Queer run, friendly vibes, quality custom tattoos in a clean and welcoming environment. We are a private studio and mainly work by appointment. For same day walk-in tattoos, please call for availability or check out our Instagram page for current happenings and availability. Located in the historic Kenton neighborhood of North Portland.
Mikal is the lead artist here holding down the fort. We sometimes have guest artists and host flash days and fundraisers, all announced on our Instagram page, so give us a follow.
The shop has a $100 minimum. Tattoos under 3 hours done in one session are priced by the piece and are subject to a number of factors including size, detail, placement on the body, and style. Rates for larger pieces is $200/hour. We are happy to work with reasonable budgets! A non-refundable deposit is required to book an appointment.
Mikal Gilmore (he/him)
view galleryHi, I’m Mikal (pronounced Michael)! I got my first tattoo when I was 18 at the infamous Sunset Strip Tattoo in Hollywood. I felt right at home in that rebellious creative environment. Finally, in 2001 I walked away from my desk job to pursue my passion for tattooing. I spent the next 3 years working among a few tattoo studios around the San Francisco Bay Area where I apprenticed and learned about the art form from a variety of artists. I then worked at the esteemed Black & Blue Tattoo from 2004 – 2007 before relocating to Portland where I feel very lucky to tattoo among some of the best tattooers on the West Coast.
I pride myself on being a versatile artist and enjoy working with clients to create unique custom pieces. I like to push myself creatively, getting inspiration from nature to textiles to the masters; and whatever rabbit holes I find myself exploring. I tattoo all skin tones and all bodies! I am taking new clients and currently focusing on medium to larger pieces. Thanks for looking!
Want some ideas? I have a portfolio of available tattoo designs I have drawn and would love to tattoo. Check them outHERE and email me directly to claim!
If you are interested in working with me, please complete my handy tattoo submission from using the link below.
You can find my form ” Tattoo Submission Form” at: https://form.jotform.com/233004515581044
Email Me Instagram
Scheduling Your Tattoo
You’ve decided on your idea and are ready to get started; now what?
Many tattoos do not need a consultation. For larger custom pieces however, your artist may request a consultation. Consultations are scheduled in-person meetings where you and your artist will discuss your tattoo design idea, placement, process, and pricing. Consultations are free and generally take between 15-30 minutes. For your consultation, please bring any reference images that will help explain your vision for the piece you want to get. A little homework up front on your part really helps us draw the tattoo of your dreams!
When scheduling your tattoo appointment, we will collect a non-refundable deposit to hold your appointment time and start on custom artwork. The deposit comes out of the final cost of the tattoo. For multi-session tattoos, the deposit will come out of the final session. The deposit will be forfeited if you decide not to get tattooed after we have spent time drawing, do not show up for your appointment, have excessive reschedules, or if you change your idea mid-process, requiring new artwork and additional drawing time. Should you need to reschedule, we ask 48 hours notice whenever possible for your deposit to follow you to a new appointment time.
On the day of your tattoo
Arrive rested, hydrated, and sunburn free. Eat a meal or hearty snack before your tattoo and avoid aspirin and excesses of alcohol and caffeine. For larger tattoos and/or all day sittings, it’s a good idea to bring some food to fuel yourself throughout the day. There are also plenty of eateries in the area if you prefer.
Make sure you bring a valid, government issued photo ID (driver’s license/permit or state ID, passport, military ID) showing that you are 18 or older. Please ask your artist about bringing a guest.
Parking is timed in front of the shop, with free street parking further down the block. Blue Ox Tattoo is located on the ground level; no stairs are needed to enter the building. Please let us know of any accessibility needs; we are happy to accommodate in any way we can.
Cash is preferred but we are happy to take major credit cards or Venmo.
Aftercare
The life of your tattoo depends on the care it receives during the healing process!
Keep the bandage*** on 4 hours to overnight.
Remove the bandage just prior to getting in the shower.
Rinse the tattoo with hot water and clean hands. Lather gently with a mild soap (such as Dr. Bronner’s). Make sure the tattoo is clean and no longer slimy to the touch. Splash with cold water when done then pat dry with a CLEAN towel or paper towel.
Let your tattoo air out until the evening before applying a moisturizing product. DO NOT rebandage your tattoo. Wear loose, clean, breathable fabric over it, or leave it exposed to the air. Ice packs and ibuprofen can be used to relieve swelling and redness, especially in the first week.
Wash your hands and apply a THIN coat of clean, fragrance free lotion (such as Cetaphil, Eucerine, or coconut oil) 1-3x/day. Always clean your hands before touching your fresh tattoo, and keep other people’s grubby mitts off!
DO NOT use aloe, Neosporin,bacitracin. The tattoo needs to heal on its own time.
DO NOT swim, sauna, or soak for the first 2 weeks (showering is okay).
In a few days, your tattoo will begin to peel/exfoliate. In the event of itchiness, SLAP the tattoos lightly. Do not scratch. Scratching a scabbing tattoo can lead to a poorly healed tattoo and carries a risk of infection. Once healed (this will take 2-6 weeks), SPF 30 is your best buddy. Overexposure to the sun will speed up the aging process of your tattoo.
***If you have been bandaged with Saniderm/Derm Shield/Fixomull (a clear, breathable, self-adhering bandage):
Leave the bandage on for 2-6 days. You can shower during this time, just don’t soak the bandage. There will be an accumulation of fluid under the bandage. If the bandage springs a leak, or if you experience irritation from the bandage, remove ASAP.
Remove the bandage in the shower. Let the water run over it as you carefully peel the corners up and away (like a command strip) or down towards the center of the tattoo with the grain of the skin. Once removed follow the directions above!
Use common sense and we’ll all be happy! Call us with any questions!
