Ink Your Journey: Why Detroit Is the Perfect Place for a Tattoo on a Whim

Iconic Tattoo

Located in the Cass Corridor, Iconic Tattoo is a shop with four different artists who have decades of experience.

The shop offers custom tattooing and body piercing, and they say they have an extensive array of body jewelry.

Iconic is appointment only, and you can learn more about the artists on their website and then call the studio to book.

Electric Park Tattoo

Electric Park is located in Detroit’s Eastern Market neighborhood and features six different artists tattooing out of the studio.

On their Instagram page, they have an area where you can view the artists’ work, and you can also book an appointment with them.

The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and walk-ins are welcomed.

Motown Tattoo Company

Motown Tattoo Company has three locations – one in Downtown Detroit and two on Detroit’s east side.

On its website, Motown Tattoo Company says “We believe that tattoos are personal expressions of identity, and our artists take pride in collaborating with clients to create unique, customized pieces that tell a story.”

The shop does a variety of tattoos, including custom designs, black and grey, traditional, portraits and realism and more.

In Downtown Detroit, the shop does have walk-ins and there are also tiny tattoo Tuesdays where artists will do small tattoos starting at $60. Those books are closing permanently on August 26.

Union 3 Tattoo

Union 3 in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood calls itself “Detroit’s premier traditional tattoo shop.” The shop has four artists who can work on what you’re looking for..

On Thursdays, the shop offers walk-in Thursdays with flash on the walls for 20% off. You can also book appointments with the artists for your own custom designs.

North Main Tattoo Studio in Plymouth

North Main’s studio features eight different artists, some who have been tattooing for decades with a variety of styles.

The studio is appointment-only and is open Monday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Prices vary by artist, but can range from $100-$250 per hour, depending on the tattoo.

You can view the artists’ work on the website and also book with the artists there.

My Little Needle Tattoos in Plymouth

My Little Needle says the shop is Plymouth’s oldest tattoo shop, and it’s located in the heart of Plymouth’s old village. The shop has nine different artists who can meet your tattoo needs.

Some artists have walk-ins depending on their availability, and the shop also does piercings. The piercings are by appointment only on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Harlequin Tattoo in Hamtramck

Harlequin in Hamtramck features five different artists who can design something you’re looking for.

The studio also features guest artists who come in for certain periods of time, and also has walk-ins on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Babydolls Tattoos in Taylor

Located a couple of miles off I-75 and about 20 minutes south of Detroit, Babydolls Tattoos is open seven days a week. Babydolls has seven different tattoo artists who can work with you for your design.

If you want a consultation on a tattoo, they encourage you to come in Monday through Saturday at 12:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.

The shop does take walk-ins when there is availability, but you are encouraged to call the shop first to confirm.

Mothra Tattoo Studio in Wyandotte

Mothra opened in 2023 during the Wyandotte Street Art Fair and has quickly become a favorite in the Downriver area. The shop has six different artists with a variety of styles.

The shop also does different celebrations, including its second anniversary with discounted flash, and a Friday the 13th celebration with $113 tattoos.

Immortal Ink in Dearborn

Located along Michigan Ave. in Dearborn, Immortal Ink offers different art and piercings, but also offers tattoo removal if you want to get rid of a tattoo you already have.

The shop has several artists with different specialties. The shop, on its website, says “we’re a community of passionate artists dedicated to bringing your tattoo visions to life.”

Premier Tattoo Company in Westland

Premier says it’s the largest tattoo shop in Michigan with more than a dozen artists. The shop does welcome walk-ins for tattoos and also does piercings.

In all, Premier has 16 different tattoo artists and two piercers, and they are open seven days a week – Monday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Electric Tattoo in Garden City

Electric Tattoo has seven different artists on staff with a variety of specialties, no matter what you’re looking for.

The shop also does piercings and you can call the shop for same-day appointments.

Electric also hosts different flash events that offer flash tattoos at a discount throughout the year.

Signature Tattoo in Ferndale

Signature has seven different artists who offer a variety of styles. The shop takes walk-in tattoos when the schedule allows, and they also take walk-in consultations, but people are encouraged to call in advance to check availability.

