Light, shadow and depth
Black and grey realism
Faces, animals, cinematic imagery and custom scenes, built with clear shapes and strong contrast. Every composition starts with how the tattoo will sit on your body.
Explore black and grey realism →Rising Tide Tattoo • 375 W Main St. • Canfield, Ohio
Realism tattoos.
Canfield, Ohio.
I’m Sean Connolly, a tattoo artist and the owner of Rising Tide Tattoo near Youngstown. I create custom black and grey realism, portraits, sleeves and back pieces with strong contrast and a design that fits your body.
Original ideas. Built for the body.
Please review the portfolio before starting the booking process. Every project is designed through the same visual language you see in my work.
Featured work • Black & grey realism
BLACK & GREY REALISM◆COLOR REALISM◆PORTRAITS◆CINEMATIC WORK◆ANIMALS◆CUSTOM DESIGNS◆
BLACK & GREY REALISM◆COLOR REALISM◆PORTRAITS◆CINEMATIC WORK◆
Selected work by Sean Connolly
Realism, portraits
and custom tattoos.
Look through the work closely before choosing an appointment. Your tattoo will be original to you, but it will still look like it came from the same artist who made the pieces below.
Tap a tattoo to see the details. Review the work before booking so we can start with the right creative fit.
About the work
The best work starts with the right creative fit.
My work is realism-focused, with most projects living somewhere between black-and-grey realism, color realism, portraiture, and illustrative realism. I especially enjoy pieces with strong faces, animals, cinematic imagery, horror and pop-culture subject matter, and designs that tell a story across the body.
The best projects start with a client who likes my portfolio enough to want my version of their idea. Bring me the subject, the meaning, the placement, and the parts that matter most. I will build the composition around the body and make the artistic decisions needed to turn those ingredients into a tattoo. Working within my style is what allows me to give you my best work.
Reviewing the portfolio first helps make sure we are starting from the same creative direction. When that connection is there, I can focus on giving your idea the strongest design, composition, and execution possible.
See the booking process →Find your direction
The subject is yours.
The style is mine.
These are the kinds of projects I enjoy building. Explore the work, then bring me the subject, placement and details that matter to you.
People, pets and characters
Portrait tattoos
Family portraits, pet portraits and recognizable faces in black and grey or color. A clear reference helps me preserve the features and expression that make the subject yours.
Explore portrait tattoos →Designed as a whole
Sleeves and back pieces
Large compositions planned around the shape of the arm, leg or back. The focal points, transitions and open space work together so the piece reads as one design.
Explore large tattoo projects →
About Sean
Built on craft.
Rooted in community.
I’m Sean Connolly, a tattoo artist and the owner of Rising Tide Tattoo in Canfield, Ohio. I’ve been tattooing for more than 10 years, and in 2018 I opened Rising Tide to create the kind of shop I wanted to work in: independent, welcoming, and built around respect for the craft and every person who walks through the door.
The name comes from the belief that “a rising tide lifts all boats.” To me, success means more when it creates room for other people to succeed too. That principle has shaped how I’ve built the shop and the role I want it to play in the community.
I’m also a community activist who cares deeply about the Mahoning Valley and the people who call it home. That same commitment shapes the way I run the shop. I strive to make Rising Tide a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space where everyone is treated with dignity and can feel comfortable being exactly who they are.
10+ Years tattooing
2018 Rising Tide opened
Rising Tide Tattoo
In Canfield.
Part of the Valley.
All appointments with Sean take place at Rising Tide Tattoo in Canfield, Ohio, near Youngstown. If you are looking for a realism tattoo artist around Boardman, Austintown, Warren or Salem, start by reviewing the portfolio to see whether my style fits your idea.
Rising Tide Tattoo375 W Main St.
Canfield, Ohio 44406
We primarily operate by appointment. Walk ins for small tattoos are welcome, but artist availability is not guaranteed. To book with Sean, send your tattoo request through the booking form before choosing a date in Acuity.
Before you book
A few useful answers.
Choose the artist for the work you want to wear. Here is what to know about tattooing with Sean at Rising Tide.
Where does Sean Connolly tattoo?
I tattoo at Rising Tide Tattoo, 375 W Main St., Canfield, Ohio 44406, near Youngstown in the Mahoning Valley. Appointments are made online.
What tattoo styles does Sean specialize in?
My work centers on black and grey realism, color realism, portraits and illustrative realism. I especially enjoy faces, animals, cinematic imagery, horror and pop culture. Review the portfolio before booking so your project fits the style I work in.
Can I book a family portrait or a pet portrait tattoo?
Yes. I work with portraits of people and animals. Send clear reference photos with your booking request and tell me the placement, approximate size and features or expression that matter most.
Does Sean design tattoo sleeves and back pieces?
Yes. I create custom sleeves, back pieces and other large projects with the composition planned around the body. Tell me the full idea and include photos of the area, especially if there are existing tattoos to work around.
How do I book an appointment?
Start with the tattoo request form. Send your idea, placement, size and references. After a successful submission, the site opens Acuity so you can choose an appointment and complete the deposit requirements shown there.
Can I walk in for a tattoo?
We accept walk ins for small tattoos. Because we primarily operate by appointment, we cannot guarantee that an artist will be available when you arrive.
Ready to start?
Start the process. Then book directly online.
The booking process covers style fit, references, design expectations, appointment prep, and deposits before taking you directly into my Acuity calendar without leaving the site.