In the bustling streets of New York City, where art meets individuality, tattoo artist Josh Lord is making waves with his impressive clientele.
Known for inking Prince Harry, Lord shares insights into what attracts stars to his studio and what makes his artistry so unique.
A Peek into the Craft
While he remains tight-lipped about the specifics of Prince Harry’s tattoo, Josh Lord did offer a glimpse into his artistic style that has drawn many celebrities to his East Side Ink studio.
“I definitely love doing more detailed pieces,” he shared with Revolver Magazine.
His specialty lies in elaborate, fine-line black-and-gray realism adorned with intricate monochromatic shading.
This approach has solidified his reputation as a go-to artist for elite clients seeking meaningful and intricate body art.
Tattoo Tales with the Stars
Lord has had his fair share of fascinating encounters with other celebrities. One memorable story involves a session with Rihanna back in 2009.
Although he didn’t recognize her at the time, he allowed her to tattoo a small umbrella featuring an ‘r’ on his leg.
However, this seemingly innocent act triggered an unexpected investigation by New York City’s health department into unlicensed tattooing.
“We were raided by the health department immediately after that whole incident,” Lord recalled.
Despite the media frenzy that followed, he assured fans that the rumors were overblown: “It was a non-story that they made into a huge story, but it was really wild to watch the media storm unfold.”
The Avengers Assemble
One of the highlights of Lord’s career came from his connection with Scarlett Johansson.
The actress commissioned him for a floral design on her back, which ultimately led to a group tattoo session for the cast of Avengers: Infinity War.
“Getting six of the most famous people in the film industry to agree on one design was difficult and trying,” he admitted.
Each actor, including Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Hemsworth, contributed to a unique design that commemorated their time together.
Interestingly, during this memorable session, Mark Ruffalo, who was a bit hesitant about getting inked, eventually traced his finger over Lord’s new Avengers tattoo.
“I had to disinfect myself with a vodka drink,” he joked, emphasizing the amusing chaos that sometimes accompanies celebrity tattooing.
A Star-Studded Clientele
Lord’s impressive roster doesn’t stop with the Avengers.
He has tattooed other notable figures, including Joe Perry of Aerosmith and actresses Cate Blanchett and Susan Sarandon.
He even crafted a fake tattoo for John Cena’s neck for a movie. “I measured him carefully,” he recalled, mentioning how the manufacturers thought he had mistakenly doubled the size due to Cena’s impressive physique.
The Royal Visit
Recently, Prince Harry made a stop at East Side Ink, creating a buzz in the tattoo community.
Arriving in a black SUV with his security team, he spent about an hour at the studio.
While details of his tattoo remain under wraps, the shop’s staff emphasized their commitment to client privacy.
“A tattoo is a deeply personal choice… anything that happens here is your private moment,” Lord explained.
Celebrating a Legacy
Since its inception in 1992, East Side Ink has transformed from catering to bikers and hardcore body art aficionados to attracting Hollywood A-listers.
The shop was even named one of New York City’s best tattoo parlors by Time Out in 2024.
“On any given day, you might find your favorite actor or musician getting tattooed right next to neighborhood regulars,” their website proudly states.
As for Prince Harry’s visit, it coincided with his eight-day trip to New York and the UK, where he is actively supporting various pet charities and initiatives.
During his time in the city, he engaged with several dignitaries and attended significant events, continuing to carve out his own identity after stepping back from royal duties.
Reflecting on Inked Adventures
In his memoir, Spare, Prince Harry shared his desire to get a tattoo of Botswana during a wild night in Las Vegas.
However, his security team intervened, convincing him against the idea.
“They promised to hold me down, knock me out, whatever it took,” Harry recounted with a chuckle.
As the world watches Harry carve out his new path, Josh Lord continues to create lasting impressions—both on the skin of his clients and in the realm of tattoo artistry.
Mine Crypto. Earn $GOATS while it is free! Click Here!!