Inklanation Custom Tattoos

A huge shoutout to the guys at inklanation! Jesse did an amazing job on a memorial tattoo for my father and my two sisters also got piercings from JD while we were there. Shop was clean and everyone was so nice I definitely recommend these guys for any piercing and tattoo needs you may have. Oh and getting to pet Dude was a plus!

Incredible place, extremely knowledgeable extremely qualified and extremely cool!! Will be getting Everything done here. Piercings are $70 including Stainless Steel Jewelry. Had Septum Done!

My sister and I got tattoos to commemorate our love of the ocean, sun, moon and our pups. Rachel did a fantastic job on our design and we couldnt be happier.

My daughter and I came in to get helix piercing and Steph was amazing. She was very sweet and personable, and we liked her right away ! My earring fell out that night , and I texted her and she met me back up at the parlor within 20 minutes of my text. She fixed me right up and was so nice and such a professional. Highly recommend Steph as she is really is one of a kind and look forward to seeing her again when we come back in town !

Stephanie was amazing. She was super helpful with picking out a piercing and made sure I was comfortable the whole time. She is also super funny and carries great conversation.

Love love love my cover up . I got my first tattoo when I was 18 and regreted it quickly. have wanted to cover it for 20 years but have been afraid too. heard way to many horror stories but i moved here and found this great studio and saw the awesome work they do and I new if I was every going to get to finally cover up my horrible first tattoo this was the place to go and I was 100% correct...I had no clue what to get to cover it so I told them what kind of stuff I like and the rest was totally there Idea and I could not be happier I will 100% be back and will tell everyone I know that this is the place to go

Rachel did amazing on my tattoo and Stephanie was super quick with my piercing. Amazing environment and super friendly! Would definitely come back!

Received two tattoos from Rachel between October ‘23 and April ‘24. Also got JD to pierce my eyebrow. All experiences were quick, and (relatively) painless! Will be going back to get more work done in the future! Also, the dogs were very cute and friendly!

JD is amazing! I just got my third tattoo from him! I wait until I go to the beach for my ink therapy so JD can do it. This time I brought my friend along and JD did her first tattoo. She loves it!

Luka did an amazing job helping bring my ideas to life, love the way they turned out! My mom and sister said that Rachel did a great job with both of their tattoos as well! Highly recommend!

Had a couple piercings done here by Stephanie and had an issue but they reached out to make it right. All I can say is if you have any issues reach out to the shop theyll make it right! Look forward to hopefully getting a tattoo here one day!

Rachel did absolutely amazing for me and my friends. She was very easy to talk to and gave us a very comfortable and clean environment. She stayed late with us and made sure we got exactly what we wanted. She puts so much effort into everything she does! 10/10 recommend this shop and especially Rachel!

I loved Stephanie! She’s an amazing piercer. She’s pierced my septum and two ear piercings so far. Will be going back!

This was my second appointment with JD. And I couldn’t be happier! Everyone is really pleasant and professional. JD does incredible work and works fast. Will definitely be returning for future tattoos!

I wanted my helix and nose pierced and was recommended by my manager to come here. I came with my sister who got her helix and my mom who got her nose and we all absolutely loved it JD did our piercings and he did an awesome job. He was super sweet, and helpful. The piercings were quick and done good and made sure he asked us for our opinions on placement. I will definitely go back and 100% recommend! Also he made sure everything was clean and sterile.

Ive been here twice, and the crew is absolutely amazing. I avoid getting work done often at other places because Ive encountered too many artists with poor attitudes. I felt very welcomed, appreciated and well cared for here. Will be back soon for coverup work! My nose piercing was painless, quick, and perfectly placed. They even took me in about 10 minutes before closing. Definitely the most positive experience Ive had with a shop in this area!

Rachel was awesome! The whole shop is such a vibe :) got matching tattoos with my bestie

JD knocked it out of the park with the design I requested. He made sure he captured what I was asking for. Will return next year 😊

JD is always amazing!!! He worked me into his schedule for these small, but significant pieces for me!!! I cant wait for my next session!!!

