Our Story
Our Story | Red Baron Ink Tattoo & Piercing – West Village NYC
It all started with a love story —
a love for tattoos, and a boy meeting a girl.
Grant left Southern California and came to New York City chasing a dream, believing what Sinatra sang:
“If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere.”
In the summer of 2012, that dream became real when he opened the first Red Baron Ink Tattoo Studio in the East Village of Manhattan, on 11th Street between Avenues B and C.
Just months later, in October 2012, right before Hurricane Sandy changed New York forever, Grant met Giselle.
Soon after, they were married — and together they stepped fully into the world of professional tattooing, artistry, and community in NYC.
What began as a one-artist tattoo shop in the East Village grew into a team of talented artists working side by side.
As the Red Baron Ink family expanded, so did the space — first taking over the neighboring storefront, and eventually moving to the West Village in 2018, where the studio continues to thrive today.
In 2020, with deep gratitude and heavy hearts, the East Village chapter closed.
But the memories, lessons, friendships, and trust from every client who chose us for their custom tattoo in New York City will always live with us.
Today, more than a decade later, Red Baron Ink stands proud as a family-owned tattoo and piercing studio in the West Village, NYC — built on resilience, passion, and genuine human connection.
We’ve expanded our services to include professional body piercing using high-quality jewelry and safe industry practices, allowing us to serve even more of our community.
But our true mission has never changed.
More Than a Tattoo Shop in NYC
Red Baron Ink exists to create a safe, welcoming, and judgment-free space where everyone belongs.
You may walk in as a stranger,
but you leave as family.
We listen deeply to your story — your memories, your pain, your growth, your milestones —
and transform them into meaningful custom tattoos and piercings you carry for life.
Because this is not just ink on skin.
This is identity.
This is healing.
This is transformation.
Giving Back to the New York Community
New York City built us — and giving back is part of who we are.
We regularly host pet adoption events in NYC, helping animals find loving homes and bringing people together through compassion and connection.
We also speak with school-aged students about tattoos as a legitimate art form, while educating them on:
- the importance of licensed, reputable tattoo studios
- safe tattoo and piercing practices
- making thoughtful, informed choices
- and most importantly, waiting until the right time
Because responsibility is part of artistry.
A Decade of Trust in the West Village
For over 10 years, clients searching for:
- best tattoo shop in West Village NYC
- custom tattoos Manhattan
- professional piercing near me
- family-owned tattoo studio New York
have found a home at Red Baron Ink.
And we do not take that trust lightly.
Every person who walks through our doors matters.
Every story matters.
Every piece of art matters.
Because to us, this isn’t just tattooing.
It’s connection.
It’s purpose.
It’s love — made permanent.