Who Are the Best Tattoo Artists in Nashville? A Straight-Up Guide
Looking for the best tattoo artist in Nashville TN? Meet the Skin Design Tattoos team—Jake Ingersoll, Dan Bostic, and more. Book your free consultation.
Nashville has become one of the most competitive tattoo markets in the country.
That’s not an accident. The city draws a constant influx of new residents—younger, creative, with disposable income and strong opinions about quality. The tourism economy brings a different kind of client: visitors who want to mark the trip with something lasting, or who’ve been planning a session with a specific artist for months before their flight.
Add in a growing local collector base and a cultural identity built around artistry, music, and self-expression, and you have a city that demands a higher standard from its tattoo studios than most markets do.
Skin Design Tattoo’s Downtown Nashville studio meets that standard. This guide introduces the Nashville artist roster—who each person is, what they specialize in, and which client type they’re the right match for.
John Wick realism tattoo sleeve by Skin Design Tattoos’ resident artist in Nashville. Check out his work and text ‘JAKE’ to book a free consultation on a custom design of your own.
Key Takeaways
✓ Nashville is a high-value, competitive tattoo market—artist selection matters more than ever |
✓ Skin Design Tattoos Nashville is located in Downtown Nashville with the same quality standard as the flagship Las Vegas studio |
✓ Jake Ingersoll is the featured Nashville resident artist, specializing in black and grey and color illustrative realism—movies, anime, comics, video games |
✓ Jake has been tattooing professionally since 2005 and brings two decades of craft to every piece |
✓ Dan Bostic is a skilled new addition to the Nashville roster with 20 years of tattooing experience and versatile style range |
✓ Storm Lynn is an apprentice under Jake Ingersoll—ideal for clients wanting fine line, nature-inspired, or illustrative work at a more accessible price point |
✓ Robert Pho, SDT founder with 35+ years of experience, is available for select Nashville sessions |
✓ Free consultations are available—the right starting point for every client |
✓ Financing through Affirm and Klarna is available for larger work |
Why Nashville Is One of the Most Demanding Tattoo Markets in the South
The old assumption about regional tattoo markets was that the coasts set the standard and everywhere else followed. Nashville has quietly made that assumption obsolete.
The city’s combination of tourism, transplant population, and a deeply embedded creative culture has produced a client base that researches artists the same way serious collectors do in New York or Los Angeles. They look for healed work. They read reviews across platforms. They follow artists on Instagram for months before booking. They care about the consultation process.
That’s the market Skin Design Tattoos Nashville is built for. Not the walk-in tourist impulse. Not the cheapest option on Broadway. The client who wants to leave the studio in two weeks—or two years—with something they’re genuinely proud of.
Skin Design Tattoos Nashville: The Studio
Skin Design Tattoo Nashville is located in the heart of Downtown Nashville, positioned as part of a studio network that includes Las Vegas, New York, Honolulu, Orange County, and Caesars Palace.
The Nashville studio operates with the same standards as the flagship: sterile environment, professional process, free consultations, and artists selected for their specific skill rather than general availability. This is not a walk-in shop designed to move as many clients through the door as possible. It’s a studio built around outcomes.
Contact: 702-297-6079 | skindesigntattoos.com/locations/nashville-tattoo/
The Best Tattoo Artists in Nashville at Skin Design Tattoos
Here’s a detailed look at each artist on the Nashville roster—their background, their specialties, and who they’re the right match for.
Jake Ingersoll — Black and Grey & Color Illustrative Realism (Featured Artist)
Jake Ingersoll Black & Grey · Color Illustrative Realism 📍 Nashville, TN — Resident Artist | Instagram: @jakeingersoll_sdt Jake Ingersoll has been tattooing professionally since 2005—which means he brings two decades of craft to every piece he creates. In a market full of artists still developing their fundamentals, that depth shows. Jake specializes in black and grey and color illustrative realism, with a particular strength in pop culture-inspired work: movies, anime, comics, and video games. His ability to take a concept rooted in visual storytelling—a character, a scene, a moment from film—and translate it into a tattoo that holds its compositional integrity on a body is what separates him from artists who can render a likeness but can’t design a piece. Jake is known for professionalism, meaningful client relationships, and an approach to tattooing that prioritizes storytelling as much as technical execution. He is the primary resident artist at Skin Design Tattoos Nashville and the mentor to apprentice Storm Lynn. View portfolio: skindesigntattoos.com/artists/jake-ingersoll/ |
Who should book with Jake: Anyone looking for illustrative or pop culture-inspired work in black and grey or color—especially clients who want a piece rooted in a film, animated series, comic, or video game universe and need an artist who understands how to build compositional narrative into a tattoo. Also the right choice for anyone building a larger sleeve or multi-piece project who wants a long-term artist relationship with someone who has the depth to plan across sessions.
