Mesa Tattoo On Upshur · Slabtown, NW Portland
Mesa Tattoo On Upshur is a tattoo studio in the Slabtown neighborhood of NW Portland. Every artist at Mesa works under the same training and review standards. Each artist specializes in a distinct style, from ornamental blackwork to full color realism. Clients can book a consultation for custom work or walk in for a same day tattoo.
The roster
Each artist at Mesa has a defined specialty. Review each portfolio and book directly with the artist whose work matches your idea. If you are deciding between two artists, contact the shop for a recommendation.
Rian specializes in cover ups and rework. He also works in full color realism. Faded color and blown out linework can be corrected with careful planning at a consultation.
Birdy is an illustrator with roughly a decade of fine art experience before tattooing. He specializes in large scale pieces that follow the contour of the body. Every design is an original composition, including work inspired by fan art.
Fae specializes in solid black ornamental work with high contrast. Each session covers one piece, starting at noon and finishing the same day. Many of Fae’s clients travel to Portland for these sessions. Clients may book consecutive days to complete multiple pieces in one trip.
Alex worked as a graphic designer for ten years before tattooing. Each design is developed together with the client until it fits. Alex works at small to medium scale. Surreal and whimsical ideas are welcome.
Booking options
Each option below describes a different way to get tattooed at Mesa. Contact the shop if you are unsure which option fits your project.
Same day
Walk ins are welcome Friday through Wednesday from noon to 6 PM. Walk in appointments are best suited for flash and small custom pieces. Staff will match you with an available artist who fits your request.
Typical wait under 30 min
Walk in details →By consultation
Cover ups and rework begin with a consultation. The existing tattoo determines what the new design can be. Scar camouflage is also available by consultation.
$150 to $250/hr · $100 minimum
Cover up details →Multi session
Sleeves and back pieces are planned at a consultation. Most large scale projects are completed over several sessions. Fae also offers full day sessions for solid ornamental blackwork.
Custom quote at consult
Book a consultation →The Mesa standard
A portfolio cannot show how an artist was trained. Training affects how a tattoo heals and how it ages over time.
Every artist at Mesa works within the same mentorship and review process. Work is reviewed as a group before it is applied and again after it heals. Each design is drawn for its specific placement on the body.
Styles vary from artist to artist. The standard of work is the same for every artist.
Education
Mesa’s tattoo education articles are published on the Better Tattooing Substack. These articles cover tattoo preparation and aftercare in detail. The following articles are a good place to start.
Visit
Mesa is located in a converted industrial loft on NW Upshur Street. The studio has large windows and spacious stations. Everyone is welcome at Mesa.
