Best Tattoo Magazines Worth Reading
Tattoo culture has spread far beyond the studio walls, and one of the best ways to keep up with it is through dedicated tattoo publications. While social media gives quick hits of inspiration, magazines (and a few standout reference books) still offer something different: longer interviews, curated photography, contest coverage, and a level of editorial polish that a scrolling feed rarely matches.
In this guide, we break down 11 tattoo publications worth picking up, ranging from long-running print titles to international contest magazines, niche photography zines, and two deep-dive reference books for anyone who wants to understand the meaning behind the ink.
QUICK COMPARISON: BEST TATTOO MAGAZINES
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Skin & Ink Magazine |
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DGN Tattoo Magazine |
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Tattoo Society Magazine |
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Global Tattoo Magazine |
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Tattoos For Women / Tattoos For Men (Split Issue) |
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Japanese Tattoos: Meanings, Shapes and Motifs |
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The Polynesian Tattoo Handbook Vol. 2 |
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Inmate Magazines (3-Pack) |
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Tats & Models Magazine |
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Fallen Angels Tattoo Magazine |
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Onyx Ink Magazine |
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11 BEST TATTOO MAGAZINES AND RESOURCES WORTH YOUR MONEY
SKIN & INK MAGAZINE — ISSUE #334
Skin & Ink has been running since 1992, making it one of the longest-standing names in tattoo publishing. Issue #334 leans into that legacy with a spotlight on collector and historian Mike Skiver, a studio tour of 9th Realm Gallery in Salem, and a historical piece on early American tattooing called “The Ghosts of the Bowery.”
The standout feature in this issue is “The Business of Tattooing,” a piece by Rob Smead that tackles the tattoo industry’s recent slowdown head-on — inflation, shifting client behavior, oversaturation, and how artists are adapting. It’s a more business-minded read than most lifestyle titles offer.
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DGN TATTOO MAGAZINE — ISSUE #199 (NISSACO)
DGN Tattoo Magazine is built around an international tattoo contest, and each issue functions as part magazine, part artist showcase. Issue #199 spotlights black & grey realism artist LOZE, alongside color realism artist Lena Diamanti (New York) and multi-style artist Luis Gil (Miami), with more than 20 articles covering artist inspirations and techniques.
It’s a strong pick if black & grey and realism work is what you’re hunting reference or inspiration for, and the contest format means new editions roll out frequently with fresh artist lineups.
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TATTOO SOCIETY MAGAZINE — SPECIAL ISSUE #89 (2025)
Tattoo Society has positioned itself as a vehicle for tattoo culture broadly, not just imagery, and this special issue keeps that focus with cover model Marcelina and 100 pages of content. It’s part of a long-running back catalogue of issues, so if this one resonates, there’s plenty of history to dig into.
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GLOBAL TATTOO MAGAZINE #81
Global Tattoo Magazine is run by Federico Harbaruk, who has over 20 years in the tattoo publishing world and has led more than 200 specialized publications, including Tattooed Magazine and GLB International Magazine. Issue #81 runs 180 pages and continues the title’s focus on modern tattoo techniques, current trends, and the culture behind tattoos worldwide.
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TATTOOS FOR WOMEN ISSUE 120 / TATTOOS FOR MEN ISSUE 112 — SPECIAL SPLIT ISSUE
This is a two-in-one digital issue from Tattoo Media Ink, the publisher behind Outlaw Biker, Skin Art, Tattoo Revue, and Tabu Tattoo — titles with more than 30 years of combined publishing history. Fifty pages cover Tattoos For Women, with cover model Amber Brooke and interviews with Jackie Jennings, Lady Chapelle, and Raff & Theresa Cervantes. The other fifty pages cover Tattoos For Men, with cover artist Kirt Silver and interviews with Schrail Edmund, Craig Startin, and Mitchell Celaya.
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JAPANESE TATTOOS: MEANINGS, SHAPES AND MOTIFS
This isn’t a magazine, it’s a reference book, but it’s worth including for anyone serious about tattoo research. Written by Yori Moriarty, a disciple of Osaka Horitoshi, it’s a richly illustrated 240-page hardcover from Promopress that breaks down the meaning behind traditional Japanese tattoo motifs — mythological creatures, animals, Buddhist deities, flowers, and historical figures — along with a gallery of original designs and a glossary.
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POLYNESIAN TATTOO HANDBOOK VOL. 2
Another reference book rather than a magazine, this one by Roberto Gemori is the second in a three-part series on Polynesian tattooing. It presents more than 250 symbols across 400+ images, deconstructs 15 original tattoo designs, and covers five distinct styles: Samoan, Marquesan, Tahitian, Hawaiian, and Maori.
