In the vibrant streets of New York City, where art and individuality intertwine, tattoo artist Josh Lord is gaining recognition for his remarkable clientele.
Famed for inking Prince Harry, Lord offers insights into what draws celebrities to his East Side Ink studio and what sets his artistry apart.
While keeping the details of Prince Harry’s tattoo under wraps, Josh Lord provided a peek into his artistic style that has attracted numerous celebrities to his studio. “I definitely love doing more detailed pieces,” he shared with Revolver Magazine. His expertise lies in intricate, fine-line black-and-gray realism, enhanced by detailed monochromatic shading. This distinctive approach has established him as a top choice for elite clients seeking meaningful and elaborate body art.
Lord has experienced many memorable moments with other celebrities. One notable encounter happened during a session with Rihanna back in 2009. Although he didn’t recognize her at the time, he allowed her to tattoo a small umbrella featuring an ‘r’ on his leg. However, this seemingly innocuous act led to an unexpected investigation by New York City’s health department regarding unlicensed tattooing. “We were raided by the health department immediately after that whole incident,” Lord recalled. Despite the media uproar that followed, he reassured fans that the rumors were exaggerated: “It was a non-story that they made into a huge story, but it was really wild to watch the media storm unfold.”
A significant highlight of Lord’s career came through his connection with Scarlett Johansson. The actress commissioned him for a floral design on her back, which eventually led to a group tattoo session for the cast of Avengers: Infinity War. “Getting six of the most famous people in the film industry to agree on one design was difficult and trying,” he admitted. Each actor, including Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Hemsworth, contributed to a unique design to commemorate their time together. Interestingly, during this memorable session, Mark Ruffalo, initially hesitant about getting a tattoo, ended up tracing his finger over Lord’s new Avengers tattoo. “I had to disinfect myself with a vodka drink,” he joked, highlighting the amusing chaos that can accompany celebrity tattooing.
Lord’s impressive client list extends beyond the Avengers. He has also tattooed notable figures like Joe Perry of Aerosmith and actresses Cate Blanchett and Susan Sarandon. Additionally, he crafted a fake tattoo for John Cena’s neck for a film. “I measured him carefully,” he noted, mentioning that the manufacturers mistakenly thought he had doubled the size due to Cena’s impressive physique.
Recently, Prince Harry visited East Side Ink, creating a buzz within the tattoo community. Arriving in a black SUV with his security team, he spent approximately an hour at the studio. Although the details of his tattoo remain confidential, the staff at the shop emphasized their commitment to client privacy. “A tattoo is a deeply personal choice… anything that happens here is your private moment,” Lord explained.
Since its establishment in 1992, East Side Ink has evolved from catering to bikers and hardcore body art enthusiasts to attracting Hollywood A-listers. The shop was recognized as one of New York City’s best tattoo parlors by Time Out in 2024. “On any given day, you might find your favorite actor or musician getting tattooed right next to neighborhood regulars,” their website proudly states. Prince Harry’s visit coincided with his eight-day trip to New York and the UK, where he actively supported various pet charities and initiatives. During his time in the city, he engaged with several dignitaries and attended significant events, continuing to forge his own identity after stepping back from royal duties.
In his memoir, Spare, Prince Harry shared his desire to get a tattoo of Botswana during a wild night in Las Vegas. However, his security team intervened, convincing him against the idea. “They promised to hold me down, knock me out, whatever it took,” Harry recounted with a chuckle. As the world watches Harry carve out his new path, Josh Lord continues to leave lasting impressions—both on his clients’ skin and within the tattoo artistry realm.
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