8 Unforgettable Portland Tattoo Shops for Your Next Masterpiece

Close-up detail shot of woman's sternum tattoo in a classic Americana style

Photography by Foxfire Boudoir (Image not associated with any tattoo shops mentioned in this article.)

As a boudoir photographer, I see a lot of skin, and in an artsy town like Portland, that means a LOT of tattoos!

Every time I see a truly gorgeous piece, I have to ask where my client got it done, of course, and in my years of experience, I’ve compiled a pretty comprehensive list of Portland tattoo shops that will be PERFECT for your next big idea.

Whether you’re looking for bold traditional designs or delicate fine line work, Portland has a shop for everyone. Let’s dive into some of the best places to get your next masterpiece! 🎨

Kid Sister Tattoo

Playful, colorful, and retro-inspired tattoos with a personal touch

Kid Sister Tattoo is the solo micro studio of Amanda “Pea Shooter” Luce, known for her vibrant, playful, and nouveau traditional style. Amanda’s work often features bold colors, whimsical designs, and retro-inspired themes, making her tattoos feel like fun pieces of art straight out of a vintage comic book. Whether you’re looking for a quirky, cartoonish design or something with a bit of nostalgia, Amanda’s unique style shines through in every piece. Her personalized approach ensures that each tattoo is tailored specifically to you, making the experience as special as the final product.

Amanda creates a warm, friendly, and private atmosphere, perfect for anyone looking for their first tattoo or adding to their collection.

Woman with teal hair and multiple black and grey tattoos kneels on brown leather sofa in Portland Boudoir studio

Photography by Foxfire Boudoir (Image not associated with any tattoo shops mentioned in this article.)

Birdhouse Tattoo

A transformative tattoo experience in a safe, inclusive space

With two locations and a shocking number of diverse artists, Birdhouse Tattoo is more than just a tattoo shop—it’s a nest of comfort, growth, and self-expression. The—majority female and non-binary—artists at Birdhouse believe that getting a tattoo can be a transformative journey, whether it’s an act of self-love, a way to express your identity, or a healing experience. They honor the importance of consent and are committed to making your experience as comfortable as possible. At any point in the process, you can let them know if there’s anything they can do to enhance your comfort—whether it’s adjusting the music, providing adorable fidget slugs, or accommodating your sensory needs.

Many of the artists at Birdhouse are neurodivergent and deeply understand the importance of sensory-friendly environments. They use tattoo machines that make barely any noise, so you won’t be distracted or over-stimulated by the loud buzzing of traditional machines. Plus, they’re committed to sustainability, using biodegradable materials instead of the single-use plastics traditionally used in tattooing, ensuring that your tattoo is as environmentally friendly as possible.

Woman with multiple tattoos poses propped up on elbows on bed in Portland boudoir studio

Photography by Foxfire Boudoir (Image not associated with any tattoo shops mentioned in this article.)

Woman with half shaved head and multiple tattoos poses kneeling on brown leather couch in Portland boudoir studio

Photography by Foxfire Boudoir (Image not associated with any tattoo shops mentioned in this article.)

Atlas Tattoo Studio

Bold, vibrant pieces that stand the test of time

Located in North Portland, Atlas Tattoo Studio is known for its long-standing reputation in the community. Established in 1998, this shop is home to some of the most skilled artists in the city. If you’re looking for traditional Americana styles or bold, vibrant pieces that pop, Atlas is your spot. They’ve got artists who specialize in everything from Japanese-inspired tattoos to neo-traditional designs.

Scapegoat Tattoo

Eco-conscious, vegan-friendly ink with stunning realism

If sustainability is as important to you as art, Scapegoat Tattoo is the place to be. Located in SE Portland, they’re a vegan-friendly shop, meaning all of their inks and aftercare products are cruelty-free. But let’s talk about the art! Scapegoat is known for its incredibly talented artists who specialize in realism, black and grey work, and intricate nature-inspired designs. It’s the perfect shop for detailed tattoos that feel alive on your skin.

Skeleton Key Tattoo

Custom tattoos with a dark, gothic flair

For those of you who love the darker side of tattoo art, Skeleton Key Tattoo in SE Portland is a must-visit. This shop has a reputation for beautifully detailed, custom pieces that often lean toward the gothic, horror, and macabre. But don’t let that fool you—they’ve got artists who can handle a wide range of styles, including illustrative and geometric designs. If you’re into bold black ink or want something truly one-of-a-kind, Skeleton Key delivers. Their intimate, art-gallery-like atmosphere makes the experience extra special.

Woman with teal hair, dark makeup, and multiple tattoos poses with one knee on brown leather sofa in Portland boudoir studio

Photography by Foxfire Boudoir (Image not associated with any tattoo shops mentioned in this article.)

Wonderland Tattoo

Delicate, whimsical designs and fine line tattoos

Wonderland Tattoo is your go-to if you’re dreaming of delicate, fine line tattoos that are full of whimsy and magic. Located in NE Portland, this studio is known for its friendly, inclusive environment and talented team of female artists who specialize in unique, illustrative designs. Many folks flock to Wonderland for their ethereal floral tattoos, dainty script work, and nature-inspired pieces. The light, soft lines make their tattoos feel like wearable art. They’re usually booked far in advance, but trust me, the wait is worth it!

Infinity Tattoo

Portland’s trusted shop for custom tattoos and large-scale projects

Infinity Tattoo has been a fixture in the Portland tattoo scene since 1993, and it’s easy to see why. Located in NW Portland, Infinity is known for its exceptional artists who specialize in custom tattoos, especially large-scale projects like full sleeves or back pieces. The shop has artists who are versatile in a variety of styles, from traditional to black and grey to modern abstract work.

Woman with multiple large tattoo pieces and curly red hair wearing floral lingerie and fairy wings poses on floor of Portland boudoir studio

Photography by Foxfire Boudoir (Image not associated with any tattoo shops mentioned in this article.)

Anonymous boudoir photo of woman with multiple tattoos posing in front of mirror in Portland boudoir studio

Photography by Foxfire Boudoir (Image not associated with any tattoo shops mentioned in this article.)

New Rose Tattoo

Creative designs with a personal touch

In the heart of Portland’s historic Hawthorne district, you’ll find New Rose Tattoo. This shop has been around since 2000 and is known for its warm, friendly environment and artists who work collaboratively with clients to create personal, meaningful designs. Whether you’re looking for colorful, traditional tattoos or soft, intricate line work, New Rose Tattoo has an artist who can bring your vision to life. Plus, the shop is super clean and cozy, making it a great place for anyone new to tattoos.

Your Next Tattoo (and Boudoir Session) Awaits!

So there you have it—some of the best Portland tattoo shops that are sure to bring your next tattoo idea to life! Whether you’re a fan of traditional tattoos or looking for something more avant-garde, there’s a shop for you in Portland.

And why not celebrate your new (and old) ink with a boudoir session? Let’s highlight your favorite tattoos and capture the confidence they inspire. Ready to book? I’d love to create something unforgettable with you.

And if you haven’t already, join my Facebook group, Foxfire Vixen Society—a community of supportive, like-minded women where we share tips, stories, and encouragement. We’d love to have you!

Woman with dark hair and makeup and multiple tattoos wears Thistle & Spire two piece flame lingerie poses in Portland boudoir studio

Photography by Foxfire Boudoir (Image not associated with any tattoo shops mentioned in this article.)

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