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INMATE MAGAZINES (3-PACK) — ASSORTED TATTOO MAGAZINES
This is a budget bundle of three tattoo magazines pulled at random based on availability — it could include Skin & Ink, DGN, Tattoo Society, or others. It’s a reasonable way to sample multiple titles cheaply, but there’s no way to choose which three you’ll get.
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TATS & MODELS MAGAZINE: PREMIERE ISSUE VOL. 1
Published by Mag Illustrated, Tats & Models is built around tattooed model photography rather than artist interviews or industry news. At 52 pages, it’s a shorter, image-first read aimed at readers who want to browse tattoo-and-lifestyle photography rather than dig into craft discussion.
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FALLEN ANGELS TATTOO MAGAZINE 2024
Also from Mag Illustrated, Fallen Angels bills itself as a confluence of fashion, art, and tattoos, built around tattoo photographers, models, and trendsetters rather than artist profiles or news. It’s a visual-narrative title more than a journalistic one.
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ONYX INK MAGAZINE — VOL. 1: 2025 PREMIERE ISSUE
Onyx Ink, also from Mag Illustrated, is built around Black tattoo culture specifically, spotlighting emerging Black artists and models. As a premiere issue, it’s the newest and least-established title on this list.
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TIPS FOR CHOOSING A TATTOO MAGAZINE
The biggest mistake people make when picking a tattoo magazine is assuming they’re all interchangeable. A much better approach is to figure out what you actually want from it first.
If you’re after artist interviews, studio culture, and industry commentary, titles like Skin & Ink, Tattoo Society, DGN Tattoo Magazine, and Global Tattoo Magazine are the better fit. If you want to actually understand the meaning behind a style before you get it, the two reference books on this list — Japanese Tattoos: Meanings, Shapes and Motifs and The Polynesian Tattoo Handbook Vol. 2 — are built for exactly that.
If what you’re really after is photography and models rather than journalism, Tats & Models, Fallen Angels, and Onyx Ink lean heavily into that lane; just know going in that they’re lighter on interviews and craft discussion and heavier on imagery.
It’s also worth checking the format before buying. Most titles here are print, while the Tattoos For Women / Tattoos For Men split issue is digital-only (Kindle). If you want variety without committing to a single title, the Inmate Magazines 3-Pack bundles three random tattoo magazines together, though you don’t get to choose which ones you receive.
Try a single issue before committing to a series. Editorial tone varies a lot between titles — some are heavily visual and commercial, others are more journalistic — so one issue will tell you quickly whether the voice suits you.
For studios, having a small rotation of magazines in the waiting area is worth the cost. Clients flipping through real photography and interviews while they wait builds trust and gives them style ideas before they even sit down.
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR GETTING THE MOST OUT OF TATTOO MAGAZINES
Reading tattoo magazines is about more than simply admiring great artwork. Whether you’re planning your first tattoo, looking for a new artist, or working in the industry, there are several ways to get more value from each issue.
Save Artist Names That Catch Your Eye
One of the easiest mistakes to make is admiring a tattoo and then forgetting who created it. Keep a list of artists whose work stands out to you. Titles like DGN Tattoo Magazine and Global Tattoo Magazine feature artists from around the world, making them a great resource for discovering talent you may never encounter on social media.
Study Different Tattoo Styles
The two reference books on this list — Japanese Tattoos: Meanings, Shapes and Motifs and The Polynesian Tattoo Handbook Vol. 2 — are especially useful here, since they break styles down to their underlying symbolism rather than just showing finished pieces.
Use Magazines for Tattoo Research
If you’re planning a tattoo, look beyond the finished pieces and pay attention to artist interviews, design philosophies, and the stories behind the artwork in titles like Skin & Ink and Tattoo Society. This can help you communicate your ideas more effectively during consultations.
Follow Featured Artists Online
Most magazines include artist websites or social media accounts. Following artists after reading their feature allows you to stay updated on new work, guest spots, and booking opportunities.
Keep Older Issues
Tattoo publications often remain relevant for years. Older issues of long-running titles like Skin & Ink can become useful references for styles, artists, and tattoo history.
Explore International Tattoo Scenes
Titles like Global Tattoo Magazine and DGN Tattoo Magazine feature artists and studios from different countries, introducing techniques and cultural influences you may not encounter locally.
Don’t Rely on One Source
Every publication has its own editorial focus, and this list spans everything from journalistic titles to photography-led magazines to reference books. Mixing formats gives you a broader understanding of tattoo culture overall.
FAQS ABOUT TATTOO MAGAZINES
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