For no.5 in our 5×5 series I’ve chosen Alex Boyko of Sun House Tattoo in Detroit. You should also check out the previous 4 with Scott Move, Luxiano Street-Classic, Eterno8, Joe Ellis. Alex is a young tattooer doing big things and always impresses with strong, bold imagery and great traditional tattoos.

What are your 5 favourite images to tattoo?

I definitely love tattooing ladies. I also love doing tigers, or really any animal. Anything to do with the “Man’s Ruin” theme. Roses are always a good time. I also really like doing crude, folky imagery. 

Where are your 5 favourite places to work?

Hmm, no specific order with these – 

1. Crying Heart Tattoo, Cincinnati, OH
2. Staring Without Caring, Tucson, AZ
3. Golden Monkey Tattoo, Fredericksburg, VA
4. Long Street Collective, Columbus, OH
5. Sun House, Detroit, MI

Who are your 5 biggest inspirations?

I find myself tattooing a lot of Bert Grimm flash, Rosie Camanga, Owen Jensen, Percy Waters and Cap Coleman. 

5 favourite tattoos you’ve done?

5 tattoos that have impressed you lately?

Dave Halsey (@davehalseytatttoos) (Crying Heart Tattoo)

Ryan Mettz (@ryanmettz) (Greenpoint Tattoo Co.)

Nate Hudak (@nate_hudak) (Crying Heart Tattoo)

Isaiah Toothtaker (@toothtaker) (Staring Without Caring)

Greggletron (@greggletron) (Scapegoat Tattoo)

You can find Alex on instagram @alexboykotattoo or at Sun House Tattoo in Detroit, MI.