Best Tattoo Studios in Atlanta, GA
Explore the best tattoo shops in Atlanta that offer clean studios, experienced artists, and unique designs tailored to your style.
Best Tattoo Artists & Shops in Atlanta
Wondering where to get a tattoo in Metro Atlanta? Below are our top recommendations, selected based on customer reviews, artist portfolios, hygiene standards, and overall reputation.
Tatted by Exotic
This studio in Downtown Atlanta is owned and run by Deja Marie: a traveling tattoo artist with years of experience in a handful of tattoo styles.
Dopamine Tattoos
This Atlanta studio offers a reliable tattoo experience with clear communication, clean practices, and diverse style options.
TRAPPDNK
This tattoo shop delivers professional work in a relaxed setting, along with a talented in-house artist who can handle various tattoo styles.
Inkk By Jv
Having worked in the industry for over 11 years, JV specializes in vibrant color tattoos on all skin tones, surrealism, and seamless cover-ups.
Ivy Ink Tattoos
A short drive northeast of Atlanta, this appointment-only studio is built around custom work, focused sessions, and a more personalized experience.
Done By Derrick
This independently owned tattoo brand is ideal for every client, whether you want a simple word tattoo or a bigger custom concept.
6Tatted
This tattoo shop just a 20-minute drive from Atlanta is ideal if you want a steady, consistent approach and a more private studio setting.
PokedBySensi
This artist-owned business offers custom tattoos alongside piercings, with a focus on clean technique and consistent communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do tattoos cost in Atlanta and surrounding cities?
Many Atlanta-area tattoo shops list a $100 minimum for small tattoos, with hourly rates commonly around $150–$200+, depending on the artist and project. Exact pricing varies a lot based on size, placement, detail, and whether it’s custom or a cover-up.
Do tattoo shops in Atlanta accept walk-ins?
Most of the time, yes. A lot of Atlanta tattoo studios do take walk-ins, but usually based on availability (and often for smaller/simpler pieces), while other shops lean more appointment-based. It’s common for shops to recommend calling or checking booking info before showing up.
How long does a tattoo appointment take?
Small, simple tattoos can take under an hour of tattooing, but your appointment is usually longer because of prep like placement, stencil, and setup. Larger or more detailed pieces can take multiple hours or multiple sessions
What questions should I ask the tattoo artist?
Ask about sanitation (new sterile needles, gloves, how equipment is sterilized), pricing/deposit and what’s included, and aftercare (what to do, what to avoid, and what signs of infection to watch for). Georgia also has statewide body art rules and local health oversight, so it’s fair to ask how they comply with those rules, too.
What ID do I need, and what’s the minimum age in Georgia?
In Georgia, you generally must be 18 or older to get tattooed (with limited medical exceptions. For ID, studios typically require valid government-issued photo identification (e.g., driver’s license, state ID, passport, military ID) as “proof of age,” and Georgia’s body art rules require keeping a copy of the client’s government-issued ID in the client file.
How To Choose a Tattoo Shop in Atlanta
Choosing the right tattoo shop is just as important as choosing your actual tattoo design. Whether you’re getting your first piece or adding to your collection, taking a little extra time to research studios can make a huge difference in safety, comfort, and the final result.
Here’s what to do to ensure you pick a trusted Atlanta tattoo studio:
- Check portfolios: Browse each artist’s portfolio to make sure their style matches what you want, whether that’s realism, traditional, neo-traditional, fine line, script, or color work. A strong portfolio should show consistency, clean linework, smooth shading, and healed results. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for photos of similar tattoos they’ve done.
- Look for cleanliness: A professional tattoo studio should follow strict hygiene standards: single-use needles, fresh gloves, sterilized equipment, and clean workstations. Artists should open all needles and tubes in front of you.
- Read recent reviews: Reviews can tell you a lot that photos can’t. Look for comments on communication, friendliness, comfort during the session, and how well the tattoos healed. Recent reviews are especially useful because they reflect the studio’s current staff, policies, and quality standards.
- Confirm licensing: Atlanta tattoo studios are required to meet state and county health regulations. So, make sure the shop and artists are properly licensed and follow all sanitation guidelines. A reputable studio will be transparent about its certifications, inspection history, and safety practices.
- Ask questions: A good artist will happily answer questions about the process, pricing, aftercare, scheduling, and your tattoo idea. Ask about session length, pain expectations, healing time, and what size or placement they recommend.