Curated List
Top Nordic Tattoo Artists
Isar Oakmund picks Nordic Artists who blend ancient history with modern precision. Bold, genre-defining tattoos that tell stories.
In Collaboration with Isar Oakmund
August 6, 2025
About the List
Isar Oakmund’s curated selection, Top Nordic Tattoo Artists, showcases Artists whose work seamlessly transforms historical traditions into modern masterpieces. Each Artist represents a distinctive approach to Nordic-inspired tattooing, honoring the past while advancing the genre.
From precise reconstructions to wild, mythic interpretations, this list highlights Isar’s dedication to top craftsmanship, anatomical accuracy, and bold storytelling. These Artists operate with clarity, purpose, and depth, shaping the present and future of historical tattooing.
About Isar Oakmund
Isar Oakmund, owner of Northern Black, is a tattoo Artist, educator, and researcher based in Whitley Bay, England. He is widely recognized for his deep expertise in Nordic, Viking Age, and European historical tattooing. Isar is known for creating large-scale compositions with obsessive precision.
Initially trained in special effects, Isar shifted to tattooing in 2008 and has since completed over 200 sleeves and 100 back pieces. He is the creator of The Nordic Tattoo project, which includes a series of books and events focused on historical Nordic and Celtic tattoo designs. Isar also founded Jorvik Tattoo Moot and is the author of several art books that serve as essential tools for artists working in historical styles. His books and research have significantly influenced the practice and teaching of Nordic tattooing worldwide.
“I’ve seen way too many rubbish tattoos in my time. I think working with something like this, like CO:CREATE’s curator lists, is really important because it reaches audiences I don’t already have access to.”
Isar Oakmund
Isar Oakmund's Curation Criteria:
Technical Execution
Clean application with anatomical flow and structural weight.
Historical Depth
Work rooted in real visual references and cultural context.
Artistic Voice
A distinct visual language that builds on but doesn’t copy tradition.
Compositional Strength
Tattoos that move with the body and carry visual presence.
The Curated List
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