Indianapolis, a city known for its vibrant culture and artistic spirit, is also home to a thriving tattoo scene. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-timer looking to get inked, finding the right tattoo shop is crucial. With National Tattoo Day and the increasing popularity of tattoos, knowing where to go for quality artistry and a safe, professional environment is more important than ever. This guide highlights some of the top-rated tattoo shops in Indianapolis, making your search for the perfect studio easier.
Celebrating Tattoo Culture in Indianapolis
National Tattoo Day, observed annually on July 17th, is a perfect occasion to appreciate the rich history and artistry of tattooing. The word “tattoo” itself has Polynesian roots, derived from “tatau,” meaning “to tap or to mark,” reflecting the traditional methods of tattooing. Today, people choose to get tattoos for diverse reasons – from expressing personal stories and honoring loved ones to simply appreciating the art form. The tattoo culture in Indianapolis is diverse and welcoming, with shops catering to various styles and preferences, ensuring everyone can find a place to express themselves through body art.
Top Tattoo Shops Indianapolis: Find Your Perfect Studio
Based on reviews and reputation, here are ten of the best tattoo shops in Indianapolis, each offering unique strengths and styles to cater to your individual needs:
Metamorphosis
Address: 828 Broad Ripple Ave
Walk-ins: No
Services: Tattoos and piercings
Website: metamorphosis.ink
Metamorphosis, located in Broad Ripple, is a highly-rated studio known for its custom tattoo designs and professional piercing services. While they do not accept walk-ins, their commitment to scheduled appointments ensures dedicated time and attention for each client’s vision. Their website showcases a diverse portfolio of artists, hinting at their expertise in various tattoo styles. This studio is a great option for those seeking a personalized tattoo experience in a clean and reputable environment.
Fountain Square Tattoo
Address: 1029 Virginia Ave
Walk-ins: No
Services: Tattoos
Website: fountainsquaretattoo.com
Situated in the artistic Fountain Square neighborhood, Fountain Square Tattoo embodies the area’s creative vibe. This studio focuses exclusively on tattoos, ensuring their artists are dedicated and specialized in ink work. By appointment only, they prioritize quality and client collaboration to create unique and lasting tattoos. If you’re looking for a studio deeply embedded in Indianapolis’s art scene, Fountain Square Tattoo is worth considering.
Indiana Tattoo Company
Address: 1077 S. Rangeline Rd, Carmel
Walk-ins: Yes
Services: Tattoos and piercings
Website: indianatattooco.com
While technically located in Carmel, just north of Indianapolis, Indiana Tattoo Company is easily accessible and a popular choice for those in the Indy area. They welcome walk-ins, making them a convenient option for spontaneous tattoo decisions. Offering both tattoos and piercings, they provide a wide range of services. Their established online presence and positive reviews suggest a reliable and professional experience for various tattoo styles.
Big Lew’s Tattoos
Address: 5167 N. College Ave.
Walk-ins: Yes
Services: Tattoos and piercings
Website: big-lews-tattoos.square.site
Big Lew’s Tattoos, situated on College Avenue, offers a welcoming atmosphere for both tattoos and piercings. They accommodate walk-ins, which is perfect for those last-minute decisions. Their online Square site provides a glimpse into their studio and likely showcases artist portfolios upon further exploration. Big Lew’s is a solid choice for those seeking a friendly, walk-in-friendly tattoo shop in Indianapolis.
Artistic Skin Design & Body Piercing
Address: 5349 N. Keystone Ave.
Walk-ins: Yes
Services: Tattoos and piercings
Website: artisticskins.com
Artistic Skin Design & Body Piercing on Keystone Avenue is another shop that welcomes walk-ins and provides both tattoo and piercing services. Their website suggests a long-standing presence in Indianapolis, indicating experience and reliability. For individuals looking for a versatile studio with a broad service offering and the convenience of walk-in appointments, Artistic Skin Design is a strong contender.
Masterwork Tattoo
Address: 44 Virginia Ave.
Walk-ins: Yes
Services: Tattoos
Website: masterworktattoo.net
Masterwork Tattoo, located on Virginia Avenue, focuses solely on tattoos, ensuring a specialization in the art form. They accept walk-ins, appealing to those seeking immediate service. Their website, masterworktattoo.net, likely showcases the skills of their artists and the studio’s aesthetic. If your priority is finding a dedicated tattoo shop in Indianapolis that accommodates walk-ins, Masterwork Tattoo is a great option to explore.
Big Time Tattoos and Piercings
Address: 5353 Madison Ave.
Walk-ins: Yes
Services: Tattoos and piercings
Website: bigtimetattoosindy.com
Big Time Tattoos and Piercings on Madison Avenue is another walk-in-friendly studio offering both tattoos and piercings in Indianapolis. Their website, bigtimetattoosindy.com, likely provides more details about their artists and the range of tattoo styles they offer. For those seeking a comprehensive body art studio with the convenience of walk-in service, Big Time Tattoos and Piercings is a place to consider.
Voluta Tattoo
Address: 5335 Winthrop Ave.
Walk-ins: No
Services: Tattoos
Website: volutatattoo.com
Voluta Tattoo, located on Winthrop Avenue, is a tattoo-focused studio that operates by appointment only. This commitment to scheduled sessions suggests a dedication to providing personalized and detailed tattoo work. Their website, volutatattoo.com, is the best place to explore their artists’ styles and book a consultation. If you value a focused and planned approach to tattooing, Voluta Tattoo is a studio worth looking into in Indianapolis.
Revved Up Tattoos
Address: 8240 Center Run Dr.
Walk-ins: Yes
Services: Tattoos and piercings
Website: revveduptattoos.com
Revved Up Tattoos, situated on Center Run Drive, welcomes walk-ins and offers both tattoo and piercing services. Their website, revveduptattoos.com, likely showcases their studio environment and artist portfolios. For those seeking a convenient, walk-in-friendly option for tattoos and piercings in Indianapolis, Revved Up Tattoos is a readily accessible choice.
Finding the right tattoo shop is a personal journey. This list of top tattoo shops in Indianapolis provides a starting point for your research. Explore their websites, browse artist portfolios, and consider visiting a few studios to find the perfect match for your tattoo vision. Whether you’re celebrating National Tattoo Day or simply ready for new ink, Indianapolis’s tattoo scene offers talented artists and welcoming studios to bring your ideas to life.
