London Reese

London Reese is the owner and a resident artist at The Black Lantern, a prominent tattoo and fine art studio located in Dana Point, Orange County, CA. A Southern California native, Reese’s artistic journey began early, fueled by rock & roll, skateboarding, and a deep passion for drawing. He started tattooing in 2005, transitioning to full-time in 2008 while pursuing art studies. Though without a formal apprenticeship, he honed his craft by working alongside some of the world’s most talented artists, whose influence profoundly shaped his technique and respect for the art form.

His distinctive style is described as multiform, blending techniques from various tattoo genres and fine art disciplines. London gained international recognition after winning the televised tattoo competition “Best Ink” in 2011, an achievement that led to global travel and tattooing a diverse clientele, including celebrities, athletes, and musicians. His award-winning work has been published internationally and is worn by clients worldwide.

Beyond his tattooing, London is also an innovator in the industry, having created the Illuminati Light Kit for tattooers and being the owner and operator of GHOSTLINE, an iOS application designed to streamline the tattoo stenciling process for artists globally. In 2016, he established The Black Lantern as a sanctuary for art and creativity, fostering an environment built on trust, respect, and artistic freedom. Reese is dedicated to constant growth as an artist and a human, continually refining his skills and exploring new aesthetics to deliver his best to every client. Outside the studio, he is a devoted husband, father, avid traveler, and music enthusiast.