Five Boston Tattoo Shops to Check Out Right Now
By Rachel Erwin
If you are anything like me, you’ve probably been mapping out the tattoos you want to get for years. You saved up, did your research, and picked your designs.
Then, COVID-19 hit and you had to rethink your plans. Every tattoo shop shuttered its doors for a few months until they could reopen on June 22, during the second part of Phase Two of reopening in Massachusetts.
While you might have been dying to get that new tattoo, the pandemic foiled your plans. Luckily, there are some tattoo shops in the Boston area that are still up and running. While there is an inherent risk associated with any social contact with others right now, it is still possible to get a tattoo safely. Here are some shops to check out.
1. The Boston Tattoo Company
With locations in Somerville, Medford, and Cambridge, The Boston Tattoo Company had to reorganize in order to reopen. There is a consultation form on both their website and Instagram. If you want to be tattooed by one of their artists, you have to fill this out to start the process. You will also have to go to your appointment alone, because they cannot accommodate guests at this time. They do not take walk-ins but may be able to fit you in the same day you fill out the consultation form. If you are looking for the most variety and options, this is the place. With three locations and around 26 artists to choose from, you should be able to satisfy just about any tattoo need here.
2. Brilliance Tattoo
If you are looking for a very specific, one-of-a-kind tattoo, check out Brilliance Tattoo. Located in Jamaica Plain, Brilliance Tattoo is home to artists who only work by appointment to create entirely custom tattoos. Even prior to the pandemic, artists did not have set work hours and walk-ins were not allowed. Now, clients cannot enter the shop until five minutes before their appointment, and they must fill out a new COVID-19 consent form. Getting an appointment here can be tricky thanks to high demand, but if you can, you will be treated to a personalized experience, including a private room. The atmosphere is peaceful, and the artists take extra care to make sure your experience is as individualized and comfortable as possible.
Photo Credits of Brilliance Tattoo
3. Seaport Tattoo Company
Seaport Tattoo Company, located in South Boston, describe themselves as “Boston’s premier tattoo parlor.” They offer complimentary consultations and access to a wide variety of artists. Their COVID-19 operations include an enhanced cleaning process and an appointment-only booking process. The shop is also home to many piercers, so if you are looking for a new piercing this would be a great place to cross two items off your wish list. They also specialize in tattoo cover ups.
Photo Credits of Seaport Tattoo
4. Good Faith Tattoo
Good Faith Tattoo in Brookline offers same day appointments but not walk-ins. All you have to do is email the shop with some details about the type of tattoo you are looking for, and someone will call you to schedule a time. You will only find four artists to choose from, but their portfolios are stunning. All four have a knack for working in color. If you are looking for a fun, vivid, and bright design, start here.
Photo Credits of Good Faith Tattoo
5. Benchmark Tattoos
This one is the rookie on the list, but it is definitely worth a try. Benchmark Tattoos in Reading just opened in August, and they faced the unique challenges of starting a tattoo company during a pandemic. They do not currently take walk-ins, but you can fill out the consultation form on the website for more information about making an appointment. It would be a great way to support an up-and-coming small business. Jonathan Santos is the owner and sole artist, and he works in a neo-traditional style. He aims to create tattoos that will stand the test of time — both stylistically and literally.
Photo Credits of Benchmark Tattoos
Getting a tattoo can be daunting, especially right now, but doing your research beforehand can help. Use this list as a starting point, and you will be well on your way to a new work of art on your body.
