Against The Grain Tattoo

If you want a shop with talent and good vibes, you’ve found it! There are many incredibly talented artists at Against the Grain. I’ve had many done by Cody through the years and a piercing by Kirk and I always leave happier than when I came in. You couldn’t pay me to go somewhere else. It’s always a good time at every visit and I’m always made to feel right at home. With many artists, you’re bound to find the perfect person to bring your tattoo ideas to skin. 10/10 would ALWAYS recommend.

Got some work done by Tut he’s an amazing artist. Tut went above & beyond with perfection absolutely in love with the outcome! Will be going back to him for more work soon!

My daughter got a tattoo by Tee and it was her first tattoo and we loved it so much!I then went in later that week to get a tattoo with Tee aslo.I am obsessed with Nightmare Before Christmas and I wanted a memorial tattoo.The stitches are four years in roman numeral when I lost my Mom, Dad, Nephew and recently my brother-in-law!I cannot express how beautiful these are and goe much we love them!I will never go anywhere else!

Repeat customer! Kirk has done several piercings for me. Super cool and laid back. Great pricing. Maggie did an amazing job with my sternum tattoo and great pricing as well.

Cody Gower is the absolute BOM DOT COM.He always does high quality work with amazing and prestigious skill. His technique is always promising and never scars your skins. He has a gentle hand and helps you to get through each session with the most amount of fun. And everyone in his shop is the same way. Awesome atmosphere and they do really great piercings as well!

Had this cool tattoo done by Tut, representing my family. Tut did a great job and I’m more than happy with the results. Check him out @tattoosbytut on IG!!!

Kirk was kind enough to pierce my sisters and I today. He was super cool and a joy to be around. Highly recommend him! :)

Had my realism tattoo done by Tut and he was amazing! Hes a perfectionist and Im here for it. I will definitely be back!

Cody does such an amazing job. He does quick work too. Got this tattoo done in 4 hours which is insane! His attention to detail is amazing! Definitely will be back to get another tattoo done here

I got my second lobe piercing with kirk. It was my first time in there. I was amazed at how nice, easy, and calming the staff was. My ears bled and kirk cleaned it and made sure before I left that I knew what to do with cleaning, how to make ear rings out, and it didn’t feel too bad. Over all was an amazing experience and definitely recommend.

Tut is an amazing tattoo artist. Definitely coming back for another one soon!

I have been 3 times and the artists are all friendly and cool. The first time I got a matching tattoo and Kirk gave it to me. I went back for a belly piercing and Kirk helped me with that too. This last time was for the $100 small and palm sized tattoo special. Terrance gave me a great hip tattoo and he does color tattoos!

LOVE THE ARTISTS HERE. I came here at first because I had seen their tattoo artist Cody on tiktok & loved his anime work. The person I’ve been going to for my first and now 6th tattoo is Maggie. She’s super dope,chill and her work is amazing. Every appointment she does her best to make me feel as comfortable as possible and we can have good conversation to make time pass by. That combined with her work is just the perfect tattoo artist for me. As a woman I love finding other women as service providers. I’ve also gotten 4 piercings done by their piercer Kirk, just like everyone else he makes you feel comfortable and tries to distract you from the pain of it. I would definitely go to their insta @againstthegraintattoos to see everyone’s work. added images of two of the tattoos Maggie has done for me.

I got a ultra ego vegeta tattoo done by Cody. He did amazing the tattoo is sick. Not only is the work amazing but the people are awesome. Great work and great environment would give 10 stars if I could highly recommend

Tee gave me my first tattoo, a simple linework illustration on the inside of my wrist. I was really thankful to have him as an artist, because hes a bit soft-spoken like me, and his little corner of the shop was quiet and relaxed. He and his daughter are very sweet, and my tattoo is flawless. Highly recommended!

Cody does amazing work! I vetted him out of hundreds of artists and conventions for very colorful anime style tattoos! Dude is super funny too! Such a good vibe in the shop with his other artist. Super chill spot and I couldn’t recommend them enough! If you want quality and have a damn good time while you’re there, then get your money right and HIT THEM UP!

