Whether it’s to inspire your next ink or to feed your curiosity over celebrity tattoos, here are the celebrity tattoo artists you should be knowing.

Inking has long use as a form of artistic expression. From navigating thorny societal quandaries to being an integral part of popular culture – a celebrated way of self-expression and artistry throughout the world, tattoos have come a long way since the 20th century. Celebrities have played a massive role in de-stigmatising tattoos and portraying them as a form of art and a proxy for being perceived as ‘cool’. Who are the celebrity tattoo artists making waves?

Tattoo art is the flagbearer of contemporary self-expression with a piece of history that breathes life into the very skin of the person who is inked. A tattoo can represent anything you want — a rebellion, a beacon of hope, a reminder to yourself, a call to action or anything you are comfortable getting on your skin permanently.

Celebrity tattoo artists who have inked it big

1. Celebrity tattoo artists in US: Keith ‘Bang Bang’ McCurdy

Keith ‘Bang Bang’ McCurdy, a New York-based tattoo artist. With humble beginnings, trying to make ends meet from his mother’s tiny apartment in Delaware, USA,. The ink master worked his way up to become one of the most sought-after celebrity tattoo artists.

Keith has since inked the likes of Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Rita Ora, Cara Delevingne and other famous celebrities.

Prices start from US$600 per session, but Keith’s NYC studio charges its customers depending on the size, shape, design and location of the tattoo.

2. Celebrity tattoo artists in US: Kat Von D

Born in 1982, celebrity tattoo artist, makeup mogul and entrepreneur, Katherine Von Drachenberg, aka Kat Von D, dropped out of high school and began tattooing at the tender age of 16. Kat was born in a conservative family of church missionaries in Mexico, who moved to Loma Linda, California, when she was 6 years old.

Inspired and driven by her love for music, art and makeup, Kat Von D decided to invest her time fully in the path of tattoo artistry. She is now a big name in Hollywood and the beauty industry. Credit for this goes to her wildly popular 2007 reality TV show, LA Ink, her exclusive and waiting-list driven tattoo studio, High Voltage Tattoo, her makeup empire and her controversial tête-à-têtes with other famous celebrities and YouTube personalities.

Kat Von D has displayed her stunning handiwork on celebrities like Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Margaret Cho, and Eve. With a net worth of a whopping USD 20 million. Kat’s tattoo studio charges USD 200 on a per-hour basis for basic tattoo designs. She is said to have stopped accepting tattoo requests owing to the overflowing list of clients already on her wait-list.

3. Mark Mahoney

Mark Mahoney is one of the most influential and respected celebrity tattoo artists in the world. He is the owner of one of the most iconic tattoo shops in Hollywood, Shamrock Social Club.

With a career spanning over 40 years, California-based Mark Mahoney has inked massive names. He is often seen at his West Hollywood tattoo studio shop working his magic on high-profile clients.

He has amassed a fortune of US$6 million till now. Mark charges USD 500 – USD 1000 per hour for his time and work.

4. Jonathan ‘JonBoy’ Valena

Jonathan ‘JonBoy’ Valena is one of the most in-demand tattoo artists in the USA.

Apart from the life-changing tattoo he created for Hailey Bieber, he has etched his signature discrete yet compelling art.

Valena demands USD 1000 to USD 3500 from his clientele for his fine-line, delicate and inconspicuous handiwork. His net worth stands at a formidable USD 1.5 million.

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