Appleton, Wisconsin, is a vibrant city known for its vibrant art scene, and its tattoo culture is no exception. With a diverse range of tattoo shops, Appleton offers a wide array of styles and talents to cater to every individual's unique taste. In this guide, we will explore six of the top tattoo shops in Appleton, providing you with an insight into their specialties, artists, and the experiences they offer.
1. Ink Addicts Tattoo & Piercing
Address: 1525 N. Casaloma Drive, Appleton, WI 54913
Ink Addicts Tattoo & Piercing is a renowned shop in Appleton, known for its talented artists and diverse range of tattoo styles. With a team of experienced professionals, this shop caters to all tattoo enthusiasts, from those seeking their first tattoo to experienced collectors.
Artists and Specialties:
- Jeff "The Ink Hunter" Van Lanen: Known for his dynamic and colorful tattoos, Jeff specializes in American traditional, neo-traditional, and new school styles. His work often features bold lines and vibrant colors, creating eye-catching pieces.
- Mike Mielke: Mike is an artist with a unique style, blending traditional and modern elements. He excels in portrait tattoos, capturing the essence and personality of his subjects with incredible detail.
- Cody Douglas: Cody brings a modern twist to traditional tattoos. His work often features intricate line work and bold colors, creating tattoos that are both classic and contemporary.
Ink Addicts Tattoo & Piercing also offers a range of other services, including body piercings and jewelry, ensuring they can cater to all your body art needs.
Customer Experience:
The shop's welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff make it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike. Ink Addicts Tattoo & Piercing prioritizes customer satisfaction, offering personalized consultations to ensure your tattoo vision is brought to life. Their sterile and professional environment ensures a safe and comfortable experience.
2. Phat Kat Tattoo Studio
Address: 112 S. Madison Street, Appleton, WI 54911
Phat Kat Tattoo Studio is a well-established shop in Appleton, known for its artistic excellence and attention to detail. With a team of skilled artists, this studio offers a wide range of tattoo styles, catering to various tastes and preferences.
Artists and Specialties:
- Chris "Phat Kat" Kulesza: The owner and lead artist, Chris, is renowned for his exceptional talent and versatility. He specializes in various styles, including realistic portraits, blackwork, and colorful neo-traditional tattoos. His work showcases a high level of skill and attention to detail.
- Kody Deland: Kody brings a unique and modern approach to tattoo art. He excels in blackwork and geometric tattoos, creating intricate designs with clean lines and precise shading.
- Mandy Serr: Mandy is known for her vibrant and colorful tattoos. She specializes in neo-traditional and watercolor styles, bringing a fresh and contemporary twist to traditional tattoo art.
Phat Kat Tattoo Studio also offers custom tattoo designs, ensuring your tattoo is truly one-of-a-kind.
Customer Experience:
The studio's friendly and relaxed atmosphere makes it a popular choice among tattoo enthusiasts. Phat Kat Tattoo Studio prides itself on its customer-centric approach, providing personalized consultations and a comfortable environment. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has made them a trusted name in the tattoo industry.
3. Appleton Tattoo Company
Address: 204 W. College Avenue, Appleton, WI 54911
Appleton Tattoo Company is a renowned shop known for its diverse range of tattoo styles and talented artists. With a focus on customer satisfaction and artistic excellence, this shop has become a go-to destination for tattoo enthusiasts in the area.
Artists and Specialties:
- Nick Claflin: Nick is a versatile artist known for his ability to tackle various tattoo styles. He excels in realistic portraits, black and gray tattoos, and colorful neo-traditional pieces. His work showcases a high level of detail and precision.
- Jason "J-Bird" Klein: Jason brings a unique and creative approach to tattoo art. He specializes in neo-traditional and new school styles, often incorporating vibrant colors and bold lines into his designs. His tattoos are known for their eye-catching appeal.
- Heather Schultz: Heather is a talented artist with a passion for blackwork and fine line tattoos. Her work often features intricate line work and delicate details, creating tattoos that are both elegant and impactful.
Appleton Tattoo Company also offers a range of body piercing services, ensuring they can cater to all your body modification needs.
Customer Experience:
The shop's welcoming and professional atmosphere makes it a popular choice among locals. Appleton Tattoo Company prides itself on its commitment to customer satisfaction, offering personalized consultations and a safe and sterile environment. Their attention to detail and artistic excellence has made them a trusted name in the tattoo community.
4. Red Line Tattoo & Piercing
Address: 315 W. College Avenue, Appleton, WI 54911
Red Line Tattoo & Piercing is a popular shop in Appleton, known for its talented artists and diverse range of tattoo styles. With a team of experienced professionals, this shop caters to a wide range of tattoo enthusiasts, from those seeking their first tattoo to experienced collectors.
Artists and Specialties:
- Tim "Red" Wickman: The owner and lead artist, Tim, is renowned for his exceptional talent and versatility. He specializes in various styles, including realistic portraits, black and gray tattoos, and colorful neo-traditional pieces. His work showcases a high level of skill and attention to detail.
- Kaitlyn Becker: Kaitlyn is a talented artist known for her unique and creative approach to tattoo art. She excels in watercolor and neo-traditional styles, often incorporating vibrant colors and delicate details into her designs. Her tattoos are known for their dreamy and ethereal quality.
