From the Waterfront to Worldwide Recognition
Portland has been a tattoo town long before it was cool. The city's rich history with body art dates back to its days as a major port city, when sailors would get inked at waterfront parlors.
The Early Days
Portland's tattoo roots go back to the early 1900s, when tattoo parlors lined the streets near the Willamette River. These shops catered to sailors, loggers, and anyone looking to mark their journey.
The Modern Renaissance
The 1990s and 2000s saw an explosion of tattoo culture in Portland. New studios opened, bringing diverse styles from around the world. Artists migrated to the city, drawn by its creative community and relatively low cost of living.
Today's Scene
Portland now boasts one of the highest concentrations of tattoo studios per capita in the United States. The city is known for pushing boundaries in fine line, blackwork, and illustrative styles. Browse our Shops page to explore the studios keeping this tradition alive.