Ink Kingz Tattoo & Piercing Academy was founded in 2020 by James Williams and his partner Nicole. Originally a tiler from Beeston, James fell in love with the tattoo industry after getting his first tattoo of a black panther on his arm.
James began looking around for an apprenticeship and shortly after found himself working alongside a Leeds based Tattoo artist who taught him the art of tattooing. After mastering his craft he setup Ink Kingz tattoo & Piercing Academy which now has three stores.
Originally launching on Front Street in Pontefract, James has now opened three studios across West Yorkshire, including the newest addition located on Oxford Place, Leeds city centre. Yorkshire Evening Post photographer James Hardisty was offered a first look inside...
1. Top-rated tattoo parlour opens in Leeds
Ink Kingz was founded in 2020 by James Williams, who fell in love with the tattoo industry after getting his first tattoo of a black panther on his arm. Photo: James Hardisty
2. Top-rated tattoo parlour opens in Leeds
Top-rated tattoo parlour Ink Kingz Tattoo & Piercing Academy have opened their third business in Oxford Place, Leeds. Photo: James Hardisty
3. Top-rated tattoo parlour opens in Leeds
Pictured Client, Keeva Harking, chatting with Rhea Makin, one of the apprentice tattooist and a qualified piercer at the studio Photo: James Hardisty
4. Top-rated tattoo parlour opens in Leeds
Ink Kingz is rated 4.8/5 stars with over 70 Google reviews. Pictured is Keira Makin (Manager) with James Williams (Owner) Photo: James Hardisty
5. Top-rated tattoo parlour opens in Leeds
Originally launching on Front Street in Pontefract, Ink Kingz now has three studios across West Yorkshire Photo: James Hardisty
6. Top-rated tattoo parlour opens in Leeds
The website explains: "We’re honoured to offer bespoke designs to all our clients which are created to your specification and story, we love working closely with our clients to create a mural that will last a lifetime." Photo: James Hardisty