Getting a tattoo can be exciting, and bringing your friends and toughing out the pain can be a bonding experience. I remember the thrill of getting my first piece, eagerly wanting to feel the pain of the needle. 

Eugene’s variety of tattoo shops offer different styles that will have whatever you are looking for. 

Myth Tattoo 

Myth Tattoo has operated on 14th and Oak Street for eight years. It is female-owned and operated and intends to create a welcoming environment for all clients. 

Kinsey Tennison has been tattooing in the Eugene area for ten years. Tennison says that the hands-on nature of tattooing creates a strong connection with her clients. 

“It’s incredibly rewarding to know that a client chose you to alter their body forever,” Tennison said. “It’s humbling and fascinating that people still choose me after this many years.” 

Tennison explains how both her style and Myth’s style create primarily black and gray realism art. While Tennison also specializes in watercolor, the primary style at Myth is illustrative black and gray. 

Realism tattoos are basically recreating a photo on your skin. Animals, flowers and portraits are what realism artists spend most of their time tattooing. 

Myth typically prepares for big flash events months in advance. Flash events are days dedicated to customers choosing from an array of pre-made tattoo designs. Flash designs are perfect if you can’t decide what to get. Sometimes, all it takes is a little creative push. 

“The spookier flash designs always get more traction because people are ready for their Friday the 13th tattoo,” Tennison said. 

Myth releases a large number of flash designs so collectors can find something that suits them. Flash designs and walk-in availability can be found on Myth’s Instagram, @myth_tattoo_studio. 

The Parlour Tattoo 

Located on Willamette Street, The Parlour Tattoo has been tattooing Eugene since 1996. For those looking for an American traditional style, The Parlour has an array of artists specializing in classic tattoos. 

American traditional style tattoos are a common style for those wanting to get color tattoos. The traditional style uses bold lines and a consistent but limited color palette. 

American traditional tattoos usually include yellow, red, green and black ink. Many new artists begin tattooing in this style, as the lines and weights are typically simple designs. While it’s personally not my style, I think the designs look beautiful and the colors contrast really well. 

You’ll see lots of flowers, eagles, snakes or pin-up girls with traditional ink. This style of tattooing makes for good patchwork, where each piece stands alone next to others. 

The Parlour offers walk-in appointments on a first-come, first-serve basis when artists are available. 

Flash designs and available walk-in hours can be found on Instagram, @theparlourtattooshop

Sunstone Tattoo 

Sunstone Tattoo, located on East 18th Avenue, is recognizable for its vintage look. Bright orange windows give the shop a ‘70s vibe. Sunstone opened in Eugene in 2021. 

Ryan Nonclerc, originally from Tampa, Florida, has been tattooing in Eugene for around a year. Nonclerc notes how traditional tattoos are taught as the foundation of tattooing. 

“I always liked how traditional doesn’t ever look dated,” Nonclerc said. 

Nonclerc explains how Sunstone is used to walk-ins and is a great place to get a first tattoo. 

“We can really handle any type of tattoo, we’ve always got walk-in availability and everybody here has lots of experience with walk-ins,” Nonclerc said. “We do a lot of traditional as well, which is really focused on longevity.” 

Sunstone feels like a living room as much as a tattoo shop. There’s a vintage console TV next to orange couches that give the shop a unique look. 

As a walk-in-focused shop, Sunstone prioritizes creating a welcoming environment. “Since we all have backgrounds in walk-in shops, Sunstone is a really social and really friendly place,” Nonclerc said. 

Flash designs and walk-in availability can be found @sunstonetattoo. 

I love walk-in designs. It’s spontaneous and I feel like I’m just hanging out with the artist. Whatever you want to get, just go for it. It’s your body, and besides, art is subjective. 

So if you’re looking for a place to get a tattoo near campus, try out these shops. You’ll be well taken care of and are sure to get that piece that is meaningful to you.