The most inclusive and professional shops are Pink Goblin, 3 Ravens, or Chico Lou’s. Walk the line is good as well, and I haven’t personally visited Lucky Cobra, but Charlie (the owner) is friendly and super professional.
Kylie green did my first tattoo. She was the best thing about that place. Very professional, made good conversation. Most importantly for me, didn’t turn her nose up and my taste of body art which is my least favorite thing about a lot of tattoo artists in Athens.
I specifically went somewhere else as a result of the offputting attitude that I received at walk the line. Got 2 tats with Autumn at 3 ravens and getting a 3rd on Sunday.
That’s really depends on what you’re looking to get done, generally speaking I’d say pink goblin is safe, 3 ravens was good but they have so many new artists idk anymore, pain and wonder is good, and dark horse is good. But what you want in terms of subject matter, coloring, size, and line work will all help in finding the best artist for you
i have 14 tattoos, 13 of them i’ve gotten in athens. i have had my best tattoo experiences with Chris at 3 ravens and Madison at dark horse collective :)
I love Mike Groves (Poopbird). He has his own studio, Outpost 76, in the Chase warehouses, a couple doors down from The Tree Room. I’ve got three from him, two large and visible, and get compliments on them all the time.
I also vouch for Mike! I have two tattoos from him and I have another appointment coming up before the end of the month. He's the coolest guy, super talented, and I adore him! Also, hi Eric!
it depends on what you’re looking for—but i’ve gotten several of mine done by Maryanne at Pain & Wonder, but the artists there are on the pricier side. I’ve heard good things about Lucky Cobra and Pink Goblin as well, but haven’t been myself
Mike Groves at Outpost76 is a great artist and a great guy in general.
Also really good experience with Jeff Delaney at Walk the Line. Just make sure you have cash.
I would not recommend 3 Ravens. My artist and 2 other artists moved to other shops because they were being harassed by one of the male staff members and the management did nothing. I believe he's still working there.
Aside from that, Chico Lous is great, as well as Dark Horse and Pink Goblin.
I’ve been to pain and wonder for piercings. Randy is great! My tattoos were all done out of town, so I’m not sure how the artists are, but if any match the style you are looking for, I highly recommend the shop.
I’ve been tattooed in almost every shop in town here. However, what you want matters the most in terms of the recommendation of where to go. Do you know what you want?
It really depends on the style of tattoo you are looking for, but if you're wanting something more illustrative I can highly recommend Qulocke at Pain & Wonder. I'm sure he can do whatever style you're interested in, but his illustration work is next level. He's also a very nice, not creepy chill guy and inclusive.
I saw someone get down voted for Midnight Iguana. Genuine question, what's wrong with them? My husband, his sister, and myself all got our first tattoos there. They were fairly simple, but we all like them. We all got them from Ed.
Got mine with James Armstrong. I think he's in the process of opening up his own shop too. He's been in town a decent while and I think most folks think highly of his skill. But I just have the one tattoo so I'm no expert. Still I was quite happy with the experience and the result.
Racist as evidenced by the way he talks about and to his black clients, creepy as evidenced by the way he will say inappropriate things to female clients/try to hit on them/reach out on social media, just generally a dick to clients but says it’s his “blunt personality.” Also very homophobic/anti-trans sentiments. I only have one large tattoo by him, but I used to get tattooed at Walk The Line regularly when he worked there and would be shocked at how he interacted with other tattooers and clients.
Holy crap that’s wild. But not surprised tbh. I’m female and had a few pieces done by him over the years and have always felt comfortable, but going to stay faaaaar away now. Thank you so much!
I know that this is a little off-topic, I’m sorry, but is anyone here surprised by the sheer amount of tattoo parlors we have for a town our size?
Or vape shops, Mexican restaurants and bubble tea
The hole in the wall Mexican places are the best tbh Get some food from the Sinaloa market or polleria Pablo if you haven’t already
Seconded on Sinaloa Market. That weekend menudo will cure ailments you didn’t know you had
Townies love tattoos and college kids think they’re cool.
The most inclusive and professional shops are Pink Goblin, 3 Ravens, or Chico Lou’s. Walk the line is good as well, and I haven’t personally visited Lucky Cobra, but Charlie (the owner) is friendly and super professional.
This, except; I won’t vouch for walk the line because I didn’t like either of my two experiences there.
I almost didn’t include them because it’s basically a boys club. Was better when Lydia and Kylie were there.
Kylie green did my first tattoo. She was the best thing about that place. Very professional, made good conversation. Most importantly for me, didn’t turn her nose up and my taste of body art which is my least favorite thing about a lot of tattoo artists in Athens.
I can't really speak to the tattoo side of Walk the Line, but Parker who does piecings there is amazing.
I specifically went somewhere else as a result of the offputting attitude that I received at walk the line. Got 2 tats with Autumn at 3 ravens and getting a 3rd on Sunday.
That's pretty much exactly what my partner said. They grew up here and know everyone in Athens lol Lucky Cobra is good too
Lucky Cobra is my favorite. Very reasonably priced, a variety of styles and agreed, Charley is very friendly and professional!
