82 Who Is A Good/Bad Tattoo Artist Near Me? Oregon
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This article is from the Tattoo FAQ, by Stan Schwarz with numerous contributions by others.
82 Who Is A Good/Bad Tattoo Artist Near Me? Oregon
Vertigo
17645 SE Stark St., Gresham, 97233 Ph: 503-262-8643
$100/hr Cash
Reviewed 05/2003 by Kristie <Kholland74 [at] aol.com>
Shop Review: The shop is extremely sanitary-I've been to a few that are
pretty questionable (won't say names). The environment suffices-albeit some
red neck clientele, but if you walk in thinking "diversity" you'll be fine.
Nathan and his counterpart piercer seem far removed from the red neck
persona, thus, with that in mind, the vibe balances out. Privacy is great
(been to other shops where you feel like your getting a pedicure gone bad
(i.e. all clients hangin' in one small room- lest you breathe in horrible
regurgitated O2). The shop is on the outskirts of Portland/Gresham and is
hospital sanitary-albeit the decor reeks of rocky horror flicks or a Mario
Bava Horror B film from the sixties or perhaps a Sam Hain cover! I tend to
like those things:) You should at least check it out. Nathan did the one
on my lower back as well as my tummy. Other artists have seen the work and
have said unequivocally "ughhhhh nniiicccceee".
Artist Review--Nathan: I liked the guy instantly b/c, and this will sound
cheesy to some, he was x-military and fairly down to earth (i.e. when asked
why he was so far out from downtown Portland he said "I had to get away
from those assholes." Fair enough.. The guy can't be too bad-he has a cute
picture of his dog on the wall and when asked why he wasn't entirely
tattooed he said "b/c you never know in the tattoo business what could
happen, what if I had to get another job down the road" thus he's
realistic. I don't believe the guy has been to college as I talked about
graduate school and
he didn't interject with informative info for my doctoral thesis so I only
assume he went to trade school (I mean that in a fictious sense). Is a
degree really relative to the field is my point?
Tiger Lilly Tattoo and Design Works
4620 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, 97213 Ph: 503-288-1555
$100/hr cash
Reviewed 06/2003 by Kristie <Kholland74 [at] aol.com>
Shop Review: I would have liked more privacy. When I am in pain I don't
like everyone and their mom to know. The guy next to me-poor thing- had to
listen to me cuss and scream as the drill went deeper and deeper into my
neck (could here it echoing in my head-ughhhhhh it sucked!!!!!)Tiger Lilly
is in the Hollywood District. It was clean, but I know of other studios
that just seem cleaner and not
as cluttered plus offer a bit more privacy.
Artist Review--Cameron: Cameron was professional and even put up with my
vulgarity throughout the process due to the pain that I was experincing
(i.e. " he said It's 120, but 250 with all the cussing and screaming) which
brings me to a valid point- did he really need to go as deep as he did with
my tattoo. I then replied " well you guys are cussing and they all said
"we work here." Anyhow, the crap was painful!!! He was a good sport and
stopped when I felt faint. He offered candy to get my endorphins pumping
which helped with the pain factor. He has been in the Portland area for a
year (moved here from Southern California). He had tats all
over his neck and arms and told me I was nuts for getting two tattoos in
the same week (i.e. he said he waits at least one week between
tattoos-actually pretty wise). His artist cronies were all pretty nice and
helpful- they also do awesome work!! My friends have all gone there and the
end product is nice-albeit by other artists ( i.e. Cheyenne and Amy)..
21st Century Tattoo
1520 SE 7th Ave., Portland, 97214 Ph: 503-238-9915
$150/hr Cash, credit cards
Reviewed 06/2003 by Kristie <Kholland74 [at] aol.com>
Shop Review: I felt like I was in a sweat shop-literally. There wasn't an
air conditioner and there were fly's flying around. He was pretty sanitary
and the shop looked clean. Lots of privacy (little rooms). It's not my type
of shop. I much prefer Vertigo towards Gresham (just my opinion).
Artist Review--Lyon King: Lyon had tattoo's all over his entire body (like
a suit) and he
also had huge earings on that like hung down to his shoulders.. Pretty
wild.. He did a great job, but I had to wait an hour for him (appt. was at
6 and he wasn't ready till 7) ;( He was professional, and the pain was
minimal if any (nothing compared to the neck). He's been doing this for
years!!!!!! He is friendly, but kind of intimidating (hardcore biker
looking).. He did a decent job.. I'm afraid to say anything to derogatory,
thus, I am slightly sensored here (i.e. his hand wasn't that
steady).However, his shop has won awards for being the best in Portland
(has awards all over walls).
Lady Luck Tattoo
826 SE Belmont Ave., Portland, 97214 Ph: 503-236-2833
http://ladylucktattoo.net
$150/hr Cash, Check Card
Reviewed 10/2003 by Brian Forbes <bsf32 [at] comcast.net>
Shop Review: Very clean, easy to get to...the staff was very friendly and
helpful. the shop is pretty large and as stated, very clean. Each artist
has his/her own shop area elevated off the floor slightly for a homey feel.
Highly recommended, A+++++.
Artist Review--Matt Shaver: Great guy, takes a ton of pride in his work as
is evident from his portfolio and walk through of his process. Has a few
works of art on his arms, killer stuff. His area was immaculate,
autoclave, everything sealed in plastic, and all needles fresh from
sterilized packages.
Atlas Tattoo Studio
2935 NE Broadway, Portland,, 97232 Ph: 503 281 7499
http://www.thinkink.com/atlas
$120/hr cash only
Reviewed 12/2000 by Chantel Broad <pinkpaperdoll [at] earthlink.net>
Shop Review: corner of 30th and broadway in northeast. right across from
giant fred meyer, safe and clean neighborhood, loads of parking at
freddy's, and it's free! the shop is clean, well organized and very
comfortable. there are curtains all around and screens for those private
moments and a candy jar to keep everyone from having low blood sugar! all
implements are autoclaved, new needles for every customer, and work areas
are wrapped in plastic and then cleaned after each person. it's very clean
and safe!
Artist Review--Jennifer Billig, Dan Gilsdorf <atlasta2 [at] transport.com>:
jen has tattooed all over. she eventually moved to colorado and met dan.
they both worked at bolder ink with jerry ware. they moved to portland
three years ago and opened atlas. here, they met lewis, who had previously
worked at atomic tattoo. Prior to that, lewis worked in alaska and
arizona. Jerry has since moved up to seattle, but jen, dan, and lew all
work at atlas still. all have bachelors of fine arts, and have been
tattooing for approximately eight or nine years. they are all exceedingly
friendly as well, with excellent chairside manner. they are most concerned
with making customers feel comfortable, not intimidated.
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