Today, about 30% of Americans have tattoos – an increase from 21% in 2012 – and that number is undoubtedly rising. Whether you are looking for a simple design or an intricate work of art, you are sure to find the perfect person for the job from this list of the best tattoo shops in Columbus.

And I won’t just share the best places to get a tattoo, but I will also share 12 tips to ensure you get the best tattoo experience.

Tips for finding the best place to get a tattoo

• Ask around. Word-of-mouth is often the best way to find a good tattoo shop. Talk to your friends, family, and coworkers to see if they have any recommendations.
• Look at online reviews. Once you have a few shops in mind, read online reviews to see what other people have said about their experiences.
• Check out the shop’s website and social media pages. This will give you a good sense of the shop’s atmosphere and the artists’ work.
• Visit the shop in person. This is the best way to get a feel for the shop and the artists. Look at the cleanliness of the shop and the overall vibe. Make sure the artists are friendly and professional.

Tips for getting your first tattoo

• Choose a design that you love. This is something that you will have on your body for the rest of your life, so make sure you choose a design that you are truly happy with.
• Think about the placement of your tattoo. Some areas of the body are more painful to tattoo than others. Also, consider how visible you want your tattoo to be.
• Do your research on the tattoo artist. Make sure you choose an artist who is experienced in the style of tattoo that you want. Look at their portfolio and read online reviews.
• Come to your appointment prepared. Get a good night’s sleep the night before and eat a hearty breakfast. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your tattoo artist is there to help you. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t be afraid to ask.

Here are some additional tips for first-time tattoo seekers:

• Start small. If you’re not sure how much pain you can tolerate, it’s best to start with a smaller tattoo.
• Take breaks. If you need a break during your tattoo, don’t be afraid to ask.
• Take care of your tattoo. After you get your tattoo, it’s important to follow your artist’s instructions for care. This will help ensure that your tattoo heals properly.

Getting your first tattoo can be an exciting experience. By following these tips, you can help ensure that you have a positive experience and get a tattoo that you will love for years to come.

Evolved Body Art

There are many reasons why Evolved Body Art is one of the best-rated tattoo shops in Columbus. Plan your tattoo with an appointment or simply walk in, the friendly staff will make you feel welcome and at ease, whether this is your first time getting inked or you already have a full sleeve. Their expert tattoo artists are comfortable with diabetic patients with controlled sugar levels, and some of them will tattoo minors under certain conditions. They also offer military discounts as well as a free piercing on your birthday.

Memento Tattoo and Gallery

A fun and friendly staff can make all the difference when you are getting a tattoo, especially if it’s your first time. At Memento Tattoo and Gallery, the team of award-winning published artists will go above and beyond to make you feel comfortable. And while this isn’t the cheapest spot, it is definitely one of the best tattoo shops in Columbus to get what you pay for and leave more than satisfied with the work. Walk-ins are welcome.

High Street Tattoo Columbus

At High Street Tattoo Columbus, the team of internationally recognized artists is held to the highest standards of safety and sterilization. While they take walk-ins, the general consensus is to select the person you want to work with, as they all have different styles. Whether you are looking for cover­ups, custom lettering, Japanese style illustrations, traditional and neo­traditional, floral and custom illustrative pieces, and black and gray, there is someone there to meet your needs.

Cap City Tattoo

Cap City Tattoo is definitely a serious establishment where all needles, tubes, and grips come pre-sterilized in bubble packets, and are thrown away after every use. They strictly check IDs, do not take walk-ins, have firm prices, and only accept cash payments. It is woman-owned and offers discounts when you donate to the current charity of their choice.

Sacred Hand Tattoo Society

Unlike some other tattoo shops in Columbus where you can book an appointment online, you must meet with a Sacred Hand Tattoo Society artist first. These consultations are free and available daily from 12 PM to 8 PM. The owner, Joey Knuckles, exclusively works there although he also owns another top-rated spot, High Street Tattoo. If you’re feeling lucky, they offer special deals on “get what you get” tattoos!

Envy Skin Gallery

Getting tattooed at Envy Skin Gallery is as smooth a process as you could expect, from the initial booking to the final touches. They put your safety and your satisfaction above trends and profit, and are clear about not tattooing minors or doing “white tattoos”. Other than that, they will do their very best to match your expectations and are definitely one of the top tattoo shops in Columbus.

Red Tree Tattoo Gallery

No walk-ins are allowed at this private, appointment-only, consultation-only studio which is attached to a 10,000-square-foot tattoo warehouse to keep prices down. The owner, Durb Morrisson, has decades of experience and is the organizer of Hell City Tattoo Fest in Columbus, Ohio, one of the tattoo industry’s favorite conventions.

