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Empire Ink Tattoo
284 NE 2nd St
Miami, FL 33132
Uber
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Meet the Team
About
About
Empire Ink Tattoo was established in 2009 by Steve Santacruz.
An artistic entrepreneur who saw an opportunity to make the tattoo world even better. Tired of the old unfriendly & egotistical tattoo attitude he sought out to create a welcoming environment for "you" the client. Merging awesome talent along with great locations we bring to you the Empire Ink Lifestyle. Our flagship parlor located in the heart of beautiful Miami Beach is just one of our multiple locations in South Florida. Our talented artists can work with custom designs, tattoos & piercings. We have a great selection of stylish apparel, body jewelry, aftercare products & souvenirs to match your unique personality.
Call or text 305-397-8050 to find out about our other locations or if you have any questions.
Welcome to the Empire Ink family!
Meet the CEO
Steve
Ever since Steve could remember Art has always been his outlet. He recalls drawing for hours at a time. It was his escape. He began tattooing professionally, at the first Empire Ink, in 2010. His style is a versatile black and grey mixed with freehand, adding elements of realism and pop art. One of his greatest strengths is the ability to understand the vision of his clients and draw it on their skin. No tattoo is too small nor complicated for him. He fundamentally comprehends the commitment in getting tattooed and respects each canvas. He has spent time in places such as Italy, Australia, Colombia, Virgin Islands, etc seeking inspiration as well as growth. As CEO, Steve strives to push the envelope through extensive travel & networking. Catch him if you can.
News & Events
At Empire Ink Tattoo, we strive to become your one stop, preferred shop for new piercings, body art, and stylish clothing.
We know that your body art and wardrobe represent your personality, your history, what's important to you, and where you're going which is why we make it a point to earn the trust of our customers through exceptional work and building strong relationships.
We frequently host events at all three of our Empire Tattoo locations:
Miami Beach, Boca Raton, and the Sunrise/Fort Lauderdale area. Whether it's hosting a guest artist, a time to get together to meet new people, share new tattoo ideas, and get to know fellow body art enthusiasts, we're always hosting an exciting event at one of our locations.
Check our website or like us on Facebook so you'll always be the first to know whenever we've got new events going on. We hope to see you there! Contact Us
Info
This update is provided by Empire Tattoo, one of the best tattoo shops in Miami where our motto is "one client at a time". Led by Steve Santacruz, our tattoo parlor takes pride in providing our clients a welcoming environment and phenomenal work by some of the best tattoo artists in Miami. We have locations in Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and downtown Miami.
Tattoos to Help Storm Victims
While South Florida has had to deal with the effects of Hurricane Irma, we mustn't forget that Texas is still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. As efforts continue to assist its victims, the art of tattooing is once again being used for noble reasons. A tattoo shop over in San Angelo, Texas called Absolute Ink recently saw an influx of activity. Numerous customers visited to get inked with a $20 appropriately Texas-themed tattoo. As you might guess, the proceeds are going towards assisting the victims of Hurricane Harvey. Ultimately, Absolute Ink managed to raise over $1, 300 with proceeds going towards purchasing essential items such as pet food, toiletries, and infant products. Though the $20 tattoo session may be over, Absolute Ink will continue to accept donations from those interested in lending a helping hand to the storm victims. The efforts of Absolute Ink are yet another example of how tattoos can be used in beneficial ways to help others as well as the community.
Tattoo Parlors Becoming Popular Piercing Spots for Parents
Minors whose parents would like for their ears to be pierced typically visit a boutique or one of the specialized kiosks in the mall. The last place one would probably expect to see a parent take their kid is the tattoo parlor but increasingly, parents are choosing to do just that. Now you may be wondering what would spur a parent to forego the traditional route and opt for a piercing spot generally reserved for adults. If you guessed safety reasons, you'd be correct. Any established and reputable tattoo parlor makes it a point to ensure clients are treated correctly. Similar to a doctor's office, items are sterilized and they are utilized a single time for that particular client before being properly disposed of. On top of the focus on sterilization, while a boutique might use a piercing gun, most if not all tattoo parlors opt for sterilized needles. These needles "push" the cartilage and skin as the ear is pierced, making for a potentially less traumatic experience that also improves healing. If you're thinking about having your child's ears pierced at a tattoo parlor, consider having a discussion with them regarding the images and artwork they may see since these places are, after all, an adult environment.
