Ed Hardy is the godfather of tattooing. He has increased its popularity, and elevated it to a fine art. He no longer tattoos, but is dedicated to preserving it's rich history.

Ed Hardy is the godfather of tattooing. He has increased its popularity, and elevated it to a fine art. He no longer tattoos, but is dedicated to preserving it's rich history.

Over the past 40 years, Mike Perfetto's basement in Brooklyn has seen countless eccentric characters. He's the last link to a bygone era when tattoos were illegal in New York City.

Over the past 40 years, Mike Perfetto's basement in Brooklyn has seen countless eccentric characters. He's the last link to a bygone era when tattoos were illegal in New York City.

Chris Trevino is the hardest working tattooers, some times working for 30 hours straight. Chris pioneered the look of Texas tattooing, but his true love is the Japanese style.

Chris Trevino is the hardest working tattooers, some times working for 30 hours straight. Chris pioneered the look of Texas tattooing, but his true love is the Japanese style.

Annette LaRue grabbed the tattoo world by the balls as an in your face street shop tattooer and boss who never took no for an answer.

Annette LaRue grabbed the tattoo world by the balls as an in your face street shop tattooer and boss who never took no for an answer.

Fusing American Traditional and Hare Krishna icons, Robert Ryan's tattoos are simply powerful. His spirituality informs his life as a tattooer, painter, and musician.

Fusing American Traditional and Hare Krishna icons, Robert Ryan's tattoos are simply powerful. His spirituality informs his life as a tattooer, painter, and musician.

Dr. Woo has his turned his single needle uber detailed fine line tattoos into the must have fashion statement for millions of online fans, by only worn by select few.

Dr. Woo has his turned his single needle uber detailed fine line tattoos into the must have fashion statement for millions of online fans, by only worn by select few.

Bert Krak is leading the renaissance of New York style traditional tattooing. This uncompromising straight shooter is also an avid collector and devoted family man.

Bert Krak is leading the renaissance of New York style traditional tattooing. This uncompromising straight shooter is also an avid collector and devoted family man.

Taki and Horitomo are the dynamic duo of Japanese style tattooing in the United States. In addition tattooing, they also document the art from through museum shows and books.

Taki and Horitomo are the dynamic duo of Japanese style tattooing in the United States. In addition tattooing, they also document the art from through museum shows and books.