Female Tattoo Artists

>> radio interview

Melanie--and a number of other noteworthy female Portland tattooers--interviewed about female tattoo artists in Portland and in the world.

Portland Loves: Icon Tattoo Studio

Icon Tattoo is located in a gorgeous old brick building on N. Russell St., just off N. Mississippi Ave. Owned by Melanie Nead, it embodies an old-world charm with a feminine touch.

>> read more

Storefronts: Icon Tattoo Studio

What's new: In a profession dominated by men, female tattoo artists rule at the remade Icon, which in August moved into a sunlit storefront in North Portland's Eliot neighborhood.

>> read more

More Than Skin Deep

Over the years, we’ve considered many tattoos—a dolphin on our ankle, a tribal band, the good ol’ tramp stamp, some Chinese character we can’t remember—but have never taken the plunge.

>> read more

Icon Tattoo

Icon Tattoo consists of the most adorable group of people. They are all super talented artists, and seem to work pretty utopically (is that a word?) in their new space on N Russell.

>> read more

Tattooh yeah, Icon's new owner is crafty

In Portland, tattoos are just another stylish accessory – like a handbag or a pretty pair of earrings. So then, why not shop for both at once? This simply brilliant idea has finally come together thanks to Icon Tattoo’s new owner, the ultra-talented artist and lover of all-things-pretty, Melanie Nead.

>> read more

Icon Tattoo Reinvents Itself in Eliot

Melanie Nead is excited about a lot of things these days. Her new business, its new space, her women-dominated artist staff, an incoming mother lode of national geographic magazines, and future creepishly-lovely window displays.

>> read more