I love this shop! I started going here because Thom Grayson is my tattoo artist and amazing, but then I met Tim and Rose and Pablo and they are all amazing.This shop has some of the top tattoo artists in Portland.

Man this place is great! DJ Auld is fantastic. He made sure everything was good for the entire session. Was chatting with me and cracking jokes which really helps ease the nerves of having your first tattoo. The session was 3.5 hours so it was nice to be able to have an exchange every now and again. The other artists that werent with clients were also chatting, which I loved. If you are looking for a great tattoo and a great experience I cannot recommend this place enough.

Definite *unfriendly, uncomfortable, negative* vibe from the artist who worked on me...she was just abrasive as a whole. I tried to be cooperative, & helpful --- not one of those nightmare customers everyone talks about; but the overall impression I got from her was that I was a hassle shed rather not be dealing with.She did a beautiful job artistically; but it was a bit disconcerting when I noticed she hadnt covered her tattoo gun with plastic like the other 2 artists who were working on clients while I was there. Maybe this isnt something thats considered a big deal --- Im not an expert on these things; but I was too intimidated by her overall negative vibe/attitude to bring it up.That aside --- she was so off-putting, theres *no way* Id ever return & it was a relief to get out of there once we were done. She couldve been having a bad day for all I know; but my sitting to have the work done is the only day Im there, & the impression you make on a client matters.

I love Ona! Great vibes, great quality artwork and some of my favorite people. Cant wait to see them again in April!

Excellent place to get a custom tattoo! Love the vibe! I got two tattoos with Melissa and shes a master in watercolors.

Thom is amazing at his craft

I’ve been going to Optic Nerve for about 3 years now, on recommendation from my mom who had work done by Pedro years ago, and I’ve been blown away every time by the amount of talent and respect that comes out of this shop. Jeremy Switzer is an absolutely phenomenal artist, as he’s entirely humble, down to earth, welcoming, and extremely compassionate. He has always made me feel extremely comfortable and has always done nothing but exceptional work. We still have a little bit left on a 3/4 sleeve we started a couple months ago. It started as a simple comet with a nebula-type background on my upper arm when I first started going to him, but it has since turned into a beautiful science/space mash-up. I couldn’t be any happier with the progress. I always recommend Optic Nerve to friends, family, and people in passing due to their cleanliness, the atmosphere they’ve created, and just the immense talent present in all of the artists.

This place is fantastic! Great vibe, friendly artists, awesome music but most importantly, the talent here is 100% top shelf!! Im having work done by Tim Jordan and I couldnt be more stoked! Super killer tatt by a super cool dude!

Rose has been decorating my body for the past couple years, and I am beyond satisfied! Her design instincts, artistry, and sense of color are unparalleled. Her work on my body has helped me love the skin Im in, and Im proud to show off her work. Ive been stopped by strangers more times than I can count so they can gawk at my epic back piece! Also, Optic nerve offers a safe, non-judgemental environment where I can feel comfortable literally baring it all. 10/10, will be returning again !

Great tattoo shop with a very comfortable vibe. The artists are all very friendly and their work is phenomenal. That also play great music.

Nice good quality tattoos that you wont regret getting

I love this tattoo place! The artists here truly are just that, artists. Your skin is their canvas. Have realistic expectations of the possiblity of what you want any it will come to life here!

Staff here is awesome and extremely talented. Ask for Jeremy or Tim.

I spent two years researching tattoo shops and individual artists in the Pacific NW, and after looking at the various portfolios of the artists at Optic Nerve Arts Tattoo, I decided that Tim Jordan and Pedro Dorsey of ONA were the artists for me (for two separate tattoo ideas). I just finished my first session with Tim -- about three-and-a-half hours on a gothic color image on my inner forearm -- and it was a tremendous experience. Great, intelligent conversation, and most importantly, really great artistry by Tim. My tattoo is only half-finished, but Im already elated. As they say, in this day and age, with the almost limitless ability to research artists and shops, theres little reason to receive unsatisfying tattoos. Im so happy I found ONA, and Ill be recommending them to any friends of mine should they express an interest in tattoos for themselves.

