The quest for the “best” of anything is a common internet pursuit. Whether it’s the best pizza, the best coffee, or the best hiking trails, opinions vary widely because “best” is inherently subjective. In the tattoo world, this subjectivity is even more pronounced. What one person considers the best tattoo shop might not align with another’s preferences, especially when styles and artistic specialties differ so greatly.
As someone deeply immersed in tattoo culture, I often encounter the question: “Who are the best tattoo artists or shops in Milwaukee?” My answer is always nuanced: it depends entirely on what you’re looking for. Are you drawn to bold, blackwork tattoos? Perhaps you admire delicate watercolor designs, intricate botanical pieces, or hyperrealistic portraits. The beauty of tattooing lies in its diversity, with each artist bringing a unique set of skills and artistic vision to the table. Therefore, the most effective approach to finding your ideal tattoo shop is to explore, research, and immerse yourself in the local scene.
My most valuable advice for anyone seeking exceptional tattoo artistry? Leverage Instagram. This platform has become an indispensable tool for tattoo enthusiasts. It allows you to explore extensive portfolios, observe artists’ current work, and gain insights into the styles they excel in. By visually navigating through their feeds, you can discern whose aesthetic resonates with you, ensuring you find an artist who can truly bring your vision to life.
Choosing a tattoo is a significant decision – a permanent commitment to art on your skin. Therefore, informed choices are paramount. To aid you in your search, here are 20 tattoo shops and artists in Milwaukee that are essential to follow on Instagram. This curated list is designed to guide you towards finding the “best” artist for your specific tattoo aspirations, helping you navigate the diverse and talented Milwaukee tattoo scene.
Adambomb Gallerie
2028 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
Artist: Adam Werther
Instagram: adambombgallerie
Atomic Tattoo
5700 W. North Ave.
Instagram: attomic.milwaukee
Black Dawn Tattoo
424 E. Locust St.
Artist: Matt “Banjo” Sears
Instagram: banjotattoo
Body Ritual
1459 N. Farwell Ave.
Instagram: bodyritualmke
Cornerstone Tattoo
4030 S. Howell Ave.
Instagram: cornerstonetattoo
Featured artist: Eric Brown ericbtattoos
Devotion Tattoo
2898 S. Delaware Ave.
Instagram: devotiontattoomke
Featured artist: J. Quirk j.quirk
Emerald Eye Tattoos
1035 S. 5th St.
Instagram: emeraldeyetattoos
Featured artist: John Tierney johntierneyart
Fates Aligned Tattoo
1001 S. 5th St.
Instagram: fatesalignedtattoo
Featured artist: Chacho Lopez chacholopeztattoo
Ghost Light
2462 N. Murray Ave.
Instagram: ghostlighttattooparlor
Featured artist: Chris Burke chris_burke-tattoos
Honey Wraith Tattoo
211 W. Florida St.
Instagram: honeywraithtattoo
Featured artist: Jen Love scallywaggins
Ink Stories
2074 S. Muskego Ave.
Instagram: inkstoriestattoo
Mostly Harmless Tattoos
8632 S. Market Pl., Oak Creek
Instagram: 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
Instagram: rockstartattoocompany
Serenity Ink
5029 W. Howard Ave.
Instagram: serenity.ink.tattoos
Shock Treatment Electric Tattoo
2657 S. Howell Ave.
Instagram: shocktreatmenttattoos
Featured artist: Richie Murry richiemurry
Solid State Tattoo
2660 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Instagram: solidtstatetattoo
Featured artist: John Reiter jreiter22
Studio 84 Tattoo Co.
524 W. National Ave.
Instagram: studio84tattoocompany
Featured artist: Sharleene Rivera sharleene_rivera
Walkers Point Tattoo Company
712 S. 2nd St.
Instagram: walkerspointtattooco
Featured artist: John Bartels bartstattoos
Yellow House Tattoo Collective
1613 N. Van Buren St.
Instagram: yellowhousetattoomke
Featured artist: Raven Juliet ravenjuliet_art
Zoe’s Vicious Circle
5152 S. 108th St., Hales Corners
Instagram: zoestattoostudio
