INCEPTIONStudios

White Bear Lake, MN · Est. 2018

InceptionStudios

Modern Professional Tattooing

A private tattoo studio and artists' co-op. Four experienced artists, every style, and a comfortable private room for your session.

● Appointments recommendedWalk-ins welcome18+ with ID
Choose your artist Book Now

Or call the studio: 651.424.9139

The studio

A Better Way to Get Tattooed

Inception is not like the other tattoo shops. It's an Artists' Co-Op where the individual tattoo artists work together to create highly skilled work at better prices. We don't have to worry about an owner whose only goal is profit. Instead, the artists here share the overhead expenses and responsibilities with each other, and they get to make the best choices for their work. Each artist sets their own prices and schedules, and chooses their own equipment and supplies. Removing the owner from the equation has given the artists here the ability to improve their careers and make a decent living for their families, without having to charge insanely high prices just to satisfy their boss's greed. Each artist here has their own specialties, so take your time choosing the best artist for you!

  • Private studio roomsNo open floor. Bring a friend or family member if you'd like, but we ask that you keep spectators to a minimum.
  • TV and wireless headphonesWatch Netflix, Hulu or HBO while you sit.
  • Free drinks and Wi-FiStay comfortable during longer sessions.
  • Aftercare products includedLeave with what you need to heal your new tattoo.
  • Options for every budgetAsk your artist. They'll explain your options before you commit.

Our artists

Choose Your Artist

What style are you looking for?

Book now

Request Your Tattoo

Tell us about your idea and choose your artist. Your artist will contact you as soon as possible, usually the same day during business hours (12–8pm).

Your tattoo

Which artist are you interested in?

Choose an artist, or pick “Not sure.”

Choose a style, or pick “Not sure.”

Tell us where the tattoo will go.

Approximate size

Choose a size, or pick “Not sure.”

Color preference

Choose a color preference.

Tell us a little about your idea.

Prefer to reach out yourself? Each artist’s text, call or Instagram button is on their card above. We always recommend booking an appointment, but walk-ins are welcome whenever an artist is available.

Gift cards

Give a Tattoo

  • Any amount from $40 to $500
  • Good with any artist at Inception Studios
  • Send by email or text, or print it
  • Send it now or schedule it, with a personal message
  • $1 fee, no matter the amount
Buy a gift card Check balance

Gift cards are also available in person at the studio.

Healing

Aftercare

Every tattoo heals a little differently, so always follow your artist's specific instructions first. Pick the bandage you went home with.

Step 1 · Tegaderm

  1. Leave it on up to 3–4 daysAs long as the seal around the edges stays intact.
  2. Fluid under the film is normalIt's natural healing fluid and plasma.
  3. Take it off early if neededIf the seal breaks, fluid leaks, or the tattoo is exposed to air.
  4. Remove it slowlyStart at a corner and pull low and slow, in the direction of hair growth. A warm shower helps.

Don't submerge it. Tegaderm is water-resistant, but soaking weakens the adhesive.

Step 2 · After the bandage comes off

  1. Wash gentlyWarm water and a mild, fragrance-free liquid soap, clean fingertips only.
  2. Air-dryAbout 15 minutes. Don't rub it dry.
  3. Very thin layerA&D Ointment or Aquaphor. After 3–4 days, switch to unscented lotion.
  4. Don't pick or scratchLet flaking and peeling come off on its own.
  5. Don't soak itNo pools, hot tubs, baths or lakes until healed.
  6. Stay out of the sunOnce healed, use SPF 30+ to prevent fading.

Worried about infection or an unusual reaction? See a doctor right away. Healing questions: call the studio at 651.424.9139.

Questions

FAQ

Do you take walk-ins?

We always recommend booking an appointment so your artist can plan your tattoo. Walk-ins are welcome whenever an artist is available.

How much does a tattoo cost?

Inception Studios is an artists' co-op, so each artist sets their own rate based on how they work. Contact the artist you want for a quote, and ask about options if you're on a budget.

How do I choose the right artist?

Use the style finder above, then open each artist's portfolio. Pick the artist whose past work looks most like the tattoo you want.

How do I book a tattoo?

Send a request with the Book Now form, or contact your artist directly by text, call or Instagram. Include where on your body, about how big, color or black and grey, the style you want, and any reference photos. Your artist will quote your tattoo and book your date.

How old do I have to be?

18 or older with a valid photo ID. Minnesota law doesn't allow tattooing anyone under 18, even with a parent's permission.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes. Each session is in a private room with space for a friend or family member. We ask that you keep spectators to a minimum.

Where are you located?

1977 Whitaker St, White Bear Lake, MN 55110. Clients come from across the east metro, including Cottage Grove, Woodbury, Maplewood, Stillwater and St. Paul.

Do you sell gift cards?

Yes. Digital gift cards from $40 to $500, good with any artist at the studio, sent by email or text or printed.

Visit

Find the Studio

Inception Studios
1977 Whitaker St
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Open in Maps

Call the studio

651.424.9139

InceptionStudiosLLC@gmail.com
Instagram: @inception_studios

Studio Hours

SundayClosed
MondayClosed
Tuesday12–8pm
Wednesday12–8pm
Thursday12–8pm
Friday12–8pm
Saturday12–8pm

Each artist sets their own schedule. Check their card above for their hours.

Serving White Bear Lake, Cottage Grove, Woodbury, Maplewood, Stillwater, St. Paul and the Twin Cities east metro.