My oldest daughter just got her nose pierced here. Super professional, quick, efficient and friendly experience. I recommend(:

One of my favorite tattoo artist Cody. He always gets all my tattoos on point and the quality and colors of it is amazing. I always get a lot of compliments of how great they are and would always get feature tattoos by him for sure. Love his drawing and concepts of my tattoos each time

Every time I have come here has been a fantastic experience. The staff is incredibly professional and skilled at what they do. I am proud to have them as my go-to shop.Would definitely rate them 10 stars if I could.

My husband and I got matching tattoos but did not initially have a clear idea of how to do my version. Our artist, Treez, helped us figure out how we wanted it, and they both came out great. He was nice and professional, and very friendly. Highly recommend the shop as a whole too

Went in for a piercing, and when asked what piercing the artist there didnt address us but the other employee. When stated a septum, the artist stated he doesnt do what we were asking. We asked the one that was helping us, at all? (Like is there, no one here to do any piercings). She said no there wasnt anyone to do it because Kirk or whatever his name is doesnt do septum piercings.

The best tattoo shop I have ever been to. Cody Gower is the owner and the one who did my tattoos and he does some really amazing work. Want an amazing tattoo at great and fair prices, come see them. You wont regret it, I havent and I would like to get some more done by them.

I am so grateful for Against the Grain, and artist Cody Gower specifically. I’ve never had a tattoo before, so I went into this pretty nervous, especially because I’m definitely not a needle person.I wanted to get a tattoo in memory of my 18 1/2 year old dog that just passed recently, whom I’ve had since he was 3 months old. He was my absolute world, so having this tattoo be as accurate and representative of him as possible was so important to me.Kobi (my dog) always had a very distinguishable backwards ‘L’ marking on his back that we always said stood for love since he was just the biggest lover ever. Today, I got that same marking tattooed on me with his ashes mixed into the ink. He will always be with me now. ♡The tattoo came out perfectly and Cody was adamant about making sure I was completely happy with the design beforehand, despite me having him make tweaks repeatedly. I truly appreciated how understanding he was throughout the process. He was very professional and more than happy to make the adjustments I requested until it was perfect.During the tattooing, I got lightheaded and passed out, because as I said before, I am not a needle-person. When I came to, everyone in the shop was very chill and didn’t make a fuss about it at all. They just reassured me that it was normal and knew exactly how to handle the situation. They made sure I was comfortable, got me some candy that they had on-hand to get my blood sugar up (I hadn’t even eaten, so that didn’t help), put a cool compress on my head, and let me take my time, constantly checking in on me to see how I was feeling. When we got back to the tattooing, Cody kept checking in to make sure I was good and was very kind and considerate, while making light of the situation, which I greatly appreciated.As for the shop itself, it was very clean and kept.I would highly recommend Against the Grain all day, especially if it’s for your first tattoo or if you aren’t a needle-person like myself.Thank you so much again, Cody. This tattoo means more than you know.

Jenn did an amazing job giving me my septum ring, but Im going out of my way to leave a review because she let me contact her months later asking for advice on how to gauge up and change jewelry. Super knowledgeable and professional to their clients. Highly recommended.

Staff was very friendly and explained everything really well. My daughter got her nose pierced and I have only ever had my ears pierced, so we didnt know what to expect. Also very reasonably-priced.

Hand down the best tattoo artist in Rutherford county. I won’t let ANYONE else even think about tattooing me. When you go to a Cody, you get the real deal. He’s clean to begin with and clean throughout your tattoo. The shops clean, needles ext. You never have to wonder. His work his absolutely amazing and you can always go to him with an idea and he runs with it!

Maggie was amazing and the shop is so nice. Will definitely be back

Took my daughter to get her nose piercing! Kirk was awesome looking forward to getting a tat done there as well! Highly recommend

I have the most amazing tattoos from here. Cody did my quarter sleeve and I love it so much Ill be going back over the next several years to make it a full sleeve. So proud of their work and I get people stopping me all the time asking where it was done.