More Senior Citizens Are Embracing Tattoos
Have you heard of a 72-year-old receiving a tattoo for the first time? It may seem unusual, but it's becoming increasingly common among senior citizens. As the stigmas behind tattoos continue to disappear and they gain societal acceptance, more and more of these people are choosing to get inked for the first time. Many of these senior citizens getting tattooed are retired individuals. Interestingly, for many of these people, getting a tattoo may have likely been a major taboo during their younger years. With the ongoing acceptance, these people can now do something they may have been afraid to or were not allowed to do just a few decades ago. In the 80s, for example, a businessperson would not have tattoos on their body and if they did, chances are it was probably kept well hidden. A major benefit of getting tattooed at an older age is most people have a better idea of what they want and have taken the time to carefully think over their decision, considerably reducing the odds of experiencing tattoo regret later in life. Generally, tattoos that are done on a whim end up being the ones people regret.
Unique Approaches to Couples Tattoos
Depending on your familiarity with tattoos, you probably know there are certain tattoos that carry higher odds of regret. Cartoons, spur of the moment decisions, and names of boyfriends or girlfriends are a couple of examples. Speaking of couples, the trend appears to be shifting more from getting their name inked to choosing something that's out of the ordinary. Take for example the couple that decided to get matching quotes. Finding that the quote spoke to them both, it's a refreshing change of pace. These types of tattoos may be better suited for couples looking to share the love of body art, especially if they have artistic merit. There are also fewer odds of experiencing tattoo regret if the relationship goes sour. For an effective couples tattoo, you may wish to base your idea on a mutual interest. Perhaps there is a movie you both love that you never get tired of watching despite having seen it numerous times. Maybe you're both fond of a particular food or you have a mutual quote like the example used above. If you're feeling adventurous, perhaps you may decide to forego the traditional wedding ring in favor of getting one inked. Whatever you decide, strongly consider staying away from names unless it's the name of your child, and always carefully consider your decision.
Would You Consider a Nose Tattoo?
It's not unusual to see people getting tattoos in some rather uncommon places. Tongues and earlobes may not be as conventional or traditional as the back or arms, but they are popular options. However, the nose is seemingly becoming a canvas for some elaborate designs. Explore Instagram and you may come across a multitude of photos showing people with intriguing patterns inked on their nose. Patterns with an Aztec flair, skulls in monochrome, fascinating Buddhist symbols, these are just a couple of creative and popular options you can admire through the magic of social media. As you might guess, however, nose tattoos are not for the faint of heart. Unlike tattoos that can be at least partially obscured, nose tattoos are practically impossible to hide since, after all, the nose is a prominent part of the face. Not only that, nose tattoos can be incredibly painful. Even longtime tattoo fans that have had multiple parts of the body seem to agree that these tattoos require enduring a substantial amount of pain. If you're considering a nose tattoo, definitely take the time to carefully evaluate your decision. Remember that this tattoo will be instantly noticeable, so make sure you're okay with whatever design you choose to get.