JD is awesome, does awesome work and is truly an awesome man. My granddaughter and I went in for a nose piercing on a Saturday ..... Saturday evening she went for a swim at Oak Island and her nose piercing fell out! Small world..... On the beach at that very moment her piercing fell out, there was JD walking his dogs. He saw her and saw what happened and told us to call him on Sunday and he would meet us at his shop and get her fixed back up! Who does that???? JD did and true to his word came in on his day off and redid her nose piercing! So grateful and thankful for his dedication the us ...his new clients. We will be scheduling some ink work on our next trip into the area! Thank you JD!!!! ✝️✝️Cathy and Evy Morgan

We were 2 walk ins, out of a group of 4. JD and his apprentice, I didnt catch her name, were amazing. JD did a great job on our tattoos, hes very soft handed and was able to give us exactly what we wanted. The girl at the front was very knowledgeable and friendly. We will def stop back by on our next vacation! Thank youuu!

From start to finish this was a welcoming environment. I went in with a drawing my 9 year old made for me of a bracelet of her name. I had Rachel tattoo it as an anklet. She was awesome and it turned out beautiful! Not only am I happy with it, but my young daughter is tickled to death that her creation was so vibrantly brought to life. I will definitely be back.

This place is awesome! I called to make an appointment for my husband and me and spoke to a very nice guy, Zach, who was so friendly and set up our appointment for that day! Very clean and professional! He did a wonderful job on us and we enjoyed conversing with him! His uncle, JD, (John Daniel)—-owner…was also super friendly and he had his two wonderful dogs in there that we also loved !! COME HERE IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A TATTOO! You won’t be disappointed!

The past 3 years weve been here every beach trip!! See yall next year!! Lol

What a wonderful experience! We came in spur of the moment and after a short wait we got take care of by Rachel. She did mine and my husbands red string ring finger tattoos and it was perfect. She was so gracious and and made sure that we got what we wanted. 10/10 will do it again! Thank you Inklanation and Rachel!

They are the absolute best!!! Been going through a lot and took a spontaneous trip to the beach and really wanted some ink therapy. Well they dont usually do walk-ins but thankfully had the time! Go see them next time you are in south port!!😊

This place was awesome! The shop, the staff, the art and the pups!! Rachel was fantastic and we all love our new tattoos! Very clean and professional; 10/10 recommend!! Even though we live 3 hours away, we will be back 🫶🏻

Rachel did SUCH a fantastic job on my stingray tattoo! She was so patient and kind, made sure I was comfortable/checked in, and most of all her art is so good!!! I highly recommend them!

Got my first tattoo today by Nick. Great experience, awesome final product and Nick was an awesome artist, very friendly, and very helpful!

A few years ago i went to get a handful of ear piercings with my friend. i asked for 2 daiths (1 on each ear), an industrial, & an outer conch piercing. i came home & realized he had given me the entirely wrong piercing. he gave me rooks instead of daiths. a few days later when i came back in to tell him, he refused to refund me unless i took my jewelry out and he told me that my ears were too small for daiths. i came back in another time to switch out my jewelry for 3 of my piercings. he charged me $5 a piercing, even though when i first came in, one of the tattoo artists told me it should be free.

This was my first tattoo it was very pleasurable experience there was hardly any pain in the artist done a excellent fantastic job I will be using their services in the future

I saw Elmo for my turtle and I love what she did. She also has a great sense of humor. The place was clean and she was very sanitary. Thank you!

JD did an amazing job on my tattoo. He did a cover up for me and it was better than I expected!!! I’m so happy with my tattoo. JD made the entire experience absolutely perfect!

Absolutely the best!!!! I have gotten many tattoos over the years and the one I got today is the best one this far!! JD is a fantastic artist and definitely cares about the quality of his work!! He free handed most of the tattoo and done excellent. Very very clean shop as well.Will definitely be back!!! Thanks again JD!!!!

Nick did an amazing job. He is very professional and artistic. I got two tattoos in one day. He was able to draw my daughters name beautifully in script and do the breast cancer tattoo I wanted after a quick glance at a picture. He was quick and I had a wonderful experience.

Wonderful experience with JD! We are a couple that wanted a couple tattoo (king and queen) and vacationing on Oak island, we inquired first on Facebook. He was great with communicating and was able to fit us in. I have several tattoos and do my research before I have just any place tattoo me. I definitely could tell we were in the right place. Deepness of the tattoo, sharp lines, and shading were on point! Great music and conversation! Very cool fish tank and bearded dragon too! Thank you sooooooo much! We love our tattoos and will be back next summer! 💜Em and Jarad

I got a septum piercing done by the wonderful Kayla. Everyone had awesome customer service and such a great atmosphere. Kayla explained everything she was doing and the aftercare of the piercing. Will definitely be coming back again next year! ❤️

My family went to Inklanation last week and we had a wonderful experience. The shop was clean and very nice. The people were more than welcoming and we had a great time. Elmo did all of my familys tattoos and she did an amazing job. She was vibrant and wonderful to be around, not to mention she was hilarious. She does great work and I would recommend her to anyone along with the shop!

