Our expert team of adventurists and editors care about your next ‘permanent’ choice, and have compiled an independent list of their favourite tattoo parlours in Brisbane so you don’t end up with something you’ll regret. In each of these studios below, you will find a steadfast dedication to precision and craftsmanship, unique and thoughtful design and excellence in execution. Here are the best tattoo shops in Brisbane.

Brisbane’s self-described ‘best tattooists’ (oussss big call) Tradition Tattoo is a seven-person studio with a focus on the classic sailor tattoos of yore. Understanding that tradition needs to started somewhere they also have a dab hand in Japanese, American and blackwork tattoos. The team also offering laser removal by way of MJD, showing that even they understand that sometimes tradition needs to be scrubbed. If you are after quality work, you really can’t go past guys like Ben Rouke, JonFTW and Hamish Clarke, who are not only some of the best tattoo artist in Brisbane, but some of the best traditional tattooers in Australia.

Started in 2014, Justin Smeeth and J.J Allinson have wasted no time in building Shinko Tattoo into a phenomenally-talented nine artist strong team to help realise your tattoo fantasy in the flesh. They cover every style imaginable but claim speciality Japanese, blackwork, realism, neo-traditional, and Americana. We see no reason not to go all-in.

For over 20 years, Westside Tattoo has offered up some amazing artwork from Brisbane’s best tattoo artists. With esteemed artists Matt Cunnington and David Ransome (pictured) leading the charge, Westside has the full experience on lock. Focusing on American traditional and Japanese as stalwarts, the West End tattoo studio is a beacon for those looking to elevate their work.

Wild at Heart has spent almost 30 years living up to the name. Founded in 1992 they have been in Brisbane’s CBD longer than anyone. With so much skin in the game, it’s hard to deny they have had a big hand in shaping the cities tattoo tastes. Focus on traditional tattoos here. Don’t be afraid to step into floral territory though.

Based out of an ex-rubber factory, be prepared to bounce right back from an appointment at Seventh Circle. Located next to the Gabba you can expect all the good times you would find in the stadium, just next door. Despite being named after Hell, their designs are heavenly. Bold, colourful psychedelia is the name of the game here.

The Inker is a smaller studio, with just a couple of artists in it. Owner-artist Dean is insanely talented when it comes to realism, but the team is adept at a wide range of styles, take Zak’s handle on adorable pop culture pieces or Japanese beauties, for example.

Sacred Skin covers the full range of the tattoo experience. With eight artists working in wildly different styles you can expect them to be able to manage any expectation when it comes to creating your perfect piece. Don’t leave your flesh suit boringly atheistic, turn it into a divine testament to yourself.

Proudly beamed into a holistic approach to the tattoo experience, Fox and Moon Tattoo Collective bring pink walls, vegan cruelty-free aftercare and incredible guest artists into the process. A fresh voice in Brisbane’s tattoo scene, the pieces you’ll see here are a million miles away from the biker tats of old. One of the first all-female tattoo parlours to arrive in Brisbane, you’ll have to fight for a spot with the artists here, demand is high.

Parliament House Studio is committed to bringing the story of your life to light, indelibly in ink. Located under the Story Bridge, the four-person team will do their absolute best to give your tattoo customs the longevity they deserve. Expect gorgeous fineline and good doggos for days. A speciality in pet print earned them a quick way into our heart.

Mimsy’s Trailer Trash Tattoo is the pop-art caravan crossover you never knew you needed. The seven artists work with loud art styles and all out of a series of converted trailers, tackling a bunch of different styles, however American traditional takes centre stage. This is definitley a spot to hit up with a firm idea in mind, ideally something a bit more exciting than the Kanji for ‘courage’.

City Body Art doesn’t piss about when it comes to names. They’re in the city, they want your body, and they will mark it with art. A gloriously understated online presence means that they’ve not found the need to crow about themselves to ensure frequent custom. With stunning pieces in colour and fine line, it’s easy to see why.

In stark contrast to the dark city dinge of the valley, Valley Ink are a clean, crisp and highly professional studio. They’ll accept walk-ins, but they know the spot they’re in. So put the effort in, get a booking down and don’t rock up at 2 am scream-crying for a bumblebee on your perineum. Where else will you get a Sexy Jutsu like this?

Pacifink started off with Michelle and Pappy Walters branching out into Wynnum to build their own studio in 2008. Now there are four artists on board and hundreds of gorgeous pieces behind them. The team bring experience with authentic Polynesian tribal tattoos as well as insane photorealistic detail.

Your body is a temple, help turn it into Angkor Wat with your own homegrown undergrowth. Temple Tattoo double up on their name by offering stunning skin mandalas to allow for permanent peace of mind. They’re an exact 30 minutes north of Brisbane’s CBD, adding to the sensation of perfect flow in their space.

It doesn’t need to be said too much, but getting the right fit for you is of the utmost performance. Do your own research, stalk an Instagram or two, and make sure your tats are the exact fit for you. If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no. With your due diligence done, never forget that a good tattoo isn’t cheap and a cheap tattoo isn’t good. With that in mind, here’s our list of the best tattoo shops in Brisbane.

Not sure if getting a tattoo while you are in Brisbane is a good idea? Why not check out some of the other great (less permanent) things to do while you are in the Sunshine State.

As a team of art lovers and style curators, Man of Many is perfectly placed to name the best tattoo artists and shops in Brisbane. Editor-in-Chief Nick Hall has personally trialled the majority of the shops on this list, however, for tho spots he hasn’t tested, the team of curators turned to reviews from the wider public.