“1000 Tattoos” Will Help You Think Ink By Checking Out the Best of the Best

Once considered the purview of sailors and criminals, tattoos have increasingly become nearly ubiquitous in Western Culture. (There’s even a reality competition show about it called Ink Master, which was recently renewed for an 11th season.) A wider audience in search of ink that expresses their creativity and identity means top-notch tattoo artists are more in-demand than ever. Enter Chris Coppola, and his eye-catching compendium 1000 Tattoos (Universe Publishing, $29.95), which features new works from more than 40 of the most groundbreaking, up-and-coming tattoo designers working today. These artists represent a wide range of diversity — in terms of culture, race, gender and geographic origin. But the proof is in the work: Scott Ellis’ full back tatoos of jungle-prowling tigers and wave-riding dragons; Corey Weir’s bold, intricate, interwoven patterns; Gakkin’s wild, skin-swallowing fields of black; Lesha Lau’s surprising pixellations; Naoki’s big-eyed cartoon characters. Anyone can enjoy these eye-catching creations, but they’re certain to get tattoo-enthusiasts itching for their next investment in ink. rizzoliusa.com