With the belief that every tattoo should be a collaboration between artist and client, the edgy art of Blackout Tattoo reflects the style of Australian owner and artist Rob Kelly, who has lived in Hong Kong for more than 17 years. Kelly creates one-off custom designs for each and every person and welcomes bookings for consultations.
There are some wicked Hong Kong tattoo studios these days. It wasn’t always the case, though. For a long time, tattoos carried a negative social stigma. As in many other countries, they were perceived as unsuitable for professionals and were often associated with gangs, especially if obviously visible on forearms and the like.
Attitudes have shifted in recent decades, inspired by celebs like David Beckham and actress/singer Cecilia Cheung proudly displaying their ink in the early noughties. Concrete proof of the wider acceptance of tattoos in Hong Kong came in 2012 with the establishment of the International Hong Kong Tattoo Convention, which now hosts well over 100 local and international artists.
So whether you’re exploring where’s the best place to get your first tattoo or you’re a veteran looking to add to your collection, Hong Kong has no shortage of hip tattoo artists and studios. And after you’re done adding a little art to your body, fuel up at one of the city’s best restaurants or get a celebratory drink at a top-notch bar.