City Cast Madison logo

The Best Places to Get Tatted in Madison

Posted on July 9, 2024   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Ava Wojnowski

Ava Wojnowski

side by side images of two tattoos, one shows a red and black bird, the other shows a black and white flower in a vase

According to the Pew Research Center, nearly one third of American adults have a tattoo. (Left: Ash Armenta / Lost Lakes Tattoo, Right: Bronywn / Lost Lakes Tattoo)

There’s no shortage of tattoo shops in Madison for anyone looking for some fresh ink. But trying to figure out where to go can be difficult with this many options. Here’s a look at (some) of the various tattoo spots in Madison and their specialties.

525 N. Sherman Ave. | The seven artists at Lost Lakes Tattoo bring a variety of styles to the people of Madison. It is important to the artists that the tattoo is something that they specialize in or are passionate about. Check out each artist’s page to make sure your idea is a good fit. This shop is an appointment only establishment.

6808 University Ave. | If you are looking for a tattoo spot that specializes in fine line tattoos, Pretty in Ink is for you. Along with fine line tattoos, they also do permanent makeup tattoos. The business also won Best Tattoo Shop in the 2023 Madison People’s Choice awards. 6808 University Ave.

931 E. Main St. | This spot is a 50% Native-owned and 100% queer-owned tattoo and arts collective. There are nine different artists specializing in various techniques. The space works hard to make sure clients feel comfortable and safe. Some artists even block off time to give free tattoos to those in the BIPOC community.

2017 Winnebago St. | The six artists at Starkweather Tattoo Collective are bringing their talents together in one space. While they work independently, they work together to learn. Each artist has a speciality of their own, but one is guaranteed to turn your idea into a tattoo.

This tattoo is by Marina, one of our artists at Ultimate Arts Tattoo. (Marina / Ultimate Arts Tattoo)

This tattoo is by Marina, one of our artists at Ultimate Arts Tattoo. (Marina / Ultimate Arts Tattoo)

3236 Commercial Ave. | Ultimate Arts Tattoo has four different artists for folks to choose from. They specialize in creating original works for clients and the establishment has been doing just that since 1988. People travel from all over to check out these artists, so make sure to schedule your appointment soon as it is common to book in advance.

413 E. Washington Ave. | With seven different artists to choose from, Wayward Tattoo is another great place to get ink in Madison. You can email the artist directly with what you are looking for to schedule an appointment and consultations are free. They do not currently take walk-ins.

see more:art

Share article

Hey Madison

Sign up for your free daily toolkit to get the most of the city you love.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Madison's Best

See All
Madison's BestAugust 6

The Best Fish Fries in Madison

Friday fish fries are a tradition in Wisconsin, and Madison has lots of options. Here are some of our favorites, including Dexter’s Pub,...

A plate of fried fish and french fries.
Madison's BestJuly 31

Madison’s Best: Your Guide To August 2026 in Madison

Discover the best events, festivals, and activities in Madison this August 2026. Don't miss out on the ultimate summer highlights—plan yo...

The City Cast Madison team stands in front of a pop-up tent at the 2025 Magic Pride Festival.
Madison's BestJuly 17

An AC/DC Fan’s Guide to Madison

Get all the details for the AC/DC Power Up Tour at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison! Discover how to get tickets, show times, and where to...

Brian Johnson of AC/DC stands on stage with his arms extended out the side during a concert in Sao Paulo, Brazil
Madison's BestJuly 7

A Phish Head’s Survival Guide to Madison

Are you going to see Phish in Madison at the Kohl Center this week? Here’s what to know, from your chance to score last-minute tickets to...

A crowd of people wearing colorful t-shirts and bracelets smile at a Phish concert.
Madison's BestJuly 1

Your Guide To July 2026 in Madison

Plan your perfect July in Madison with our ultimate guide. Discover top summer events like Fete de Marquette, Maxwell Street Days, and At...

A large group of people sit at tables on a terrace overlooking the beach.
Madison's BestJune 16

How To Celebrate Juneteenth 2026 in Madison

June 19 is Juneteenth, the day that America celebrates the end of slavery. But there are events all week in Madison to commemorate the ho...

A group of people walk down the street on a sunny day in a parade celebrating Juneteenth. People in the front hold a banner that reads "June 19, 1865."
Madison's BestJune 10

How to Celebrate Pride Month 2026 in Madison

The city’s biggest LGBTQ+ gathering, OutReach Magic Pride Festival, isn’t actually until August, but there are still plenty of ways to ce...

A group of 6 people sit on a bench smiling, looking on at the Middleton Pride Festival
Madison's BestJune 3

Your Guide to Frank Lloyd Wright's Madison

Legendary designer Frank Lloyd Wright called Madison home and he left his mark on the city. Here's some of his most famous buildings, fro...

A building with glass windows and a triangular roof.

The latest in Madison

Madison NewsAugust 10

Listen to Our Interviews with Wisconsin’s Candidates for Governor

There are still seven candidates in the running for Wisconsin governor. Find out where they stand on the issues.

Four voting stations sit empty in front of a windows on a sunny day
Madison, ExplainedAugust 10

Meet the Madison Democrats Running For Assembly District 76

Find information about the candidates running for Wisconsin's Assembly District 76 seat in the upcoming primary election.

Five political candidates sit on a stage with microphones in front of them.
Madison, ExplainedAugust 10

Your Guide to the August Primary Election in Wisconsin

Get ready for the Wisconsin election on August 11. Learn where to vote in Madison, what ID to bring, how to vote early, and mail-in ballo...

A white sign with a United States flag image and the words “VOTE HERE VOTE AQUI” stands upright in front of a Madison municipal building.
Madison NewsAugust 5

Madison Police Clear Ruiz Memorial and Encampment Site

Madison authorities dismantle the Corey Ruiz encampment at Baldwin & Williamson. District 6 Ald. Davy Mayer discusses the fallout on City...

Candles and flowers form a makeshift memorial.
Madison, ExplainedAugust 3

How State Government Is Reducing Its Footprint in Madison

Wisconsin is shrinking its downtown Madison office space. Learn how the long-term Vision 2030 plan will change the state government's phy...

A gray multi-story building in downtown Madison.
Food & DrinkJuly 30

The Best New Restaurants in Madison

This month’s list of the area’s best new restaurants includes a new outpost for a wildly popular local pizza chain, a new sushi spot near...

Two people standing at a counter at a pizza restaurant.
Madison NewsJuly 29

Site of Corey Ruiz Shooting Becomes a Living Memorial

Protesters close Madison blocks for a Corey Ruiz memorial site, sparking debate over safety and traffic. Chief Patterson shares no new up...

A sprawling makeshift memorial for Corey Ruiz with flowers and candles.
Madison NewsJuly 27

Here’s the Latest on the Corey Ruiz Shooting

AtwoodFest and local concerts are cancelled following the Corey Ruiz shooting. Plus, Willy Street remains closed as police records are su...

A group of protestors stand outside a brick building. One holds a sign that reads "MURDER."