Looking to get tatted Up North? Whether you’re adding a tattoo to the collection to commemorate your adventures in Michigan or just looking to schedule your first needle-poke, there are tons of talented artists here to get you started! We asked you for your Top 7 tattoo artists in Northern Michigan – here are your winners!

A record-breaking 16,000 people voted in MyNorth’s 2021 Red Hot Best Awards, recognizing winners from across seven regions and 46 different categories in Northern Michigan. The categories include everything from healthcare and frontline workers to takeout and hiking trails. This is how we celebrate Northern Michigan!

Searching for the full winner’s list? Here are the Red Hot Best Winners 2021: The Best of Northern Michigan.

Above the Bridge

Hailey Klar, Sacred Tattoo Studio, Marquette

Specializing in incredibly intricate and beautiful nature patterns, Hailey Klar is one of the four talented artists of Sacred Tattoo Studio in Marquette, Michigan. Her designs range from entangled floral patterns to elaborate mushrooms, moths, and various other wildlife. Scroll through her portfolio here, and check out her Instagram, @stipplewhipper, for more booking and design information. 

View the full list of Above the Bridge Red Hot Best winners to find the best outdoor eating spots, beaches and much more.

 

Benzie & Leelanau 

Glen Weber, GlenArt’s Studio, Suttons Bay

A local favorite on the Leelanau Peninsula, Glen Weber has been tattooing professionally since 1983 and has been actively involved in the tattooing community since 1974. GlenArt’s Studio specializes in fine, single-line work and cover-ups, but can also accommodate larger lined work on request. For more information, stop by the shop or follow their Facebook page. 

View the full list of Benzie and Leelanau Red Hot Best winners to find the best breweries, events and more

Cadillac, Manistee & Ludington 

Calvin Kortge, Phoenix Rising Tattoo Studio, Ludington

Calvin Kortge wants you to leave Phoenix Rising Tattoo Studio feeling great and looking better, and he is happy to help all of his customers achieve this. Kortge specializes in black and grey realism tattoos, but dabbles in just about everything. Whether you’re looking for a detailed floral piece or a black and white portraiture, Calvin is your guy! Check out all of the incredible work coming out of Phoenix Rising on their website, or scroll through his Instagram portfolio, @phoenixrisingtattoostudio.  

View the full list of Cadillac, Manistee & Ludington Red Hot Best winners.

Charlevoix & the Chain of Lakes 

Will Kaufmann, WAM Ink, Charlevoix

Looking for a comfortable environment, friendly staff, and a talented artist you can trust to come at you with a needle gun? Stop in and schedule an appointment at WAM Ink with Will Kaufmann. Will specializes in intricate color and line tattoos as well as large realism pieces and is a fan favorite amongst customers for his professionalism, kindness, and talent. Follow their Facebook page for portfolio images and more information, or Will’s Instagram: @willktattoos. 

View the full list of Charlevoix & Chain of Lakes region Red Hot Best winners.

Kalkaska Gaylord and Grayling 

Cara Bear Tattoo, Paragon Ink, Gaylord

If you’re looking for colorful, unique and bright artwork, Cara Bear Tattoo is the artist for you. Tattooing since 2016, Cara specializes in color and cartoon tattoos that are as intricate as they are fun! Whether you’re looking for a bright yellow sunflower or a favorite fictional character design, Cara can make your vision a reality. Follow her Instagram page, @carabeartattoo, for portfolio images and find her at her new location, Sinful Skin Tattoo in Petoskey. 

View the full list of Gaylord, Kalkaska and Grayling Red Hot Best winners to find the best golf courses, events and more. 

 

Petoskey, Harbor Springs & The Straits

Skinny Ben Dratnol, Ninja Monkey Tattoo, Cheboygan

A tattooing celebrity at Ninja Monkey Tattoo, Skinny Ben can do just about anything you bring to him. Ben specializes in custom designs in realism and color tattoos and is happy to help all customers at Ninja Monkey leave with their dream tattoo. Check out Skinny Ben’s portfolio on his Instagram, @skinny_ben, and follow the shop’s Facebook page for booking information. 

Looking for the best beaches, breweries and more? View the full list of Petoskey, Harbor Springs and The Straits Red Hot Best winners.

Traverse City 

Rex Rector, Blue Heart Tattoo, Traverse City

Landing his first tattoo gig when he was just 16 years old, Rex Rector has spent nearly his entire life in the tattoo industry. Rector has traveled all over the country tattooing, picking up new styles, and improving his craft, and now you can visit his shop right in downtown Traverse City. Rector specializes in black and grey work and loves anything to do with nature, but enjoys being versatile to give his customers exactly what they want. Visit Blue Heart Tattoo’s Facebook or Instagram, @bluehearttattootc, to see Rector’s work or schedule an appointment. 

Searching for more of Traverse City’s top beaches, breweries and more? View the full Traverse City Red Hot Best winners list.

Photo(s) by Sacred Tattoo Studio