Walk-ins: Tues-Sat Noon-8 p.m.
Welcome to Tattoo Avenue, your go-to spot for timeless tattoos and good vibes in the heart of The Avenue. Nestled at 2208 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206 our shop is more than just a place to get a tattoo—it’s a community hub where artistry meets authenticity. Whether you’re here to chat with our award-winning artists, schedule an appointment, or spontaneously drop in for a fresh tattoo, we’ve got you covered. Scroll down to connect with our artists via email or swing by during our open hours for walk-ins.
Our Team of Artists
Owner & Artist
Appointment Only
Tattoo Artist – Walk-ins &
Email for Appointments
Tattoo Artist
Appointment Only
TEXT 502-417-0322
Tattoo Artist
Walk-ins & Appointments
Tattoo Artist
Appointment only
Tattoo Artist
Walk-ins & Appointments
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your shop hours?
Tuesday – Saturday; 12 noon – 8 p.m.
Saturday: 12 p.m. (noon) until 8 p.m.
Tuesday: 12 p.m. (noon) until 8 p.m.
Wednesday: 12 p.m. (noon) until 8 p.m.
Thursday: 12 p.m. (noon) until 8 p.m.
Friday: 12 p.m. (noon) until 8 p.m.
Where are you located?
We are located on The Avenue, at 2208 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206.
Do you offer body piercings?
Not at the moment.
Can I buy a gift card?
Yes! If you are interested in a gift card please email us at info@tattooavenue502.com
What do you need to get tattooed?
The state of Kentucky requires a government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport, military ID, etc) with birth dates to show you are 18 or over.
We also have a waiver form that must be filled out before getting tattooed.
I am under 18, can I get tattooed?
Our shop does NOT tattoo minors under the age of 18.
[It is legal* in the state of Kentucky if you’re 16+ with a parent’s permission]
Are there any kinds of tattoos you will not do?
We don’t do UV (blacklight) tattoos, temporary tattoos, or henna. We advise against white tattoos as they turn yellow over time.
It is at the artist’s discretion to turn down a tattoo or a client.
How do I take care of my tattoo?
Your artist should provide you with written aftercare instructions and review them with you after your tattoo session. For reference, we have included our aftercare below.
How do you price tattoos?
Our shop minimum is $100. For larger sessions, most of our artists charge hourly, typically between $150-$200 an hour, while smaller pieces are usually priced at a flat rate. Our tattoos are priced based on many factors, including business costs like rent, cleaning supplies, ink, needles, and more. The price also reflects the time spent on consultations, the artist’s effort in drawing and customizing your tattoo to fit your preferences, and of course, the actual time spent tattooing.
The best way to get an accurate quote is to stop by the shop and chat with one of our artists—they’ll be happy to help you out. Please note that we don’t provide pricing over the phone or through email; we prefer to discuss your ideas in person to ensure we’re on the same page with the design, scale, and placement.
Do I need an appointment?
We absolutely LOVE WALK-INS!
Whether you’re itching for some fresh ink or just want to soak in the creative vibe, our doors at Tattoo Avenue on The Avenue in Louisville, Kentucky are wide open for you. Swing by anytime and hang out with our talented artists—no appointment needed! But if you’re curious about the vibe before you stop in, just give us a call at (502) 916-6179 to check if we’re busy.
Walk-ins are treated on a first come, first served basis, so the sooner you get here, the quicker you’ll be in the chair.
Dreaming of a larger, custom piece? Let’s make it happen! Our artists love sitting down for one-on-one consultations where your ideas come to life. Together, we’ll craft a design that’s as unique as you are. Place your deposit, lock in your session, and get ready to watch your vision unfold.
Whether you’re coming in for a quick piece or planning something epic, we can’t wait to see you at the shop!
Do I need to leave a deposit to schedule an appointment?
Deposits are required for custom or multi-session tattoos.
Deposits are usually between $50 and $100. They serve to hold your appointment spot, as well as drawing fees (time it takes for the artist to draw your custom design.) . Deposits are applied to the last session of your tattoo and are NON-REFUNDABLE.
If you fail to appear at your scheduled appointment, your deposit will serve as a no-show fee.
What if I can’t make my appointment?
We totally get that life happens!
If you need to reschedule, please give us a call as soon as you can—even if it’s the same day. It’s always better to reach out than not. If you’ve already placed a deposit, don’t worry—we can easily transfer it to your next appointment. Just a heads up: if you don’t call and don’t show up, your deposit will be forfeited, and you’ll need to place a new one to secure a future appointment. We’re all about making sure you get the ink you want, so just keep us in the loop!
Do you accept credit cards?
No, we don’t accept credit cards, but we do accept Venmo! Cash is always KING and preferred.
And don’t forget—tipping your artist is greatly appreciated <3!
Do you rework old tattoos?
Yes, we do offer tattoo cover-ups and reworks!
To get started, we’ll need to set up a face-to-face consultation. Sometimes a cover-up is the best option, but if there’s a chance we can salvage your old tattoo, we’ll definitely give it our all. And of course, we’ll always be upfront with you if it’s beyond saving. Our goal is to make sure you walk out with a piece you’re proud of!
