink-master finds with you all, since I know you're as obsessed with looking at stunning tattoo portfolios as I am!

Like last time, I can't help but share with you as many of the best female tattoo artists gracing my social media feeds that I can find, and this time, they make up 80% of the list! Without further delay, here are 10 More Tattoo Artists You Need to Follow on Instagram:

(NOTE: all images via each artist's Instagram pages, I do not claim ownership of these)

1. Katie Shocrylas

Located: Rain City Tattoo (Vancouver, BC)

Why I Love Her: My my my... to describe Katie's tattoos would never do them justice. They are vivid, complex, and bursting with a kaleidoscope of color. While I've seen richly colored tattoos before, I've never seen anything this vibrant. The variety alone is enough to drop my jaw, but add on top of that her affinity for geometric animal portraits or wildlife, and it's settled: she's my new favorite artist. And I'm not alone! Recently she's been spending time tattooing with the gorgeous ladies at Megan Massacre's shop, Grit'n'Glory in NYC, which is sure to garner her plenty of attention, making her one of the hottest tattoo-tickets in the country. I'm trying to get on her waiting list already...
Official Website

A Tattoo Bouquet for Summer

After two weeks of posting nothing but movie reviews, it seemed time on this pre-holiday Friday to post a little something personal. I like to pretend that I have a good deal of self-restraint, but sometimes it comes down to the fact that, when you're itching for something new, you have to go for it. My self-imposed "hiatus from tattoos" at the end of last year lasted for approximately 5 months, and a few weeks back, I found myself exactly where I told you I would be. Back in my hometown, at an incredible, budding shop called Fura Body Works, I enlisted the brilliant Lawrence Edwards to design for me a bundle of the prettiest flowers I ever did see. Remember, I mentioned him in my 15 Tattoo Artists to Follow list?

I don't even know where to begin, this guy is so talented, and he gets better with every tattoo he does. I feel honored to have a custom piece on my body forever.

Not much more to say than that. A stunning tattoo just in time for summer that I could not be more excited about—the way it wraps, the whip shading... the perfect start to an (eventual) half sleeve. A floral bouquet of peonies, bull thistles, and pussy willows. Here are some pictures from the 4½-hour session, courtesy of my very patient sister. Final two pictures courtesy Lawrence Edwards.

Conception Drawing

Final Version

15 Tattoo Artists You Need to Follow on Instagram

I may have sworn myself off of tattoos for at least a year (okay, I've adjusted my thinking... make that until at least June), but that doesn't mean that I don't spend my nights—and mornings, lunch and bathroom breaks!—drooling over incredible pieces of art from an array of remarkable tattoo artists out there.

So that means that, for the time being, I thought it befitting to share a few of my favorite tattoo artists with you. In a world where Instagram must be a total game-changer for artists (what a great way to distribute your online portfolio!), it is also a life-changer for anyone interested in getting a tattoo, but have no idea where to begin finding someone to do it. Even if you just delight in flipping through your Instagram every day, here are a few tattooers who will surely brighten your feed!

(NOTE: all images via each artist's Instagram pages)

1. Rachel Hauer

Located: East River Tattoo (Brooklyn)

Why I Love Her: Aside from the fact that she's, well... a woman (over half of the artists on this list are!), no one does black and gray flowers quite like her. Her art is detailed to a dizzying degree, and I obsess over each picture she posts. My favorite on this list. If you live in Brooklyn, I envy your proximity.

Geometric Tattoo

I understand now why people say tattoos are addictive. Sure, I knew what all my friends told me about how I'd get hooked, but I didn't experience it that way for a long time. Maybe something happens that moment you get your first large piece. The rest of your skin seems sort of... empty by comparison. It took me many years to commit to getting my "lady" piece (read about the outline here and the coloring here)... but it took about 5 minutes to commit to getting the next one.

Before flying to Cleveland for the holidays, John and I went back to Fura Body Works while visiting my family in the Bay Area. This time, he was getting inked too! And for the first time. Very exciting. Finally, he gets to celebrate his love of math, right there on his arms! I loved getting tattooed back to back, and now he truly understands that "irritating pain" I tried to describe to him before.

I'd been craving a geometric design on my left arm for awhile now. I just didn't have an exact design in mind! I love tattooer Kiki Burghardt's work, and when she posted the Navajo-inspired sketch with some of her 'flash' art last month, that's all it took! It came out beautifully (love the dot work!) and even though it's still healing, I'm completely enamored.

Now, I'm gonna try to cut myself off from tattoos are a little while. With such precious 'body real estate' left, one shouldn't be too hasty, right? Yeah. Right. We'll see how long I can stay away. In the meantime, I'll just have to scour Instagram for new artists to obsess over. I'm working on a list now of some of my favorites to share with you all, but for now, here are a few pics from our recent tattoo session adventure. xx

Tattooed Lady: Color Me In

A huge Thanksgiving feast wasn't the only thing I experienced this past holiday weekend. The time had come to pay a visit to my favorite tattoo artist, Marie Scherping! My lady outline was set to be colored in on Saturday, and unlike last time, I didn't feel one twinge of nerves.

