People are always searching for the “best” of everything, and tattoo shops are no exception. When it comes to body art, the idea of the “Best Tattoo Shop” is really in the eye of the beholder. What one person considers the perfect studio, another might not. It truly boils down to personal taste and what you’re looking for in a tattoo experience. Are you after bold, blackwork designs? Or perhaps delicate, watercolor pieces are more your style? Maybe you’re seeking a skilled artist for a lifelike portrait. The truth is, every tattoo artist has their own unique strengths and specialties.
As someone with extensive tattoo experience, I often get asked to recommend the “best” tattoo artist or shop in Milwaukee. My answer is always the same: it depends entirely on what you want. There isn’t a single “best tattoo shop” that caters to everyone, but there is the best tattoo shop for you. The key is to do your research and find a studio and artist whose style aligns with your vision.
My number one piece of advice for anyone searching for the best tattoo shop? Dive into Instagram. Instagram is an invaluable tool for exploring artists’ portfolios and seeing the kind of work they’re currently creating. It allows you to visually assess different styles and find an artist whose aesthetic truly resonates with you.
Getting a tattoo is a commitment for life, so making an informed decision is crucial. To help you navigate the Milwaukee tattoo scene, here are 20 tattoo shops and artists worth following on Instagram. This list is a fantastic starting point to ensure you connect with the “best” person and shop for your individual tattoo needs:
Adambomb Gallerie – 2028 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. – Adam Werther: @adambombgallerie
Atomic Tattoo – 5700 W. North Ave. – @attomic.milwaukee
Black Dawn Tattoo – 424 E. Locust St. – Matt “Banjo” Sears: @banjotattoo
Body Ritual – 1459 N. Farwell Ave. – @bodyritualmke
Cornerstone Tattoo – 4030 S. Howell Ave. – @cornerstonetattoo – Featured artist: Eric Brown: @ericbtattoos
Devotion Tattoo – 2898 S. Delaware Ave. – @devotiontattoomke – Featured artist: J. Quirk: j.quirk
Emerald Eye Tattoos – 1035 S. 5th St. – @emeraldeyetattoos – Featured artist: John Tierney: @johntierneyart
Fates Aligned Tattoo – 1001 S. 5th St. – @fatesalignedtattoo – Featured artist: Chacho Lopez: @chacholopeztattoo
Ghost Light – 2462 N. Murray Ave. – @ghostlighttattooparlor – Featured artist: Chris Burke: @chris_burke-tattoos
Honey Wraith Tattoo – 211 W. Florida St. – @honeywraithtattoo – Featured artist: Jen Love: @scallywaggins
Ink Stories – 2074 S. Muskego Ave. – @inkstoriestattoo
Mostly Harmless Tattoos – 8632 S. Market Pl., Oak Creek – @mostlyharmlesstattoos – Featured: Julia Ragalie: @juliaragalietattoos
Old Salt Tattooers – 2665 S. Howell Ave. – Featured artist: Laurent Martin: old_salt_tattoo
Rockstar Tattoo & Co. – 2707 S. 108th St., West Allis – @rockstartattoocompany
Serenity Ink – 5029 W. Howard Ave. – @serenity.ink.tattoos
Shock Treatment Electric Tattoo – 2657 S. Howell Ave. – @shocktreatmenttattoo – Featured artist: Richie Murry: @richiemurry
Solid State Tattoo – 2660 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. – @solidtstatetattoo – Featured artist: John Reiter: @jreiter22
Studio 84 Tattoo Co. – 524 W. National Ave. – @studio84tattoocompany – Featured artist: Sharleene Rivera: @sharleene_rivera
Walkers Point Tattoo Company – 712 S. 2nd St. – @walkerspointtattooco – Featured artist: John Bartels: @bartstattoos
Yellow House Tattoo Collective – 1613 N. Van Buren St. – @yellowhousetattoomke – Featured artist: Raven Juliet: @ravenjuliet_art
Ultimately, finding the “best tattoo shop” is a personal journey. By exploring these Milwaukee studios and artists on Instagram, you’ll be well on your way to discovering the perfect place to bring your tattoo vision to life. Happy hunting, and remember to choose wisely for a tattoo you’ll love forever!
