Best Traditional Tattoo Artists in Chicago, IL
Top traditional tattoo artists in Chicago, IL ranked by review evidence.
1. Lexi
at Crispy Aura Fine Line Tattoos & Tooth Gems
HIGH
14 mentions
"The whole process was so easy start to finish. 10/10 would recommend Lexi and Crispy Aura if you're looking for a Chicago shop!"
2. Jess
at Crispy Aura Fine Line Tattoos & Tooth Gems
HIGH
8 mentions
"Jess did an amazing job on my tattoo! She took feedback really well on the design and nailed it! She was super helpful in helping me decide"
3. Linh
at Crispy Aura Fine Line Tattoos & Tooth Gems
HIGH
9 mentions
"I worked with Linh (@petitetats) and she is LOVELY and a very skilled artist! She took time with creating my design and it turned out even be"
4. Cate
at Crispy Aura Fine Line Tattoos & Tooth Gems
HIGH
7 mentions
"Cate did my tattoo, and I was so impressed at every single step!!! The studio is clean and very cute, all the artists were kind and professi"
5. Ash ✓ verified
at Crispy Aura Fine Line Tattoos & Tooth Gems
HIGH
6 mentions
"xperiences with Crispy Aura for both of my tattoos! I can’t recommend Ash and Jess enough. 🩵
I got my first tattoo from Jess and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience! I a"
6. Rosemary
at Chicago Ink Tattoo & Body Piercing
MED
2 mentions
"Rosemary did an awesome job with me and my mom. Made us feel comfortable and safe"
7. Ruben ✓ verified
at Chicago Ink Tattoo & Body Piercing
HIGH
2 mentions
"Ruben did a fantastic job on my tattoo on my left leg. This tattoo shines. It took 4 1/2 hours and it was well worth it . Go to Ruben to get"
8. Sam ✓ verified
at Chicago Ink Tattoo & Body Piercing
HIGH
1 mention
"Sam is amazing one of the very best. Greatest person here"
9. Rossmary
at Chicago Ink Tattoo & Body Piercing
LOW
1 mention
"Rossmary did my eyebrow and nose pricing fast and easy💯. I recommend her 💯"
10. Jonathan ✓ verified
at Chicago Ink Tattoo & Body Piercing
HIGH
1 mention
"i needed a red tattoo covered up and Jonathan did an amazing job. he was very nice and polite. he gave out cool stickers too. very happy with my cover up"
11. Alex
at Speakeasy Custom Tattoo
HIGH
13 mentions
"Alex did an amazing job with my memorial tattoo! Had him add some of his own design to the image and I couldn't be happier."
12. Dina
at Speakeasy Custom Tattoo
HIGH
5 mentions
"Highly recommend Dina litun, the quality of her work I would kill for, thankfully they accept cash lol"
13. Evgenii
at Speakeasy Custom Tattoo
HIGH
3 mentions
"ii Matsapura. Brigitta tattooed Doc Holliday on my side and Evgenii did the vampire on my arm from Sinners. They both turned out exactly as I wanted them to. I will continue having"
14. Alex Prequel
at Speakeasy Custom Tattoo
HIGH
3 mentions
"100/10, absolutely recommend! Alex Prequel did a kintsugi inspired sleeve based on inspiration art I sent him and I could not be any happier!! Brilliant color, amazing li"
16. Phil ✓ verified
at Taylor Street Tattoo
HIGH
2 mentions
"remember her name) she made me feel instantly comfortable! Phil did my 2 Halloween tattoos and he was awesome in every way! Everything was clean, the atmosphere/vibe was great, the"
17. Shred ✓ verified
at Shred's Inferno Custom Tattoos
HIGH
11 mentions
@shredsinferno
"Highly recommend Shred’s Inferno, Shred is an amazing artist. I’ve been a returning customer since 2021, he has done 3 tattoos on me, 2 cover ups o"
18. Hi ✓ verified
at Shred's Inferno Custom Tattoos
HIGH
4 mentions
"going to shred, he's an awesome guy who loves what he does. His tattoos are amazing and has great pricing. Eveytime i leave his shop im beyond amazed."