I'd certainly gotten used to the outline. Once it had healed up, I couldn't have been more proud to show her off. That little inkling in the back of mind was saying, "Maybe you shouldn't color her in... wouldn't she look nice this way forever?" But the weekend before the holiday, I looked down and thought: Nope. It's time. She just didn't feel complete anymore.

I settled in at Fura Body Works with John in tow, visited during the session by Stacy and my friend Cassie. I love that the shop is located in my home town. So many friends still live in the area, and it's no challenge to make an appointment, or even get there! Marie is certainly my go-to lady tattooer, but the shop is full of talented artists whose art I would proudly display. But one thing at a time, amirite?









Don't let my calm and focused expression fool you. This was one painful session. Teeth were gritted and fists were clenched. It being only my 3rd tattoo sitting ever, it was the first time I'd had color done--and it is a drastically different experience! (Everyone out there who has tattoos all simultaneously yelled "Duh!" I have no doubt.)

After all the excess ink and ointment was wiped away, I took a long look at the final piece. It was... shocking, the difference. All of a sudden, she had come to life. The eyes, the lips, the hair... everything was so expertly shaded, I couldn't believe it. My little lady was staring back at me, all flushed and beaming.

I'm still getting used to it, honestly. It feels like a completely different tattoo than the one I had before, which of course is jarring. In a way, it is! The colors are so vibrant, I get distracted every time I glance downwards. A good kind of distracted. ;)

I honestly can't wait to get my next one... it may happen sooner than you'd think!

Outline of a Tattooed Lady

This past weekend feels like kismet. On Friday, I was at work in Los Angeles, and by Saturday at lunch, I was sitting down for an exhilarating tattoo session in the suburbs of San Francisco. It was a blur.

Two weeks ago, my sister shot me a message, instructing me to check out this tattoo artist, Marie Scherping. I spent hours scouring her Instagram... her original drawings, her line work, the coloring—I was floored. Immediately, I sent her a rambling email with all my dream specs, and was resigned to not hearing back for months. By the next morning, I woke up not only to a response, but to an initial sketch!

A week later, I made my appointment with her shop in Castro Valley, CA (my hometown!), Fura Body Works. I was accompanied by Stacy and my mom (who was adorably fascinated by the whole process—"It's so sanitary!" she whispered.) Stacy photographed everything, from start to finish. Now, two weeks after reaching out for a consultation, I'm typing this update, happily distracted my the new ink on my arm.

I'm grateful for Marie's professionalism and expertise in helping create this art with me. I can't recommend her enough as an artist and tattooer, and I'm proud to have had a lovely woman like her design and gift me with something that I'll carry forever.

It's only been three days, and I'm already hearing what I'm sure I'll hear for the rest of my life: "Who is she?" The answer is, she doesn't represent any one person; she just embodies what I love: 1940s glamour and women with a soft, but sexy, presence. The bedroom eyes are also a personal favorite. Partially inspired by the late Lauren Bacall, she is honestly my vision of the perfect woman.

Here are some pictures from my session, getting the full black outline. Color and shading session is scheduled for next month, so I'm going to enjoy it like this while it lasts.

{design & tattoo by Marie Scherping @ Fura Body Works; top and bottom images property of Through the Reels; other images courtesy of The Sleepy Peach}

Paint Me a Lady

Lately, one thing that has been endlessly on my mind is tattoos. Beautiful and fine-lined.

I got my first one back in winter 2011. It's small, just black lines on my left wrist, that form my sister's name: Stacy (she has my name on her right wrist, fyi—go twins!)

Since then, I've been obsessing over what my next piece would be: the bust of a classic, 40's-style woman; flowing hair, colorful flowers, and a sultry, bedroom-eye gaze. I could see it so clearly... yet still had no idea what she would really look like.

I love classic pin-up tattoos, and always wanted my own take on one. There is something so stunning about a lady in full glam, and considering my vision, I knew I couldn't just walk into any parlor, pick any artist, and sit down in their chair expecting perfection. It's taken almost 3 years, but my wait is finally over. With the help of my sister, I found an artist that speaks to everything I could have ever imagined, and then some.

This weekend, I make a quick trek back up north to the Bay, where I will finally—finally—make my vision a reality.

For a second tattoo, I'm nervous about how big it will be. But I have no hesitation. In fact, I can't barely contain myself! Next week, I hope to share with you more details about the who, what, and where of it all. Until then, wish me luck!

Have a wonderful weekend, all! xx

{vintage image of 50's tattoo enthusiast, Pam Nash, adding to her extensive body art - via The Daily Mail}