Let's GOOOO!!!

We’re always excited to welcome guest artists into our quiet corner of Montana. While we’re selective about who we bring in, we’re equally enthusiastic about sharing our space, and our loyal clientele, with other tattoo artists.

Our studio runs lean and intentionally, no front desk staff, just automation and mutual respect. As an independent contractor, you’ll be renting space during your stay. Think of it as your flat-rate creative retreat. That said, everyone here currently has over 20 years in each. When inviting residents, we lean into candidates that are 7-10+ years in and whom we know so this is a great place to start.

We’ll feature your work on our website with a dedicated artist page. There, clients can view your portfolio and submit a consultation form that goes directly to you for follow-up and booking. We recommend highlighting 10–15 pieces that reflect the work you want more of, we’re happy to promote it alongside you, If you can get us a larger set of photos we can work it into our social media posting leading up to the visit.

While we can’t guarantee full books, we do support guest artists through online marketing and client outreach. There’s not a ton of walk-in traffic here, our momentum comes from intention, not volume.

Currently the shop is all older artists with over 60 years experience between us, we have no collective schedule so sometimes it is packed and sometimes you work alone. We have an open, collective tattoo space and generally have comedy shows or mellow music playing.

If this sounds like the kind of space where your work could thrive, we’d love to hear from you.

-Vitals-

Montana Tattoo Company was founded in 2015 with a simple goal: to foster artistic mastery (with plenty of space to do it) while building meaningful connections between artists and the clients who value them most.

We’re driven by curiosity. By craftsmanship. By the kind of creative minds that never stop learning.

Now, we’d love to hear your story.

Tell us what fuels your passion for tattooing. Share the experiences that shaped your story, the styles you’re drawn to, and what kind of work you feel most alive creating.

Every artist brings something singular to the table, and we’re excited to learn what that looks like for you.

-Portfolio/History-

You’re looking for work? We’re always looking for guests!


Hey there, I'm Mickey Schlick, and I'm absolutely stoked that you're interested in our shop! I like to keep things relaxed around here while constantly striving to grow, both for myself and the other artists.

We like to think of it as an opportunity to leave your hook in the water so to speak. To streamline the process, interested clients will be able to fill out a consultation form on your dedicated page. Once we reach the minimum requirements as far as meeting financial expectations, we can start organizing clients and booking dates together. Your portfolio will be proudly displayed for all our clients to see, giving you exposure, while we get to promote unique and artistic tattoos to captivate passersby. Furthermore, we aim to keep you busy and booked during your time with us. We understand the importance of maximizing your artistic potential and want to ensure that you have a fulfilling experience. If this opportunity resonates with you and aligns with your goals, don't hesitate to fill out the form below. We can't wait to meet you!

FAQS

What are your Hours?

Normally, artists are here from 11AM-6PM but most of our artists are custom only and all make their own hours, preferring to start at their own pace and stay until the work is done rather than push you out at a specific time. Unfortunately this means our doors are often locked during those hours for the privacy of our clients and the focus of our artists. We recommend having an appointment.

Why can't I get you on the phone?

All of our artist are independent businesses. It is imperative we have a written record of all messaging. We have a robust phone system that can handle everything from sending a walk-in form which gets to any available artists fast AF. All the way to giving aftercare instructions as well as tell people we don't do piercings and screen the robo-calls. You should try it out. Just speak like normal and I will check the messages as soon as I finish what I am doing. As a tattooer, I will get confused speaking to more clients than my own. As a manager it is my job to get the message to the right person on the team, and it is likely they have their own system. Walk-in forms get to the artists wherever they are in under 5 minutes. The system is technically faster than a person, just more informative and consistent. In any event, I have put a ton of work into it anticipating client needs. TRY IT OUT!!

What is the best way to set up an appointment?

You’ll want to start by either filling out a consultation form with a specific artist online . You may also fill out the general (walk-in/first-available) consultation form online. If you call, you will have the ability to connect directly to your artist or receive this form. It will ask you all the questions that your artist will need to know regardless of what you’re getting. Once the artist can take a look at that, they will wither accept it and send you a link to set up your appointment or they will decline. We do our best not to leave people waiting indefinitely.

I've submitted a consultation form, what now?

Once you’ve filled out a consultation form, your artist specifically will let you know that your project has been accepted or not. They will then send you a link to either set up a consultation or an appointment depending on what your situation calls for. James tends to try to get on the phone, hopefully under 72 hours but it depends on the season. Mickey really likes to do a Zoom call any time from a few hours from now to this time next week, anytime. This way he can collect images and sometimes even sketch on screen if that's what is called for. From there you book, and the booking link will collect the deposit.

