On our cover, we have the phenomenal Sydney Dyer, whose single needle style captivated audiences on Ink Master Season 15. Her delicate precision and unique approach to tattooing have set a new standard in the industry.

Inside, we shine a light on the visionaries of the tattoo scene. From Raigen Curtis’s dark art-infused neo-traditional designs to Amir Husky’s vibrant New School creations, and Evin Pfaff’s bold color explorations in Neo-Traditional art. We delve into Mattia Calvin’s deconstructed aesthetics, Melek Tastekin’s color realism, Nazar Stadnichuk’s emotive blackwork, and Samuel Potucek’s fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques.

Adding to the wealth of knowledge, Rob Smead from Electrum provides insider tips on tattoo sponsorships in his must-read article, “Crack the Code.” And not to be missed is our Studio Spotlight, featuring the creative sanctuary of Momento Tattoos.

Each page of this issue is a celebration of the artists and their craft, the stories behind the tattoos, and the vibrant community that supports them. Join us on this journey of discovery and passion in the world of tattooing.

Dive into pages brimming with the latest trends, artist spotlights, and in-depth discussions that resonate with tattoo enthusiasts and professionals alike. From the delicate dotwork of Elvira Garnyk to the striking dark surrealism of Miguel Wom, this issue is a celebration of talent and creativity. Moreover, in this edition, we’re tackling the controversial topic of gatekeeping within the tattoo community, offering insights that spark conversation and reflection.

As we embrace this new chapter of publishing more frequently, our goal remains to connect, inspire, and inform our readers through the most compelling stories and visuals from the tattoo world. Join us in this exciting transition and let’s continue to celebrate the art and individuals that make the tattoo community a vibrant tapestry of creativity and passion. Welcome to the Spring 2024 issue of Skin & Ink Magazine—here’s to exploring new horizons together.

We traverse the globe, from Medellín’s Hernan Yepes (@hernanyepes_art) with his black-and-grey masterpieces to the serene Icelandic landscapes, showcasing artists’ rich diversity and creativity.

Meet Colombia’s Hernan Yepes, a Medellín native renowned for his black-and-grey art, captivating over 99,000 followers. Russia’s Stepan Negur (@stepannegur) combines the organic with the mechanical in his biomechanical designs, while Poland’s Lukasz Plumbaum (@lukasz_plumbaum_tattoo) from Gdańsk impresses with lifelike portraits and geometric patterns.

In Ohio, Ron Newman (@rdragoneye09) of Empire Ink tells stories through ink, mastering various tattoo styles. California’s Jenny Vo Nguyen (@heytherejenny) brightens the industry with anime-inspired tattoos. Paris’s RiON (@r_i_o_n) offers unique, quirky designs at Chez Mémé. Philadelphia’s Shannon Gamerl (@stampygoblyn) energizes with Old School and Neo-Traditional tattoos, and Houston’s Yaniel Mieres (@mierestattoo) displays his realism expertise.

S&I Issue #324 also highlights Iceland’s thriving tattoo scene amidst its dramatic landscapes. Join us in celebrating these extraordinary artists, where each page of Skin & Ink Magazine showcases the boundless creativity and skill of tattoo artists worldwide.

Step into a world where ink transcends imagination in shades of black & gray. Join us as we spotlight masterminds who breathe life into shadows, crafting enigmatic blackwork tattoos that captivate the soul.

Meet Simone Covallero, a realism virtuoso capturing light & shadow with breathtaking precision. Enter Francesco Bianco’s dark fantasy realm, where beauty resides within the shadows.

Experience Jake Ross’s intricate black & gray creations that transcend reality, & dive into the surreal visions of MV, conjuring creatures from the depths of imagination.

Immerse in Laura A. Gil’s enigmatic characters & journey with NNGMTT through Milan’s inked stories. Witness Felipe Santo’s realism emotions & be awed by Konrad Krajda’s intricate black ink artistry.

Each artist’s journey & style form a symphony of creativity, redefining ink & skin. Captivating, inspiring, & profound—the Fall 2023 Special Edition is here to captivate your senses.

FEATURING:
Covallero – @simonecovallero_tattoo
Francesco Bianco – @f_bianco_
Jake Ross – @jakerosstattoos
Alisson Sanches – @alissonsanches1
Ro:Kyeom – @rokyeom_
Vitaly Morozov – @mvtattoo
J. Felipe Santo S. – @felipexsanto
9Rukim – @9rukim
Ossian Staraj – @ossianstarajtattoo
Laura A. Gil – @valkiriart__
Matteo Nangeroni – @matteonangeroni
Konrad Krajda – @konradkrajdaart

Our cover girl, the one and only Heidi Lavon, ain’t just another pretty face. She’s a walking, talking, living work of art. She’s a tattooed Valkyrie, a warrior queen of ink, strutting her stuff with a kind of raw, unapologetic badassery that’ll make you want to stand up and salute.

We’re taking you on a whirlwind tour of the tattoo world, from the neon-lit parlors of Seoul to the sun-soaked studios of Lake Elsinore. We’re shining a spotlight on the mad scientists of the tattoo world, like Jurgis Mikalauskas, Jon Leighton, and Peter Hilgers. These ain’t your average Joe Schmoes with a tattoo gun; these are the mavericks, the trailblazers, the ink-slinging outlaws who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with a needle and some ink.

But hold onto your hats, because we’re also taking a detour into the shadowy corners of the ink world. Enter Egon Weissberger, the dark lord of black and grey realism, whose tattoos are a chillingly beautiful journey into the heart of darkness. Then there’s Sagae, the flow design wizard, whose tattoos are a psychedelic trip down the rabbit hole. And let’s not forget Amanda Graves, the glitter tattoo queen who’s adding a whole new level of sparkle to the tattoo game.

So, whether you’re a grizzled ink veteran or a fresh-faced newbie, this issue is a wild, no-holds-barred romp through the limitless potential of tattoo art. It’s a celebration of the rebels, the outlaws, the dreamers who are redefining the world of ink, one tattoo at a time.

So, grab a beer, kick back, and let the pages of this issue take you on a journey you won’t forget. Here’s to a summer of ink, inspiration, and the kind of creativity that makes the world a more colorful place.

Ink on, you beautiful bastards!