Image via Complex Original
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Photo sharing has become ubiquitous: Facebook, tumblr, Pinterest...the list could go on. But unlike some of the other crowded platforms, Instagram, while just as crowded, makes it fairly easy to find and follow people who are into the same stuff you are by searching hashtags and geotags.
Last week, we gave you a list of 10 artists and photographers to follow on Instagram, and today, we're getting a little more specific. There are a ton of talented tattoo artists out there, but here are 10 Tattoo Artists You Should Follow On Instagram. You can creep on their latest work, check out the artwork and scenery that inspires them, and who knows, maybe you'll see a pic that will inspire your next tattoo.
Nikko Hurtado
Nikko Hurtado
Handle: nikkohurtado
Followers: 14,677
Why you should follow: Hurtado is a master of color portrait tattoos. His feed is the best way to catch up on his latest work. Also expect flicks of statues and paintings that inspire him, and before-and-after photos of his clients’ tattoos.
thomas hooper
Thomas Hooper
Handle: thomas_hooper
Followers: 7,148
Why You Should Follow: The Saved Tattoo artist and editor at Sang Bleu posts pics of his wildly intricate work, with his signature geometric shapes and meticulous patterns…They seriously might hypnotize you.
Sang Bleu
Sang Bleu
Handle: sangbleu
Followers: 1,325
Why You Should Follow: This account belongs to Sang Bleu magazine founder (and tattoo artist, and designer) Maxime. You’ll find tons of photos of Maxime’s geometric work as well as photos of architecture, skylines, magazines, sketches and gallery works. For those interested in style and high fashion, you'll occassionally get brilliant snaps in that vein too.
Dan Smith
Dan Smith
Handle: dansmithism
Followers: 16.965
Why you should follow: This guy has one of those instagram pages where the viewer can really get a sense of his life and inspiration. His page includes photos of his work, he and his chick, beautiful scenery, and quite a few close-ups of dope patterns he finds in carpets, coats, food and artwork.
BJ Betts
BJ Betts
Handle: bjbetts
Followers: 3,551
Why You Should Follow: You can get your artwork and shoe pic fix in one place. BJ has a real sneaker fetish and is a type and lettering titan. Expect lots of dark script and incredible portraits, as well as weird photos of teeth, Pendleton coats, and shoe shots. Don't forget to check out the Complex Guide to Tattoos (lettering and portrait) with BJ either.
Kim Saigh
Kim Saigh
Handle: ksaigh
Followers: 1,623
Why you should follow: Besides being the only woman on the list, the former LA Ink tattoo artist posts photos of anything that catches her eye, from creepy old baby dolls to taxidermy to herself in some pretty amazing yoga poses. Her work speaks for itself but there's other good stuff you'll want to see.
Luke Wessman
Luke Wessman
Handle: lukewessman
Followers: 2,884
Why you should follow him: The NY Ink artist’s page is full of a pretty substantial archive of his work as well as photos of him with customers and friends out and about in NYC. Statues, signage, concerts, shoes…pretty much his life, in pictures.
Rick Walters
Rick Walters
Handle: rickwalters
Followers: 843
Why you should follow: Rick Walters is a legend. He did his first tattoo in 1955, so there are people walking around with tattoos from him that are older than you and maybe even your parents. Besides being an O.G. and having an awesome beard, he also posts pics of his work, sketches, and tats in progress.
Tim Hendricks
Tim Hendricks
Handle: timhendricks
Followers: 13,588
Why you should follow: Tim has plenty of photos of his colorful work and lots of shots of his colorful arsenal of inks. He also regularly posts flicks of his neighborhood and tattoos in progress. Everything is pretty engrossing.
Eric Marcinizyn
Eric Marcinizyn
Handle: ericmarcinizyn
Followers: 31
Why You Should Follow: He just got the iPhone, is new to instagram, and while we're not worried about his followers stacking up anytime now, the more the merrier, right? Plus, this is a great excuse to remind you about our excellent interview with Eric.