An in person consultation may not always be necessary depending on how straightforward your design is and how much creative liberty you’ve given to the artist. If you have an in person consultation setup, you’ll come in to discuss your ideas & plans with your artist and then set up an appointment, pay your deposit (if necessary) and you’ll be good to go for your next scheduled time. If you don’t have an in person consultation set up, just arrive at your appointment on time & the artist will have your design ready so you’ll be able to sit down to collaborate and make any necessary changes to the design before getting tattooed.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

Each artist has their own deposit policy and they are generally non-refundable. Some will ask for a deposit to cover the final session of a larger tattoo and some will require a deposit on the appointment time due at the time the appointment is made. You can ask for your artists personal policy on this either through email or text. Once you are assigned to an artists your calls and texts to us should go directly to them. Please be certain that your artist has approved your design. Your artist will also collect the deposit within specific timeframe, otherwise you risk forfeiting that appointment time to a person ready to make the commitment. - we take cards but not checks.

Tattoo is done, how do I take care of it?

-Your new tattoo is an open pathway for pathogens into your body. Once you remove your bandage, allow it to breathe but protect it from bacteria and also the elements. Do not allow your tattoo to be in direct sunlight as this will be the cause of any deterioration of the tattoo over time. Keeping the tattoo out of the sun during the healing process and later using sunscreen is vital. After you are done healing, continuing this will help the longevity of your tattoo. -Do not swim or soak your tattoo, however the running water of a shower faucet is fine. Use unscented liquid soap, preferably with antibacterial properties. We like Dr. Bronners castile soap.-Dry your tattoo with a clean towel in a patting motion.-Any ointment, oil or lotion should be applied in very thin layers and allow them to dry completely. Remember that this is not a barrier, if your clothes can stick to it, so can bacteria. Keeping the tattoo moisturized will minimize the itching and peeling effects of the healing process.-Always  wash your hands before touching the tattoo. Use liquid soap and war water. Use a soapy hand to rub the tattoo and break up any material that may have dried on top.

How will my tattoo look & heal over time?

Days 1-2: The tattoo will be new and fresh at this time. Leave the bandage for the time set by your artist. After removal of the bandage, it is essential that the tattoo remain clean and protected from the elements. Wash your tattoo 3-5 times a day at this point. We recommend coconut oil a couple times a day in very light layers. Days 3-7: This is the first healing stage. The new skin will be growing in and as the dead skin dries out, it will start itching. Do not itch your new tattoo! Some alternatives to help with itching are slapping the tattoo or using a cool compress. The itching should subside within 1-2 weeks. It is now ok to start using a light, unscented lotion or continue with coconut oil. Days 7-14: This is the second stage of the healing process. Your tattoo may continue to itch and flake. You will still need plenty of cleaning and lotion, but the risk of infection has greatly decreased. After two weeks, the tattoo should have its finished appearance. You will be free to return to a normal routine such as soaking and swimming, but it is recommended that you continue to lotion it and keep sunscreen on while in the sun. 

I don't live in Missoula/Montana, what is the best way to talk to an artist about a tattoo?

Go ahead and start with the consultation form and just include somewhere in there that you will need to do a consultation via Zoom, Google Meet, or Facetime We are pretty flexible and can work around most out of state situations for planning tattoos. Additionally you may request an area guide if you are travelling to get your work done or looking for accommodations.

Will I be able able to see my art before my appointment?

Sort of…. Each artist works in a different way. The very first thing they have to do is transfer a design so they usually come ready for that with a line drawing that will guide the remainder of their work but sometimes they will have a pretty good idea worked up and sometimes they will draw it on you. It will depend on the artist you're scheduled with as far as how that process goes. Most of our artists have a work schedule that is constant enough to have them working on their work pieces as they are due (appointment time) and not as they are requested. So, day of you should be able to get a pretty good idea of where you’re headed. Some of our artists offer VIP consultations and will draw with you present for their regular hourly rate. This may or may not go towards the cost of the tattoo depending on how close it is to the appointment date. Preferring to collaborate about the design in person to mitigate any miscommunication, we set aside time out to talk when you come in for your appointment.

Do I need to come early to do paperwork?

No, definintely not. Our artists are set to discuss your project at the appointment start time. Once the artwork is agreed upon, you can do the paperwork while they set up their station. Our new system allows us to send the paperwork directly to your phone so even if you are late, no worries. As we have been going appointment only we have been locking the doors and request that most communications come through text or email channels for tracking and that you make the appointment generally on time or let us know the change of plans. Most of our artists only work on one client a day so we have some flexibility here.