Blackwork Tattoos in Chicago at Logan Square Tattoo
What are blackwork tattoos?
Blackwork is not one single look, and neither is our artist roster. At Logan Square Tattoo, clients can explore blackwork through bold abstract composition, ornamental symmetry, botanical subject matter, detailed engraving-inspired linework, blackout coverage, cyber sigilism, illustrative imagery, and black-and-grey contrast. Scroll Down to see a breakdown of some of the different Blackwork tattoo styles we specialize in.
-Gifford Kasen creates custom abstract, ornamental, biomechanical, ink-wash, and botanical-influenced blackwork designed to complement the natural movement of the body.
-December’s work draws from engraving, woodcut, macabre illustration, and bold graphic tattooing.
-Allie focuses on more illustrative, ornamental and stipple tattooing relying less on heavy black and more subtle shading.
Other resident artists bring their own approaches to ornamental, illustrative, fine-line, black-and-grey, lettering, and custom blackwork projects.
When you submit an inquiry, include the style references or reference images that matter most to you. Our team will help connect you with the Chicago blackwork tattoo artist whose portfolio is the strongest fit for your idea.
Don't forget to check out our Blog on blackwork with some artist interviews discussing their style and process!
Inkwash tattoos
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
The second piece is an abstract inkwash tattoo design focused on flow and movement, meant to be abstract and flow with the clients body.
Illustrative anime
This anime inspired piece by Chicago tattooer Dima ventures into the more illustrative side of blackwork tattooing. It uses elements of fineline tattoos as well as stipple shading and a heavy dose 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.
Woodcut and Etching tattoos are a great example of strong linework and hatching/crosshatching to make a bold yet complex looking tattoo. These tattoos read well and the simplified style is made to last. Often the subject matter is referencing medieval style woodblock engravings. This backpiece by Resident artist December takes the macabre subject matter of old etchings and ads a modern twist.
Woodcut and engraving tattoos
Blackout and Heavy blackwork
tattoos
Blackout refers to doing large areas of solid black, often blacking out entire limbs in solid black fill. This half sleeve by Gifford incorporates some heavy blackwork, though not quite blackout. It uses negative shapes to create flow and visual interest as well as some botanical elements in the foreground illustrations, balancing the heavy black abstract design with a visually appealing softer element.
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
Abstract ornamental blackwork
Block Lettering
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 with a pinch of black metal type font. These pieces were done by our friend and international guest artist Kamil and resident artist Gifford, respectively.
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 ornamental tattoos are custom designed tattoos by resident Chicago artists Paige and Dima.
cybersigilism
ornamental blackwork tattoos
Illustrative blackwork
Blackwork often comes out of illustrative styles of tattooing. The three pieces above demonstrate different styles of illustration that rely on heavy black in order to make the design. There's elements of ornamental, abstract, and even some engraving and woodcut styles represented here. These three pieces are from resident Chicago Tattooers December and Pablo.
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.
Blackwork Tattoo FAQ
What is a blackwork tattoo?
A blackwork tattoo is a tattoo style built primarily with black ink, using bold contrast, heavy fills, linework, stippling, or shading to create strong visual impact. Blackwork can include many different looks, from abstract and ornamental designs to engraving, woodcut, cyber sigilism, and blackout tattoos.
What blackwork tattoo styles does Logan Square Tattoo offer?
At Logan Square Tattoo, we create a wide range of custom blackwork tattoos in Chicago, including engraving tattoos, woodcut tattoos, cyber sigilism, blackout tattoos, ornamental blackwork, abstract blackwork, inkwash, and illustrative blackwork. Our artists approach blackwork in different ways, so clients can find a style and artist that fits their vision.
Who are the blackwork tattoo artists at Logan Square Tattoo?
Gifford Kasen and December are two of the key artists to explore for blackwork tattooing at Logan Square Tattoo, with the studio also featuring additional resident and guest artists whose work overlaps with blackwork, ornamental, illustrative, and custom tattoo styles. We recommend reviewing artist portfolios before submitting your tattoo inquiry.
Where is Logan Square Tattoo located?
Logan Square Tattoo is located at 2352 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 in the heart of Logan Square. Our studio serves clients from across Chicago, including nearby neighborhoods such as Bucktown, Wicker Park, Avondale, Humboldt Park, and Palmer Square.
How do I book a blackwork tattoo in Chicago?
To book a blackwork tattoo at Logan Square Tattoo, the best first step is to submit a tattoo inquiry form through the website. Include your tattoo idea, preferred placement, approximate size, and any reference points such as engraving, woodcut, cyber sigilism, or blackout so we can connect you with the best-fit artist.
Are blackwork tattoos good for large custom pieces?
Yes. Blackwork tattoos are especially strong for large custom pieces because the style relies on contrast, structure, and readability. Styles like blackout, ornamental blackwork, engraving, and woodcut tattoos can work well for sleeves, back pieces, chest pieces, and leg tattoos, while still being adapted for smaller placements.
Can blackwork tattoos include black-and-grey shading?
Yes. While traditional blackwork is built primarily with black ink, many custom designs combine bold black areas with black-and-grey shading, stippling, fine linework, or illustrative detail. This approach can create more depth while preserving the high-contrast structure that makes blackwork tattoos visually powerful.
Looking for a blackwork artist in the wickerpark, humboldtpark, avondale or any other are of chicago?
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.
