WHY MIKE BELLAMY TATTOO NYC?
30+YEARS TATTOOING IN NYC
Japanese Tattoos • American Traditional Tattoos • Sleeves • Backpieces • Bodysuits • Custom Tattoo Work
WHY MIKE BELLAMY TATTOO NYC
30+ Years Tattooing in NYC
Japanese Tattoos • American Traditional Tattoos • Sleeves • Backpieces • Bodysuits • Custom Tattoo Work
Choosing a tattoo artist is about more than finding someone who can apply ink to skin. It's about finding an artist with the experience, judgment, and dedication to guide you through a process that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
My name is Mike Bellamy, and I've been tattooing professionally for more than three decades.
I moved to New York City in 1989 to study Illustration at Parsons School of Design, earning a BFA before entering tattooing during a time when the industry was still largely underground.
Over the years I've worked in some of New York City's most respected tattoo studios, including Crooklyn's Cave, Huggy Bear Tattoo, Inkline Studio, Sacred Tattoo, Triple X Tattoo, and today, Red Rocket Tattoo.
Today I continue to tattoo full time in Midtown Manhattan.
More Than 30 Years of Tattoo Experience
Experience matters.
Over thousands of tattoos, an artist develops far more than technical ability. They learn composition, placement, color theory, skin behavior, healing patterns, and how tattoos will age over decades.
Whether you're planning a sleeve, backpiece, bodysuit, cover-up, or custom design, experience helps solve problems before they ever become mistakes.
Specializing in Large-Scale Custom Tattoos
While I enjoy projects of every size, much of my work focuses on:
• Japanese Traditional Tattoos
• American Traditional Tattoos
• Full Sleeves
• Backpieces
• Bodysuits
• Large Scale Custom Tattoos
• Bold Color Tattoos
• Black & Grey Tattoos
Large projects require planning, patience, and consistency. My goal is to create tattoos that work as complete compositions rather than isolated pieces.
Illustration & Design Background
Before becoming a tattoo artist, I studied Illustration at Parsons School of Design in New York City.
That education continues to shape the way I approach tattooing today.
Strong tattoos begin with strong design. Understanding composition, movement, contrast, balance, and storytelling allows me to create tattoos that flow naturally with the body rather than simply sitting on it.
Every custom tattoo begins with one question:
"What is the strongest design solution for this individual?"
Three Decades in New York Tattooing
Tattooing in New York has allowed me to work with every type of client imaginable.
Including:
• First-time tattoo clients
• Collectors building bodysuits and sleeves
• Musicians
• Artists
• Professionals
• Visitors traveling to New York specifically for tattoo work
Every client receives the same attention and thoughtful approach regardless of project size.
Why Clients Choose Me
Clients often tell me they appreciate:
• More than 30 years of professional experience
• Honest guidance
• Strong drawing and design ability
• Large-scale planning
• Calm, straightforward consultations
• Long-term thinking
• A clean, professional studio environment
Tattooing isn't about convincing someone to get tattooed.
It's about helping them make the right decision.
Red Rocket Tattoo
I own and tattoo at Red Rocket Tattoo, a custom tattoo studio located in Midtown Manhattan.
The studio is conveniently located near Penn Station, Grand Central, Herald Square, Times Square, Chelsea, and surrounding Manhattan neighborhoods.
Whether you're a lifelong New Yorker or visiting the city, consultations are always welcome.
Let's Talk About Your Tattoo
Whether you're considering Japanese tattooing, American Traditional tattooing, a sleeve, backpiece, bodysuit, or another custom tattoo project, I'd be happy to discuss your ideas.
Every great tattoo begins with a conversation.
Book a consultation and let's create something you'll be proud to wear for life.