Tattoos are one of life’s most captivating art forms. But it’s not every day a tattoo parlour is a work of art in itself. Welcome to Gold Rain, a studio run by a couple based out of a shopping container in Ancoats. Once inside, the incredible interior decor is the first thing that greets you. Floor to ceiling art prints and curios, the look immediately introduces you to the owners, Danielle and Lewis, their personalities reflected by what’s on the walls and the approach to skin designs. Meanwhile, the difference between their exceptional work means there’s very little you could ask for that they won’t be able to deliver.
Opening in 2020, despite turbulent times back then due to the pandemic Gold Rain quickly established itself as a go-to for high-grade body art. Lewis is here to focus on full colour, bold and vibrant pieces, often leaning into pop culture via both traditional and non-traditional styles. Danielle specialises in black and dot work, and highly illustrative pieces. Whether that’s spooky or floral, TV, music, or film, although obviously the choice is only limited by your imagination, with the two-person team at Gold Rain committed to giving people what they want.
A real sign of how important your comfort is to them — both in terms of the physical space but also feeling at ease — Danielle and Lewis have even gone so far as to think about all the people who’d love a tattoo but can’t really decide. Their Get What You Get vintage gum ball machine is full of different designs based on changing themes, often dictated by the season. Clients pay a discounted rate, turn the handle and see what comes out of the machine. There is, of course, no obligation. Beyond all that, a range of art prints, t-shirts, totes, and beanies conceived by Gold Rain are also available, and keep an eye out for flash days, when new, original designs become available for 24 hours only.