5x5 with Ryan Shaffer

For no.8 in our 5×5 series I’ve chosen Ryan Shaffer. Working out of a private studio in Los Angeles, Ryans work and in particular his snakes have always caught my eye. I don’t think you’ll see a better example of a traditional snake tattoo then the ones Ryan does. His work is bold, strong and everything you want in a good tattoo. 

What are your 5 favourite images to tattoo?

1. Christ/Religious imagery
2. Skulls
3. Snakes
4. Eagles
5. Reapers

Where are your 5 favourite places to work?

1. Melbourne
2. Seoul
3. Oakland
4. NYC
5. Los Angeles

Who are your 5 biggest inspirations?

1. Philip Guston
2. Bill Bryson
3. Hockney
4. Reubens
5. Earth

5 favourite tattoos you’ve done?

5 tattoos that have impressed you lately?

Sway (@sway_tattooer) (Sacred Electric)

Robert Ryan (@robertryan323) (Electric Tattoo NJ)

Rich Hardy (@rich_hardy) (OTR)

Josh Sutterby (@joshsutterby) (Melbourne Tattoo Co.)

Jason McAfee (@jasonmcafee72) (Temple Tattoo) 

You can find Ryan on instagram @ryanshaffer or at his private studio in Los Angeles, California.