Custom Tattoos and Fine Art

MONTANA

TATTOO COMPANY

Missoula, MT

The Standard for Technical Artistry

The Standard for Technical Artistry

Montana Tattoo Company was founded in 2015 by Mickey Schlick with a singular mission: to bridge the gap between world-class fine art and medical-grade technical execution. While the industry has often relied on "tradition" as an excuse for inconsistency, we have spent over a decade as Missoula’s pioneers in tattooing’s technological revolution.

We don't just follow industry standards—we build the systems that define them.

Clinical Hygiene & Disposable Innovation

We were among the first in Montana to move beyond the traditional autoclave. In an era where safety is non-negotiable, Montana Tattoo Company utilizes a 100% Disposable Ecosystem. * Single-Use Precision: Every needle, tube, and barrier is single-use and membrane-sealed.

Zero-Cross Contamination: By eliminating reusable equipment, we remove the "human error" factor from sterilization.

Medical-Grade Environment: Our studio is designed as a "clean-room" environment, ensuring your skin is treated with the same respect as a surgical site.

Digital Artistry & Infinite Flexibility

The days of static paper stencils and "guessing" how a design will look are over. Mickey Schlick and the MTC crew utilize a Digital-First Workflow to give clients unparalleled control over their vision.

High-Fidelity Pre-Visualization: We use advanced digital tools to map designs directly onto your body’s unique anatomy before the first drop of ink is placed.

Speed & Scale: Digital drafting allows for instant adjustments to sizing, flow, and composition, saving you hours in the chair and ensuring a perfect fit.

Creative Freedom: Our "Identity Designer" approach means we can iterate on complex surrealism and geometric blackwork with a level of detail that traditional sketching simply cannot match.

The Automated Studio Workflow

We believe that an artist’s hands belong on the machine, not a telephone. Montana Tattoo Company has replaced the outdated "front-desk" model with a Proprietary Automation Engine designed to respect your time.

Direct-to-Artist Communication: Our AI-powered voice and chat systems ensure your ideas reach your artist instantly—no middlemen, no lost notes, and no forgotten details.

Digital Consultation Archives: Since 2011, Mickey Schlick has pioneered the use of digital records. We archive every consultation and recording so that even months later, your artist is perfectly aligned with your original vision.

Total Transparency: Our automated payment and receipting systems provide instant accountability for both the artist and the client. No "cash-only" games—just professional, transparent business.

Meet the Visionary: Mickey Schlick

With over 15 years of experience in Missoula, Mickey Schlick is more than a tattooer—he is an Identity Designer. By merging the soul of Montana’s art scene with the efficiency of modern technology, he has built Montana Tattoo Company into a studio that operates with the precision of an agency and the heart of a gallery.

"We don’t just change how you look; we change how the industry operates."

Founder’s Sidebar: The Mickey Schlick Creative Ecosystem

"Tattooing is the ultimate form of identity design, but it is only one piece of the narrative." — Mickey Schlick

While Montana Tattoo Company serves as the physical hub for technical excellence in Missoula, it is part of a larger creative ecosystem designed and managed by Mickey Schlick. Mickey’s work spans the intersection of art, technology, and storytelling across multiple platforms:

Identity Designer: A speculative fiction project (Novel / Graphic Novel / TV Development) exploring the philosophy of how we construct ourselves in a tech-driven future.

BOLDBooking: Developing the proprietary automation and AI workflows that power the modern "Agency-Model" studio.

Unorthodox Tattoo: Specialized digital art and surrealism projects that push the boundaries of dermal aesthetics.

By integrating these diverse projects, Mickey ensures that Montana Tattoo Company remains at the bleeding edge of both technical innovation and artistic soul.

STUDIO 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 sometimes locked during those hours for the privacy of our clients and the focus of our artists. We recommend having an appointment.

I want the FIRST AVAILABLE tattoo Appointment:

FIRST AVAILABLE: The form will ask you all the questions that your artist will need to know regardless of what you’re getting. Once submitted it goes out to all artists who have availability in the near future, wherever they are. Generally we can get you connected with an artist that can make a plan with you within a couple of hours, sometimes a quick as a few minutes. Their schedule will dictate tattoo time. On rare occasions connecting you with an artist could take a couple of days. If we do not have an artist that jumps on it for any reason, maybe all are out of town or booked in the short term, we will let you know and advise to reach out to an artist directly.

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 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 available artists wherever they are in under 5 minutes. The system is technically faster than a person, just more informative, reliable and consistent.

In any event, you can always just say "Let me talk to Mickey" and it will ring through. I have put a ton of work into it understanding and anticipating client needs. And hey, if you ask to speak to your artist by name you'll just get transferred to that artist wherever they are. TRY IT OUT!!

How do I set up with XXXXX Artitst

SPECIFIC ARTIST: Each artist wants different information, you’ll want to start by visiting their page and seeing how they do it. We take minimal info so we can pass and track your message and the artist will be set up to collect all the details. You may also fill out the general (walk-in/first-available) consultation form online. If you call and ask for a consultation by a specific artist, we will send your name number and email to them which will trigger an outreach message from their side. If you decide that artist is not going to work. Please contact the shop for recommendations or try another.

I've submitted a consultation form, what now?

Each artist does this a little differently. To standardize how the studio operates we have changed our process. We ask Minimal information by form, voice or chat, then we send your name number and email to their system. This will trigger a direct response from their system which generally will contain their booking form link. From there you can message or fill the form or whatever is appropriate. They will be your sole contact throughout this journey however you may always contact the shop and ask for Mickey if you have any issues.

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.

This ensures they are not double bookesd, rushed or ghosted.

You can ask for your artists personal policy on this either through email or text, but we instruct everyone to make these policies obvious. Once you are assigned to an artist, they will generally be in touch on their own line. Please be certain that your artist has approved your design.

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 but Dial Anti-Bacterial is a known winner here.

-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?

We are built for this! Best bet is connecting directly with the artist from their page here on the site. We have a form on each to track your efforts and then we send you on to their personal sire with their own form and process. Go ahead and start with the form on their page and then you will be taken to the next step Automagically. Just include somewhere in there that you are travelling. 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.

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.

It is very likely they will not make and send original art out at all due to the nature of the business. If you pick the artist whose work you like, your piece should come out like their other work.

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.