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TLDR? If you want to get some new ink while in Medellín, there are some great tattoo studios to check out!
The streets of Medellin are flooded with art, with some of the most eye-catching pieces being body art. Tattoos have become so popular, in fact, that the city even hosts an annual Tattoo Expo called Expotatuaje Medellín.
Below is a round-up of the best tattoo studios in Medellin for ink enthusiasts visiting or living in the city. No matter what style you’re looking for, most of these shops will have an artist that specializes in that technique.
Situated above a bustling street in Poblado is Hybrido Tattoo Shop. The cozy studio is lined with vintage decor and has an assortment of oriental tattoo designs along the walls.
Not new to the neighborhood, Hybrido is most known for its traditional, oriental, and blackwork designs. The owner has strong principles about personalized tattoos and said he will never copy the work of another artist.
So, if you’re looking to get an exact replica of a piece you found on Pinterest, you might want to go elsewhere. However, if you want a unique tattoo that nobody else has, then this is your shop.
If you’re in town visiting or want a smaller-sized tattoo, Hybrido does accept walk-ins, however for bigger pieces, you will want to make an appointment through WhatsApp.
A deposit is required to make an appointment, which is also the minimum cost for a tattoo. The shop gets a 50/50 mix of foreigners and locals so almost all of their tattooers can speak some English.
Address: Cl 10 #40-06, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia
One of the household names in the community, Opio Studio Tattoo has been in the tattoo business since 1998. They have created a brand around the grunge vibe, decorating their stores with their neon purple ‘Opio’ signs.
This is another versatile studio and they offer everything from tribal to realism to color. I recommend scrolling through their Instagram to see the wide variety of techniques they offer.
Like the other studios that have been around for a while, they have grown to more than one location.
Choose from their Envigado, Poblado or Laureles location depending on which one is more convenient for you. Appointments should be made through WhatsApp.
Poblado Address: Cl. 9 #39-23 Ofi. 201, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia
Envigado Address: Cl. 30 Sur #44a-13 Ofi. 201, Envigado, Antioquia
Laureles Address: Av. 33 #76-127, Medellín, Belén, Medellín, Antioquia
Instagram: @opiostudiotattoo
Perla Negra or ‘Black Perl’ is truly a hidden gem. Set in the heart of Laureles, this hipster shop began from humble beginnings. Owner Jonathan Henao has been tattooing for ten years and started his business in a tiny room at a mall.
He has since grown his brand into a thriving two-story studio. A modern studio with lots of windows and beautiful art, Perla Negra is a calming place to get a tattoo or to wait for someone else to get a tattoo.
Although their main customer base is locals, they are foreigner-friendly and have three artists that speak English. The studio has seven artists that specialize in different styles, but their most popular tattoo techniques are blackwork and black and gray realism.
If you want to get a tattoo here they recommend making an appointment, but they do accept walk-ins. Thursday is their busiest day, however, so if you are looking to get a spontaneous tattoo you might want to pick another time.
Address: Av. 74B #39b-32, Medellín, Laureles, Medellín, Antioquia
Instagram: @perlanegratattoo
Studio 13 is one of a few tattoo studios in the city that has grown into a franchise. The popular brand has three locations and employs several talented artists, some of whom have participated in the Medellin Tattoo Expo.
If you’re looking for a studio that offers a wide range of techniques, Studio 13 should be on your list of shops to explore. They have artists specializing in shadows, realism, shadows, color, color realism, oriental, traditional, neo-traditional, freehand, blackwork, black and gray, and cover-ups.
In addition to their wide selection of technique offerings, they prioritize the process of personalizing and developing distinct designs that fit their customer.
Scheduling at Studio 13 can be done through their easy-to-use website, social media or WhatsApp.
Poblado Address: Cl 10A #38 – 9, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia
Belén Address: Av. 33 #63-99, Medellín, Belén, Medellín, Antioquia
Instagram: @studio13tattoomedellink
No Medellin tattoo studio list is complete without Sailors and Mermaids. Established in 2008, creator Felix Barrientos has made his shop a household name in the city. The Medellin native has been in the tattooing game for 22 years, and has worked to change the stereotypes about tattoo parlors.
