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Best Illustrative Black Work Tattoos- buddy. beans
The Heart Behind buddy.’s Illustrative Blackwork Tattoos
For buddy. (they/them), tattooing is more than an art form—it’s a way of participating in people’s journeys, transitions, and healing processes. Their work finds purpose in being useful: offering self-harm camouflage, confidence boosters, and pieces of unserious nostalgia that remind clients to find joy and kindness in the chaos of everyday life.
Illustrative Blackwork by buddy.
A Style Built on Contrast, Character, and Care
buddy.’s signature style blends bold outlines with delicate dotwork, creating an illustrative blackwork look that feels both graphic and soft. These contrasting elements frame their designs with clarity while allowing texture, personality, and narrative to shine through.
At the core of much of buddy.’s work is character design. They love giving life and personality to creatures, objects, and animals—often through a humorous, animistic lens. Their tattoos tell visual stories and make the mundane magical, like a frog dressed as a wizard landing a 360 heelflip laser blaster 5000 back slide on a skateboard. Whatever floats your boat, no judgements.
Every piece is an invitation to see a little soul in things.
Botanical blackwork is another area where buddy. takes great pride. Each leaf, petal, and stem is meticulously composed around the client’s natural curves, using the body’s shape as the foundation for the design. The result is organic, flowing artwork that looks like it belongs—because it was built to.
Tattoos as Marks of Courage, Change, and Self-Discovery
Some of buddy.’s most meaningful sessions come from clients undergoing major life shifts—divorce, new beginnings, career changes, or deeply personal transformations. Helping people claim symbols of strength, courage, and identity is an honor they never take for granted. Every client who places their trust in buddy.’s hands becomes part of a shared creative process rooted in empathy, intention, and respect.
Interested in Illustrative Blackwork, Character Tattoos, or Botanical Designs?
If buddy.’s style resonates with you, you can submit a tattoo request form directly through their website:
Instagram: @_buddy.beans_ Email: buddytattoos@gmail.com
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Jimmy Imier- Madrid, Spain
Artist Announcement
Jimmy Imier
After two years of dedication and hard work, we are thrilled to announce that Jimmy Imier’s artist visa has been officially approved! His dream has become a reality, and we couldn’t be happier.
Jimmy will be joining us regularly, bringing his incredible talent all the way from Madrid, Spain. Mark your calendars because he will be guesting with us from October 24 to November 27, 2025 and will return to Chicago every couple of months for the foreseeable future.
Jimmy is a true artist, known for his incredible anime designs, vibrant and energetic characters, realistic portraits that capture every detail, and fun patch/sticker tattoos that blend creativity with bold, eye-catching designs. His work turns skin into living canvases, telling unique stories through each carefully crafted piece.
We are beyond excited to welcome Jimmy and share his exceptional artistry with all of you.
Don’t miss out on the chance to experience Jimmy’s extraordinary talent firsthand—book your appointment now!
Next Visit: February 16-May 15, 2026
DM Jimmy directly on Instagram to book
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InkedMag
Honored to be included in InkedMag’s “Stand Out Studios Across the Globe” list on National Tattoo Day July 17, 2025
Top Ink: Our Favorite Tattoo Studios Across the Globe
A global roundup of the tattoo studios raising the bar and shaping the culture.
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Speakeasy Custom Tattoo is Hiring Artists
Speakeasy Custom Tattoo is looking to hire a full time resident artist.
We are looking for a tattooer who has excellent technical skills, knows how to work hard, and is looking to continue to learn & grow as an artist in a chill, art focused environment.
We are an appointment only custom tattoo shop and are looking for artists who can maintain a clientele and work well with little supervision.
Must be client oriented with great customer service skills. We believe our clients deserve to be treated with gratitude and respect for trusting you with their body.
Must be CDC compliant with all Covid-19 regulations
If you have a strong following or style, and are looking to conduct your business in a uniquely beautiful space; comfortable, clean and inviting for both you and your clients, in the heart of Wicker Park, this might be the studio for you.
Serious inquiries ONLY. NO APPRENTICES
EMAIL: speakeasy.tattoo@gmail.com to be considered. No DM’s please.
PLEASE INCLUDE: online portfolio link, list of professional tattoo experience, and a short message about why you think you would be a good fit for Speakeasy.
Thank you!
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Chicago’s 10 Best Tattoo Shops
Thank you Do312 for including us in this list of great tattoo shops in Chicago!
Click the picture above to see the full list of shops that were included.
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Covid-19 Updates
UPDATE:
Travel ban and mandatory 14-day quarantines are now affecting Wisconsin and many other high-risk states. If you have visited or are traveling from any of the following states and have an upcoming appointment, please contact your artist to reschedule ASAP.
