“We worked hard to get to where we’re at,” says tattooist Kevin Mokuahi. “It’s the quality of our work that has given us our reputation.” And it’s true. Located off a major road between Waikiki and North Shore, the TNT shop is not in the most tourist-driven area, but its steady client base (primarily military and surfers) proves it’s worth the drive. Everyone from Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E. to ’N Sync and Sugar Ray’s Mark McGrath have been inked here. Mokuahi has been tattooing for more than 12 years and takes the work seriously, from apprenticeship to culture. “The fi rst thing we do with apprentices is give them books on tattoo artists. How do you want to put a tattoo on someone when you don’t even know where the craft came ... Feature Story

“No one knew who I was when I moved to Hawaii,” says Mike Ledger. “I really had to work my way up from nothing again.” Originally from Farmingdale, New York, Ledger went from having a three-year waiting list to starting from scratch. “I had to prove myself and get accepted by the locals in Hawaii,” he remembers. Now he’s back to a waiting list. Inspired by his grandfather who had a full body suit, Ledger began his apprenticeship at 16 and has been inking for almost 20 years. His specialty (thanks to Granddaddy) is large-scale body suits, mostly Asian-inspired, and the occasional portrait work and photo-realism. Mike Ledger Tattoo resembles an upscale gallery setting, as Ledger’s paintings decorate the walls, creating an ambience that’s less tattoo parlor and more modern ... Feature Story

When owner Robert Hackney opened A Tiki Tattoo, it effortlessly blended right in with colorful Waikiki. Unlike many of the tattoo parlors on the island, A Tiki embraces island lifestyle with its laid-back, open atmosphere and friendly staff. The shop feels like a tropical oasis complete with bamboo light decor and paneling. With more than 30 years experience, Hackney plans on making A Tiki Tattoo a household name. Each of the five full-time tattooists (three born and raised in Hawaii) brings in his own clientele, whether locals, tourists, or celebs such as Reverend Horton Heat, Mike Ness of Social Distortion, and members of Alice in Chains. With diverse backgrounds, their focus is versatile, ranging from realism to old school Polynesian. “It’s a good place for people visiting Hawaii—they can bring ... Feature Story

Perfection Tattoo is definitely a custom shop. Located in Central Austin, and surrounded by an eclectic residential area, Perfection was opened in 1978 by Bob Moreau. Moreau passed the shop to his student Dave Lum, who then passed it to Chris Treviño, the current owner, in 1992. Treviño, known worldwide as Horimana, has garnered a well-deserved reputation for his amazing, full-body Japanese work. “For the most part, our clientele is looking for larger scale tattoos, serious tattoos,” says artist Carlos Truan. “Every week there are people flying in from all over the world to get tattooed by Treviño. It keeps things serious and interesting.” Staffed with four tattooers, the shop also attracts guest artists, both from the states and abroad. The shop has an impressive tattoo art collection hanging on ... Feature Story

Smack in the middle of the Red River District, glows the cool neon of True Blue Tattoo. Founded by the late Vanessa Alvarez, this two-fl oor ex-carriage house (the first floor is for tattooing; the second fl oor, known as “Glory Hole,” is strictly for piercings) is home to nine full-time tattoo artists and three piercers. The shop can get slammed on the weekends due to the foot traffic out on busy Sixth Street. “We get our fair share of walk-ins who want tattoos from the flash on the walls,” says artist Jose Palacios. “But a lot the flash here is drawn by our artists, and most of our customers expect us to draw custom pieces for them.” Due to its location, True Blue is open until 2 a.m. on ... Feature Story