FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

American traditional tattooing can be traced back to the early 1900s when it was first popularized by sailors who brought back the craft they had learned while stationed overseas. Street shops opened along port towns, allowing sailors on shore leave the ability to walk in without an appointment and pick a ready-made design (flash). Classic traditional flash typically includes Americana/Military/Nautical inspired designs, such as Eagles, Anchors, Ships, Pin Ups, Roses, etc. with a simple color palette.  

"Tradition" refers to what's been passed down from generation to generation.  Most traditional tattooers learn from veteran tattooers (tattooers with decades of professional experience) under an apprenticeship that typically lasts a few years. Mentors teach newly licensed tattooers everything from drawing & design, tattoo techniques, machine building & tuning and business operations, usually in exchange for working the counter and helping around the shop. There are tips, tricks and style elements in traditional tattooing that are only passed down from experienced trad tattooers. In Oregon, tattooers are required to attend a short-term health and safety training  program (aka tattoo school) prior to obtaining a license from the Health Licensing Agency before they can legally work in a licensed shop and begin an apprenticeship. Tattoo school is not an apprenticeship!

"Traditional" is not just a type of design. Anyone can print off or trace a traditional design, it doesn't make them a traditional tattooer and it doesn't make the tattoo traditional.  Many tattoo styles are rooted in traditional, and will have similar style elements. However, there are certain aspects of traditional and neo-traditional tattoos that are only pulled off with learned experience (YouTube tutorials don't count). 

Traditional tattooing is also about respect of the history, pioneers, tools, techniques and veteran tattooers (those who worked their way up the ladder through hard work). I am loyal to the coil and believe that anyone who calls themself a traditional tattooer ought to use traditional tattoo equipment (seen in the photos above). Traditional coil tattoo machines are hand built by other tattooers and supporting the industry is 100% part of traditional tattooing. Wand/pen machines are mass produced by companies outside of the industry, non-customizable and do not require any mastery to operate.  

"Traditional" is also an experience. A large part of traditional tattooing is about giving clients a traditional tattoo experience.  While there are legitimate traditional tattooers who work by appointment only out of private studios, the majority of us prefer working in street shops because that's where we came up. A traditional street shop is exactly what it sounds like. Highly visible, easily accessible, open to the public, with regular shop hours and walk-in availability. It is easy to tell when you've found a legit traditional street shop, they are full of tattoo flash, books, art, music, positive vibes and good conversation.  

Serious traditional tattoo collectors continue to seek out real ones and we truly appreciate you respecting the tradition of our craft.  By getting a tattoo that was made with a traditional machine from an traditional tattooer who earned their stripes through hard work instead of shortcuts, you are helping to carry on the tradition and becoming part of history yourself.

SOME CLASSIC AMERICAN TRADITIONAL TATTOO CHARACTERISTICS  

• Bold and clean single-pass sharp black outlines (sculpted lines aren't trad)

• Minimally shaded, 2 dimensional designs 

• Highly saturated colors, primarily red, green, yellow, blue, brown and black 

• Nautical and Americana motifs (Anchors, Ships, Lighthouses, Pin Ups, Roses, Skulls, Birds, Flags, etc.)

SOME NEO-TRADITIONAL TATTOO CHARACTERISTICS

• More extensive color palette 

• More shading, sometimes with 3D effects

• Textural as opposed to American-Traditional flat tattoos

• Broader range of motifs and decorative details (like beads or lace)

SOME OTHER TYPES OF TATTOO STYLES

• Japanese Traditional/Neo-Traditional

• Black and Grey 

• Blackwork

• Stipple (dot work)

• Geometric

• Polynesian

• Watercolor

• Portrait

• And many others

We are a tattoo shop only, no piercings or jewelry. AGO Fine Jewelry & Piercing - 1164 SW Coast Highway, Suite D, is located down the street from us on 101, on the right hand side just before you get to the bridge.

ABSOLUTELY NOT! A license is required to tattoo in Oregon, and licensees are only allowed to work out of licensed facilities. Anyone claiming affiliation with our shop that is working out of their apartment or motel room is not legitimate and is either scratching (illegally tattooing) or running a scam by asking you to send money. 

 If you are looking to get tattooed without an appointment, WALK IN to the shop to get on the list for the day.  

If you want to guarantee yourself a spot on a specific day, you can swing by the shop, BOOK AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE  or contact tattooers directly. 

Non-refundable deposits start at $50 (large work like sleeves/backpieces or convention spots may require larger deposits). The deposit can be paid via card online, via card/AfterPay through direct payment links, or via cash/card in person. The deposit will come off the cost of the tattoo session, if it is held as scheduled. It is completely up to tattooers to decide whether to allow reschedules. Contact the shop or your tattooer with any questions about deposits.

Deposits are not required for walk-ins.

You must be 18+ and provide a valid government issued ID (driver's license, state ID, military ID, passport) in order to get tattooed in Oregon. EVERYONE must provide a physical copy of their ID and complete paperwork prior to every service. Temporary ID issued by the DMV is acceptable, a photograph on your phone is not.

Oregon does NOT allow minors to be tattooed, even with parental consent and relentless begging.

You must be 18+ and provide a valid government issued ID (driver's license, state ID, military ID, passport) in order to get tattooed in Oregon. EVERYONE must provide a physical copy of their ID and complete paperwork prior to every service.

The shop minimum is $50 for walk-ins. Appointments/conventions may have higher minimums.

Rates vary by tattooer. Most tattooers price by the piece or session. Please contact tattooers directly for price quotes.

We accept cash, credit/debit cards,  ApplePay, AfterPay and Newport Tattoo Gift Cards. 

We do not allow children in the shop for their safety and our protection. Please make arrangements before your appointment, or we will need to reschedule. 

We love animals, and would have a shop dog if it were allowed. However, pets & emotional support animals are prohibited by law in Oregon tattoo shops at all times. ADA recognized service animals are the only exception.

Yes, you can bring a human friend (18+) with you for support to sit back with you while you are getting tattooed. Seating and booth space is limited, so please limit the number of guests who are not getting tattooed.

Snacks (chips, granola bars, etc.) and (non-alcoholic) drinks with lids are fine to bring with you, and encouraged for larger sessions. However, food is not allowed in the booths. Please don't bring anything that will stink up the shop. We have complimentary coffee, tea and water available. 

If you want to listen to your own music, watch videos on your phone, etc. feel free to bring headphones. No speakerphone or FaceTime in the shop. It is incredibly distracting to listen to everyone's competing phones over our music and conversation.