Tattoo artist and founder of Kings Avenue Tattoo, Mike Rubendall is world-renowned for his talents and skills with a needle. With close to two decades of experience in the tattoo industry, Mike has traveled the world for his award-winning work, including time spent in Japan, China, Italy, Spain, Scandinavia, England and Switzerland.
With a heavy travel schedule and a waiting list of up to 18 months — plus his steady clientele — Mike Rubendall is clearly in high demand.
The start: In the early 90s, Mike was heaving influence by the music of the times, along with his community -- both of which were heavily associated with tattoos. The mystique surrounding tattooing intrigued him and lured him in.
In 1995, at age 17, Mike started tattooing, after an extensive apprenticeship and countless hours of paying dues, working for free, and learning the trade secrets. For years, Mike honed his craft and lived by the motto of becoming a tattooer by ANY MEANS NECESSARY.
Cut to 2003: Having established himself, Mike partnered with world-class Danish tattoo artist Henning Jorgensen, and the two founded the company Tattoo Elite International. Together, they brought attention to the industry’s leading artists and took tattoo artistry to the next level.
Two years later, Mike opened Kings Avenue Tattoo in his hometown of Massapequa, NY, with a team of talented artists. Soon, Mike was featured on the TLC series Tattoo Wars, and in 2007, Mike was featured in New York magazines and ranked as one of New York City’s top inkers.
Spring 2011: Mike expanded Kings Avenue Tattoo, and he and his crew opened a second studio located in NYC’s Nolita neighborhood.
Over the past year, Mike was prominently featured in Vice magazine’s original documentary series, Tattoo Age, and in the documentary feature Skin. Along with Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons and Raymond Pettibon, Mike was a part of artists asked whether tattoos could be considered fine art.
Fall 2012: Mike debuted his limited edition caps, a collaboration with New Era, and will make his debut on Ink Master (season two) this November on Spike.
Works in LI:
Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday
Works in Manhattan:
Tuesday