Stronghold Tattoo Studio

I’ve known the owner and artist Mark Tyler for almost four years. Mark worked with my mom and I to get a simple Simba tattoo and did not try and force us into a higher price piece. He has since done over 70% of my pieces and almost all of those are from his own imagination. Mark is sympathetic to client’s tattoo experience and works to make the process as memorable as possible. I recently had my chest done at his new studio and wow. The place is beautiful. As someone with a bad back, the memory foam table/chair was highly appreciated. admittedly I had to take a couple breaks. Mark never made me feel bad about taking a break, never rushed me, and acted incredibly professionally. After the tattoo was finished Mark went over the tattoo healing process and referred me to additional products that he sold. He did not in any way pressure me to buy HIS product, but rather gave an honest opinion and recommendation. I only regret that Stronghold Tattoo is in Duluth because I just moved to Chicago. 10/10 recommend, will be back.

Already set up my next appointment, Taylor knocks it out if the park! She Microbladed my brows and corrected the shape and they look absolutely amazing. My first appointment was a few days ago at Stronghold and I was blown away. The space is awesome and well thought out. I was impressed by how much space and storage each artist had. I'm thrilled they offer cosmetic tattoos that only last a few years, I work in the beauty industry so keeping up with the trends in important to me. When I found out I could get my eyeliner tattooed and have it last around 3 years I was thrilled and booked right away. It was really neat to see how involved and invested the owner (Mark) is. He was positive and kind, you can tell he genuinely wants to help his artists grow. 5 stars isn't enough! Thank you Taylor for making me look and feel fabulous!

Really nice studio! Absolutely clean and has the best atmosphere of any tattoo shop I've ever been to. Mark has a positive attitude and is easy to communicate with. I'm consistently impressed with his work and his ambition. If you are looking for someone trustworthy and professional, the search is over.

Finding Mark and Stronghold Tattoo Studio has been an amazing experience!

Originally calling for a same day walk-in, to going back to get him to add more to my piece, I've thoroughly enjoyed having him tattoo me!

His attention to detail and overall demeanour as an artist wows me. One of the best tattoo experiences with any artist I've ever had.

Would highly recommend going to see Mark!

The owner of Stronghold, Mark, is the only person I'll go to for my tattooing. He's incredibly detailed, skilled, and meticulous with his work. He'll listen to your ideas and carefully craft your design. If you want to visit a shop that takes care of your wants and needs from start to finish, this is the place to go! I'd highly recommend this shop to anyone looking to add to their collection of ink, OR anyone looking for a place to get their first tattoo.

Years were spent searching for the correct artist to tackle the remaining work on my sleeve. I flew across the country to meet with Mark who I had been in communication with via ig. Not many artists are willing to work around other’s art, but Mark made me feel welcomed and there was no judgment at all! Very rare in the tattoo world! I saw that Mark had won 1st Place in Japanese and also love his style so I let him have free reign on my forearm and have no regrets! He is after get all a champion.. literally. He did an amazing Charizard piece that I am extremely satisfied with. It healed well and rapidly and my skin held the ink better than any other tattoos I’ve had in the past. Several pieces were completed on my arm that utilizing various techniques and styles all in 6 hours and I can say with certainty that Mark is extremely professional. There were times when I almost fell asleep as Mark is so focused and knows how to target spots that displace the pain in a way where he can work an area longer than typical and it’s not nearly as painful as other shops. Very straight lines and smooth strokes. Mark used a small amount of white on my tattoo to add contrast that makes it really beautiful! I can tell this tattoo will withstand the test of time. The studio is super clean and aesthetically pleasing all around. The studio is in a really cool part of Duluth that I didn’t even know about! I plan on returning to get more work done as Mark described that he would also be willing to do some cover-up work, another difficulty associated with other experiences. It’s really worth traveling to get it done right.. it’s for life. Thank you Mark for a top notch experience. To anyone reading this, I would advise that you don’t waste time making mistakes by going to other artists and just getting it done right the first time by going to this shop! The other artists in the studio are extremely talented as well! Thank you! A+++

This place is awesome!! Welcoming, friendly, clean, and artists dedicated to their craft. Mark Tyler did my most recent tattoo and I could not be happier! Told him I wanted a lighthouse but that he could have artistic freedom on the whole thing. Definitely exceeded my expectations! Quoted me a price, and stuck to that price even though it took a few hours longer than he expected it to. Mark wanted to make sure it was done beautifully and correctly, not rushed. His line work is phenomenal! Mark is my go to artist from now on and I can't wait to see what he comes up with for me next. If it's your first tattoo or your 50th, go to Stronghold! You will not be disappointed. 😁

Have gotten two tattoos from Mark so far and will be getting more. I love that I can go to him with half of an idea and he can piece it together into beautiful artwork! The shop itself is very nice and large while also offering privacy

I've been going to Mark since he was tattooing at Benchmark. He is patient, kind, and creative. He always exceeds my expectations when I give him an idea. He takes his time and always makes sure I'm happy with my tattoos. I'm beyond excited that he has his own studio now. His shop is professional and clean. I would absolutely recommend him for your tattoo needs.

Mark is very professional and runs a welcoming shop. The place is clean and very up date down to the minor details.
I had mark do a memorial piece on my arm and he was very easy to work with even though I had a lot of requests. His work is phenomenal from the line work to the shading and color(this is my first color tattoo). I plan to go back for more!