What the Most Renowned Tattoo Artists Won’t Tell You—and What to Look For

Looking for one of the most renowned tattoo artists in the game? I’ve got you covered—literally. Text ‘PHO’ to (702) 297-6079 or email robert@robertpho.com for your free consultation.

What It Really Means to Be One of the Most Renowned Tattoo Artists in the World

Let’s be honest: anyone can call themselves “renowned” these days. One viral post, a few thousand followers, and suddenly everyone’s a legend.

Check out the Monte Bodysuit here—text ‘ROBERT’ to (702)-297-6079 for a consultation.

But the truth? Real respect in this industry isn’t handed out. It’s earned—one piece at a time, over decades, with a needle in hand and something to prove.

So when people say I’m one of the most renowned tattoo artists working today, I don’t take that lightly. Because that title isn’t just about popularity. It’s about legacy. It’s about showing up, day after day, and creating work that holds weight, heals clean, and tells stories that matter.

Let me walk you through what that actually takes—because it’s a lot more than hype

From Prison Walls to Global Recognition

Most people don’t know where I started.

Tattooing found me behind bars when I was just sixteen. I built my first machine out of a Walkman motor and a guitar string. It wasn’t pretty, but it worked. And more importantly, it gave me purpose. Gave me direction. Gave me a future.

That was the beginning. And I never stopped pushing from there.

I’ve spent 30+ years in this game. Studied the greats. Honed my craft. Built Skin Design Tattoos from nothing into a global name. And through it all, I stayed locked in on one thing: the work.

Because you don’t become one of the most renowned tattoo artists by accident. You become it by earning people’s trust—then backing it up every time you pick up the machine.

Black and grey realism Saint Michael tattoo I did in my Vegas tattoo shop—text ‘ROBERT’ to (702)-297-6079 or email robert@robertpho.com for a free consultation

“Renowned” Isn’t About Clout—It’s About Consistency

People love labels. They love “famous.” They love “celebrity artist.” But in tattooing? That means nothing if your work doesn’t hold up healed.

A true renowned artist gets flown across the country—not because of a social media stunt—but because of a track record that spans decades.

Here’s what separates the real from the hype:

You can’t fake that. And you can’t buy it.

The Best Tattoo Artists Never Stop Learning

Even after all this time, I’m still a student of the game.

I study light and shadow like a painter. I experiment with new machines, new needles, new techniques. I watch what my peers are doing—not to copy, but to stay sharp.

The most renowned tattoo artists out there? They’re still hungry. Still humble. Still grinding. That’s the mindset I carry into every piece.

Because the second you think you’ve made it in this craft, you’re already slipping.

Why Clients Travel the World to Sit in My Chair

At Skin Design Tattoos, I’ve tattooed professionals, celebrities, collectors, and people going through the most pivotal moments of their lives.

But no matter who you are, the approach is the same:

I’ve done sleeves that span family generations. Memorial portraits that still give me chills. Bodysuits that took years to complete. These aren’t tattoos—they’re milestones.

People don’t fly to Vegas for just a tattoo. They come for something permanent. Something real. Something legendary.

That’s what the most renowned tattoo artists deliver. Every single time.


What Makes a Tattoo Artist Truly Renowned?

It’s not magazine features (even though I’ve had them).
It’s not awards (though I’ve got those, too).
It’s this:

Reputation isn’t built overnight. It’s built over thousands of tattoos, across thousands of hours, with nothing but focus, grit, and respect for the craft.

Skin Design Tattoos: Where Renowned Artists Are Made

I built Skin Design to be more than a studio. It’s a training ground. A sanctuary. A place where artists obsessed with mastery can hone their skills and push the art forward.

We don’t do shortcuts. We don’t do trendy gimmicks. We do world-class tattoos, period.

And the artists who come through this studio? Many of them are on their way to being the next generation of renowned talent. That’s no accident. It’s the standard we live by.

Black and Grey Realism: The Style That Put Me on the Map

This is my lane. My language.

Black and grey realism is unforgiving. It forces you to master light, depth, and emotion with nothing but grayscale and skin tone.

But when it’s done right? It’s breathtaking. It turns a portrait into a memory you can touch. A story into something permanent.

I’ve spent decades learning how to speak this style fluently. And if there’s one thing that’s defined my name—it’s this.

Explore my portfolio here & check out my work on Instagram here: @robert_pho

Why Being “Renowned” Comes with Responsibility

Being one of the most renowned tattoo artists isn’t just about being known. It’s about how you’re known—and what you do with that platform.

I use mine to:

It’s easy to chase fame. But the real ones? They build legacies.

Final Word: Want a Tattoo From One of the Most Renowned Tattoo Artists Alive?

Don’t take my word for it. Look at the work. Look at the healed pieces. Look at the clients who come back year after year.


If you’re looking for a quick tattoo, a flash piece, or something cheap—you won’t find that here.

But if you want a custom-designed piece, crafted by an artist with 30+ years in the game, respected around the world, and obsessed with doing things the right way?

Then we’re a fit.

Book Your Free Consultation Now

Text “ROBERT” to (702) 297-6079 or email robert@robertpho.com to schedule a one-on-one session.

Let’s create something that holds meaning.

Let’s build something that lasts.

Let’s design a piece that proves why you trusted one of the most renowned tattoo artists on the planet.