Went for the Friday the 13th event and had a wonderful time. I was really impressed with the quality work that Cody and the other artist here produce. You can tell they really enjoy what they do and appreciate their customers.

Cody killed a piece for my grandfather! It is definitely a favorite out of all of mine & I won’t go anywhere else for work anymore. Clean, beautiful shop, very professional, amazing artists.

Jeromy is a high school friend of mine, and he was able to do my familys tattoos for us and they turned out great! For it being my very first tattoo, the experience I had was enjoyable and he made sure that I was okay while going through the tattoo process.

A friend of mine went and got ink work done and a redo and it looks just amazing .Perfect lines/Perfect color and no deep punctures in the skin from being over inked and handled wrong which it means they know what they are doing .I’ll be going their next for some ink work to be done .

Cody and his crew are really turning around the tattoo scene in Smyrna. A few years ago you could not have paid me to get tattooed in Smyrna, but since Ive gotten a few pieces done at Against the Grain my mind is changed. I am a tattoo collector and I have pieces from artists all over TN. Im very happy with the work Ive gotten done here and other artists compliment my work from Against the Grain all the time.

I had been searching for someone to do my next tattoo. Another tattoo artist I was going to was booked on weekends and only was available during the week. He had an IG post saying to check his boy out, so I did and liked what I saw. Jay D was awesome!! Will be back soon!

These guys do amazing work. best shop around . they are clean and sanitary. i have sent many people to them and every single person becomes a returning client. i will only get ink here. if i had 10 thumbs id put them all up . cody and his guys are on point.

The group of tattoo artists at this shop are extremely talented. The shop is clean, laid back, and comfortable. I have and will continue to recommend them to friends, family, & anyone that asks about my tattoos. 🤙🏻 Rock on y’all.

Tee has done my last two tattoos and he’s stuck with me now. His attention to detail and precision in getting what you want just right so that you are totally happy, it’s the best quality in someone when you’re getting some permanent

Top notch tattoo artists and people. Ive been to both Cody and JayD and couldnt be more happy with the finished product. I came in with a couple ideas and they turned them into a couple of masterpieces!!!

Kirk does an amazing job he’s so funny and sweet and good at tattoos and piercings

Excellent experience I walked in and Jay assisted we talked about a few ideas and he executed it with perfect precision I will most definitely be coming back

Awesome tattoo shop!! Got my tattoo by Jay and he did a great job. He was professional and the price was right!!

Cody is such a talented and kind person. I cant wait to get more art from him!! 😍 Truly skilled new school tattoo artist!

Amazing shop with a awesome atmosphere and even better artists. Multi multi multi award winning artist Cody Gower is the best around hands down!!! Tj and Jd at the shop are also great artist I would recommend all 3 of them.

I absolutely love this place JayD is a very talented artist most definitely will be coming back again and again. Plus he and Cody are very entertaining also..lol

Cody has done my whole family. He does great work and has a great personality! Check out his shop!

Cody does amazing work, the shop is very clean. The entire process was great. I already scheduled to get my next tattoo from Cody.

Unorganized when coming to doing tattoos on Friday 13 didn’t have tats out for the public on time had no one doing piercings was there since 10 and still waiting for a call for my turn in line that I never recieved

Ive been going to tori for my tattoos for 4 years now shes the best!!! I wouldnt go anywhere else for a tattoo now!

Always go here for tattoos. Award winning artists. Clean shop while still being laid back and comfortable. Colors stay super bright and I always get complimented for my tattoos

Ive gotten multiple peaces done here now, and each one has been an amazing experience. Highly suggest them to any and every one.

I walked in an got an appointment. The artist had my pieces already drawn up and ready to be sized. I got a piece on each foot. No pain or mess. I am more than satified with the price and quality recieved

Got my nose pierced on the side and it was really quick and chill and the environment of this place is so chill, plan to get my septum and more here soon. Best place in LaVergne or like anywhere lol

Cody taught me how to whistle. He does nice tattoos. A lot. I’m glad he is on planet earth with us.

