How We Curate
Last updated: February 2026
PDX Tattoos is not a scraper site. Every listing in our directory is reviewed by a real person with firsthand experience in Portland's tattoo community.
Who Curates This Directory
PDX Tattoos is founded and maintained by Ruby Gore, a working tattoo artist and owner of Black Thorne Tattoo Portland. This means the directory is built by someone who understands the craft, knows what makes a quality studio, and is embedded in the local scene.
How Artists and Shops Get Listed
Listings come from two sources:
- Artist and shop submissions: Artists and studio owners can submit their own listings through our site
- Community research: We actively research and add reputable Portland-area artists and shops that meet our quality standards
All submissions go through a review process before they appear on the site.
What We Look For
When evaluating a listing, we consider:
- Active business presence: Is the artist or shop currently operating in the Portland area?
- Portfolio quality: Does the artist have a body of work that demonstrates skill in their stated style(s)?
- Professional standards: Does the studio follow health, safety, and licensing requirements?
- Accurate information: Are contact details, hours, location, and other listing details correct and up to date?
We do not accept listings for artists or shops that are no longer active, have unverifiable information, or misrepresent their work.
How We Handle Sponsored and Featured Listings
Transparency matters. On PDX Tattoos:
- Sponsored and featured listings are always labeled so visitors know when a placement is paid
- Paid placement does not affect how we evaluate a listing's eligibility. A featured listing still has to meet the same standards as a free one
- Advertising and sponsorship content is clearly distinguished from organic directory results
For more details, see our Advertising & Sponsorship Policy.
How Often Listings Are Updated
We review and update the directory on an ongoing basis. This includes:
- Checking for closed or relocated studios
- Updating artist information (new styles, availability changes, contact info)
- Removing listings that no longer meet our standards
- Adding new artists and shops as they emerge in the Portland tattoo community
Reporting Inaccurate Information
If you spot something that's wrong (a closed shop, an incorrect phone number, an artist who's moved) let us know. We take accuracy seriously and will investigate and update within a reasonable timeframe.
Email us at hello@tattooshopsportland.com with the listing name and what needs to be corrected.