Forget everything you have ever pictured about a tattoo studio. Sailors and Mermaid’s newest location is a bright, spacious studio with large windows and glass doors.
Thoughtfully designed by industrial architects, Barrientos explained he wanted his shops to feel inviting. Hung on the walls is mostly eastern art, one of the studio’s many specialties.
If you choose to get inked up here make sure you come in with an open mind. Barrientos said they are not shy about saying no to an idea if they feel the concept won’t work as a tattoo. In the case of Sailors and Mermaids, your best bet is to trust the experts.
Due to their popularity, there is more than one Sailors and Mermaids location—one in Provenza and one in Manila. Both shops accept walk-in appointments as long as the design is simple enough to be drawn up in 30 minutes and if there is an expert available.
They’re used to receiving customers from all over the world and have several artists that speak English.
Poblado Address: Calle 15a #37a-35, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia
Manila Address: Cra. 43F #10-38 Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia
Instagram: @sailorsnmermaids
La Luna Studio is an up-and-coming studio in the Laureles neighborhood. Owned by Chilean artist Josefina Hartard, this dreamy little shop offers tattooing, piercing, and merchandise.
La Luna is unique because it is not only a tattoo studio but sells products from Hartard’s very own clothing brand. Created in 2008, Lagrimal, is the creative vision of the tattoo artist and visual designer Titi Agudelo.
While the shop offers various techniques from different artists, Hartard is known for her signature style of color tattoos. Her delicate designs resemble paintings without any dark outlines. In addition to color, blackwork and dotwork are the most popular styles at La Luna.
If you want to make an appointment it is best to do so in advance through WhatsApp or Instagram, however, walk-ins are accepted if there is an artist free.
If you don’t have an appointment, I don’t advise going on Saturday, as it is their busiest day of the week. Almost all of the artists at the shop can speak a little English, so even if you aren’t fluent in Spanish they can make your vision come to life.
Their clothing graphics incorporate symbolism and are done in the style of traditional tattoos. Whether you are getting inked-up or waiting on someone, I recommend browsing this shop’s cool collection.
Address: Av. 74B #39-69 Local 201, Medellín, Laureles, Medellín, Antioquia
Before you book an appointment at one of these tattoo studios, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are a couple of tattoo tips:
Thanks to the indigenous communities, tattoos are pretty evident and popular in Colombia today. However, tattoos weren’t always the same as what we see today. In the past, they were body paintings that served as means of expression.
Exclusively in Colombia, two tribes popular for their famous work exist:
Tattoos typically used plant dyes and represented an individual’s spiritual connection with nature, ancestors, hierarchy, and rituals. But because they were still not part of the mainstream culture, people associated tattoos with gang warfare and crime.
Seeing people wearing tattoos meant they had an allegiance with particular gangs or they belonged in prisons. This made tattooists secretive about their work and hid their tattoos from the public.
It was only in 2019 when there started a shift in the attitudes toward tattoos. You can now easily find tattoo shops anywhere in the city. And millions of people are proud to show off their body inks.
Electric Moon Tattoo was founded by two outstanding tattooists: Stephania Cuervo and Diana Leets. Both tattooists cater to guests strictly by appointment. They are famous for creating intricate pieces using sharp lines, blank ink, and unique shading.
Stephania Cuervo loves creating simple tattoos with a pop of color. But booking an appointment in advance is always best because her schedule gets filled up easily.
Bogota Address: Av. Caracas # 70-50, Bogotá, Colombia
Instagram: @electricmoontattoo
Another freelancer who does exceptional tattoo art is Duban, who holds appointments at Crea Art Tattoo in Bogota.
Duban is a world-renowned tattoo artist with an impeccable talent for drawing to near perfection. He’s the one you should be looking for if you want vibrant and happy colors.
Plus, you can expect detailed black and white inks from Duban. He also specialized in making life-like portraits with dark and heavy shadings.
Instagram: @crea.art.tattoo
The list of best tattoo studios in Medellin will not be complete without Blue Hell Tattoo Shop. It features talented tattooists who can serve exactly what you’re looking for.
The session starts with the tattooist drawing your desired design on paper before inking your skin. This ensures you’ll like the finished product, allowing the artist to ask for all the details you prefer in your new ink.
