Meet David, the Artist at Illustrated Ink Tattoo Studio in Stockport
At Illustrated Ink Tattoo Studio in Stockport, every tattoo begins with the artist. The studio is led by David Noonan, a professionally trained illustrator and tattoo artist whose work is rooted in realism, traditional art techniques, and fully bespoke design. From custom tattoos to specialist medical tattooing, David offers a calm, private, appointment-only experience built on trust, collaboration, and technical skill.
The Artistic Journey Behind Illustrated Ink Tattoo
​​David’s journey into tattooing began through illustration. After studying illustration at university, art was always central to his life. His interest in medical tattooing developed while teaching himself tattoo techniques on practice skin, documenting his progress on social media, and gaining international attention from studios abroad.
After starting tattooing in 2014 in a local studio, David opened his own private space, naming it Illustrated Ink Tattoo to reflect his illustrator background and commitment to detailed, artistic work. The defining moment came from seeing clients look in the mirror and fall in love with the permanent artwork created for them.
Signature Style and Tattoo Specialisms
David is best known for realism tattoos, particularly portrait work and highly detailed designs. While capable across styles, clients are drawn to his distinctive approach and seek bespoke tattoos built around realism, depth, and precision.
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His work includes:
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Traditional painting techniques and a deep understanding of colour and form are applied to every tattoo.
A Collaborative Design Process
Every tattoo at Illustrated Ink Tattoo begins with a detailed consultation. David develops multiple design concepts, refining them based on client feedback and reactions. There is no pressure to rush into tattooing, allowing each piece to develop naturally and meaningfully.
What sets his work apart is not only quality, but the reassurance clients feel working with a traditionally trained artist in a private tattoo studio.
Values, Studio Experience, and Client Care
Clients are encouraged to feel completely at ease. Sessions are professional, relaxed, and uninterrupted. The private, appointment-only tattoo studio in Stockport ensures full focus from design to completion.
The environment is friendly and welcoming, with many past clients returning simply to visit, reflecting strong relationships built through trust and consistency.
Training, Influences, and Artistic Foundation
David excelled at art college and university, selling artwork to international clients, including the Saudi Arabian Royal Family, before working in creative media. As tattoo culture grew, he recognised his artistic talent would make him stand out against much of the industry.
His greatest influence is Leonardo da Vinci, particularly his anatomical studies and realism, which continue to shape his tattoo work today.
Memorable Work and Future Direction
Based in Stockport, Illustrated Ink Tattoo attracts clients locally, from across the UK, and internationally. While David produces a wide range of bespoke tattoo work, some of the most meaningful projects come from medical tattooing, where the impact goes far beyond aesthetics.
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One particularly powerful experience involved a client who had undergone a double mastectomy, with one nipple removed. Through careful consultation, colour selection, and realism-based techniques, David created a highly realistic nipple tattoo. When the client saw the result, the emotional response highlighted just how transformative skilled medical tattoo work can be, restoring confidence, balance, and a sense of normality after surgery.
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Looking ahead, David aims to continue expanding his medical tattoo services, with the long-term goal of working alongside the NHS or private hospitals. At the same time, he remains committed to producing bespoke tattoos, allowing him to combine technical realism with creative freedom, maintaining the high standards that define Illustrated Ink Tattoo in Stockport.
Book a Consultation with Illustrated Ink Tattoo
If you are looking for bespoke tattoos in Stockport, expert realism tattoo work, or professional medical tattooing, Illustrated Ink Tattoo offers a private, artist-led experience focused entirely on you.
Contact Illustrated Ink Tattoo to arrange a consultation and begin a tattoo designed with care, experience, and artistic integrity.
Illustrated Ink Tattoo: 8th Floor Beckwith House, 1–13 Wellington Road North, Stockport, SK4 1AF
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Book a consultation and begin your tattoo journey today.