- Joe "JoJo" Coviello: Joe brings a modern twist to traditional tattoo art. He specializes in blackwork and fine line tattoos, creating intricate designs with precise line work and subtle shading.
Red Line Tattoo & Piercing also offers a range of body piercing services, ensuring they can cater to all your body art needs.
Customer Experience:
The shop's friendly and relaxed atmosphere makes it a popular choice among tattoo enthusiasts. Red Line Tattoo & Piercing prioritizes customer satisfaction, offering personalized consultations and a sterile environment. Their commitment to quality and customer service has made them a trusted name in the tattoo industry.
5. Black Iron Tattoo
Address: 116 N. Franklin Street, Appleton, WI 54911
Black Iron Tattoo is a well-established shop in Appleton, known for its artistic excellence and attention to detail. With a team of skilled artists, this studio offers a wide range of tattoo styles, catering to various tastes and preferences.
Artists and Specialties:
- Tony "Black Iron" Ferraro: The owner and lead artist, Tony, is renowned for his exceptional talent and versatility. He specializes in various styles, including realistic portraits, black and gray tattoos, and traditional American tattoos. His work showcases a high level of skill and a deep understanding of tattoo history.
- Erin Kelly: Erin is a talented artist known for her delicate and feminine tattoo style. She excels in fine line tattoos, often incorporating floral and nature-inspired elements into her designs. Her work is known for its elegance and subtle beauty.
- Matt "Mad Matt" Morrissey: Matt brings a modern and innovative approach to tattoo art. He specializes in blackwork and geometric tattoos, creating bold and visually striking designs with precise line work.
Black Iron Tattoo also offers custom tattoo designs, ensuring your tattoo is a unique reflection of your personality.
Customer Experience:
The studio's welcoming and professional atmosphere makes it a popular choice among tattoo enthusiasts. Black Iron Tattoo prides itself on its customer-centric approach, providing personalized consultations and a comfortable environment. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has made them a trusted name in the tattoo community.
6. Electric Rabbit Tattoo
Address: 208 E. College Avenue, Appleton, WI 54911
Electric Rabbit Tattoo is a unique and eclectic shop in Appleton, known for its artistic diversity and creative atmosphere. With a team of talented artists, this studio offers a wide range of tattoo styles, catering to those seeking something different and unconventional.
Artists and Specialties:
- Rabbit Hole: The lead artist, known as Rabbit Hole, is a master of unconventional tattoo styles. He specializes in surrealism, fantasy, and horror-inspired tattoos, often incorporating unique and imaginative elements into his designs. His work is known for its bold and imaginative appeal.
- Alice Wonderland: Alice is a talented artist with a passion for color and fantasy. She excels in neo-traditional and watercolor styles, often creating vibrant and whimsical tattoos with a touch of magic.
- Mad Hatter: Mad Hatter brings a modern twist to traditional tattoo art. He specializes in blackwork and fine line tattoos, often incorporating geometric and abstract elements into his designs. His work is known for its precision and visual impact.
Electric Rabbit Tattoo also offers custom tattoo designs, allowing you to collaborate with their artists to create truly one-of-a-kind pieces.
Customer Experience:
The shop's vibrant and creative atmosphere makes it a popular choice among those seeking something unique. Electric Rabbit Tattoo prides itself on its artistic freedom and willingness to push boundaries. Their artists are known for their open-mindedness and ability to bring even the most unconventional ideas to life. The shop's commitment to customer satisfaction and its unique artistic vision have made it a favorite among tattoo enthusiasts in Appleton.
Final Thoughts
Appleton, Wisconsin, boasts a thriving tattoo culture, with a diverse range of shops and talented artists. Whether you're seeking a traditional tattoo, a colorful neo-traditional piece, or something entirely unique, these six top tattoo shops in Appleton offer exceptional talent, artistic excellence, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. So, if you're considering getting inked in Appleton, rest assured that you'll find a shop and artist that perfectly aligns with your vision and style.
What should I consider when choosing a tattoo shop in Appleton?
+When choosing a tattoo shop in Appleton, consider factors such as the artists’ portfolios, their specialization in your desired style, the shop’s reputation, and customer reviews. It’s important to find a shop that aligns with your vision and provides a comfortable and professional experience.
Do these shops offer walk-in appointments, or do I need to book in advance?
+While some shops may accept walk-ins, it’s generally recommended to book an appointment in advance, especially for more complex or custom tattoo designs. This ensures the artist has adequate time to prepare and create a unique piece tailored to your preferences.
What is the average price range for tattoos in Appleton?
+The price of tattoos can vary depending on the size, complexity, and style of the design. On average, tattoos in Appleton can range from 100 to 200 per hour, with larger and more intricate pieces costing more. It’s best to consult with the shop and artist for an accurate quote based on your specific design.
Are there any specific regulations or requirements for getting a tattoo in Wisconsin?
+Yes, Wisconsin has certain regulations and requirements for tattooing. It’s important to be aware of these to ensure a safe and legal tattoo experience. For example, all tattoo artists must be licensed, and the shop must adhere to strict health and safety standards. It’s recommended to choose a reputable shop that follows these regulations.
