Sovereign Tattoo

If you are in Portland looking to get a kind of decent, cheap but a «good deal», piece of shit tattoo, don’t go to this place. These guys have their shit together and are prepared to transform your body in beautiful ways. It’s as big of a deal as I’m making it seem, I promise.
Justin Dion has now done two tattoos for me. Each time I’ve given him a vague description of what I want and he blows my mind with his traditional-​style designs, full of vibrant colors and weirdly awesome elements. He’s the guy to see, it doesn’t really matter what you want. Just let him do it.
Ryan Jacob Smith has been someone I’d love to get tattooed by very, very soon. His work has this haunting aspect to it, lots of flowers and moths and things of beauty.
The shop is small but the chemistry of the guys is super fun! It’s always a good time being in Sovereign. Because, as we talked about earlier, they don’t fuck around, the shop is clean and they practice perfect hygiene and all of that important stuff.
It’s located in a sweet spot on Division where there’s a pizza shop next door (in case you forget to fuel up pre-​sesh). There’s no ATM in the shop but there’s a sketchy bodega down the block with one. I’d recommend just coming prepared with cash.
Get your kicks at Sovereign. It’s worth it.

I’ve been getting tattooed by Isaac for almost a year now, that’s 9 tattoos. He’s now the only artist I want to see. You will find his style to be exactly what your looking for when it comes to practically anything. (Girls he’s really good at botanicals!) He’s incredibly punctual with his email correspondences, he’s professional and also really cool. Standard $ 150/​hour or the shop minimum of $ 80 for small pieces of work and maybe flash.
His book has some really awesome stuff, though Sovereign isn’t a place for walk ins, you will have an easy time getting a spot in the chair.
Follow his Instagram for photos of his work @isaac_bushkin he rules.
Bonus: Atlas Pizza is right next door. Always eat a delicious meal before getting tattooed.

Issac is a real professional. I’ve followed him from a few places because he’s a great artist, he’s professional, and he’s friendly. Each time I’ve gone in, I’ve asked his advice on how the art would work, and every time his vision has far out reached my own.
He is, as far as I’m concerned, the best tattooist in Portland.
This being said, a trusted friend of mine has been going to Hawk (who runs the place) for years and claims he’s the best. Regardless, you’re in good hands here.

Hawks a great guy and a fantastic artist who is super fast with really clean lines. You always get your money’s worth! When looking for Japanese style he is definitely the best though he also does other styles of work as well.

Beautiful detailed work and not heavy handed.
I had seen a great deal of Hawks work on my co workers and was already sending my friends and clients in to see him… I wanted to have my small first tattoo expanded and filled in. I already knew that I would be seeing him for it. Having only a vague idea of what I wanted, I asked for his opinion on what would look good and what he drew up, with very little input from me, was perfect.
Because of his years of experience and care and passion for his art, Hawk is very detailed, skilled and proficient. His lines are clean and quick. He is not heavy handed so healing was pretty quick. This is my one and only tattoo, second round. Thusly, I am no tattoo expert. But it takes up the side of my rib cage. Which I am told is a particularly sensitive area. It certainly hurt, as I expected, but healing was fairly quick with his work.
I am super happy with his work and will continue to send my clients and friends to him for work.

I was visiting Portland from New York for 9 days, I really wanted to get some ink on my visit. Hawk was the name everyone told me was the best in Portland, and he did not disappoint. I had an old piece that I wanted covered up. In less then five days he had a pice drawn up and had me done in six hours. He was very professional and took the time to inspect the needles before he used them on me, two of witch he did not find worthy. He showed me under a eye piece that enlarged the needle tip, I have never worked with an artist that took the time to do that. He was cool to talk and had a gentile touch. I will be seeing the HAWK for my other ink in my future trips to Portland.

Loving my new ink and so impressed with how it’s healing and the way the details are really starting to pop. The even, smooth lines Hawk used are a telltale sign of his talent and skill. Can’t wait to get my next piece!

As an artist, I’m really picky when it comes to tattoos. I’ve seen way too many people walking around showcasing horrible art on their bodies. That can’t be me. On top of that, I’m really weird about letting someone I don’t know tattoo me. Needless to say, this was difficult when I moved here and had to find someone to work on my full back piece that I’ve been waiting 6 years to start. I was referred to Hawk by Blake from Nomad piercing studio. I walked in and checked out his portfolio, which was awesome, and got a good vibe off the guy, and felt like I’d finally found the person who would undertake this project for me. And so my back piece was started, and dare I say also a friendship. Hawk is a cool dude, and it’s a family business. His wife who’s also super cool runs the counter, and sometimes the kids will make an appearance. It’s clean, open, and laid back. Not your typical awkward vibe tattoo shop. Hawk is an amazing artist. He works fast, and has a light hand, and can slip easily between quiet focus and funny banter. I fully recommend Hawk to anyone looking for a good artist. He specializes in the Japanese style, but isn’t limited to it either. His line work is epic and his price is more than fair for the quality of what you’re getting.

Jacob gave me an awesome traditional gypsy tattoo that I absolutely love. Full of talent and so friendly!

Love this place. Jacob is amazing! Even though he has only been tattooing for a short while now, he definitely knows what he is doing. And because he is just getting his career going, I got a beautiful, traditional piece for a really good deal. Besides that the shop is so cute and everyone is super friendly. I am for sure going to be going back for all my traditional work.

Awesome shop with super cool dudes working inside. I have been nothing but super happy with the work i have gotten from jason darling and hawk. Jason has tattooed me for about a year now and has proven he can lay down a really nice piece with about the most upbeat and fun attitude i have ever experienced in my years of getting work done. He is the man you want to go to for your real traditional style tattoo or funny colorful offbeat ones too. I highly reccomend getting a tattoo from this dude! i recently got started getting work done by hawk and have been thoroughly satisfied. With i belive about 20 years of experience he does solid beautifully done tattoos of any style. between jason or hawk as well as jacob and occasionally dirk from the bend shop 932 tattoo you really cant ask for a better tattoo experience… oh and just incase you didnt get it jason darling is the man!!!