When it comes to tattoos, the quest for the “best” is a deeply personal journey. Just like searching for the perfect restaurant or happy hour spot, what constitutes the “best tattoo” is subjective and varies from person to person. In a city brimming with talented artists like Milwaukee, navigating the tattoo scene can feel overwhelming. As someone immersed in the tattoo community, I often hear the question: “Who are the best tattoo artists or shops in Milwaukee?” My answer is always nuanced: it depends entirely on your vision.
Are you drawn to bold, black linework? Perhaps you admire the intricate detail of botanical tattoos, or maybe lifelike portraiture is your desired style. The beauty of the tattoo world lies in the specialization of its artists. Each artist brings a unique set of skills and artistic perspectives to the table. Therefore, the most valuable advice I can offer is to do your research and explore the diverse talent available.
And in today’s digital age, the most effective tool for this exploration is Instagram. For tattoo enthusiasts, Instagram is an invaluable visual portfolio. It offers an extensive gallery of an artist’s previous work, showcasing their style and current projects. This visual deep dive empowers you to make informed decisions and connect with artists whose work resonates with your personal aesthetic.
Choosing a tattoo is a commitment for life, so it’s crucial to choose wisely. To guide you in your search, here are 20 Milwaukee tattoo shops and artists to follow on Instagram. This curated list will serve as your starting point in discovering the “best” artist to bring your tattoo vision to life.
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: walkerspointtattoos
Featured artist: John Bartels bartstattoos
Yellow House Tattoo Collective
1613 N. Van Buren St.
Instagram: yellowhousetattoomke
Featured artist: Raven Juliet ravenjuliet_art
Finding the “best tattoo” is a deeply personal endeavor. By exploring these talented Milwaukee artists and shops on Instagram, you’re taking the first step towards discovering the perfect artist to bring your unique tattoo vision to life. Remember to browse their portfolios, identify styles you admire, and reach out to the artists who resonate with you. Your ideal tattoo experience awaits!
