I’ve been going to Brian at big guns tattoo for all my tattoos for the past 4 years, and I couldn’t recommend him enough. The shop is always clean, welcoming, and inviting, and as a woman, I’ve always felt comfortable there. Brian goes above and beyond to make sure you feel comfortable and respected. He always asks permission before allowing others to watch you get tattooed or take pictures. I recently had a back piece done, and he made sure I felt comfortable and never exposed throughout the entire process. On top of that, Brian does exceptional work. He’s phenomenal at realism and cover-ups, and he’s always honest about what will hold up well over time. He’s great at taking your ideas and tweaking designs to make sure you end up with something you love that will look great for years. The pricing is very reasonable, and they’re upfront about costs with no surprises. If you’re looking for a tattoo shop where you feel comfortable, respected, and confident in the work you’re getting, especially as a woman, I highly recommend Big Guns Tattoo!
Big Guns Tattoo Appleton
Big Guns Tattoo Appleton at a glance
Customers frequently praise the shop's clean environment, friendly staff, and high-quality tattoo and piercing services. Recurring themes include the professionalism of the artists, their willingness to accommodate specific design requests, and the comfortable atmosphere provided to clients. However, some negative reviews highlight issues with post-booking communication, unexpected price discrepancies, and instances where the final tattoo did not match the agreed-upon design or lacked expected detail.
- Google rating: 4.5 out of 5 from 233 reviews (84% five-star).
- Reviews on this page: 233 Google reviews (145 with written comments, 27 with photos).
- Owner responses: the business replied to 1% of reviews.
- Most recent review: October 21, 2026.
- Service: Tattoo Parlor serving Kimberly, Wisconsin.
Data from Google, last updated October 28, 2026.
Score profile vs other tattoo parlors
Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: craft & service and momentum; weakest: replies to reviews.
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
233 Google reviews we collected
- 5 stars19584%
- 4 stars83%
- 3 stars21%
- 2 stars52%
- 1 star2310%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 145 written reviews
- Praise16187%
- Complaints2513%
Price
What customers reported paying
Middle half of what 15 customers paid ($79–$184) · gold mark = category median.
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
- Quality & results5932%
- Staff & attitude5530%
- Would recommend2312%
- Price & value1810%
- Speed & response158%
- Honesty & trust95%
- Communication74%
What customers talk about
We read 145 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Kyle did an awesome job on my tattoo I will go to them every time.”
“I had expressed how I have had horrible tattoo experiences and artist sat me down and said I wouldn’t be disappointed in his work.”
“Staff was super friendly as I entered and I felt so welcome there.”
“I would not have even written the review had I not been treated so rudely but that was uncalled for!”
“I’ve been going to Brian at big guns tattoo for all my tattoos for the past 4 years, and I couldn’t recommend him enough.”
“I recommend personally jake at electric tattoo of neenah.”
“The pricing is very reasonable, and they’re upfront about costs with no surprises.”
“Way over priced”
“IAM VERY INPRESSED,AND HE FIT ME IN HIS SCHEDULE IN THE NEXT DAY.”
“He’s phenomenal at realism and cover-ups, and he’s always honest about what will hold up well over time.”
“Walked me through the process and was very courteous.”
People customers mention
- Brian 16 reviews
- Courtney 9 reviews
- Mero 6 reviews
- Nick 3 reviews
- Greg 3 reviews
- Frank 3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Big Guns Tattoo Appleton for 5 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
Recent priced reviews
Clean and friendly shop. Went in for a Friday the 13th flash day. Kyle was accommodating to the small space I had available for placement. The design turned out beautifully and is currently healing as it should. A bonus note: I got an unlucky cat design and ended up winning a raffle later that night and I never win raffles. Thanks Kyle!
I booked a half day with Nick Monty. I left a whole new person! I came in for a shark tattoo, and as he was doing it he noticed a bad tattoo on my arm that I was pretty self conscious about. He not only offered to fix it but did such an amazing job doing so! Staff was super friendly as I entered and I felt so welcome there. Definitely a new favorite shop!
My fiancé and I went and got piercings today. I personally think this is a great shop and they have great piercers that take their time and do stuff right. I highly recommend going!
The quality of the work cant be beat! Anything you need from simple tattoos to very complicated work they have you covered. The atmosphere is 2nd to none! Everyone is happy and joking around. The prices fothe quality of work can not be beat! If your looking for tattoos or piercings this is the place for you. Go see…
We had a wonderful experience at Big Gun Tattoo during a really tough time. We came in last minute to get memorial tattoos for my niece, and Brian was absolutely amazing—so kind, patient, and accommodating. He made the whole experience feel thoughtful and personal. Big thanks to Kyle and Nick, too, for running…
Barb wire never stopped being cool, people did ! Nick, Talen and the rest of the staff will treat you right. One of the best tattoo shops in the valley. There is also a tattoo museum and oddities collection in the basement. This place is TOTALLY RAD
Jobs customers hired them for
| Job | Reviews | Category typical |
|---|---|---|
| Tattoos | 31 | $114–$340 |
| Piercings | 4 | $20–$81 |
| Tattoo cover-ups & reworkings | 4 | $183–$485 |
| Tattoo design | 4 | $74–$233 |
| Nose piercing | 3 | — |
Compare with
Photos
Customer reviews
4.5 ★★★★★ 233 reviews on Google · rating breakdown
Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).
Brian is excellent. He is so talented! I got an amazing tattoo
- Price: $150–200
- Services: Tattoos
I got stuck with the owner aparently over 14 years ago to do a dragon, he totally lazed out on me and wouldn't do the scales, I'm about to go in and get it covered up.
Brian does great work
- Services: Tattoo cover-ups & reworkings
Kyle did an awesome job on my tattoo I will go to them every time.
- Price: $100–150
- Services: Solid black work tattoos
Awesome work! Very professional! Kyle, the G. O. A. T
- Price: $50–100
- Services: Tattoos
Clean and friendly shop. Went in for a Friday the 13th flash day. Kyle was accommodating to the small space I had available for placement. The design turned out beautifully and is currently healing as it should. A bonus note: I got an unlucky cat design and ended up winning a raffle later that night and I never win raffles. Thanks Kyle!
- Price: $50–100
- Services: Tattoos
Def would not recommend a place like this. They don’t communicate w their customers, they accuse you of owing them money then turn around and try to confront you would not recommend def won’t be coming back!
You booked two appointments that you no-showed on and then showed up 30 minutes late for your most recent appointment (scheduled under an alias). Canceled your cc so you wouldn't be charged for no-shows, then caused a commotion at 10:30am on Friday morning (30 minutes late for your appointment) when we refused to pierce you. You were asked to leave and then refused to do so. You and your friends became violent and oppesitional for an extended period of time. You have tik tok videos, we have security footage. Happy to hash this out in court. Let's dance.
I booked a half day with Nick Monty. I left a whole new person! I came in for a shark tattoo, and as he was doing it he noticed a bad tattoo on my arm that I was pretty self conscious about. He not only offered to fix it but did such an amazing job doing so! Staff was super friendly as I entered and I felt so welcome there. Definitely a new favorite shop!
- Price: $350–400
- Services: Tattoo cover-ups & reworkings, Tattoos
My fiancé and I went and got piercings today. I personally think this is a great shop and they have great piercers that take their time and do stuff right. I highly recommend going!
- Price: $50–100
- Services: Piercings
Business details
- Address: 2031 E Calumet St, Appleton, WI 54915
- Phone: (920) 882-2075
- Website: biggunstattoo.net
- Service area: Kimberly, WI