GREAT! AWESOME! AMAZING! tattoo artist and business. JD really made me feel like my tattoo was as important to him as it was me. Really took his time and did absolutely quality top notch work.

I went to inklanation to get my nose pierced. The girl who pierced my nose didn’t do a good job. She ended up having to pierce it twice because she did it incorrectly the first time. It took forever to heal and was bleeding like crazy when I got it done. I recommend if you want a good piercing experience, go to Jade Monkey in Wilmington!

My wife got her tattoo her to help her through the grieving process from the loss of our child in miscarriage after the hurricane. Years later I returned to have my arm tattooed to commemorate my completion of my state firefighter certification. As of posting this we are just days away from the birth of my son. Full circle.As for the tattoo it came out exactly... I mean exactly as drawn and given to him. Perfectly. From paper to skin. I called to place an appointment and days later was in the seat. The session took no longer then 1hr and I was out back to work. This is the kind of efficiency you would expect from a classy establishment But at the price point as you would see from any other downtown tattoo artist. In my opinion this is the best of both worlds you get the effectiveness of professionals and the value a true artist. Despite having so many people come and go with her piercings in their questions in their own appointments I was able to show up and leave in under an hour.I fully intend to come back and get another tattoo for my next commemoration.

Absolutely amazing.....Im so so happy with my new tatoo. They were so helpful and friendly will definitely be back in the future

Stopped in last minute to get a couple tattoos. Very friendly staff. Was able to squeeze us in. JD does amazing work! Even got our son a Henna Tattoo by Lori. Highly recommend. Well be making an annual stop everytime were on vacation to Oak Island, NC. 👍🏼

I want to thank the artists and staff at Inklanation for their friendly service and professionalism. Thanks to JD up front for the conversation while I waited and special thanks to Nick for the dope beach tattoo. His enthusiasm and passion for his work is evident and infectious! I highly recommend Inklanation for anyone looking for a quality tattoo or piercing. Thanks Nick!

The piercer helped me get old piercings reopened and got new jewelry in. She was incredibly friendly and bubbly, all around good vibes. She was very kind and courteous and I plan to get some work done there in the near future!

Great job on my 1st tattoo! Even better than I thought it would be. Painless, healing great and I will be back!!!

Got my first tattoo here, and the experience was great! Nick did a great job, understood what I wanted and was very quick and precise. Overall, super cool dude and loved the place. Would certainly recommend!

I have Been going there for years now and everyone is so nice and funny that I enjoy going there. I was nervous after I lost my hand and wrist because quite a few places didnt want me in the hair or nail or massage places. But they all welcomed me and treated me like I was normal and you have no idea how much that means. They are the best and their art is amazing!! Once you go I promise youll never go anywhere else!!!

Best tattoo guy ever great service great prices full 100% recommendation!!!

Went in June for a tattoo and had the best experience. Their staff is down to earth and easy to talk with. Brought my daughter in for a piercing the next month and they did amazing again. Ready for my next session. Checkem out. And chill on the constellation tatts 🥴

Went in for a tattoo that I had found online, picture wasnt the highest quality or flat so they had to recreate it by hand and it came out just how Id like! The whole process was painless and easy especially for a first timer. Elmo did a great job of recreating it, keeping the conversation flowing and making everything light-hearted during the whole thing. Price, time, and quality were all very good! I appreciate the work these guys put in and if you go, IMO, ask for Elmo!! Keep it real guys!

BFF and I got an ink tattoo and a henna tattoo. Everyone was very friendly, courteous, and professional. Shop was very clean. Highly recommended!!

I went and got my industrial pierced. I cannot remember The guys name to save my life but he was very friendly. He constantly made sure I was okay and explained exactly what he was doing and what was going on to make me feel more comfortable. He cleaned my ear and opened new needles and jewelry outta the pack. I would definitely recommend inklanation if you are looking for piercings! Thank you guys again!

Nick was fantastic! He did an amazing job on a tattoo ive wanted for a long time! Theyre all super nice and make you feel like youve known them for years and feel like youre at home! Definetly recommend them 100%!! Cant wait to get it colored in!!

