Portland, a city celebrated for its vibrant culture and artistic spirit, proudly holds its place as one of America’s most tattooed cities. If you’re looking to commemorate your visit or add to your collection, Portland’s tattoo scene offers a diverse array of talented artists and welcoming studios. From classic styles to contemporary designs, finding the perfect Portland Tattoo Shops for your next piece of body art is an exciting journey. This guide highlights some of the best portland tattoo shops, offering a mix of appointment-only and walk-in options to suit your needs. Remember, popular artists often have waiting lists, so planning ahead is recommended. Once you’ve gathered inspiration and set your budget, Portland’s top tattoo shops are ready to transform your vision into lasting art.
All that’s left to do is decide on some inspiration for your art, set a budget and provide your canvas.
Explore Portland’s Premier Tattoo Destinations
Atlas Tattoo
Classic Tattoo Styles, Appointment Preferred
Nestled in a charming blue house in North Portland, Atlas Tattoo is a renowned studio attracting attention for its exceptional artists and dedication to classic tattoo artistry. Operating primarily by appointment, Atlas Tattoo occasionally offers same-day slots for those spontaneous decisions. With a shop minimum of $100 and an hourly rate of $200, the investment reflects the quality and expertise you’ll find here.
Atlas Tattoo is home to some of Portland’s most sought-after tattoo artists, including Jerry Ware and Dan Gilsdorf. Jerry Ware is known for his clean lines and vibrant color palettes, creating tattoos that are both bold and timeless. Dan Gilsdorf, on the other hand, draws inspiration from American and Japanese traditional tattoo styles, delivering pieces with rich history and striking imagery. Choosing Atlas Tattoo means opting for a studio where classic techniques meet modern skill.
Birdhouse Tattoo
Welcoming for First-Timers, Walk-ins Available
Alia Bird, a talented print-maker turned tattoo artist, established Birdhouse Tattoo as a haven for those seeking a more relaxed and inclusive tattoo experience. Designed to be the opposite of a typical “hardcore” tattoo shop, Birdhouse Tattoo’s two locations (Southeast and Northeast Portland) are filled with plants, colorful artwork, and a welcoming atmosphere. The studios foster a low-stimulus environment, perfect for clients who might feel overwhelmed in more traditional settings. Birdhouse Tattoo prides itself on its supportive approach, offering breaks, snacks, and engaging conversations for clients undergoing longer sessions, all accompanied by chill music.
With a large team of over thirty artists across both locations, Birdhouse Tattoo ensures a diverse range of styles and personalities. This makes it an excellent choice whether it’s your very first tattoo or you’re a seasoned collector. They conveniently offer walk-in appointments seven days a week, making quality tattoos accessible and approachable.
Essential Tattoo Tips for First-Timers
How much should I expect to pay for a tattoo?
Most portland tattoo shops have a minimum charge per tattoo, generally around $100. The final price will depend on several factors including the tattoo’s size, complexity, color, and the time required to complete it. Larger, more intricate, and colorful designs naturally cost more and may necessitate multiple sessions. When considering portland tattoo shops, always inquire about minimums and hourly rates upfront to budget accordingly.
How far in advance should I book a tattoo appointment?
The booking timeframe varies significantly among portland tattoo shops and artists. Highly sought-after artists can have waiting lists extending 3-6 months, or even a year. Some artists manage their schedules by opening their books quarterly, which fill up rapidly. If you have a specific artist in mind, it’s best to follow them on social media and subscribe to notifications for booking announcements. Fortunately, Portland also has several reputable shops that accommodate walk-in clients, offering more immediate tattoo opportunities.
How do I choose the right tattoo shop for my first tattoo in Portland?
Portland boasts a wide array of tattoo shops, each with its own unique vibe and artistic focus. The most crucial factor in choosing among portland tattoo shops is to identify your preferred tattoo style. Explore portfolios online and find an artist whose aesthetic resonates with you. Portland’s diverse pool of talented artists ensures there’s a perfect match for every taste. Don’t hesitate to visit shops, review artist portfolios, and ask questions to find a comfortable and artistically aligned environment for your first tattoo experience.
Ever True Tattoo
Walk-ins Welcome, Cash Preferred
For a spontaneous Portland souvenir, Ever True Tattoo in historic Old Town is an excellent choice. This airy and inviting studio specializes in traditional tattoo designs, delicate botanical illustrations, and precise geometric patterns. Ever True Tattoo warmly welcomes walk-in clients, making it perfect for those impulsive decisions. With a low shop minimum of $60, spontaneity is encouraged, although hourly rates are around $160, and they operate on a cash-only basis.
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Drat Diestler, the friendly owner and artist at Ever True Tattoo, is particularly known for his expertise in Polynesian blackwork tattoos. If you’re drawn to bold linework and tribal-inspired designs, Drat and the team at Ever True Tattoo offer a welcoming and skilled environment within portland tattoo shops.
