Portland custom tattoo and piercing

It's not about us, it's about you. Custom tattoos and quality piercings. Contact us for a consultation!

Portland custom tattoo and piercing

It's not about us, it's about you. Custom tattoos and quality piercings. Contact us for a consultation!

Who we are

Aardvark Tattoo Company is an all custom tattoo shop in SE Portland, OR. Every piece we do is drawn up one of a kind for our clients. We specialize in portraits, realism, neo-traditional, feminine tattoos, cover ups, nature scenes, and large scale original artwork.

Too often the client's desires can be overshadowed by the ego of their artist. The tattoo industry is also plagued by discrimination, and that can impact the quality of the piece as well as the experience. This can be an intimidating prospect when it comes to something you’ll wear for a lifetime.

We want to offer you something different. It is our goal to bring your ideas and sensibilities to the surface, even if they aren't the same as our own. We strive to create an environment where all of our customers can feel safe and confident that their ideas will be heard and brought to life with respect and care. Let us create something unique with you, for you. After all, isn't that the whole idea behind custom tattooing?

our staff

Risa Stevens

Tattoo Artist / Owner

Risa is co-owner of Aardvark Tattoo Company and has been tattooing since 2006. She's been featured on Ink Master Angels as well as Tattoo Titans. Risa received her Bachelor's of Fine Art from The Cooper Union in NYC, and also taught art before she began tattooing. She loves doing meaningful, conceptual pieces and is known for her vibrant color work.

@risatattoosaardvark

Paul Thomas

Risa Stevens

Tattoo Artist / Piercing Instructor / Owner

Paul is co-owner of Aardvark Tattoo Company. He has been tattooing since 2004 and has also been piercing since 2007. He specializes in large, graphic designs, especially with a bio-mechanical edge. His excellent technical skills and line work allow him to create bold, original tattoos with amazing details.

@paulcifer

Tanya Wiater

Risa Stevens

Sa’a Lynnette

Tattoo Artist

Tanya’s been tattooing since 2019 and went to Laguna College of Art & Design in CA, receiving her Bachelors of Fine Art. She also attended the Kubert School in New Jersey, a comic book trade school. She loves doing illustrative, neo-traditional and color realism work.

@tanyawiater

Sa’a Lynnette

Bill Fillingame

Sa’a Lynnette

Tattoo Artist

Sa’a (they/them) has been professionally tattooing since 2012. A former mural artist and art teacher, they have been a full time traveling tattoo artist since 2021. Sa’a has devoted their college education in Graphic Design towards progressing their skills as a tattoo artist and illustrator. They enjoy creating diverse art styles and concepts, but are particularly fond of designing anything natural, nerdy, fantastical or spooky.

@straykreature

Bill Fillingame

Manager / Piercer

If you contact us, you're probably talking to Bill first. He's a piercer, avid tattoo enthusiast, and former wild land fire fighter. Bill's been studying Jiu Jitsu at 10th Planet for 5 years and loves martial arts. He looks forward to discussing your tattoo ideas and helping you find the right artist.

@williamfillingame

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at aardvarktattoocompany@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

How much do you charge?

Our artists' prices range from $200/hr to $220/hr with a shop minimum of $100. Our piercing prices are listed on our instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/C5rfp8mPif2/?img_index=2

Do you take walk-ins?

We are usually booked up, but we're happy to take walk-ins when we can. Please call the shop first to check for availability.

How do I get an appointment?

The best way is to contact the shop and set up a consult with your preferred artist. If you aren't sure who you'd like to work with, our manager can assist you. Most appointments require consults so that you can meet with the artist, discuss the design and any price quote, pay a deposit and schedule your appointment. If it's a very simple piece we may be able to schedule you without a consult, but a deposit will still be required.

When can I see a design for my tattoo?

Unless otherwise discussed with the artist, you will see the design the day of your appointment. You will have the ability to discuss changes or adjustments without risking your deposit at this time. The consultation is your opportunity to ask questions and share your vision with us. Our artists' time is limited, so we ask that before making any appointments you are certain of your choice of design, artist, and your availability for the time of the appointment.

What is your deposit policy?

A deposit is required for all tattoo appointments. Our minimum deposit for all pieces is $50, but it may be $100-$300 depending on size and artist. Half of the deposit applies towards drawing and artist's preparation, half of the value will be applied to the final appointment.If a project is cancelled at least 2 weeks before beginning, a gift certificate will be issued for half the amount of the deposit. 48 hours' notice is required for cancellation. Deposit will be kept if we do not receive notice within this time. If we are not contacted within a week of the appointment then future appointments will be cancelled. Please let us know of any issues that may prevent you from keeping your appointment. The sooner we know, the more able we are to fill the vacancy. Deposits are non-transferable. Artists are independently contracted, therefore deposits made with one artist cannot be carried over to another. If two appointments in a row are cancelled, the shop must be contacted within one week or deposit will be kept and future appointments will be cancelled. Multiple significant design changes may require an additional deposit. A higher deposit may be required for large or complex projects. Please be certain of your subject, location, and artist before committing to a tattoo. Deposits ensure our artists are compensated for their drawing and preparation time.

