Richmond ranks third among America’s most tattooed cities, just behind Las Vegas and Miami. In this vibrant city, you’re never far from a quality tattoo shop.
The city boasts a rich selection of talented artists and renowned shops, each offering their unique styles. With such permanent artwork at stake, it’s crucial to thoroughly research and reflect on your desired design before making a commitment.
Whether you’re leaning towards old school, realism, colorful, traditional, or new school animation, Richmond’s artists can cater to any taste.
I spoke with some notable local artists to gain insight into their perspectives on tattooing and their personal styles. Mitchell Canter recently joined Heroes & Ghosts after spending two years on the road with the notorious Bam Margera. Canter shared, “Tattooing, I guess I’m more of a black and gray guy, but I also do a lot of color too. If you sum it up, mainly it’s details, whether it’s color or black and gray. It drives me crazy not to have all the little details and textures.”
He is known for his realistic style and meticulousness, ensuring each piece is as perfect as possible. Before settling at Heroes & Ghosts, Canter worked at what he calls ‘party shops’ like 212 Tattoo and Speakeasy Tattoo, both now closed.
“I’ve always been kind of at party shops, but I take it too seriously,” Canter explained. “I found [Heroes & Ghosts] and everyone here has families and is really into it, so I was like okay this where I need to be.”
Heroes & Ghosts is home to seven artists, each dedicated to their craft without adhering to a uniform style.
“If I don’t feel comfortable doing it, there’s someone upstairs that can,” Canter said, appreciating the collaborative environment at the shop.
Brian Bruno of Absolute Art, tattooing since 2006, is deeply experienced, especially in Gloucester where tattooing remained legal when it was banned elsewhere in Hampton Roads until 2001.
“I do mostly traditional Japanese style and traditional American style tattooing,” Bruno stated. He’s also collaborating with the VMFA on the upcoming ‘Japanese Tattoo: Perseverance, Art, and Tradition’ exhibition.
At Absolute Art, the focus is on tattoos that endure gracefully over time. “You can do thin outlines and that’s fine, but they have to have outlines,” Bruno remarked. “They have to have black shading, that’s the fundamentals of it.”
Salvation Tattoo Gallery, run by the artist couple Katie Davis and Fred Picknard, offers a variety of styles. “I do a lot of flowers, animals, illustrative, lots of color, things that I love,” Davis described her specialty. The shop prides itself on a traditional yet versatile approach.
Richmond’s tattoo scene is diverse, with each artist bringing their own flair. Whether you start by selecting a shop or a specific artist, doing your homework is key to a satisfying tattoo experience. In Richmond, you’re definitely in the right place for an exceptional tattoo.