Well John is the Best you will be very happy but better call or drop by get your appt very busy man quality work worth your wait ! Love ya John thanks again for my grandsons names on my leg beautiful an professional

JD is a great piercer. Really cool and friendly and did a good job on wife and two daughters.

My experience was great, they have a true artist who does great work and really cares for his customer. We came from out of state with no appointment and he managed to fit us in. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience! Great work!

I had a nostril piercing done by Kayla, and she was great! It was painless, and she was very professional, took time to explain all the aftercare details. Highly recommend!

Went there for our girls week to celebrate oldest graduations. JD and Amber made us feel very welcomed. Ambers line work on my tattoo is amazing!!!! Such a pleasure. If we ever get back to the coast well be there!

Had my daughters ears pierced. JD did an excellent job. Was super gentle , treated her will great respect. JD made sure my daughter was happy with what he had done.

My friend and I had a girls weekend trip planned to Southport and decided to go here for my friend to get her first tattoo. Of course I just had to get one too! JD is a great artist, and I loved the free hand details that he did with my tatt. The shop is clean and has reasonable prices. I would recommend this shop to anyone looking for a great tattoo artist.

JD is finishing a full blackout sleeve that had been started several years ago. Shop is clean and the staff are super friendly. JD has more than earned my future business with his disposition and great work. Will be seeing these guys again very soon.

JD is great so I would never leave less than 5 stars for his shop, HOWEVER I would advise that if youre visiting you dont have anyone but him tattoo you. I made the mistake of allowing Nick to do a tattoo for me, and I am very disappointed in the work as well as being overcharged for 5 minutes of careless tattooing.

JD has done 3 of my tats now and is so very talented and driven to satisfy all of his clients. Hes very caring and detail oriented. You will not be disappointed with his workmanship!!

Me and my family were staying in oak island and decided to get tattoos, everyone in the shop was super friendly and very easy going and helpful. JD did all of our tattoos and they all turned out awesome. Would definitely recommend this shop to anyone looking to get a tattoo around the Southport/ oak island area.

I’ve had tattoos done by JD and piercings done by Rachel. Great staff clean environment, friendly and personable to all your body mod needs!

Very pleased with JD and the overall service. Very welcoming, friendly, reasonably priced, and most importantly great work. Thanks for giving my sister and I awesome tattoos to always remember our Daddy!

Zack was super helpful and worked with me to fine tune my design. He did a great job and Ive very happy with the result! Thanks, Zack!

JD is a fantastic artist. I had very complex design that took more than 4 hours and was a little apprehensive, because, well, you know. I need not have worried. He is very meticulous and professional and I am totally satisfied.

Very nice people, clean shop. Zac did a great job on my tattoo. Definitely recommend them if tattoos or piercings is your thing

I got a new tattoo and my wife got an old one fixed Nick was awesome we will be back!!

Got my first tattoo and a nose piercing. Was a great experience! The artists were great! Pricing was decent! Very good atmosphere! Highly recommended anyone that works there!!

My husband and I were seen right away for our tattoos, in and out, never once felt uncomfortable! Great work!! Cant wait to come back next year to see them again. Thanks JD

I just got my tattoo done by Elmo and she did an amazing job! I absolutely love it! Everyone there is very sweet and they treat you like family. I highly recommend going to inklination!

Lori and JD are the Best Team! JD used his Amazing Talent to create this piece! You truly Love what you do my Friend! I will be back for more!!!! Thank You! Suzi Ligo

Beautiful cover up by JD! Turned my disappointing tattoo into something amazing! Couldnt ask for a more talented and patient artist. This is the ONLY place I will ever get tattooed again. Thank you so much JD!

Absolutely fantastic service! Very nice owners and quick response! Had My 16 yr old Daughters nose pierced and IF she ever gets anything else done it will be done by this shop! Also the shop looks awesome!

My mother and I went in to get two piercings, a tragus for her and a helix for me. Hers came out at a really odd angle that makes it so that jewelry will not sit correctly. We also both happened to have allergic reactions to the metal and had to change them about a week out, I still have issues with my helix that I havent had with any other piercings. I overall wouldnt recommend.

We had an amazing experience! The staff was super nice and JD was and did so awesome! They were accommodating, patient and just made the whole process a wonderful experience! We would definitely recommend and go back!

