The Joy of Anticipation – Travel and Tattoos

While we all await the reopening of societies, borders and air travel, there is nothing wrong with dreaming of future trips – and future tattoos. Studies have shown that anticipation is one of the happiest parts of a travel journey. And as any tattoo lover knows, planning for the next piece with your artist and counting the days in the calendar until the appointment can also be exhilarating and full of expectation. 

With that in mind, and in the effort of sparking some much-needed anticipatory joy (as January 1st 2021 did not turn out to be a panacea for the world’s woes we had all hoped), let’s take a look at some of the most unique tattoo studios around the world – so that you can begin planning for your next epic adventure. Because we will never take traveling for granted again, right, so we might as well get the pieces to remember our journeys by.

Caio Tattoo, Rio

Caio Tattoo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has been around for 40 years, making it the oldest official tattoo studio in the country. It also says it is the eight oldest in the world. Located in Arpoador between the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, it does not get much more Brazilian tattoo iconic history than that.

Angel Art, Bangkok

Angel Art Tattoo Studio, Bangkok, Thailand, is where Mr Tung does each of his original tattoos freehand directly on the body. Now many a Thailand traveler has come back with a piece of ink that may not be as legendary as the beaches and sunset, but if you make it in with Mr Tung, you can come home with definite memories to show off for a life-time. “Your concept, my style,” is his slogan.

Shanghai Tattoo, Shanghai

Shanghai Tattoo, Shanghai, China, is frequently mentioned as the megapolis’ top tattoo studio. Even though it was only established in 2007, its owner and founder, Zhuo Dan Ting’s pieces have been featured in Adidas commercials, Inked Magazine and CNN GO, among other media outlets.

While China’s ‘Queen of Tattoos’ herself is currently busy establishing Ms Ting’s Shanghai Tattoo outlet in Folsom, California, there are plenty of other incredible artists to provide you with anything from traditional Chinese brushwork and watercolours to vibrant lucky cats and sacred geometry. 

InkInk and Shamrock Social Club, Los Angeles

Speaking of California, Los Angeles is not exactly devoid of tattoo studios. One that stands out from the rest is InkInk Tattoo in Venice – female owned since 1995 and populated by only female artists. And, of course, there is the iconic Shamrock Social Club by Mark Mahoney, the site of many a celebrity piece of body art – including Madonna’s very first just before the end of the year. 

Didn’t cover your dream destination? Don’t worry, we will be back with more iconic floor space shortly. And remember that you always have world-class artists at home right here with Vivid Ink, no need for a plane ticket, and still taking bookings for later in the year!