Text ‘JAKE’ to 702-297-6079 or book at skindesigntattoos.com/tattoo-consultation/
Jake, our resident Nashville tattoo artist, at the 2025 Golden State Tattoo Expo
Dan Bostic — Realism, Color, Traditional, Versatile Custom Work
Dan Bostic Realism · Color · Traditional · Versatile Custom 📍 Nashville, TN — Resident Artist | Instagram: @danbostic_tattoos Dan Bostic has been tattooing since 2005—also bringing two decades of experience to the Nashville studio. Welcomed to Skin Design Tattoos Nashville and personally endorsed by Robert Pho, Dan’s portfolio demonstrates a versatile range that spans color realism, traditional, black and grey, and large-scale custom compositions. Portfolio: contact studio for access |
Who should book with Dan: Clients with versatile visions—particularly those wanting color realism, traditional bold work, or large-scale compositions. His range means he’s a strong option when someone isn’t locked into a single style and wants an artist with the experience to advise on what approach will serve their concept best. As a newer addition to the Nashville roster, he’s currently one of the best opportunities for clients who want senior-level skill with more scheduling flexibility.
Text ‘DAN’ to 702-297-6079 to inquire about availability.
Storm Lynn — Fine Line, Nature-Inspired, Illustrative (Apprentice Under Jake Ingersoll)
Storm Lynn Fine Line · Nature-Inspired · Illustrative · Expanding into Color 📍 Nashville, TN — Apprentice | Instagram: @inked_by_storm_sdt Storm Lynn is an apprentice at Skin Design Tattoos Nashville, working under the direct mentorship of Jake Ingersoll and the studio’s broader team. Her portfolio (@inked_by_storm_sdt) shows a clear fine line foundation: delicate botanical work, butterfly and nature motifs, illustrative black line pieces, and intricate small-scale designs. Portfolio: contact studio for access |
Who should book with Storm: Clients looking for fine line work, delicate nature-inspired designs, small-to-medium illustrative pieces, or anyone who wants to access Skin Design Tattoos’ environment and mentorship structure at a more affordable price point. Also a smart option for clients who want to build a relationship with an artist early in their career—Storm’s trajectory, under Jake’s mentorship, is one to watch.
Note on pricing: Storm’s rates are more accessible than the senior artists. If you’re budget-conscious but want to be tattooed within the Skin Design Tattoos ecosystem—with the quality oversight and studio environment that comes with it—Storm is the right conversation to start.
Text ‘STORM’ to 702-297-6079 or book via inkquiries.com/storm
Robert Pho — Founder, Large-Scale Realism (Select Nashville Sessions)
Robert Pho Realism · Black & Grey · Color · Large-Scale Custom 📍 Las Vegas NV · Nashville TN · SoHo NY · Honolulu HI | Instagram: @robert_pho Robert Pho founded Skin Design Tattoo in 1989 and has been tattooing for over 35 years. He is the reason the studio’s standard exists in the form it does across all seven locations. His work has been featured in the LA Times, FOX 5, Skin Magazine, and Rebel Ink, and he is recognized internationally as one of the premier realism tattoo artists in the world. Robert visits Nashville for select sessions—availability is limited and should be pursued by clients with serious large-scale projects in mind. If you’re planning a major piece and want the most experienced artist on the roster, this is the booking to prioritize. View portfolio: skindesigntattoos.com/artists/pho-robert-artist/ |
Full-back piece done by Las Vegas & OC tattoo artist Robert Pho—text us at 702-297-6079 to make your vision a reality
Who should book with Robert: Collectors with significant work in mind—large-scale realism, full back pieces, complex multi-session compositions. His Nashville availability is limited; begin the consultation process early.
Contact 702-297-6079 to inquire about Nashville availability.
How to Choose the Right Nashville Artist for Your Tattoo
The profiles above give you the specifics. Here’s how to map them to your situation.