Advice for a Successful Tattoo
When you're getting a tattoo for the first time, you want your first experience to be a memorable one that you won't regret. In order for that to happen, you'll want to avoid some of the common mistakes first-timers tend to make. Consider waiting. If you're under the age of eighteen, you may wish to seriously consider your tattoo decision. While there is nothing wrong with getting a tattoo as a teenager, these decisions are often the ones adults end up regretting in their later years. Express what you want. Your tattoo artist is a highly talented individual, but you must remember that you're the one going home with brand new, permanent ink. If there's something you don't like, say something before it's too late to change it. Do your homework. Obviously, you want your tattoo to look its best since it will become a part of you for the rest of your life. If you're going for something elaborate, take the time to evaluate artists to determine whose work stands out to you. Each artist has a unique style that you may find appeals to you more. Stay away from names. This one has been said time and time again, but don't get your boyfriend or girlfriend's name tattooed on you. Names are practically a surefire regret if the relationship ends up going sour. Your children are among the exceptions.
The Rise of Camel Toe Tattoos
Most women probably don't want to be caught with a camel toe. If you don't know what that means, look it up. However, a new trend is emerging where camel toes are being interpreted in a highly literal and permanent way. Women are choosing to have a tiny image or outline of a camel tattooed on—you guessed it—their toe. A quick perusal through Instagram reveals lots of literal interpretations of camel toe, including several tattoos done underneath the toe so it remains concealed. Even a few men are choosing to get in on the tongue in cheek camel toe craze. Anyone planning on a toe tattoo should be aware of a few things. For those planning on getting an outline, the pain isn't quite as bad as the shading, the part where the tattoo artist shades the skin to create a darker color. Because there is little to no flesh or muscle that will help to dull the pain, it can be significantly more painful than say, the traditional forearm. Foot tattoos also have greater odds of bleeding ink over time depending on where on the foot you have it done.
Would You Get an Armpit Tattoo?
From the knees to the elbows, people are increasingly using the slightly more unusual parts of their body to express themselves and showcase their body art. If the knees and elbows seemed like strange or uncommon places, the armpit may seem even stranger. A quick perusal through Instagram will reveal numerous and highly creative armpit tattoos. Indeed, the armpits are becoming yet another somewhat unusual spot to get inked. While it has its appeal among men and women, it's the latter that benefits most from these tattoos as the former do not generally shave their armpits. Armpits are also more tender for men than they are for women. However, despite perhaps seeming otherwise, opinions tend to vary on whether getting tattooed in this area is as painful as the knees and elbows, which are known for requiring a tremendous amount of willpower and tolerance. If you're considering an armpit tattoo, be aware that besides the pain, you may also have to endure the smell of blood. If you're okay with this and know what you want to get, these tattoos are definitely a creatively refreshing way to express yourself from the standard arm, leg, or back tattoo.
It's Better to Pay More for Quality Tattoo
When it comes to paying for tattoos the phrase "You get what you pay for" could not be more accurate. Unless your going to cover up a tattoo or get the ink erased (which we highly advise not to) paying for quality art on your body is important, after all this tattoo will be on your body for the rest of your life. Whether this is your first tattoo or not one of the very first thoughts that come to mind for anybody is how much does a tattoo cost? A few things that consumers should factor in are an artist's experience, equipment that he uses, studio location, and the tattoo size and detail. An artist experience is very important, like all things in life the more experience you have with anything the more likely you will become better at it. The more experience an artist has the more he will charge. This is a good thing because most people will not feel comfortable with someone with little experience charging high prices. On the other hand a person will feel comfortable paying a reasonable or high price to an artist with history of great work on other people. More than likely the artist has worked hard at it's craft and has built a reputation to perform at a high standard. The equipment that the artist uses tells a lot about how much he or she cares about their quality of their work. If an artist uses top of the line ink, needles, creams, or soaps then the artist has equipped themselves for your tattoo to come out the best possible way. The location of where you are getting the tattoo is something to consider. Artists can operate from their homes, be mobile and come to you, have a personal office, or tattoo parlor. More than likely at an office or parlor there will be more equipment and comfort for consumers that can improve the quality of the tattoo. With tattoo sizes and detail the more experienced the artist is the more it will cost, the detail of a tattoo can be the difference between a kindergarten drawing and a vivid description of a tattoo you will be proud of and love to show off. The smaller the tattoo the more flexible you can be with the selection of the artist. The larger and more detail you desire of a tattoo the more expensive and selective you have to be to get your desired look. Please do not be cheap.