Red Tree Tatto Gallery also hosts many fun events like Paint Night, where you can enjoy a fun night of art and good music, the Mural Wall Project, and more.

Stained Skin

Tattoos are competitively priced at Stained Skin, but the work is top-notch. Not only is the staff experienced and skilled at making you feel at ease even if this is your first time, but they also feature incredible guest artists from time to time. The studio is truly stunning with original artwork throughout. Please note that they do not do piercings.

Lock, Stock & Barrell Tattoos

If you are looking for a friendly and comfortable environment, Lock, Stock & Barrell Tattoos is it. They understand that tattoos are a big step for many, and they strive to provide a flawless experience from start to finish. The artists specialize in custom pieces and pride themselves in keeping up with the latest styles and techniques. They specialize in American traditional tattoos, vintage flash, Japanese pop culture, and more.

Identity Tattoo Parlor

At Identity Tattoo Parlor, every artist takes pride in creating custom pieces and is firm about not duplicating other people’s work. They will take the time to listen to your vision to create exclusive artwork, and are trained in touch-ups and cover-ups. Be sure to check out their gallery for the full range of styles you can get there.

Enso Tattoo

One of the best tattoo shops in Columbus, Enso Tattoo has virtually no bad ratings on Google, something generally unheard of in the industry. This stellar walk-in shop regularly features local and international artists, they treat their customers with respect, and their prices are competitive. Their Asian-style tattoos are some of the very best in Central Ohio.

Burned Hearts Tattoo and Arts Company

There’s no way around it; the artists at Burned Hearts Tattoo and Arts Company are some of the best in the industry. Many of them have decades of experience as tattooers, and their work showcases geometric magic, stunning colors, custom pieces, and even eyebrow micro-blading and powder brow tattooing. They offer same-day appointments and walk-ins are welcome.

Sweet Baby Octane

Sweet Baby Octane is one of the best-rated tattoo shops in Columbus, with over 100 5-star reviews on Google. It is the place to be if you want a tattoo but aren’t quite sure what to pick and where you want it. The process starts with pairing you with the right artist for your needs who will take the time to create the perfect piece for your body type, skin tone, preferred style of art, and so on. Check out their gallery for some stunning examples of their work.

Cloven Tattoo

This appointment-only tattoo shop will not tattoo minors and will generally not send out sketches before the appointment date. Instead, the artists at Cloven Tattoo will work with you directly on the scheduled day and will recommend many strategies to make your experience the best it can be, from moisturizing the area twice a day to not drinking alcohol and having a full meal prior to getting tattooed.

Riot Ink – Custom Tattoos

With a flawless 5-star rating on Google, Riot Ink – Custom Tattoos definitely deserves a spot on our list of the best tattoo shops in Columbus. No matter what style you are looking for, their artists are highly trained professionals that can do any and all custom, high-quality tattoos in a clean and friendly environment.

The Gold Room Tattoo

Look no further for all your conventional or cosmetic tattoos, as well as cosmetic jewelry. They offer a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your needs and budget and select the right artist for you. You will not get tattooed on that day, but you will have everything you need to schedule an appointment at your convenience. The Gold Room Tattoo does an excellent job with cover-ups and is very well-rated for piercings as well.

Bodystain Tattoo and Body Piercing Studio

The experienced tattoo artists at Bodystain Tattoo and Body Piercing Studio boast an incredible gallery of stunning artwork. With nearly 10 tattooers to choose from, you are sure to find the right one for your ink. Appointments are easily done online and while a deposit is required, it will be taken off the final price. This is one of the oldest shops in Columbus, and was established in 1985!

Sero Tattoo Collective

Named after the neurotransmitter serotonin, Sero Tattoo Collective aims for a loving and nurturing experience every step of the way. The artists there want to do more than ink your skin, they want to develop a relationship with sessions that allow you to release emotions and can even be therapeutic. The studio is inviting, clean, and filled with soothing light.

5th Element Tattoo Gallery

5th Element Tattoo Gallery is one of the businesses that make Columbus great. They showcase local artists’ merchandise and jewelry, host events for the community throughout the year, and are known for delivering beautiful tattoo work. Whether you are looking for a simple design or a spiritual experience, the shop’s artists will do everything to give you an experience you will rave about. They specialize in tribal and blackout, Asian, black and grey, portrait, realism, floral, heavy blackwork and dark psychedelia, and more.

Tattoo Good Things

Last but not least on our list of the best tattoo shops in Columbus, Tattoo Good Things is a shop that is frequently completely booked up and is run by truly compassionate and caring individuals. The place is as clean as you would expect, and you won’t find rude or abrasive tattoo artists there as you might in some other places. If you plan on getting tattooed there, be sure to contact them early to find out when they are open for new appointments.