32 MAY 2 0 1 8
24-1 29TH ST., ASTORIA
THEQUEENSINK.COM
The Queens Ink Tattoo
Cristian Zinc runs this nearly six-year-old
shop in Ditmars alongside fellow tattoo
artist Tina Rakotoarivony. The shop could
be described as steampunk-barber-shopmeets
homey-bookstore, but that would
just pigeon-hole it, which I doubt anyone
at The Queens Ink would want. Victorianstyle,
black-and-white portraits line the walls
along with taxidermy, while boat models
and antiques sit unassumingly on shelves.
When asked what Queens Ink is known
for, Zinc said, “Good work?” while Rakotoarivony
offered, “No bullshit?” They
pride themselves on their honesty, even
telling customers not to get certain tattoos
— names, specifically. Rakotoarivony specializes
in line work, lettering, and organic
shapes, while Zinc prefers realistic pieces,
black-and-grey tattoos and portraiture.
Most customers already know about
Zinc and Rakotoarivony’s artwork when
they come in for a consultation — to get
a custom tattoo, it typically takes a few
weeks for the tattoo to be designed — and
it’s easy to see why. Their work is knockyour
socks-off good: A recent piece
Rakotoarivony did for a client featured
a magnolia branch climbing up the subject’s
spine and blooming into flowers at
the shoulder blades, while Zinc’s hyperrealistic
illustrations have to be seen to
be believed. Their shop minimum is $60,
but for larger pieces, like sleeves or back
tattoos, the deposit is typically $200-250.
Photo via Instagram @thequeensink. Tattoo by @cristian_zink Photo via Instagram @thequeensink. Tattoo by @tinartattoos
Photos courtesy of The Queens Ink Photos courtesy of The Queens Ink
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