Explore Chicago's Premier Blackwork Tattoo
What are blackwork tattoos?
Blackwork tattoos, a unique art form, focus intensely on the heavy use of black ink. This style generally incorporates minimal color, emphasizing a dramatic positive/negative contrast and simple shading techniques. Popularized in western tattooing in the 1990s with Tribal tattoos, blackwork has evolved into various substyles, including cyber sigilism, neo tribal, inkwash, blackout, engraving, etching, ignorant, and fineline tattoos.
At Logan Square Tattoo, several resident artists and recurring guest artists specialize in these diverse blackwork tattoo styles. Whether you're searching for "best blackwork artist" or a "tattoo artist near me," you’ll find world-class craftsmanship in our Chicago studio. From intricate engraving tattoos to bold black ink art, our talented artists excel in bringing your tattoo vision to life.
Discover the artistry of blackwork tattoos by exploring the different substyles below. Click on the artist's photo to learn more about their work and find the perfect tattoo artist for your next piece.
Don't forget to check out our Blog on blackwork with some artist interviews discussing their style and process!
This abstract inkwash design by Chicago tattooer and studio owner Gifford Kasen is influenced by a botanical design of a seedpod and flowers. The use of heavy black keeps it abstract and flowly, deisgned to ornament the body rather than be a specific image
This anime inspired piece by Chicago tattooer Caroline Vale ventures into the more illustrative side of blackwork tattooing. It uses elements of fineline tattoos as well as stipple shading and a heavy does of solid black to give the design some backbone. While not blackwork in the traditional sense of lots of heavy black shapes, it takes a more nuanced approach to the style.
This ornamental tattoo gauntlet focuses on a more ornate version of blackwork tattooing. While using lots of gradients and overlapping shapes it still uses large abstract positive and negative areas to reference it's tribal tattoo roots. This piece was done by resident artist Gifford Kasen
Chicago micro realism and blackwork tattoo artist Dima uses bold lettering to create a heavy blackwork design across the clients stomach, utilizing barb wire across the top as an homage to the blackwork tribal designs of the 90's. His custom design has a modern twist incorporating subtle elements of realism
Cyber sigilism is a newer adaptation of tribal designs that takes references from scifi and cybernetic looks. It almost looks like an alien language or ancient symbols from a distance race. These matching pieces were done by our friend and international guest artist Kamil. Please check out our Guest artist page for availability
Ornamental Blackwork tattoos can be either large or small. They are typically abstract but have some sort of symmetry or repeated pattern. Mandala tattoos and geometric tattoos can sometimes fall in this category. These three ornamental tattoos are custom designed tattoos by resident Chicago artist Dima.
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Interested in getting an abstract blackwork Tattoo?Here’s a few flash designs by artist Gifford Kasen that are available either as is or as a starting point to discuss a more indepth idea. We update flash and tattoo ideas in our News section monthly.
Our Role in the Rich History of Chicago Tattoo Studios
Chicago's tattoo heritage is iconic, starting with Cliff Raven's Chicago Tattoo Company and evolving through pioneers like Guy Aitchison. Logan Square Tattoo, established in 2014 by Gifford Kasen, plays a vital role in this legacy. Located in Chicago's vibrant Logan Square, our studio offers custom tattoos seven days a week. We encourage new clients to explore our artists' portfolios and arrange in-person consultations. Embracing the evolving art form, our team includes diverse full-time and guest artists, infusing new styles into the community. For over a decade, we've celebrated Chicago's tattoo culture, honoring tradition while pushing boundaries for future creativity.
