CITADEL TATTOO
Nestled in the Audubon Park neighborhood of Northeast Minneapolis, Minnesota, Citadel Tattoo is a small shop focused on paying tribute to both classic and modern tattooing.
All of our artists work by appointment, though short notice availability is always a possibility. We encourage you to contact the artists directly to discuss potential designs and availability. As well, visit our instagram at @Citadel_Tattoo for up to date photos of our work and current happenings.
2825 Johnson st. ne, Minneapolis
Morgan Carpenter
Tattooing since 2004, Morgan apprenticed in Denver, Colorado at Peter Tat-2, a shop part of a legendary lineage within American tattooing. Morgan specializes in a style heavily influenced by Japanese and American traditional tattooing, as well as the surrealist and absurdist art movements and Japanese Ukiyo-e printmaking. He enjoys doing large scale work, though is always willing to take on the small stuff as well. He currently works primarily by appointment, but regularly has short notice or walk-in availability. To view more of Morgan's work, follow him on Instagram: instagram.com/morgantician To book a tattoo with Morgan, fill out the appointment request form linked above, or send him an email.
Matte Black
instagram:
@matteblacktat
email: matteblacktat@gmail.com
This Minnesota native began tattooing in 2020, and regularly travels nationally for tattoo and horror conventions. Matte specializes in horror themed high contrast black and grey and American Traditional. He primarily works by appointment but is regularly available for short notice tattoos. To see what Matte has been working on recently, follow him on Instagram at @matteblacktat To discuss your future tattoo project, big or small, contact Matte at matteblacktat@gmail.com.
jamie yuu stafford
instagram:
@jamesonyuutattoo
email: jamesonyuu@gmail.com
Korea born and Illinois raised, Jamie is a product of Citadel Tattoo through and through, having apprenticed under Morgan and becoming a Minnesota licensed tattoo artist in 2024. Jamie has a passion for dynamic traditional Japanese motifs and bold American classics. She is currently working to build her clientele and would love to tattoo you. To see what Jamie has been working on recently, follow her on Instagram at @jamesonyuutattoo To schedule a tattoo with Jamie, drop her an email at jamesoneyuu@gmail.com.
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Do I need to make an appointment for a tattoo?The artists at Citadel primarily or exclusively work by appointment. However, short notice or day-of appointments are always a possibility depending on availability. We always will encourage you to message or call the shop ahead of time to check if it will be possible and if anyone is at the shop. As well, we try to post on our social media when there is walk-in availability for that day, so be sure to follow us on Instagram @citadel_tattoo.
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How long do I have to wait for an appointment?Again, it depends on the artist and how busy they are at that specific time. In general though, it could be 1 to 3 weeks, depending on what you want and who you want to be tattooed by.
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Does it hurt? Can I use numbing cream?All people and areas have different pain thresholds, so it's impossible to say how bad something will hurt. But generally, yes, all tattoos hurt. If you are interested in using numbing cream to make the experience a little more comfortable, please let your artist know before hand. We are happy to accommodate the use of numbing cream, but want to manage your expectations of using it – there is a right way and a wrong way to use lidocaine creams. As well, many numbing creams contain ingredients not appropriate for the tattoo process (such as epinephrine). If you are planning on using a particular brand, ask your artist about it before buying.
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How should I prepare for my tattoo? Can I wear headphones during my tattoo?On the day of your appointment please arrive well rested, hygienic, and eat before hand. Make sure to wear comfortable clothing, and something appropriate for the area to be tattooed (example: for a leg tattoo, you should wear or bring shorts). If you're not sure what to wear for your tattoo, just ask your artist. Make sure you have communicated your thoughts and specifics on your design with your tattooer, and you are happy with it. You are more than welcome to bring items that may make the experience better for you – such as headphones to listen to, or a specific blanket or pillow you prefer.
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How do I book an appointment?It is best to contact the artist you'd like to work with directly, either via e-mail, phone or Instagram. Each tattooer maintains their own calendar and their availability can vary.
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Can I get drunk/high before my tattoo?No. Part of our consent and waiver form which all clients must complete before every tattoo specifically stipulates that you cannot be under the influence to give proper consent to the tattoo. Additionally, alcohol thins the blood, which increases the likelihood and frequency of bleeding during the tattoo – this ultimately will negatively affect how the tattoo will look and heal. We recommend just getting “high on life”.
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How much do you charge?Our shop minimum is $100, and charge a standard $150/hour. We are happy to price out specific designs for you, though these are often only approximate, as final cost depends largely on final size and placement of the tattoo. If you'd like a final price for a tattoo, we encourage you to set up an in-person consultation with the artist you'd like to work with. Of note, we only charge for actual tattooing time – there is no charge for consultation, drawing, prep, etc.
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I want a tattoo in a style I don't see on your site. Can you do it?Short answer, yes. Long answer, like all artists we have the preferred styles that come most naturally to us, and try to represent them most in our portfolios. That being said, we will happily tackle anything that we feel confident we will execute well. If you're looking for something that may fall outside of what we are comfortable with, we will happily refer you to other artists/shops in the Twin Cities area that specialize in that style. As always, get in touch with your questions and we'll start there.
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Where should I park?There is ample street parking on Johnson Street, and it's usually not hard to find a spot close by. As well, there is a free parking lot just north and across the street for all of the merchants in the 29thand Johnson area. After your appointment, if you'd like someone to walk you back to your car, just ask!
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Do you do piercings?No.
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I have an idea for a tattoo, but don't see you posting anything similar to it. Can you design it?Absolutely. The majority of the work we do is custom designed for our clients and is considered just part of the process for us. That being said, we are also happy to do “flash” designs, or things that are pre-drawn (whether by us or not). If that's more your style, we have lots of flash hanging on the walls of the shop, pre-drawn design books, and a “Get What You Get” gumball machine if you'd like to add some spontaneity to your life.
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What are your hours?Our artists work primarily by appointment, so we do not keep standard hours. If you are planning on stopping by for a walk-in, consultation, or just to say hi we encourage you to message or call ahead.
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Is it okay to ask for a “quiet session”?Yes absolutely. As a group we may be chatty by nature, but want everyone to have a comfortable experience while in our shop. If chatting isn't your thing, just let us know. We recommend popping in some headphones to drown out the shop noise.
Contact
Citadel Tattoo
2825 Johnson St. NE
Minneapolis, MN
55418
(612) 493-5666