19. Miguel
at Shred's Inferno Custom Tattoos
HIGH
2 mentions
"done. Clean, organized, and friendly people working there. Miguel was the artist, and he did a wonderful job. I came in, made an appointment, told him my idea, and came back a few "
20. David
at Shred's Inferno Custom Tattoos
LOW
1 mention
"or someone with talent shreds inferno is the place to go...David did an amazing job, is an artist and very talented...thats why i give this place a 5 star"
21. Billy ✓ verified
at Ironwood Tattoo
HIGH
2 mentions
"e wall and Billy tweaked it a bit to make it his own style. Billy did a amazing job with his lining and also did an incredible job with the coloring in and shading. It took two ses"
22. Erin ✓ verified
at Brown Brothers Tattoo
HIGH
1 mention
"rom Erin, who has a really cool and fun selection of flash. Erin did my tattoo and Max did my partner’s. They both came out phenomenal. Erin is incredibly quick and steady-handed. "
23. Max ✓ verified
at Brown Brothers Tattoo
HIGH
1 mention
"lly cool and fun selection of flash. Erin did my tattoo and Max did my partner’s. They both came out phenomenal. Erin is incredibly quick and steady-handed. She was done with my pi"
24. Anna
at Pioneer Tattoo Studio
LOW
1 mention
"I just got a second tattoo done by Anna and it was a great experience! She’s great at tattooing as well as being professional and kind. She’s accommodating if you need"
25. Nick ✓ verified
at Timeless Tattoos Chicago
HIGH
1 mention
"peaks volumes about his skill and professionalism. I highly recommend Nick to anyone looking for quality, precision, and a true artist who respects the meaning behind the ink."
26. Klaus
at Code of Conduct Tattoo
LOW
1 mention
"Klaus is the best. I have done at least 15 hours with him on new chest and cover up tattoos. He’s so skilled."
27. Mike
at Code of Conduct Tattoo
LOW
1 mention
"Super nice shop! Mike is the best! He is so nice and personable, makes you feel comfortable. He does amazing work, even though I got a small tattoo, his atte"
28. Cori ✓ verified
at Logan Square Tattoo
HIGH
13 mentions
"Highly recommend Cori for precision and great artistry."
29. Gifford
at Logan Square Tattoo
HIGH
8 mentions
"Had an amazing experience!! My artist Gifford is extremely talented and highly recommend!"
30. Pablo ✓ verified
at Logan Square Tattoo
HIGH
5 mentions
"Pablo did a cover-up/rework of a cover up I got done a couple years ago that I wasn’t happy with. A lot of artists I reached out to wouldn’t"
31. Logan Square ✓ verified
at Logan Square Tattoo
HIGH
5 mentions
"Highly recommend Logan Square Tattoo and Allie specifically.
It’s always hard to pick a shop, especially in a place like Chicago with so many. Cam"
32. Allie ✓ verified
at Logan Square Tattoo
HIGH
4 mentions
"y partner for a random walk-in while we were in Chicago and got tattooed by Allie and Cori. They were both great tattooers with fantastic 'bedside manner.' They answered my partner"
33. Yullia
at Don’t Cry Tattoo
LOW
1 mention
"tattoos, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Highly recommend Yullia and the entire Don’t Cry Tattoos team!"
34. Helen ✓ verified
at Tattoo Union
HIGH
1 mention
"I was recommended by a friend to get my helix and flat done by Helen at tattoo union in 2024. And they did not disappoint!!! The environment was cool yet comfortable. I have gotta "
35. Tim ✓ verified
at Goodkind Tattoo - Chicago
HIGH
1 mention
"Tim did my tattoo and absolutely killed it! Would definitely recommend!"
36. Ivy ✓ verified
at Old Town Tatu
HIGH
1 mention
"I can’t recommend Ivy enough! From the very first consultation, her communication was excellent, making me feel confident every step of the way. She"
37. Brandon
at Mind Crusher Tattoo
HIGH
5 mentions
"Best tattoo place ever this was done by Brandon"
38. Mind Crusher ✓ verified
at Mind Crusher Tattoo
HIGH
3 mentions
@mindcrushertattoo
"5 stars
100% on rotten tomatoes
10/10
I recommend Mind Crusher and Kalm. Such a great experience and will definitely go back for any and all future tats :)
Walk in welcome and frie"
39. Kalm
at Mind Crusher Tattoo
HIGH
2 mentions
"Kalm was my artist, he was so great and made sure I was comfortable and confident throughout the process. I got a script tattoo on my lower"
40. Brenton
at Mind Crusher Tattoo
MED
2 mentions
"eference pics. I will absolutely be coming back to get work done by Brenton. 💜☮️✨"