Tattoo shops in Portland ideal for first-timers

Through their own needle-to-skin research and reader suggestions, the PDXtoday team rounded up several spots to get inked in the Rose City for a variety of comfort levels.

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Birdhouse Tattoo opened its Northeast Portland location in early 2023.

Photo by Ben McBee, PDXtoday

Have you been sitting on a tattoo idea, too nervous to follow through? There’s absolutely no pressure — but if you’re ready to illustrate your self-expression on your skin, here are several tattoo shops around Portland to fit your taste and comfort level.

Birdhouse Tattoo | 5823 + 5831 SE Powell Blvd., 3827 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
All three locations offer a serene, stress-free environment (think ample natural light and plants) that’s welcoming and accessible for anyone.

Blacklist Tattoo | 2401 NE Broadway
Skilled artists keep the Americana style alive and well at this shop in the historic Irvington neighborhood. If you forget to bring cash, don’t worry, there’s an on-site ATM.

Inkbus
Tattoos that come to you. Owner and artist Markoon Dugally does everything from house calls to weddings and corporate events.

Plush Tattoo’s main goal is to create good vibes and a safe and inclusive tattoo space for all, without loud macho vibes.

Photo via @plush.pdx

Plush Tattoo | Moving to 1320 NW 20th Ave.
This mom-and-pop shop is run by married couple Toni and Amber and all of the materials used in the tattoo and permanent makeup processes are 100% vegan. Direct message them on Instagram to make an appointment at their new location.

Ritual Arts | 2005 NE 42nd Ave. Ste. 1304
Professional and experienced through and through, this shop’s artists offer tattoos and piercing in the Hollywood District; it’s also Portland’s first tattoo studio to be certified by the Green Business Bureau .

Tattoo 34 | 4035 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Dispelling the myths about melanated skin and tattoos one client at a time, this shop is by appointment only except for 12-6 p.m. on Wednesdays.

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Ben grew up in the Rogue Valley, attended the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism, and has written for publications like 1859 Magazine and Portland Monthly. He enjoys hiking the PNW, football and futbol, wildlife photography, any manner of libation exploration, and of course writing for PDXtoday.
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