Cody Gower did a great job on my tattoo. This is a really chill shop that does great work.

Me and my sister in law went to get our cartilages pierced and i wish i could remember the guys name, but he was so nice! 100% coming back for a tattoo next!

What an absolutely fantastic store and the artists are incredible. You should definitely give them your money.

I wouldnt go anywhere else! Cody has done most of my tattoos. Love his work!

Great people, and excellent work.

Kirk did an awesome job piercing my ears! Super quick and easy

Very professional atmosphere the guys are very good at what they do got me in and out and prices are outstanding if you need some work done rather it be cover up or brand new I highly recommend you give them a try great referral from a friend!!!!!

Got tatted by Cody.. i gave an example of what i thought was cool but wanted him to do his own version of it, lets just say it was better than the example pic i shows

Got a tattoo from Jeremy today, highly recommend this guy got me exactly what I wanted. Typical tattoo environment, nice, chill and clean. Will come back

Jenn is the absolute best! Very patient, thorough and great energy! Will be returning soon.

Amazing atmosphere and exceptional service. This place is perfect for walk-ins or appointments and you are always treated like a friend.

My brother Jay D gave me the best tat I have ever had

I love this shop I saw jay d he was super cool and my tattoo looks great. I’ll be back!

Soo clean and wonderful artist

Cody is a super great guy. Have an appointment with him to get my daughter a tattoo.

Amazing work!! Absolutely love my piece i had done. Will definitely be going back!

Had a good time and got a great tattoo from Cody. Cant wait to go back.

Came here to get some really bad artwork fixed - Cody did an awesome job very quickly & professionally!

Love this shop! They treat you so well and take the time to make sure the design is exactly what u want!

They are the best!!! I absolutely will not go any where else, but here for my tattoos.

Love Cody, love Tee, love Buck! Love the whole place! Clean shop - Clean work!

Just walked in for matching pokeball tattoos Cody started working on us immediately and did amazing work.

These guys do beautiful work! Stop by for a quote, stay for the quality of their work and atmosphere.

Cody was awesome! Great personality and an amazing artist.

Cody is the best. Unique and creative art. Lines were flawless

Awesome results, dope vibe, Jay D great artist gave me exactly what I asked for!

Very friendly staff, best tattoo work in Smyrna. Any type of work you want you can get here.

Went in for a belly button piercing. So quick. Very clean and very friendly staff.

Kirk did a wonderful job on my peice I got

Cody was amazing!! Cant wait to come back!

These guys were so nice and the vibe is great! Beautiful clean shop!

Ask for JayD! Hes got a steady hand. Great prices and excellent artistry!

Very welcoming & the artist here are very diverse & multi talented

George did an amazing job! Will definitely be back.

JayD done awesome job! I highly recommend him.

Awesome guys! Very knowledgable in regards to tattoosand skin care

Cody tj and jd are all 3 awesome tattoo artists

Was able to get my sister and I done in the same day as a walk in!

Cody is the best.

Great shop. Everyone always does awesome work.

Awesome place. Cool people, great atmosphere, brilliant work.

I called them and they did not give me any answers to my question at all. They only answered one question thats it.I will not be going there at all. A waste of my time.

Getting a tattoo next Wednesday, my daughter is getting one right now

Kirk did my bat, love it

Love these talented guys and their shop!

T did a good job im coming back!!!!

Beautiful amazing work. Super professional

Great group of guys that does excellent work

They do piercings. All the animal bites.

The best of the best dey treat you like family. .

Wanted the best tattoo places Ive ever been to

So nice and good vibes

The only place I recommend to friends and family.

Cody does amazing work!!!!!

Very good

Quality work, good people.

Great work and great people

Great experience! Great atmosphere! Great people!!!!!!!

Still love my tattoo.

Great shop!!!

Fantastic!!!

First tattoo and loved it.

It is a very nice place, they serve you with a smile and kindness, it is the best I recommend it 100% 💯 my experience was the best

Excellent