Grizzly Tattoo
Appointments Recommended, Walk-in Slots Sometimes Available
Grizzly Tattoo, illuminated by its inviting red neon sign on North Williams Avenue, is known as one of the friendliest portland tattoo shops. Since 2011, Grizzly Tattoo has built a reputation for housing talented artists who often have bookings months in advance, a testament to their popularity and skill. Depending on the specific artist, hourly rates at Grizzly Tattoo range from $150 to $200, with a shop minimum of $100. While appointments are highly recommended to secure your spot, they occasionally offer walk-in availability, making it worth checking if you’re seeking a more immediate tattoo.
Icon Tattoo Studio
Appointments Preferred, Walk-ins Possible, Cash Only
Icon Tattoo Studio has been a cornerstone of the North Portland tattoo scene since 1999. This welcoming studio boasts a bright and airy atmosphere, featuring large windows and high ceilings that create a comfortable space for clients and artists alike. Icon Tattoo operates primarily on a cash-only basis.
The skilled team of artists at Icon Tattoo, including Alena Chun and Mickey Carlisle, offers a diverse spectrum of tattoo styles. From delicate black and grey roses to vibrant portraits of animals and people, Icon Tattoo caters to a wide range of artistic preferences. The shop minimum is $150, reflecting the quality and experience offered within this established portland tattoo shops.
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Reliquary Tattoo
Women-Owned, Appointment Only, Cash Only
Located on bustling Broadway Street in Northeast Portland, Reliquary Tattoo stands out as a cooperatively run, women-owned tattoo parlor. Reliquary Tattoo is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all clients, prioritizing comfort and respect.
Artists at Reliquary Tattoo are available exclusively by appointment. Price quotes are discussed directly with the artists after booking, as each artist sets their own rates and policies. Reliquary Tattoo operates on a cash-only basis, though an ATM is conveniently located nearby. While walk-ins are not available, you are welcome to visit during opening hours to browse artist portfolios and flash designs, allowing you to appreciate the studio’s artistic style and plan your future tattoo.
Reliquary Tattoo’s talented roster includes Allyson Bennett, Elli Adams, and founder Meg Adamson. Exploring their website provides a comprehensive look at each artist’s unique style and portfolio, helping you choose the perfect artist for your desired tattoo within portland tattoo shops.
Sea Tramp Tattoo Company
Walk-ins Welcome, Open Late, Cash Only
Sea Tramp Tattoo Company, situated in the Central Eastside, holds the distinction of being Oregon’s oldest tattoo shop, established in 1978 by the legendary artist Bert Grimm. Rumor has it that Bert Grimm himself inked the infamous Bonnie and Clyde, and his historic flash sheets still adorn the shop’s walls, offering a glimpse into tattoo history.
Sea Tramp’s current artists, Patrick Murphy and Skot Ramsay, uphold Grimm’s tradition of classic, old-school tattoo designs. While they specialize in traditional styles, Sea Tramp offers a wide range of tattoo artistry to cater to diverse preferences. As a street-style shop, walk-ins are warmly welcomed 363 days a year, and they are open late for those evening ink sessions. Hourly rates vary, but the shop minimum is $100, and they operate on a cash-only basis, maintaining a classic tattoo shop feel among portland tattoo shops.
Tattoo 34 PDX
Black and Indigenous-Owned, Walk-ins Welcome
Located in the vibrant Hawthorne District, Tattoo 34 PDX is a unique and significant addition to portland tattoo shops. As Portland’s only Black and Indigenous-owned tattoo shop, Tattoo 34 PDX is run by a husband and wife team who are deeply committed to community building and creating an inclusive space where every client feels welcomed and respected.
Tattoo 34 PDX has a shop minimum of $100, and artists charge hourly rates per session, with individual artists setting their own session fees. Check each artist’s page for specific pricing. For those seeking spontaneous ink, Tattoo 34 PDX offers walk-in appointments on Wednesdays and Sundays starting at noon, specializing in flash tattoo designs suitable for walk-in clients.
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The artists at Tattoo 34 PDX showcase diverse specialties, including surrealism, botanical tattoos, bold color work, and traditional tribal designs. This variety ensures that Tattoo 34 PDX can cater to a broad spectrum of tattoo styles and client preferences within portland tattoo shops.
Wonderland Tattoo
Women-Owned, By Appointment Only
Since its opening in Southeast Portland in 2014, Wonderland Tattoo has rapidly become one of the city’s most popular and highly regarded ink parlors within portland tattoo shops.
Wonderland Tattoo is home to local tattoo legends Alice Kendall and Kirsten Holliday, both renowned for their exquisite and intricate botanical tattoo designs. Due to the exceptional quality and custom nature of their work, appointment books for Wonderland Tattoo artists typically open only about four times a year, and these slots fill up quickly. If you are fortunate enough to secure a session, these stunning tattoos are priced at $200 per hour, with a shop minimum of $100, representing a worthwhile investment for exceptional body art within portland tattoo shops.
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