If you want pop culture, anime, movie, or comic-inspired work
Jake Ingersoll is your artist. His two decades of experience with illustrative realism—combined with his specific fluency in storytelling-driven design—makes him Nashville’s strongest option for this category. This is not a niche style for him. It’s his primary area of focus.
If you want color realism, bold traditional, or versatile custom work
Dan Bostic is the match. His range is one of his strongest assets—he can advise on which approach will serve your concept best rather than steering you toward what’s convenient for him. His portfolio shows he executes across styles at a consistently high level.
If you want fine line, botanical, or delicate illustrative work
Storm Lynn. Her portfolio is built around exactly this—detailed, precise, fine line nature and illustrative work. And her pricing makes quality fine line work genuinely accessible without leaving the Skin Design Tattoos environment.
If you're building a serious long-term project
Jake Ingersoll for multi-session illustrative or pop culture compositions, or Dan Bostic for versatile large-scale work. Both have the experience to plan across sessions and build a piece that works as a unified whole rather than a collection of individual tattoos placed near each other.
If you're budget-conscious but want quality and proper mentorship
Storm Lynn is the answer. Being tattooed under Jake Ingersoll’s mentorship within the Skin Design structure—in a sterile, professional studio with proper consultation and aftercare—at a more accessible price point is a genuinely good deal. Fine line and illustrative work is what she does best right now, and she’s doing it well.
Nashville as a Tattoo Destination: What You Need to Know
The Market Has Matured Faster Than Most People Realize
Nashville’s tattoo market isn’t where it was five years ago. The city’s growth—both in permanent population and in tourism volume—has created a client base with elevated expectations. The average Nashville tattoo client in 2026 is doing their research. They’re not walking into the nearest shop on Lower Broadway and picking off the flash wall.
Studios that have raised their standard to meet that shift are thriving. Studios that haven’t are losing clients to the ones that have. Skin Design Tattoos entered the Nashville market specifically because it saw a city ready for a world-class studio.
Downtown Nashville's Creative Energy
The studio’s Downtown location isn’t incidental. Nashville’s creative community—its musicians, artists, writers, and the people who move here because of them—clusters downtown and in the surrounding neighborhoods. Being embedded in that community means the studio sees the kind of client who thinks carefully about their tattoos before they book, who has references, who wants a conversation before a deposit.
Visitors and Bachelorette Tourism
Nashville is one of the top bachelorette and group-visit destinations in the country. That brings a steady stream of clients who want a tattoo as part of their trip—and who range from first-timers getting something small to experienced collectors who planned a session well in advance of their visit.
All of the Nashville artists can accommodate visitor clients. If you’re planning a Nashville trip and want to book a session, contact the studio well before your arrival date—especially if you want to book with Jake or Dan, whose calendars fill up.
What to Expect When You Book at Skin Design Tattoos Nashville
Free Consultation
Every booking starts with a consultation, not a deposit. You’ll connect with the right artist for your vision, review references together, confirm placement and sizing, and leave with a clear sense of what your tattoo will look like. Consultations are free. Book at skindesigntattoos.com/tattoo-consultation/ or text 702-297-6079.
Custom Design
Your artist develops a piece specific to your body and your brief. Not a stock design with your name on it—work built for you. This is where the consultation pays off: the more clarity you bring to that conversation, the better the design that comes out of it.
Your Session
The studio is professional, clean, and built for focused work. Topical anesthesia is available for clients who want to minimize discomfort—ask about this during your consultation. For longer sessions, the studio accommodates breaks.
Aftercare
Before you leave, your artist walks you through aftercare specific to your piece. Follow what your artist tells you—not generic internet advice. Nashville’s climate is manageable for healing, but sun protection is important year-round once the piece is healed.
Financing
Flexible financing is available through Affirm and Klarna, with plans up to 24 months and options starting at 0% APR. For larger projects, don’t let timing stop you from getting the piece you actually want. Details at skindesigntattoos.com/financing/
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best tattoo artist in Nashville TN?
It depends on your style. For black and grey and color illustrative realism—especially pop culture, movie, anime, and comic-inspired work—Jake Ingersoll, with 20 years of experience, is the standout at Skin Design Tattoos Nashville. For color realism, traditional, and versatile custom work, Dan Bostic brings the same depth of experience with a broader style range. For fine line, botanical, and delicate illustrative work at a more accessible price point, apprentice Storm Lynn—mentored directly by Jake—is doing excellent work. Robert Pho, the founder with 35+ years of experience, is available for select Nashville sessions for serious large-scale projects.
