Learn | Ink & Dagger Tattoo – tagged "Artists Spotlights"

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.

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...

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.

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...

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...

David Staniforth: Black & Gray Storytelling

David 'Stani' Staniforth brings over a decade of experience to his stunning black and gray tattoos, blending Renaissance-inspired artistry with modern precision. From lifelike portraits to sculptural florals, his work...

Cortney Norton: Deco-Rating Your Skin

Cortney Norton blends Art Deco elegance with natural-world subjects to create ornamental tattoos that feel both timeless and imaginative. Discover how her thoughtful approach and artistic precision set her work...

Robert Beeman: Realism Refined

Through black and grey realism and large-scale storytelling, Robert Beeman brings classical inspiration and thoughtful collaboration to every tattoo. Get to know the artist behind some of Ink & Dagger’s...

Mel Perlman: Not Your Garden-Variety Tattooing

Mel Perlman brings dreamy, nature-infused tattoos to life through her illustrative style, here’s a deeper look into her creations!

Michel Parisay: Keepin’ It Classic

Get to know Michel Parisay, your friendly neighborhood traditional tattooer.

Lilith Jacobs: Old-School Meets New Wave

Get to know our resident Neo-traditional artist, Lilith Jacobs!

Russ Abbott: Pushing Tattooing into the Future

Learn about Ink & Dagger’s fearless leader, Russ Abbott.

Traditional Framed Tattoos: An Interview with Craig Brock

We interview our resident artist Craig Brock about one of his signature project styles -traditional framed tattoos.

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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

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Brian Bennett

Illustrative, Japanese, Traditional, Neo-traditional, Cartoon

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Bryn Riihimaki

Traditional, Minimalism, Small Tattoos, Lettering

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Cortney Norton

Art Deco, Art Nouveau

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Craig Brock

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

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David Irizarry (Izzy)

Illustrative, Realism, Large-Scale

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David “Stani” Staniforth

Black & Gray, Realism

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Lilith Jacobs

Neo-traditional, Traditional, Black & Gray

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Mark Kalinskiy

Illustrative, Fine Line, Blackwork, Traditional

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Matt Perlman

Horror Black & Gray, Realism, Illustrative

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Mel Perlman

Illustrative, Blackwork, Pop Culture, Floral

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Michel Parisay

Black & Gray Traditional, Color Traditional

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Robert Beeman

Black & Gray Realism, Large-Scale

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Russ Abbott

Large-Scale, Illustrative, Ornamental

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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

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