Blue Hell Tattoo Shop features unique shading styles with pops of beautiful colors, giving you crisp designs that will truly stand out on your skin.
Facebook: BlueHellTattooShop
Located above a boutique store in Luareles is the underrated Fluink. This tattoo studio is owned by two phenomenal artists: Nathali Gómez and Andrés Molina. Both artists had experience working in New York and Mexico.
One thing you must know about Fluink is that it’s always fully booked. And if you wish to secure a spot, you need to book an appointment at least two months in advance!
Working with the motto “sin miedo,” which translates to without fear, you can guarantee high-quality work from Fluink’s team of professional artists in researching, needling, and sketching.
The tattoo artists working in Fluink firmly believe that anything matches anyone. Whatever style, design, size, or location you choose, Fluink guarantees perfect execution.
Address: Cq. 2 #72-30, Laureles – Estadio, Medellín, Laureles, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Instagram: @fluinkstudio
Another unique tattoo studio tucked in the suburbs of Medellin is Cuatro Naipes. The studio features professional tattoo artists who are capable of creating any style you desire. Plus, did you know that the studio can also create jewelry pieces that include titanium, gold, and silver?
Tourists love Cuatro Naipes because of its cleanliness while complying with strict biosafety regulations. This guarantees an excellent experience for every client. The fact that the staff and tattoo artists can speak English is a major plus!
Address: Cra. 34 #7-129, El Poblado, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Instagram: @cuatronaipes
The trendy hipsters love going back to TABÚ for their favorite ink designs. With the studio’s slogan, “marca tu personalidad” or mark your personality, TABÚ stays true to its identity and creativity.
The artists behind this tattoo studio are professionals in crisp shading, fine lining, and creative drawings. What sets this studio apart is how they draw and sketch the designs with perfectly laid-back vibes.
We also loved the friendly staff who were very observant of the client’s demands. TABÚ Tattoo Studio recently celebrated its fifth anniversary.
Address: Carrera 40 # 10A-25 Floor 2
Instagram: @tattuart
This may not be a studio, but it must be included in the list. Camilo Colmenares is a world-renowned tattoo artist who will make you think his designs are photoshopped! This proves just how much talented this tattoo artist has.
Camilo Colmenares is a jack of all trades and a master of anything about animals. If you wish to have your spirit animal inked on your skin, Colmenares is your guy. He has perfected his craft in making fluorescent tattoos, animal portraits, and fierce white and black pieces with the animal’s eyes color piercing.
Instagram: @camilocolmenares
Care for a spontaneous tattoo? Monkeys Tattoo Studio should be the one you’re looking for. This studio ensures your inks look as realistic as possible to catch anyone’s attention.
Tourists proclaim Monkeys Tattoo Studio as the best on the Caribbean Coast. The tattoo artists specialize in creating white and black pieces highlighted with dust-like shading and fine lines.
Address: Diagonal 35 y Pasaje Badillo, 3rd Floor, Cartagena, Colombia
Instagram: @monkeystattoo
Another renowned tattoo parlor in Medellin is Yersey Ink, which features talented artists who can specialize in portraits, realism, and neo-traditional. Locals love the friendly atmosphere and the good-quality service they receive from the tattoo artists and other employees.
Fenix Tattoo Studio is located in central El Poblado and features a professional environment where clients can get high-quality tattoos. The tattoo artists are skilled in making geometric, illustrative, and high-quality tattoos.
Fenix Tattoo Studio also accepts clients for body piercing services – the main reason it’s a crowd favorite for your body modification needs.
Address: Bello, Medellín, Colombia
Instagram: @fenixgoldentattoo
Expotatuaje is Medellin’s biggest tattoo event that happens yearly, showcasing the most innovative and bizarre tattoo designs in Medellin. This event brings professional and creative tattoo artists together to discuss the growing industry, including tips for starting a tattoo business.
Expotatuaje is also a way for Colombians and tourists to check out various tattoo designs and admire their intricacy and unique patterns. This event also talks about tattoo misconceptions to improve and promote positive inkwork and safe tattooing practices.
If you want a unique souvenir to take home with you from Colombia, a tattoo might be the way to go. It’s a trinket that will last a lifetime, just like the memories you make in this amazing city.
So, swing by one of these tattoo studios and get ready to treat yourself to some new ink!
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