“We believe it is our job to give our clients the best tattoo we possibly can - a tattoo that has an immediate visual impact and will look good for the rest of the wearer’s life,” the Signature website reads.

The Detroit Grand Tattoo Company in Ferndale

Located along Woodward Ave. in Ferndale, Detroit Grand opened up in 2016 and has seven artists who tattoo from the studio.

“Here, you will find we are focused on creating fully custom, original artwork. We strive to meet the specific details one would hope to get in something so important as permanent body art. Our artists specialize in various genres of tattoo art and because of this, we encourage our artists to choose the projects that best represent their strengths,” the website says.

The shop also said walk-in Wednesdays are back with small and medium tattoos – either your idea or theirs, starting at $150 for the shop minimum.

Ironclad Tattoo Company in Troy

Ironclad is appointment-only right now but says if an artist has a last-minute cancelation, the artist will post on their social media. The shop has six artists and also does piercings.

4th Street Tattoo in Royal Oak

4th Street has seven different artists with “designs of all kinds” at the shop, according to its Instagram page.

The shop is open seven days a week from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., and some of the artists are offering $100 flash Sundays, with walk-ins and first-come-first-serve.

Tattoo13 in Farmington Hills

Tattoo13 in Farmington Hills not only offers tattoos, they do piercings, tooth gems and tattoo removal. The shop features six artists with different styles.

“We pride ourselves on our hygienic and welcoming studio, making sure that both the artists and clients are in a safe and comfortable environment,” the website says.

Chroma Tattoo in West Bloomfield

Chroma has four different artists who can tattoo what you’re looking for. The shop in West Bloomfield also offers piercings and laser tattoo removal.

“We are here to put beautiful art on people and in the process, change their lives forever – and we take this responsibility seriously!” the website reads.

The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Well Wishes Tattoo in Berkley

Located along Woodward Ave. in Berkley, Well Wishes Tattoo has four different artists and also offers body piercing from Be Kind Body Piercing.

Walk-ins are welcome at the shop and some artists also do different specials like Friday the 13th flash for $130.

Electric Love in Pontiac

Electric Love has seven different artists who can get you a tattoo of what you’re looking for. The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Downtown Pontiac.

They do have walk-ins on a first-come-first-serve basis but they also encourage you to call ahead of time to confirm.

Black Tusk Tattoo in Mt. Clemens

Black Tusk is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and features three different artists. You can get some conceptual tattoos or American traditional-style tattoos.

The shop does encourage people to call them to confirm walk-in availability before showing up.

Lance Kellar Studios in New Baltimore

Lance Kellar Studios is a prominent tattoo shop in Macomb County. It’s wned by Lance Kellar, who specializes in horror-style tattoos.

The shop also includes several other artists, plus a piercer in fine jewelry who has more than 10 years of experience.

The shop does take appointments but also includes time for walk-ins.

The Garrison Tattoo in St. Clair Shores

Located right in the heart of St. Clair Shores, The Garrison Tattoo offers custom designs and features several different artists.

“The Garrison Tattoo our focus is creating a sterile, friendly, and creative collective. We strive to provide an environment that everyone feels comfortable in,” the website reads.

On top of tattoos, The Garrison also has the “Detroit Tooth Fairy” who does tooth gems.

Some artists have walk-ins and the shop often partners with other organizations for special events that include tattoos.

Elite Ink in Center Line and Warren

Elite Ink has two shops in Macomb County and a third in Dearborn Heights, which is in Macomb County.

They have different artists at all their locations who focus on a variety of tattoo styles, including American traditional, Japanese, tribal, portrait and more.

The shop has a minimum of $25 and larger pieces start at around $125 per hour, according to the shop’s website.

13th Hour Tattoos in Roseville

13th Hour Tattoos has a “laid back atmosphere” with talented staff, located in Roseville. The shop offers customs tattoos and piercings, and only does appointment-only bookings.

Nevermore Tattoo Gallery in Macomb

With three different artists, Nevermore Tattoo Gallery in Macomb can offer you a range of different styles depending on what you’re looking for.

The shop has also done different specials in the past on Friday the 13th. Nevermore is appointment-only and you can call to book.