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By K Futur LOCALIn a city rich with artistic talent and a rapidly evolving tattoo culture, Rapture Tattoo Co has emerged as one of Derby’s standout creative success stories. Taking home the title of Best Tattoo Studio at the TRENDИG Awards 2026, the studio’s win marks a significant milestone-not just for the team behind it, but for a new generation of artists reshaping the local scene.
For Andy and Elisha, the recognition came as both a surprise and a powerful validation of the journey they’ve been on since opening their doors in October 2024.
“First of all, thank you! We think it’s an amazing thing you’re doing for the city by promoting artists and creatives,” they said. “We were genuinely thrilled and incredibly proud. Having only been open just over a year, it was amazing to be voted Best Tattoo Studio.”
That sense of gratitude runs through everything Rapture Tattoo Co represents. While awards are always welcome, the team are quick to point out that this one belongs just as much to the people who walk through their doors.
“More than anything, it reflects how supportive and loyal our client base has been-without them, none of this would be possible.”
The category itself was one of the most competitive in this year’s TRENDИG Awards, featuring established names such as Studio One, Vivid Ink and Salamander-studios with decades of experience and deep roots in Derby’s tattoo heritage. For a relatively new studio to come out on top speaks volumes.
“It means a lot to us. To be recognised alongside such well-established studios-some of which have been open for 20 years or more-is an honour in itself,” they explained. “To then come out on top… is something we’re incredibly proud of.”
What makes Rapture Tattoo Co stand out in such a saturated and competitive industry is not just the quality of the work, but the environment they’ve created. In an industry where trust, comfort and connection are everything, the studio has built a reputation that goes beyond ink.
“We believe a lot of it comes down to the atmosphere and the relationships within the studio. We’re a very close-knit team, and we think that energy carries through to our clients.”
That emphasis on experience is central to their philosophy. Tattooing is deeply personal-often emotional-and the team approach each piece with a balance of creative expertise and genuine care.
“We always take the time to really listen to each client’s vision and understand what they want,” they said. “Once we have a clear direction, we start designing something that reflects both their ideas and our professional experience.”
That collaborative approach is what transforms an idea into something permanent and meaningful. It is also what keeps clients coming back.
“Sometimes that means suggesting adjustments… It’s all about collaboration to achieve the best possible outcome. There’s no better feeling than seeing a client’s reaction at the end-when they look in the mirror and truly love what they see.”
Rapture Tattoo Co’s rise also reflects a broader shift within Derby’s tattoo culture. What was once considered niche or alternative has now become widely embraced, with studios and artists pushing boundaries across styles, techniques and creative expression.
“It’s definitely grown very quickly-arguably even faster than expected. It’s amazing to see tattooing becoming more widely accepted and appreciated, but it also means the industry is more competitive than ever.”
That competition has only strengthened the studio’s resolve to keep evolving, improving and maintaining the standards that earned them this recognition in the first place.
Looking ahead to 2026, Rapture Tattoo Co is not slowing down. The team has already expanded, welcoming new artists Phil, Jack and Jorja, alongside established artists Rob and Liv-creating a full, dynamic studio environment that reflects both growth and ambition.
“We feel we now have a great team and every seat in our shop is full, which is amazing.”
It is this combination of momentum, talent and grounded appreciation that positions Rapture Tattoo Co as one of Derby’s most exciting creative businesses right now. Their TRENDИG Award win is not just a reflection of what they’ve achieved in a short space of time, but a signal of what is still to come.
As they continue to build, collaborate and create, one thing remains clear-Rapture Tattoo Co is not just part of Derby’s tattoo scene. They are helping define its next chapter.
