State of Shiok: Singapore’s Only Tattoo Art Jamming Studio
Try your hand at tattoo art using a real tattoo gun and faux skin at this studio at 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace
By Shannon Sim,
If you’ve ever complained about Singapore being boring, consider this your official rebuttal. Tucked away in Pearl’s Hill Terrace, State of Shiok is a tattoo studio that offers tattoo art jamming sessions – trading in the usual paint and canvas for actual tattoo guns and faux skin. Started by tattooist Jerome Ang and his friends fresh out of college, State of Shiok is the one-of-a-kind playground for expression that deserves a top spot on your “things to do in Singapore” list – especially if what you’re looking for is a little creative release.
See also: Vinyl collective Avant Culture Club opens its first physical store at Pearl’s Hill Terrace
State of Shiok’s Pseudo Tattoo art jamming class ($68 per pax) is your low-stakes, high-thrill answer for those who have flirted with the idea of being a tattoo artist but aren’t quite ready to bite the bullet for formal training. You’ll first pick a design from their collection and transfer it onto a piece of faux skin to work on. After filling in the outline with dark ink using a tattoo gun pen, you’ll then add in colours of your choice. Visual guides will also be available for a little creative nudge.
The studio fits up to eight people, which means you’re in for an intimate three-hour session complete with guided explanations and live demonstrations. It’s hands-on, slightly rebellious and wildly satisfying – minus the lifelong commitment.
Afraid of needles? Fret not – State of Shiok has something softer up its sleeve. Enter We Paint Bears, a 1.5-hour bear figurine art jamming session ($55 to $65) where you’ll splatter, dip, and blend paint onto your Bearbrick-inspired figure, sans rules or templates. Small bear keychains are also available at an additional $10 for those who want to add a unique and personalised touch to their bag charm collection.
State of Shiok is located at 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace, #02-08A, Singapore 168976 and is open daily from 11:30am to 9:30pm. Sessions are strictly by appointment only, book yours here.