Learn | Ink & Dagger Tattoo

Detailed color tattoo of ornamental scrollwork and a geometric star pattern along a client's side and ribs

Tattoo Stories,
Guides & Artist Insights.

An editorial archive from the floor of Ink & Dagger — tattoo education, artist features, client stories, and creative inspiration. Read by collectors and first-timers alike.

Liam Connolly: Classic Ink, Modern Collector

Liam Connolly - Client of the Month For some collectors, every tattoo is planned years in advance. For others, the best pieces come from trusting the process and allowing the...

Brian French Brings Bold Color Realism to Ink & Dagger — And He’s Coming Back!

Ink & Dagger had the pleasure of welcoming color realism tattoo artist Brian French for his first guest spot at the studio. During his week with us, Brian stayed busy...

Chad Barker: A Story That Evolves

Chad Barker - Client of the Month: For May’s Client of the Month, we talk with Chad Barker, who’s sleeve became a deeply personal collaboration between him and tattoo artist...

One Shot Wall 2026: Our Biggest One Yet!

This year’s One Shot Wall brought together artists, collectors, friends, vendors, and tattoo lovers from all over for one of the biggest events we’ve ever hosted at Ink & Dagger...

Like Father, Like Sleeve: Getting Tattooed by Russ Abbott

For most people, a first tattoo is a milestone. For Jonah Abbott, it was something more: a deeply personal rite of passage, and a way to carry a piece of...

Jenna Eddy-Loving: Ink, Identity, & Family Tradition

Jenna Eddy-Loving Client of the Month: This client has built a collection that spans styles, subjects, and meaningful moments in her life. From sentimental tributes to family traditions, every piece...

Urban Astronauts: Space & Time Themed Sleeve Concepts from David “Stani” Stanforth

Urban Astronauts is a cinematic collection of black and grey sleeves featuring a sole astronaut weightlessly floating above various modern cityscapes. It is surreal, modern, and deeply introspective. By blending...

Sacred Realism: Religious Sleeve Concepts from David “Stani” Stanforth

Known for his mastery of black and grey realism, David “Stani” Stanforth brings classical religious iconography into a modern tattoo format through these deeply symbolic outer sleeve concepts. Each design...

Mark Kalinskiy: For the Bold Minimalist

Modern black and gray with a strong backbone. Mark Kalinskiy blends American, European, and Japanese traditional foundations with crisp linework and stippled shading that feels subtle but hits hard.

Rob Phillips: Joining the Circus

Rob Phillips Client of the Month: Circus themes, traditional frames, and a client who came ready to commit. Rob Phillips’ leg sleeve with Craig Brock is a project we won’t...

Brian Bennett: For the Love of Tattooing

Brian Bennett’s approach to tattooing is all about solid fundamentals, bold contrast, and real connection. From traditional Japanese and neo-traditional to comics and cartoons, his work is built to last...

Amber Grey: Blackwork with Heart

Meet Amber Grey , whose tattoos are like yin and yang—strong and soft, clean and chaotic. Her trademark is detailed stippling and a touch of whimsy inspired by the world...

Luis Hinestroza: Old-World Craft, Modern Tattooing

Luis Hinestroza’s tattoos look like they could’ve been etched by an old-world printmaker—but they live on skin instead of paper. Inspired by classic engraving, Luis blends precision, depth, and storytelling...

Shelton Thomas: Fellowship of the Sleeve

Shelton Thomas Client of the Month: From his first One Shot Wall tattoo to a full sleeve packed with pop culture references, Shelton’s journey with Robert Beeman shows how shared...

David “Izzy” Irizarry: Bold and Brilliant Art

David “Izzy” Irizarry turns bold ideas into amazing tattoos. From dramatic large-scale pieces to custom designs packed with personality, he blends styles, stories, and inspiration to make every tattoo truly...

Ian Carey: First Tattoo to Fierce Collector

Ian Carey Client of the Month: From his first Motörhead tattoo on Christmas Eve to a collection of bold, traditional-inspired pieces by Michel Parisay and Lilith Jacobs. Ian Carey’s journey...

Load more stories

THE TEAM

A hive of creativity.

Housing as many as 15 resident artists and a flow of talented guest artists, Ink & Dagger is a hive of creativity. We host regular "Art Nights" to sharpen our skills and share creative methods. Every individual, from our artists to our support team, led by the incredible Harrison Knolle, plays a pivotal role in ensuring our studio is a beacon of artistry and impeccable service.

Amber Grey

Blackwork, Ornamental, Floral, Fine Line

Quick view →

Brian Bennett

Illustrative, Japanese, Traditional, Neo-traditional, Cartoon

Quick view →

Bryn Riihimaki

Traditional, Minimalism, Small Tattoos, Lettering

Quick view →

Cortney Norton

Art Deco, Art Nouveau

Quick view →

Craig Brock

Illustrative, Ornamental, Black & Gray, Traditional, Neo-traditional

Quick view →

David Irizarry (Izzy)

Illustrative, Realism, Large-Scale

Quick view →

David “Stani” Staniforth

Black & Gray, Realism

Quick view →

Lilith Jacobs

Neo-traditional, Traditional, Black & Gray

Quick view →

Mark Kalinskiy

Illustrative, Fine Line, Blackwork, Traditional

Quick view →

Matt Perlman

Horror Black & Gray, Realism, Illustrative

Quick view →

Mel Perlman

Illustrative, Blackwork, Pop Culture, Floral

Quick view →

Michel Parisay

Black & Gray Traditional, Color Traditional

Quick view →

Robert Beeman

Black & Gray Realism, Large-Scale

Quick view →

Russ Abbott

Large-Scale, Illustrative, Ornamental

Quick view →

What our clients say

The staff and artists here are incredibly friendly and professional, and really make an effort to make sure clients have a great experience.
Starting with my consultation, I walked in with a simple concept, and Stani really took the time to discuss my idea, and he came up with an initial design, completely transforming it into a beautiful realism piece.
Stani is an incredible artist, and I highly recommend him if you are looking for a black and grey realism tattoo. Thank you, Stani and everyone at Ink & Dagger for an awesome experience!

Deanna Lenore

I have been tattooed many times at Ink and Dagger and I highly recommend this location. I have been getting tattooed by Mel Perlman for the past year, and it's been such an amazing experience that I already have 5 of her tattoos. Three of her fabulous flash and two custom tattoos. She is currently designing a sleeve that flows through the four seasons. She did part 1 recently and completely knocked it out of the park. I couldn't be happier. I highly recommend checking out her flash or inquiring about a custom tattoo. Not only is she a great artist, she is a wonderful person to chat with while you are getting your tattoo!

Elizabeth Williams

I have now gotten three pieces done at this shop by the incredible Lilith Jacobs. All three have turned out incredible and I cannot say enough good things about Lilith. She is an absolute artist and if you want a piece, I highly recommend her.
The staff as a whole, from the front desk to the management to the other artists are a joy to interact with. The decor is amazing and feels like a space where artists are free to be themselves. Make sure you schedule for when they're playing the entire Shrek 2 soundtrack for extra special ambiance.

Eamon Frawley

Mel did a brilliant job on my cover up!! You would never expect there to be a tattoo under this one. The detail is gorgeous. I am beyond thrilled!!

Mel was very easy to discuss ideas with. She sent the initial design a week before my appointment. I really appreciated the time to think about it and make adjustments before our session.

The salon was clean and welcoming.
I loved the vibe.

Alice Wunderlund

Get the scoop without following us on social media.

Stay in the loop! As a subscriber, you’ll be the first to hear about fresh talent joining our team and exclusive community events. Get the scoop straight to your inbox.