Tattooing is a historical and cultural practice that has existed for thousands of years. Today, tattoos continue to have a cultural impact on society.
The Pew Research Center reported that two in 10 Americans under 30 are likely to get a tattoo in the future. Those looking for a new form of artistic expression can use this list to find a tattoo shop in the Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor area.
Here are five tattoo shops within 10 miles of Eastern Michigan University's campus that have been serving the Ypsilanti community for six to 23 years.
Michigan Ave Tattoo and Piercing
The interior of Michigan Ave. Tattoo & Piercing. (Courtesy of Michigan Ave Tattoo & Piercing)
Michigan Ave Tattoo and Piercing at 133 W. Michigan Ave. in Ypsilanti, Michigan, is about two miles or a five-minute drive from north campus.
There are no set hours due to varying times scheduled for appointments. To set up an appointment, visit the shop's website and fill out the questionnaire under the tab Request Appointment. Walk-ins are welcome when there is availability, but it is advised to call ahead for greater convenience.
Michigan Ave Tattoo and Piercing was founded in 2019. With a full female and queer staff, the shop promotes itself as a safe space for all.
The shop age requirement is 18 years and older. Minimum purchases include $100 for tattoos and $50 for piercings. Michigan Ave Tattoo and Piercing accepts all payment methods, credit with a 3% processing fee and no fee when using debit or cash.
There are five artists and one piercing specialist. For more information about each artist and to see their work, check out the shop's Instagram @michiganavetattooandpiercing.
Three Bird Tattoos
The tattooing area inside Three Bird Tattoos. (Courtesy of Three Bird Tattoos)
Three Bird Tattoo at 1687 Plymouth Road in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is about eight miles or a 15-minute drive from north campus.
There are no set hours due to varying times scheduled for appointments. To set up an appointment, visit the shop website and reach out to a selected artist under the Booking tab. Walk-ins are welcome when there is availability; however, it is advised to call ahead.
Three Bird Tattoo was founded in 2016 and has tattoo artists ranging from three to 20 years of experience. As a private studio, Three Bird Tattoos works to bring a warm and welcoming environment to the clients.
The shop age requirement is 18 years and older. The shop minimum is $100. Artists’ hourly rates vary from $180 to $200. Three Bird Tattoo's preferred payment method is cash, with exceptions per artist. The shop is home to four artists.
For more information about each artist and to see their work, check out the shop's Instagram @three.bird.tattoo.
Brite Idea Tattoo
Logo for Brite Idea Tattoo. (Courtesy of Brite Idea Tattoo)
Brite Idea Tattoo at 128 W. Michigan Ave. in Ypsilanti is about two miles or a five-minute drive from north campus.
The shop is open 1-7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Walk-ins are welcome when there is availability; however, a call ahead is recommended.
Brite Idea Tattoo was founded in 2012 and has two artists. The shop age requirement is 18 years and older. Each individual piece is priced according to the artist. For accurate pricing information, call or stop by the shop to discuss with an artist. Brite Idea Tattoo accepts cash only.
For more information about each artist and to see their work, check out the shop's Instagram @brite.idea.tattoo.
Lucky Monkey Tattoo & Piercing
Logo for Lucky Monkey Tattoo. (Courtesy of Lucky Monkey Tattoo)
Lucky Monkey Tattoo at 3024 Packard St. in Ann Arbor is about four miles or a 10-minute drive from north campus.
There are no set hours due the varying times scheduled for appointments. To set up an appointment, visit the shop website and reach out to a selected artist under the Contact tab. Walk-ins are welcome when there is availability; however, it is advised to call ahead.
Lucky Monkey Tattoo was founded in 2002 and is owned by married duo Dana Forrester and James Trunko.
The shop age requirement is 18 years and older. The shop minimum is $80. Artists’ hourly rates are about $150, depending on the artist. Lucky Monkey Tattoo accepts all payment methods.
There are 15 artists. For more information about each artist and to see their work, check out the Instagram @luckymonkeytattoo.
Depot Town Tattoo
Logo for Depot Town Tattoo. (Courtesy of Depot Town Tattoo)
Depot Town Tattoo can be found at 33 E. Cross St., Suite B, in Ypsilanti, about two miles or a six-minute drive from north campus.
The shop is open from 1-7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 12-6 p.m. on Sundays. Walk-ins are welcome when there is availability; however, it is advised to call ahead.
Depot Town Tattoo was founded in 2009. Owner Jon Larson welcomes monthly guest artists to showcase a rotation of different styles.
The shop age requirement is 18 years and older. Depot Town Tattoo accepts cash payments only.
There are five artists. For more information about each artist and to see their work, check out the Instagram @depottowntattoo.