Interactive Soundwave Shaped Tattoos
A new type of tattoo called Skin Motion created by artist Nate Siggard introduces a new form of personalized augmented reality tattoos. An app by the same name is currently in development and set for release later this month. The app will function as both an audio clip database and a sound-wave reader. The way it works is that 24 hours after receiving your tattoo you open the app and use your smartphone camera to scan the tattoo. Next, you insert or record a piece of audio (up to a minute in length) that you would like to play whenever you or other people scan it in the future. This gets saved into the app's database, immortalizing whatever sound you wish to carry. According to Soundwave Tattoos people all over the country have already signed up for these tattoos, currently only offered in Siggard's shop in LA, though artists throughout the country have expressed interest in being trained and certified to offer these kinds of tattoos. People's reasons for getting these tattoos vary, with some getting voicemails of loved ones that have passed away so that they can keep a piece of that person with them. Others have gotten their child's laughter or the bark of their dog. However, no matter what the reason Soundwave Tattoos offer new and exciting opportunities for the field.
Meet the Team
Steve
Ever since Steve could remember Art has always been his outlet. He recalls drawing for hours at a time. It was his escape. He began tattooing professionally, at the first Empire Ink, in 2010. His style is a versatile black and grey mixed with freehand, adding elements of realism and pop art. One of his greatest strengths is the ability to understand the vision of his clients and draw it on their skin. No tattoo is too small nor complicated for him. He fundamentally comprehends the commitment in getting tattooed and respects each canvas. He has spent time in places such as Italy, Australia, Colombia, Virgin Islands, etc seeking inspiration as well as growth. As CEO, Steve strives to push the envelope through extensive travel & networking. Catch him if you can.
Sebastian
Sebastian Olivares was born and raised in Lima-Peru until he was about 15 years old and then came to Miami. He's been tattooing for about 10 years. He got into tattooing because he has always loved to draw and paint. He dedicates his time and take pride in creating custom tattoos for people and loves working with talented artist. Working at Empire Ink inspires him to create and challenges him to get better and better every day. Sebastian is a team player! It's all about the art and love for tattoos. It's an investment that Sebastian will make sure you will enjoy. His brand, motto and lifestyle is "Love your ink"!
Panda
Don't let Pandas age fool you despite being the youngest member of our team at only 22 Pandas work excels his years. Sporting super clean lines and exceptional gradients; his imagery reflects a unique blend of old school Americana tattoo and new school realism and textures. His style emerged from his respect for traditional tattooing and his passion for detail and realistic features. Although he can be very precise with lining and realistic details Pandas creativity and use of color can push boundaries on what he can get away with on skin. This might sound a bit intimidating but no worries as his name indicates panda can be ferocious and also gentle. He's as patient and inviting as they come. You can expect a relaxed attitude and high level of professionalism from this artist. A steady hand, vibrant artwork and conversation makes panda one of our best!
Steffy Boom
Born in Los Angeles but raised in Miami, the Colombiana Steffy Boom has made it her goal to take over the art and music Scene of South Florida. She's highly skilled in linework (geometric, script, illustrative) and blackwork (stippling & cross hatching) but also branches out into several other styles of tattooing, such as Traditional (color & black and grey) and Black & Grey Realism. Her life as an artist began the moment she first picked up a pencil. Over the years, Steffy has shown interest in portrait drawing and painting but ultimately seeks to find her custom designs a more permanent canvas. She enjoys hearing her clients ideas and bringing them to life. Can you be her next canvas?
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General Info
Hours
Monday:
10:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday:
10:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday:
10:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday:
10:00am - 9:00pm
Friday:
10:00am - 11:00pm
Saturday:
10:00am - 11:00pm
Sunday:
11:00am - 7:00pm