12 St. Louis Tattoo Artists Doing Sensational Work

Katelynn Rhea

When it comes to shading, Katelynn’s your go-to. She can create beautiful, dimensional designs by using her smooth, light-handed skills. 

Shop details: Promised Land Tattoo (3118 Morgan Ford Road, 314-250-7223); open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday

Appointments or Walk-ins: Primarily appointment only

Years tattooing: 6

Specialty: Black and gray, dot work, illustrative and traditional

To note:

• No realism
• Will tattoo minors

$$$: Shop rate is $150 an hour, with a $100 minimum for walk-ins and a $150 minimum for appointments.

Best way to contact: Instagram (@katelynnrhea) or the shop’s website

Marcus Cole

Marcus, who originally started out as an apprentice at Self Inflicted, is your man if you’re looking for a vibrant, colorful American traditional piece. 

Shop details: Self Inflicted Studios (1325 Washington Avenue, 314-621-4660); open noon to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday 

Appointments or Walk-ins: Both

Years tattooing: 10

Specialty: American traditional and folk art 

To note:

• Marcus is only at the shop Wednesday through Saturday
• Doesn’t do anything hyper-realistic
• No minors 

$$$: Shop minimum is $100

Best way to contact: Instagram (@marcus_downtown) or come by the shop

Christina Passanise

Christina’s shop is located in Chesterfield inside of Wink Beauty Studios. She is known for her fine line tattoos of any size, microblading and powder brows. 

Shop details: Linear Tattoo (14131 Clayton Road, Town & Country; text 636-323-9047); open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

Appointments or Walk-ins: Appointment only

Years tattooing: 4

Specialty: Fine line script, block lettering, handwriting tattoos, micro realism, tiny tattoos, flash art, illustrative, black and gray, geometric, floral, animals, large scale and small scale.

To note:

• Does not tattoo minors

$$$: Shop minimum is$250

Best way to contact:Website via tattoo request form

Jamantha Smith

Jam’s colorful, fun designs earned her a spot at the pretty-in-pink Pastel Devil Tattoo Shop where she churns out her unique flash tattoos.

Shop details: Pastel Devil Tattoo Studio (1800 Chouteau Avenue, 314-261-4719); open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday

Appointments or Walk-ins: Appointment only

Years tattooing: 6 months

Specialty: All things lighthearted, weird, wonky, folky and colorful.

To note:

• No minors
• No fine line
• No portraits
• No realism
• Typically only works from flash, no customs

$$$: Palm size is $200-$350, hand size and larger is $350+

Best way to contact: Instagram (@jamanthasmith) or email ([email protected])

Azra Selimovic

Azra opened one of the first Bosinian-owned tattoo shops in St. Louis in 2023. She specializes in fine line tattoos but is always looking for a challenge.

Shop details: Azara Tattoos (8005 Mackenzie Road, Affton; 314-755-0176); open 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday 

Appointments or Walk-ins: Appointment only but does do walk-in consultations

Years tattooing: 5

Specialty: Fine line but willing to take on a wide variety of tattoo styles

To note:

• No minors, 18 and older 
• No eyeball or eyelid tattoos

$$$: Shop minimum is $100 or $180 an hour

Best way to contact: Come into the shop