Me and my husband just left there! Jd turned our bad experience into a great one! We will most definitely be back to see them! Elmo too! ❤️

They were very responsive and made time for me the day I requested a booking. Chill environment, cool staff, and left with a great hand drawn tattoo!

Love her work!! Thank you!! Im in love with my tattoo!

This is the place to get your tattoo. He does amazing work

By word of mouth I was advised to get my first tattoo here, was very impressed! They were nice and entertaining, and knowledgeable

Got my daughters ear pierced. In and out in five minutes!! Would definitely recommend! Great experience for her.

Was so great with my very nervous niece. Plus taught me a new favorite phrase. Snack mittens. As in “now keep your snack mittens off them.” Heh.

Got my first tattoo this past week by artist JD and the experience was awesome. Thank you JD!!!! I LOVE IT!!!

Best tattoo artist around! Great establishment!

Awsome guys to work with!! Got piercings and tattoos today. JD rocks the tattoos and Jeremy is the piercing king!!

They are incredibly professional and kind. Had to get a nose piercing redone and they were so great about it

Absolutely love Rachel! She won’t do you wrong!

Best friend and I got tattoos together for our first time ! Had JD as our tattooist LOVED HIM!

JD is the best artist around and the shop is spotless. For quality work, this is the place to go in SE North Carolina!

If you are looking to get some ink this place deserves to be the first stop to check out some of JDs work. You will save yourself a lot of wondering where to go and you wont be dissatisfied. Check it out!

Rachel was fantastic ... Great place to work with .Thank you Rachel and JD....

JD is amazing and was so kind and fit me in. His work is unmatched!

JD is awesome... Thank you for doing mine n my sisters tattoos..

Very clean shop! They took time to allow me to speak. Im really excited about moving forward.

Jd is the best tattoo artistic I got my first tattoo there he did a great job

I took my girl in and they did a great job. Very perfesional and out her at ease.

Awesome place ever. JD IS AMAZING AS WELL AS THE FAMOUS MS. ELMO. BITH ARE AMAZING TATTOO ARTISTS. I RECOMMEND THEM HIGHLY

JD does great work and has a clean shop. I highly recommend Inklanation Custom Tattoos.

They are not only the best in this area they are also extremely professional and take great pride in their work!! #extremeartists

My next art will be from here. They are booked a month out. I can wait for quality ink.

Got an appointment so excited awesome people my kind of people Awesome tattoos

Nick done a great job such a great tattoo artist good handwriting and professional at his job

Amazing. Ill be back. Jeremy and Nick were great to work with!

12/10 recommendation to JD!! he made my first tattoo great!!!

Awesome, great place they do wonderful work, best artists around

Amazing piercer!! got my nostril done here

Went to get my daughters bellybutton pierced and was in and out in about 15 minutes without a appointment

JD is a great guy and very knowledgeable and passionate about what he does!

Love this place! Super talented and friendly staff. Nick is the man!!!

Jd is aweome love all the tats that he has done for me.

Jd is amazing. Clean shop very friendly. Will be back again.

Super friendly and considerate staff! Very quick and easy :)

Great place love the service

Amazing work and amazing staff! Very clean place. Highly suggest this place!

Awesome place! Love the staff. Most importantly clean environment!

I have been to Inklanation several times and have always been treated with respect and kindness.

JD did a awesome job will use him again!

Got my belly button pierced there very good job

Awesome place and staff, cant wait for my new addition

Very professional and my tattoo is great 👌.

Gave me the exact tattoo that I want very good artist!

Great place. JD is an awesome artist.

Not good ,bad Jewelry ,I do not recommend

Great place

Nice work I would definitely suggest a friend

Great tattoo work and friendly,helpful tattoo artist

Great people, alot of fun. Great artists

Best place to get a tattoo!!!

Great place,great people and so friendly!

Quick, clean, and professional. Thanks JD!

Love this place!! Amazing job!

Great spot for a killer tattoo or piercing.

Easy inI am back out

Great job

JD is the best around.

Friendly. Nice and professional.

Great service and great people

Awesome

Friendly

Best artist in town!!!!

Busy friendly and professional

Work was good

JD is the best

I love my tatt🥰

Because its JD

Family yep yep

I love this place!! Moving here from Gso I got a recommendation from a friend 3 yrs ago. Now he has done 2 memorial pieces & I’m so in love with them. JD I look at my tattoo & smile because it’s nothing but beautiful art for her. U nailed it TY as always ❤️