Best friends bring their incredible tattooing skills to Eltham

But body art lovers in Eltham never fear – incredibly talented best friends Martin McMurray and Ricci Woodward have set up shop on our doorstep.

From impossibly intricate portraits to stunningly lifelike skulls, ships and roses, there is no ink-job too tricky for these young tattoo artists.

And if these photographs aren’t proof enough of their insane capabilities, the boys even entrust each other with their own permanent masterpieces.

After working for Ricci’s dad Mark at 21st Century Tattoos in Ladywell for the last few years, the pair has now been given their own branch – In Ink We Trust - to manage on Eltham High Street.

Martin, 25, told Vibe about one of his recent triumphs.

He said: “We’re bringing better tattoos to the area.

“I did a woman’s face - it was all ripped with her skull showing through it.

“That was on a girl as well.

“It was on her arm and really big.

“It’s a really cool picture but very deep for a girl to have.

“Some of the shocking tattoos I’ve done have been on girls’ intimate areas – they usually get their boyfriend’s initials or a love heart or something tacky like that.”

Martin, who met Ricci, 21, through their love of riding motorbikes, believes their youth gives them an edge over their rivals.

He added: “We can relate to younger people, as opposed to 50-year-old artists who want to give everyone an anchor.

“We didn’t get to express our true talent in Ladywell because the shop was so busy.

“Coming here, we’re already getting the kind of customers who want much nicer pieces and we can take our time over them because we’re not in any rush.

“It’s not the same old stuff every day anymore, like “only God can judge me” or praying hands – we’re doing portraits and big, clear pieces.”

But despite their youthful unique selling point, Martin and Ricci always advise customers to make responsible decisions when picking out tattoos.

“Whenever someone comes in saying “I want my boyfriend’s name tattooed, I’ve known him for three hours” we’d always tell them to go and have a good think about it and come back in a month’s time.” Martin said.

The boys charge £70 an hour for their everlasting needlework.

And they truly are walking advertisements for the shop.

“I’ve got slightly more tattoos than Ricci.” Martin continued.

“I’ve almost got half one side of my body done with angels, Marilyn Monroe, a tattoo gun, roses.

“I normally pick out nice bits of artwork I find.”

In Ink We Trust is a state of the art shop, kitted out with the finest in tattoo technology.

Martin added: “I love my job because every day is different – you never know what someone’s going to ask for next.

“It’s possibly the coolest job and the best way to meet new people.”

To make an appointment call 0208 8500575.