Do you do cover-ups?
Yes, we do offer cover-ups!
To make sure we get it just right, we’ll need to arrange a face-to-face consultation with one of our artists. During the consultation, we’ll assess your existing piece and discuss your vision for the cover-up, ensuring we create something you’ll love.
Standard Tattoo Aftercare
Standard Tattoo Aftercare
Leave your bandage on for an hour or until you make it home and then wash it immediately with water (your tattoo will be sensitive, but try to use the hottest water you can stand to wash it with and then you can use cool water to rinse) and fragrance-free, antibacterial/antimicrobial soap (NO antiseptic products!). Wash and rinse your tattoo until it no longer feels slimy. Blot dry with a clean towel or paper towel and then allow it to air dry for 5-10 minutes. Apply a VERY THIN layer of bacitracin, Aquaphor, or A&D ointment. Blot away excess ointment. Wash your tattoo this way no less than three but no more than five times per day for the first four days. After the first four days, you can wash it three times a day and switch to an unscented lotion. Continue this until your tattoo is completely healed and use unscented lotion as needed when it feels dry.
Standard Tattoo Aftercare – TL;DR (ELI5):
- Leave the bandage on for an hour or until you get home.
- Wash your tattoo with warm water and fragrance-free antibacterial soap. Rinse with cool water until it’s not slimy anymore.
- Pat it dry with a clean towel and let it air dry for 5-10 minutes.
- Apply a very thin layer of ointment (like Aquaphor), and blot off any extra.
- Wash your tattoo 3-5 times a day for the first 4 days. After that, wash 3 times a day and switch to unscented lotion until it’s fully healed. Keep using lotion if it feels dry.
Advanced Tattoo Aftercare
If you’ve embarked on a multi-sitting tattoo journey or have just added a larger-scale, single-sitting piece to your collection, congratulations! Caring for these pieces is not too different from smaller tattoos, but there are a few key things we ask you to do to ensure the best healing process and end result possible. Just like with a smaller tattoo, you’ll want to leave your bandage on for an hour or until you make it home and then wash it immediately with water (your tattoo will be sensitive, but try to use the hottest water you can stand to wash it with and then you can use cool water to rinse) and fragrance-free, antibacterial/antimicrobial soap (NO antiseptic products!). Wash and rinse your tattoo until it no longer feels slimy. Blot dry with a clean towel or paper towel and then allow it to air dry for 5-10 minutes. Apply a VERY THIN layer of bacitracin, Aquaphor, or A&D ointment. Blot away excess ointment. After you wash it the first two nights just before bedtime, get a piece of plastic wrap just big enough to cover the freshly-tattooed area, gently place it over your tattoo, and secure it with a few pieces of scotch tape or medical tape and sleep with the wrap on. UNWRAP AND WASH YOUR TATTOO FIRST THING THE NEXT MORNING. Be sure to wash it until it no longer feels slimy. You may need to wash it more than once! Wash your tattoo no less than three but no more than five times per day for the first four days. After the first four days, you can wash it three times a day and switch to an unscented lotion. Continue this until your tattoo is completely healed and use unscented lotion as needed when it feels dry.
Advanced Tattoo Aftercare – TL;DR (ELI5):
- Congrats on your new tattoo! Whether it’s big or done in multiple sittings, care is similar to smaller ones with a few extra steps.
- Leave the bandage on for an hour or until you’re home, then wash with warm water and fragrance-free antibacterial soap. Rinse with cool water until it’s not slimy.
- Pat it dry and let it air dry for 5-10 minutes. Apply a thin layer of ointment like Aquaphor.
- For the first two nights, cover the tattoo with plastic wrap before bed and tape it down. In the morning, unwrap and wash it again until it’s not slimy.
- Wash your tattoo 3-5 times a day for the first 4 days. After that, wash 3 times a day and switch to unscented lotion until it’s fully healed. Use lotion if it feels dry.
Tattoo Aftercare DON’T DO IT!
- NEVER APPLY OINTMENT WITHOUT WASHING YOUR TATTOO FIRST!
- Never pick at your tattoos!
- Never use a washcloth on a fresh tattoo.
- Don’t touch your fresh tattoo unless you are washing it!
- Don’t submerge your tattoo in anything until it is completely healed! This means no pools, hot tubs, oceans/lakes/rivers, baths, etc.!
- Try to keep your fresh tattoo out of direct sunlight.
- Don’t let your pets lick or rub on your fresh tattoos.
- Don’t be afraid to contact your artist or the shop with any questions or concerns! We pride ourselves in doing quality work and want to give you the best tattoo experience possible. Your artist should send you home with their contact information and it is always best to contact them directly, but in the event that you cannot reach them, contact the shop.
Contact
Tattoo Avenue
2208 Frankfort Avenue
Louisville, KY 40206
Contact the Shop directly by email info@tattooavenue502.com or by phone 502-290-2119
