Meet Our Talented Artists

At Ride the Needle, our skilled artists specialize in various tattoo styles, ensuring a unique experience for every client.

Book Your Appointment

Yayo

My name is Reynaldo Mendez Jr., but in the tattoo world most people know me as Yayo. I've been tattooing for over 10 years, and my journey began with an apprenticeship under my father, the owner of Ride the Needle Tattoo. Growing up in the shop, I developed a deep passion for the craft and a strong respect for the tradition of tattooing. My specialties are black and grey realism and color realism, where I focus on bringing lifelike detail and depth into every piece. At the same time, I pride myself on being versatile in all styles, working closely with each client to create something meaningful and unique. Tattooing is more than just artwork to me-it's a way of telling stories, honoring journeys, and creating lasting connections through skin and ink.

Artistic Expressions

Explore our diverse tattoo and piercing projects.

A tattoo artist is working on the back of a person with red hair, creating a large, intricate snake design. The studio has artistic wall decorations with black swirls and framed artwork. The artist has a detailed tattoo on their arm, and there is a mirror reflecting parts of the scene.
A tattoo artist is working on the back of a person with red hair, creating a large, intricate snake design. The studio has artistic wall decorations with black swirls and framed artwork. The artist has a detailed tattoo on their arm, and there is a mirror reflecting parts of the scene.
Traditional Tattoos

Experience classic designs with modern techniques.

A tattoo workstation is cluttered with various items. The back wall displays numerous tattoo designs featuring hearts, daggers, skulls, and butterflies. The workbench holds ink bottles, paper towels, and various tattooing equipment. Stickers and artwork cover the surrounding surfaces, adding to the eclectic and artistic vibe.
A tattoo workstation is cluttered with various items. The back wall displays numerous tattoo designs featuring hearts, daggers, skulls, and butterflies. The workbench holds ink bottles, paper towels, and various tattooing equipment. Stickers and artwork cover the surrounding surfaces, adding to the eclectic and artistic vibe.
Realism Art

Stunning lifelike portraits and intricate details.

Two tattooed arms reach out towards a wooden structure in an indoor setting with soft lighting, creating a mysterious and artistic atmosphere. The background appears to be blurred, emphasizing the focus on the hands and the tattoos.
Two tattooed arms reach out towards a wooden structure in an indoor setting with soft lighting, creating a mysterious and artistic atmosphere. The background appears to be blurred, emphasizing the focus on the hands and the tattoos.
A person is seated in a chair receiving a tattoo on their left arm from a tattoo artist. The room is dimly lit with a ring light focused on the arm. The walls are decorated with artwork and there are shelves filled with various supplies. The setting appears intimate and focused.
A person is seated in a chair receiving a tattoo on their left arm from a tattoo artist. The room is dimly lit with a ring light focused on the arm. The walls are decorated with artwork and there are shelves filled with various supplies. The setting appears intimate and focused.
Watercolor Styles

Vibrant colors blending seamlessly on skin.

Japanese Influence

Timeless designs inspired by rich cultural heritage.

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woman wearing yellow long-sleeved dress under white clouds and blue sky during daytime

The artists at Ride the Needle truly understand my vision and bring it to life beautifully.

Alex R.

A person with tattooed arms is holding a tattoo machine while seated at a workstation. The workstation is equipped with various inks, a cup, and other tattooing supplies. The background features art pieces and window blinds, suggesting a tattoo studio environment.
A person with tattooed arms is holding a tattoo machine while seated at a workstation. The workstation is equipped with various inks, a cup, and other tattooing supplies. The background features art pieces and window blinds, suggesting a tattoo studio environment.

I had an amazing experience! The detail in my tattoo exceeded all my expectations.

Jamie L.

A person with tattooed hands is working on another person's hand, which is wrapped for protection. The setting has a focused and artistic atmosphere, likely in a tattoo studio.
A person with tattooed hands is working on another person's hand, which is wrapped for protection. The setting has a focused and artistic atmosphere, likely in a tattoo studio.
★★★★★
★★★★★
Services

Expert tattooing and piercing by skilled artists.

Contact

info@ridetheneedle.com

(860) 827-8353

© 2024. All rights reserved.

105B West Main Street
New Britain Connecticut 6051

Business Hours

Monday 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Saturday 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Sunday By Appointment Only

218 Main St, Norwich, CT 06360

(860) 859-9363

New Britain Store

Norwich Store