8 Tattoo Shops to Get Fresh Ink in RVA
Beyond the craft breweries, restaurants, and universities, Richmond’s tattoo shops make their own mark on the city’s cultural landscape — each with its own character and a roster of skilled artists eager to turn your skin into a canvas. Here are eight of our favorite shops in the River City.
— by Alie McArdle, Contributing Writer (and the brains behind Ink & Influence. Follow her biz @_inkandinfluence!)
Loose Screw Tattoo
Known as the host shop for the Richmond Tattoo & Arts Festival, drawing thousands to RVA, Loose Screw is home to some of the River City’s top tattoo artists. This shop is critically acclaimed, having earned accolades from numerous tattooing competitions. And fun fact: Shop owner Jesse Smith has also participated in seasons 2 and 7 of the reality competition show Ink Master.
Artist styles: New school, black and gray, color realism, portraits, lettering
Scheduling: By appointment, walk-ins welcome (but restrictions apply)
Location: 3313A W Cary St (Carytown)
Hours: Found here
White Tulip Society
White Tulip Society is known for their unique charm in producing tattoos that speak to your personality making sure to get the delicate details just right. When you’re seeking a shop that especially excels at fine line, White Tulip Society has a great reputation.
Artist styles: Fine line, black and gray
Scheduling: By appointment only
Location: 1609 Hull St (Swansboro)
Hours: Found here
Lucky 13
If you’ve driven by Lucky 13, you’ve likely noticed a line out the door. This shop is a Richmond staple. They’re located close to VCU, often drawing in students and newcomers to get their first piercings and tattoos.
Artist styles: Japanese, black and gray, realism, American traditional, and new school
Scheduling: By appointment, walk-ins welcome
Location: 1800 W Broad St (The Fan)
Hours: Found here
All For One
All For One encourages their tattoo artists to be constantly immersed in the world of art, sketching, painting, and conjuring up fresh designs, flashes, and techniques. So, whether you walk in with a specific design in mind or a vague idea you want to explore, or you're feeling completely spontaneous, they’re well-versed in executing great tattoos and experiences for their clientele.
Artist styles: Fine line, black and gray, realism, American traditional, new school
Scheduling: By appointment, walk-ins welcome (but call ahead to check shop availability)
Location: 1649 W Broad St (The Fan)
Hours: Found here
Black Rabbit Tattoo
Funky, eccentric, colorful, and vibrant are words that describe Black Rabbit Tattoo. This women-owned shop is known for their whimsical designs with clean linework and an emphasis on color. Black Rabbit also frequently hosts guest tattoo-artists, each with their own unique spin on tattooing. Check their Instagram feed for featured artists and for a look into their portfolio.
Artist styles: Colorful, fine line
Scheduling: By appointment, walk-ins welcome
Location: 17 N Belmont Ave (Carytown)
Hours: Found here
Richmond Tattoo Club
Richmond Tattoo Club is home to a roster of exceptionally talented Richmond tattoo artists. They specialize in watercolor and fine line tattoos, opening the door for fun and well-executed pieces.
Artist styles: Watercolor, fine line, whimsical
Scheduling: By appointment only
Location: 300 E Main St Ste 1 (Monroe Ward)
Hours: Found here
Unkindness Art
Unkindness Art specializes in fine-tuning your ideas and exceeding expectations. Their artists lean toward different styles, so we recommend researching a specific artist before booking an appointment.
Artist styles: Color, fine line, glitter style
Scheduling: By appointment only
Location: 2923 North Ave (Northern Barton Heights)
Hours: Found here
Civilization Tattoo
Featuring clean lines, color, and licensed cosmetic tattooing, Civilization Tattoo caters to a variety of needs. Bound by their commitment to the highest satisfaction for their clients, they pride themselves on delivering on that result.
Artist styles: Cosmetic, color, fine line, new American, Japanese
Scheduling: By appointment only
Location: 319 N Adams St (Jackson Ward)
Hours: Found here
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