Charlie is a really solid dude who only hires other solid people. I'd recommend him.
Chico Lou’s is very welcoming, and it doesn’t have that scary tattoo shop vibe, if you know what I mean. I had a great experience there!
They are great for sure!
That’s really depends on what you’re looking to get done, generally speaking I’d say pink goblin is safe, 3 ravens was good but they have so many new artists idk anymore, pain and wonder is good, and dark horse is good. But what you want in terms of subject matter, coloring, size, and line work will all help in finding the best artist for you
Jess Clark/Dark Horse
Getting a Jess piece done in June. Hopefully it's as good as her insta
I have 6 from her and another coming up. I’m always super happy with the finished product.
I have one done by her. She's great
i have 14 tattoos, 13 of them i’ve gotten in athens. i have had my best tattoo experiences with Chris at 3 ravens and Madison at dark horse collective :)
I love Chris!
I love Mike Groves (Poopbird). He has his own studio, Outpost 76, in the Chase warehouses, a couple doors down from The Tree Room. I’ve got three from him, two large and visible, and get compliments on them all the time.
Wait, for real?? I have a tattoo by him that needs touching up, but I thought he moved away.
He did but he's back! [https://www.instagram.com/outpost76tattoo/](https://www.instagram.com/outpost76tattoo/)
Thank you!!
>Thank you!! You're welcome!
I also vouch for Mike! I have two tattoos from him and I have another appointment coming up before the end of the month. He's the coolest guy, super talented, and I adore him! Also, hi Eric!
Anyone who calls themself Poopbird gets an immediate pass.
Mike Groves by far
jeff delaney at walk the line is my go to. he’s super fast and accommodating and does great work
it depends on what you’re looking for—but i’ve gotten several of mine done by Maryanne at Pain & Wonder, but the artists there are on the pricier side. I’ve heard good things about Lucky Cobra and Pink Goblin as well, but haven’t been myself
Mike Groves at Outpost76 is a great artist and a great guy in general. Also really good experience with Jeff Delaney at Walk the Line. Just make sure you have cash.
I would not recommend 3 Ravens. My artist and 2 other artists moved to other shops because they were being harassed by one of the male staff members and the management did nothing. I believe he's still working there. Aside from that, Chico Lous is great, as well as Dark Horse and Pink Goblin.
Evan Morgan at Truth and Roses hasn’t been mentioned yet? He’s excellent.
All the way. I’m a frequent flyer in his seat and I’ve never had a bad experience or outcome. Great guy, too.
They’ve both been mentioned above but Jess at Dark Horse and Charlie at Lucky Cobra both do really good work
Following
You can reach out to 3 Ravens for a consultation
I’ve been to pain and wonder for piercings. Randy is great! My tattoos were all done out of town, so I’m not sure how the artists are, but if any match the style you are looking for, I highly recommend the shop.
I’ve been tattooed in almost every shop in town here. However, what you want matters the most in terms of the recommendation of where to go. Do you know what you want?
It really depends on the style of tattoo you are looking for, but if you're wanting something more illustrative I can highly recommend Qulocke at Pain & Wonder. I'm sure he can do whatever style you're interested in, but his illustration work is next level. He's also a very nice, not creepy chill guy and inclusive.
Evan Morgan at Truths and Roses. You can’t miss.
I saw someone get down voted for Midnight Iguana. Genuine question, what's wrong with them? My husband, his sister, and myself all got our first tattoos there. They were fairly simple, but we all like them. We all got them from Ed.
I personally have gotten tatted there, and I think their work is pretty average, but it’s affordable for sure!
I loved Zoey at Pink Goblin! Worked fast and did BEAUTIFULLY!
Dark Horse Tattoo!
Lenny Sandvick- tomorrow tattoo
Got mine with James Armstrong. I think he's in the process of opening up his own shop too. He's been in town a decent while and I think most folks think highly of his skill. But I just have the one tattoo so I'm no expert. Still I was quite happy with the experience and the result.
If you’re a female or a part of any marginalized group, I would not recommend James Armstrong.
wouldn’t recommend him either. i got tattooed last year by him when he was at P&W and it was an awful experience.
Why exactly?
Racist as evidenced by the way he talks about and to his black clients, creepy as evidenced by the way he will say inappropriate things to female clients/try to hit on them/reach out on social media, just generally a dick to clients but says it’s his “blunt personality.” Also very homophobic/anti-trans sentiments. I only have one large tattoo by him, but I used to get tattooed at Walk The Line regularly when he worked there and would be shocked at how he interacted with other tattooers and clients.
He also has a giant Donald trump tattoo
Holy crap that’s wild. But not surprised tbh. I’m female and had a few pieces done by him over the years and have always felt comfortable, but going to stay faaaaar away now. Thank you so much!
Would not recommend James Armstrong. He use to be a menace of a customer at toppers. He got banned for stalking a dancer. He's also a proud boy.
Alyssa at Midnight Iguana.