Los Angeles Tattoo History

At Speakeasy Tattoo in Los Angeles California, I am learning as much as I can about tattooing and its culture. Being currently based in Los Angeles, I thought it would be a great idea to dive into Los Angeles specific tattoo culture and history this week. 

We’ll be starting with the Pike in Long Beach California.“The Pike in Long Beach, California, holds a legendary status in the world of tattooing. From the 1902 to the 1990s, this amusement park and entertainment area became a hub for tattoo culture, drawing in sailors, bikers, and tattoo enthusiasts from all walks of life. The Pike's tattoo parlors played a pivotal role in shaping the tattoo industry and popularizing the art form across the United States. In the 1920s, The Pike was a bustling amusement park filled with roller coasters, arcades, and various attractions. It was also during this time that tattooing began to gain popularity among sailors who frequented the nearby Long Beach Naval Station. These sailors brought with them a tradition of getting tattoos to commemorate their travels and experiences,” (Best Wishes Tattoo). This of course led to the rise of tattoo parlors along the Pike to cater to the sailors. 

“The tattoos of this era were often simple, bold designs, such as anchors, eagles, and hearts with banners. These symbols represented strength, patriotism, and love, resonating deeply with the sailors,” (Best Wishes Tattoo). Known for these bold designs Bert Grimm was one of the most famous tattoo artists of the time and  operated a shop at The Pike. “Known for his meticulous and bold designs, Grimm's work attracted clients from far and wide. His shop became a landmark, contributing significantly to The Pike's reputation as a tattoo destination,” (Best Wishes Tattoo).

With that covered, Los Angeles would not be what it is today without its rich Chicano history. “In the 1960s and ‘70s, Chicano tattoo art emerged from East L.A., blending prison-style linework, Catholic iconography, and personal storytelling into a style that now defines an entire genre. These black-and-gray pieces, often hand-poked at the time, laid the foundation for one of the most respected tattoo aesthetics worldwide,”(Boartooth Tattoo). 

In Los Angeles California, the tattoo scene evolved to become more mainstream in the 1990s. “The ‘90s and early 2000s ushered in a renaissance. Artists who had once worked underground began opening studios with full licensing, creating a professional tattoo scene that emphasized artistry, hygiene, and individual expression. Styles like realism, neo-traditional, and fine-line flourished, and suddenly everyone — from actors to athletes — wanted ink,” (Boartooth Tattoo). So when you get a tattoo at Speakeasy tattoo, you don’t just walk away with fine art on flesh, you get to become a part of the Los Angeles tattoo legacy.