Anyone who goes to college eventually reaches a point where they want to change something about themselves. Sometimes, dyeing your hair just doesn’t feel permanent enough – but a tattoo? That’s a change that lasts.

From Paper Moon to King Cobra, there are plenty of tattoo parlors to choose from. We’ve put together a list of some of the closest tattoo shops near downtown State College to help make picking your next spot a little easier.

Drip Studios

If you’re ready for some permanent drip, this is the place for you! The owner started her tattoo journey in 2020 and opened Drip Studios, located at 246 E. Calder Way on the 4th floor, next to Way Fruit Farm Café. To learn more about Drip Studios or book an appointment, folks can visit its website.

Drip Studio is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but open Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Ikonic Tattoo

If you’re looking for a tattoo that is ‘ikonic’, this is the place for you! Ikonic tattoo has been open since 2013, located at 123 S. Allen St. To learn more or book an appointment, visit the studio’s website.

Ikonic Tattoo is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays.

King Cobra Tattoo

King Cobra was formerly Tattoo Mark’s and has been open since 1999 at 127 E Beaver Ave. To learn more or book an appointment, visit its Instagram account, @king.cobra.tattoo.

King Cobra welcomes walk-ins and is open from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. They are closed on Mondays.

Paper Moon Tattoo Company

Paper Moon Tattoo Company has been open since 2018, located at 125 S Pugh St. They are cash only, so bring your bills! To learn more or book an appointment, visit its website.

Paper Moon Tattoo is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 p.m. to 6 p.m., and closed on Sundays and Mondays. They usually take walk-ins depending on the artist and day.

814 Tattoo Co.

814 Tattoo Co. was opened by Tony Campbell, who has been tattooing in State College since 1996. It’s located at 411 East Calder Way, behind the Dunkin’. Visit the parlor’s Facebook, 814 Tattoo Co.,for more information or to book an appointment.

814 Tattoo Co. is open Tuesday through Saturday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. and closed on Sundays and Mondays. They welcome walk-ins for both tattoos and piercings.