What should I do to prep for my appointment?

For tattoos and piercings, get a good night's rest and avoid alcohol the night before your appointment. The day of your appointment arrive well fed and well hydrated. It's a good idea to bring a drink and a snack with you just in case. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing that will allow the artist easy access to your tattoo area.

What are your tattoo aftercare instructions?

We use a hypo-allergenic self-adhesive bandage that allows your skin to breathe, but protects it from the environment. Because of this it is safe to keep the bandage on for 3-5 days, but if it is bothering you remove it and follow the regular aftercare instructions. When the tattoo feels closed—dry and less sensitive—then you should remove the bandage. Remove immediately if:

Water or fluid pools up under the bandage. Some plasma will leak from the tattoo, making it appear blurry. This is completely normal and doesn’t mean your tattoo is bleeding out.
Skin feels irritated by the bandage itself. It is uncommon, but some people may be sensitive to the adhesive. The tattoo will be itchy and the bandage may be an annoyance, but if you see a rash forming under the bandage or it feels painful, remove the bandage right away.
The tattoo becomes exposed to the air. If the seal is compromised remove bandage immediately.

Remove bandage carefully. Peel the bandage back gently from the edge. Warm, soapy water will help break down the adhesive. It may be helpful to pull the bandage straight out to stretch and release the adhesive. After removing bandage clean adhesive from area gently but thoroughly. The tattoo should be mostly healed, but some areas may still be in the initial stages. Pick up with normal aftercare where you are in the healing process. Without a bandage: Keep regular bandage on for 45 minutes to 1 hour. When you remove it, wash the tattoo with liquid anti-bacterial soap. Wash your hands first, make a lather in your hands and then apply to the tattoo. Rinse with cold water and pat dry with a clean towel. Wash twice a day for the first week. Wear only clean, loose, breathable clothing over your tattoo, and keep it elevated as much as possible if it is on a lower extremity. Avoid excessive moisture for the first 2 weeks such as baths or swimming, which will also expose your tattoo to harmful bacteria and microorganisms. If you experience some swelling around tattoo or in nearby lymph nodes in the first few days, this is fairly normal and can be treated with cold compresses (not more than 15 min if moist) and/or ibuprophen. If the tattoo leaks any blood or plasma, rinse this off with cold water. If your tattoo touches anything dirty in the first few days wash it immediately. Around day 3 the tattoo may crust over or get dry and flaky. Keep your skin as close to normal/healthy as possible. This may mean a light application of fragrance free, hypo-allergenic lotion. Begin with a very small amount. As the tattoo begins to flake you can increase applications. If the skin feels gummy, you’ve over moisturized. Gradually the crust or flakes will begin to fall away. These protect your tattoo-- DO NOT PICK AT IT!!! Even over-stretching or rubbing can seriously damage your piece. After crust falls away, the skin beneath will be thin and tissue-paper like. Continue to massage tattoo with lotion a few times a day-- this will speed the final stage of the healing process.

Portland custom tattoo and piercing

Portland custom tattoo and piercing

Gift cards available through giftfly!

check out our merch store!

Who we are

our staff

Risa Stevens

Risa Stevens

Risa Stevens

Paul Thomas

Risa Stevens

Risa Stevens

Tanya Wiater

Risa Stevens

Sa’a Lynnette

Sa’a Lynnette

Bill Fillingame

Sa’a Lynnette

Bill Fillingame

Bill Fillingame

Bill Fillingame

Reviews

Contact Us

Aardvark Tattoo Company

Come in and meet us!

Request an Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Risa's Blog

Portland custom tattoo and piercing

Portland custom tattoo and piercing

Gift cards available through giftfly!

check out our merch store!

Who we are

our staff

Risa Stevens

Risa Stevens

Risa Stevens

Paul Thomas

Risa Stevens

Risa Stevens

Tanya Wiater

Risa Stevens

Sa’a Lynnette

Sa’a Lynnette

Bill Fillingame

Sa’a Lynnette

Bill Fillingame

Bill Fillingame

Bill Fillingame

Our Instagram

Reviews

join our community

Contact Us

Aardvark Tattoo Company

Come in and meet us!

Request an Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Risa's Blog