DJ did a kick-ass job on my tattoo and the detail was amazing. Hes also a funny dude that kept the atmosphere lighthearted and welcoming. I will be returning!

This place is amazing, its extremely clean, and the staff is very welcoming. I went there in January for my first tattoo and I had the best experience I could ever wish for. Rose did my incredible tattoo, and she was so nice to me and my boyfriend. I highly recommend this place.

Great artist. Thom Greyson is my favorite.

Rad shop and some awesome artist. Very clean and comfortable atmosphere. One of the best spots in Portland to be inked.

Great work and really professional

Still loving my tattoo years later. Always felt comfortable....I mean except the last 20 minutes as he was filling in the bits just over my spine, but other than that would recommend to anyone.

My first tattoo experience was amazing! Jeremy Switzer understood what I wanted and executed it beautifully!

Got my first tattoo here. Amazing people and extremely talented artists all in a relaxed, well maintained shop! Couldnt be happier with this place. I would recommend scheduling a appointment before arriving.

Truly talented, professional artists!! I always come here for the most high quality tattoos Ive ever gotten! I dreamed of one day getting the most beautiful, realistic tiger tatt since I was 18! Was waiting for the right artist! Finally came across Thom Grayson who I knew right away by looking at his work I wanted my tiger done by him! Called up just in time to book my appointments for next year!! Very much worth the wait for this gorgeous artwork... I love optic nerve the atmosphere is very friendly with fun, talented artists!

Everyone is so nice and so very talented. Rose is amaaaaazing! Cant wait for more tattoos :)

If youre considering getting a tattoo, Rose Guilfoyle is the tattoo artist you should consider! She did my first tattoo and I couldnt be happier. Not only did she tell the best stories, she made me feel very comfortable before, during and after the tattoo process.She was willing to rework the design when I asked for a small change and she packed so much detail into my owl. I cant recommend her or the ONA space enough - Beautiful shop, great artists!

Pedro is doing a fantastic job on my piece. I dont know much about tattoos and hes walked me through all the steps. Thought of things I wouldnt have and Im 100% happy so far.

Went here for my first tattoo with Tim and he did an amazing job! It was really comforting being in such a welcoming shop. I would recommend this place to anyone interested in getting some high quality work.

Amazing artists!

I worked with Jeremy Switzer and am thoroughly pleased with his work. Will definitely return. Everyone in the shop is very kind and professional. It was a positive experience through and through.

Have been going to Thom for about a year now. He is new to optic nerve but an incredible artist and good company. The establishment is clean and everyone has been friendly. Highly recommend this place.

Tim Jordan has done a bunch of my work. Hes done my hands, stomach, neck, and a giant full sleeve cover up that is in progress. He does incredible work, and is a stand up guy. Its always a pleasure to be tattooed by Tim. I highly recommend this shop.

Awesome shop, super chill

Professional tattoo shop, great artists on staff... long wait well worth it.

This shop has some of the best artists in the city. Fantastic place to get work done.

Great atmosphere. Comfortable and amazing artists. Certainly one of the finest shops in Portland

Dont walk in expecting an artist to be ready for a walk in. The work here is amazing, but you may need to get on the waitlist.

Dlacie, Pedro, and Tim are amazing artist. Dont be surprised if there is a wait list for them, any talented artist of their caliper is worth waiting for....quality over quantity any day!!!

Stretching my ears never hurt ... clean awesome people great vibe

Awesome talent and super nice people,Highly recommend!!

Thats a spicy meatball!

Did not have a great experience, tattoo is healed and great but, was not a welcome feeling environment, the artists all came off as rude and not very kind. whilst all the artists there are great I heard many conversations that involved body shaming and laughing at others. Will not be returning

My friend & I went here (she needed a touch up on a tattoo & I wanted a nipple piercing) - BEST place ever. My friends tat ended up looking like it wa brand new DLacie did an awesome jojb & Shea is the woman to go to when you want a piercing done - I love mine & going back to get the other one done. I reccomend these folks. One word - YES.

Friendly, helpful, patient staffq

Love Love Love

The Best!