Tattoo artist around Leeds area

[Socksandshoes]

Hi,
I have a manky old tattoo on my back that I am considering covering with something more meaningful. But I have no idea where to start on finding a good tattoo artist.
Could anyone recommend someone who is good at coverups around the Leeds area? I don’t mind a bit of travel if the work is really good.
Thanks

It's a bit of a drive for you but Squid Shock tattooists in Sowerby Bridge are fantastic. Mel is amazing and I've had 3 tattoos from her.

It's worth checking out their Facebook page.

Thank you so much for the recommendation. I will definately check them out.
I have never had a cover up before. Would I usually make an appointment for them to see it and discuss ideas first? Also would I see a final design before deciding to go with a particular tattoo artist?

Lee Reynolds at Rude in Headingley or Pinyu up there too

Simon Erl without a doubt!!

Dock street tattoo are incredible but may have a fairly long waiting list.

You are utterly spoilt for choice in Leeds. Depending on what sort of style you like, there's
Mitch Allenden or Abbie Williams at Dock Street (suggested above)
Adam Cornish, Gibbo or Daryl Watson at Northern Reign
Lucy O'Connell at Easy Tiger
Joe Ellis or Sway at Sacred Electric
Neil Dransfield at Heartache & Heartbreak
Fil Wood at Black Crown
Chloe O'Malley at Rose and Thorn

And I know there's loads others I've forgotten.

Thank you again for all of your replies. I am really struggling as none of the work that artists have on their websites are the kind of thing that I am looking for so I have no idea how to narrow it down to choosing someone to do it.
I have already messed it up once and really want to end up with something that I love.

what sort of thing are you looking for - I can suggest someone who works in that style?

I think that’s part of the problem. I can’t imagine it.
I think that I will be restricted as the tattoo that I would like covering is a lily with a tribal design behind it. It has some quite bold black lines that might be difficult to cover.
I am also conscious that I don’t want to end up with something huge like they always do on tattoo fixers.
I really like the watercolour types but don’t think that will work. I love Art Deco and was wondering about a hummingbird.

I’m not keen on the traditional style of tattoo that seems to be everywhere at the moment and would like something colourful I think.

I agree, I don't think a watercolour tattoo would cover bold black lines without first having a couple of sessions of laser to lighten up your existing tattoo. Watercolour tattoos aren't my favourite so I'll need to see if I can think of anyone to recommend.

In terms of art deco, Joe Frost isn't too far away, in Sheffield, and does really pretty colour tattoos with some art deco motifs.

www.instagram.com/hellomynamesjoe/

There's quite a lot of full sleeves/backpieces on his instagram but have a look and you'll see some smaller one-shot pieces too.

Thank you. I really like some of his.
I think that I will email a few and see what comes of that. It’s so tricky to decide. I need someone to just take control and show me what could be done with it.

That is definitely the best approach (or at least, it's the one I've always taken). Find an artist whose work you reliably love, give them the bones of an idea, and let them take the lead from there. The hard work for you is in finding the right tattooer in the first place.

Have thought of another one - Tasha Wild at Ultimate Skin in Leeds. She does mostly wildlife tattoos with quite a delicate painterly look to them.

www.instagram.com/tashawild/?hl=en