about us
Dead Ahead Tattoo: Where Nashville Tattoo Artists Bring Your Vision to Life
Tucked in the heart of Music City, Dead Ahead Tattoo has built its name on skill, creativity, and an uncompromising dedication to the craft. As a leading tattoo studio in Nashville, we’ve spent the past decade creating a space where people from all walks of life can come in, feel welcome, and walk out with tattoos they’ll be proud to wear forever.
Whether you’re a local seeking a meaningful piece or a traveler wanting to commemorate your trip with custom ink, our Nashville tattoo artists are ready to make your idea a reality.
A Full Spectrum of Tattoo Styles
Dead Ahead Tattoo is home to a collective of 11 highly talented Nashville tattoo artists, each bringing their own specialty, perspective, and flair to the table. Our diverse team allows us to offer a wide range of styles, including:
American Traditional
Neo-Traditional
Black & Gray Realism
Color Realism
Fine Line
Illustrative & Abstract Work
No matter the design or aesthetic you're after, chances are we have a tattoo artist whose portfolio aligns with your vision. We pride ourselves on collaboration. You bring the idea—big or small—and we’ll bring it to life.
Custom Work & Walk-In Tattoos
At Dead Ahead, we believe every tattoo tells a story, and we’re here to help you tell yours. While we handle a large number of custom, appointment-only pieces, we’re also one of the most trusted walk-in tattoo shops in Nashville. If you’re looking to get something on a whim or fit some art into your trip itinerary, our shop offers walk-in availability when possible.
We recommend calling ahead to see if any of our artists can accommodate you that day. That said, walk-in spots are first come, first served, and we cannot hold them over the phone or email—you’ll need to come by in person.
A Trusted Name in the Nashville Tattoo Community
Over the years, Dead Ahead Tattoo has earned a reputation not just for the quality of our tattoos, but for the way we treat our clients. Our artists are professionals in every sense of the word, and they bring care and focus to each session—whether it's a quick banger or a large-scale back piece.
We know that walking into a tattoo studio can feel intimidating, especially for first-timers. That’s why we’ve created an environment that’s warm, clean, and inclusive. You’ll never feel rushed, judged, or pressured. We take time to walk you through the process and ensure you’re fully comfortable before needle ever meets skin.
This focus on experience is a major reason why so many of our clients keep coming back—and why they send their friends, partners, and family members our way. Word of mouth means everything in this business, and we’re proud to have earned the trust of our community.
Our Tattoo Studio: Clean, Professional, and Inviting
We hold ourselves to the highest standard of cleanliness and professionalism. From the moment you step into our Nashville tattoo studio, you’ll notice the difference: a calm, organized, and hygienic space designed to help you feel at ease.
Each artist follows strict sanitation protocols, and our equipment is regularly sterilized to meet and exceed state regulations. Whether it’s your first tattoo or your fiftieth, we want your experience to feel comfortable, safe, and exciting.
Planning a Larger Piece? Book Ahead.
If you have your heart set on a larger, detailed tattoo—like a sleeve, chest piece, or back work—we highly recommend scheduling a consultation with your preferred artist. This allows time to collaborate on the design and map out a game plan for how to approach the work, especially if it will require multiple sessions.
Our Nashville tattoo artists take the design process seriously. They spend time reviewing references, sketching concepts, and refining the artwork so that every line and shade is intentional. Your tattoo should be something you wear with pride for the rest of your life—and that’s exactly how we treat it.
High-Quality Aftercare & Dead Ahead Merch
Our job doesn’t stop when the tattoo is finished. Proper aftercare is essential to healing and long-term results, which is why we provide access to high-end aftercare products right at our front desk. From the best healing ointments to breathable wraps and lotions, we’ll send you home with everything you need to take care of your new ink.
And if you want to rep Dead Ahead without getting tattooed (yet), we’ve got you covered. Our merch shelf is stocked with original apparel, art prints, and accessories. Whether it’s a t-shirt, hoodie, or enamel pin, it’s a little way to carry a piece of the shop with you.
Payments, Guests, and Studio Policies
We want your visit to go smoothly from start to finish. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Payments : We accept cash and all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express). We do not accept personal checks.
Guests : You’re welcome to bring a friend for support, but they must remain in the front lobby area during your session. They can pop back briefly, but to ensure safety and focus, they’ll be asked to hang out up front.
Children : We love kids, but the studio isn’t the place for them. For safety and everyone’s comfort, we ask that you make other arrangements before your appointment.
Why Choose Dead Ahead Tattoo?
There are a lot of shops in the city—but what sets Dead Ahead apart is the blend of artistry, atmosphere, and professionalism. We’re not here to churn out cookie-cutter flash or pressure you into trendy designs. We’re here to create tattoos that are bold, clean, and 100% you.
Each one of our Nashville tattoo artists brings a unique perspective to the craft, and we’re constantly learning, growing, and pushing the envelope of what tattooing can be. When you sit in one of our chairs, you're not just getting a tattoo—you're investing in something meaningful.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you’re just browsing ideas or ready to commit to your next piece, Dead Ahead Tattoo is here to help. Swing by our tattoo studio in Nashville to check availability, or give us a call to learn more about our artists, styles, and booking process.
We can’t wait to work with you—and we’re honored to be a part of your tattoo journey.
Dead Ahead Tattoo – Where Nashville gets inked.