Where is Skin Design Tattoos Nashville located?
Skin Design Tattoos Nashville is located in Downtown Nashville. For the current address and hours, visit skindesigntattoos.com/locations/nashville-tattoo/ or contact the studio at 702-297-6079.
How do I book a session at Skin Design Tattoos Nashville?
Text 702-297-6079 or visit skindesigntattoos.com/tattoo-consultation/ to book a free consultation. You can also text the artist’s name directly—JAKE, DAN, or STORM—to 702-297-6079 to be connected with that specific artist. Apprentice Storm Lynn also has a booking link at inkquiries.com/storm.
What is Jake Ingersoll's specialty?
Jake specializes in black and grey and color illustrative realism, with a particular focus on pop culture-inspired designs: movies, anime, comics, and video games. He has been tattooing professionally since 2005. His work is built around visual storytelling—taking a concept rooted in a narrative and translating it into a tattoo with genuine compositional integrity. View his portfolio at skindesigntattoos.com/artists/jake-ingersoll/
Who is Dan Bostic and what does he tattoo?
Dan Bostic is a skilled tattoo artist with 20 years of experience who joined Skin Design Tattoos Nashville in 2025, endorsed by founder Robert Pho. His work covers color realism, traditional, black and grey, and large-scale custom compositions. His portfolio (@danbostic_tattoos on Instagram) reflects a versatile range executed at a consistently high level. He’s currently one of the better-available appointments on the Nashville roster for clients who want senior-level skill and flexibility in scheduling.
What does Storm Lynn tattoo and how much does it cost?
Storm Lynn is an apprentice at Skin Design Tattoos Nashville, working under Jake Ingersoll’s direct mentorship. Her specialty is fine line, nature-inspired, and illustrative work—delicate botanical designs, butterfly and nature motifs, small-to-medium illustrative pieces. She is expanding into color work. Her rates are more accessible than the senior artists on the roster, making her an excellent option for clients who want Skin Design quality and oversight at a more affordable price point. Book via inkquiries.com/storm or text STORM to 702-297-6079.
Do I need an appointment or can I walk in?
Walk-ins are welcome depending on artist availability. For custom work with any of the artists, a consultation and booked appointment are strongly recommended. Jake Ingersoll and Dan Bostic typically have fuller calendars and advance booking is advisable. Storm Lynn may have more flexibility for shorter sessions.
What tattoo styles are available in Nashville at Skin Design Tattoos?
The Nashville roster covers black and grey realism, color illustrative realism, pop culture and character-based design, fine line, botanical and nature-inspired work, traditional, cover-up work, and large-scale custom compositions. Between Jake Ingersoll, Dan Bostic, Storm Lynn, and Robert Pho’s select sessions, the studio can accommodate a wide range of styles and client needs.
Is financing available for larger tattoo projects?
Yes. Skin Design Tattoos offers financing through Affirm and Klarna, with plans up to 24 months and options starting at 0% APR. Details at skindesigntattoos.com/financing/
Ready to Book with the Best Tattoo Artists in Nashville?
Nashville has the artists. The question is finding the right one for what you’re planning.
Whether that’s Jake Ingersoll for an illustrative piece you’ve been designing in your head for two years, Dan Bostic for a color realism composition you want executed by someone who’s been doing this for two decades, Storm Lynn for a fine line floral you want done right without the senior artist price tag, or Robert Pho for the piece that deserves the most experienced artist in the room—Skin Design Tattoos Nashville has the roster to match.
Start with a consultation. It’s free, it’s the right first step, and it’s how you make sure the tattoo you leave with is the one you actually wanted.
Text 702-297-6079 to get started — or visit skindesigntattoos.com/tattoo-consultation/ to book online.
We’ve also got studios in:
Let’s build something you’re proud to wear for life.
About the Author
Robert Pho has been tattooing since 1989 and is the founder of Skin Design Tattoo, with 7 national locations across Las Vegas, New York, Honolulu, Orange County, Nashville, and Caesars Palace. Featured in the LA Times, FOX 5, Skin Magazine, and Rebel Ink.
Medical Disclaimer: The skin preparation, nutrition, and aftercare guidance referenced in Skin Design Tattoos articles is general informational content only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have any health concerns, please consult your physician before your tattoo appointment.
