international class Tattooers
operated and owned by tattooers
flash,custom and freehand tattoos
About
we're real tattooers. we respect the craft
Fat Kats Tattoo has been holding it down in Atlantic City since 1999. Tattooer-owned and operated from day one. We’ve been in the same spot for 26 years, making us the oldest tattoo shop in Atlantic City that’s still open and working. Fat Kats is a real street shop. You can walk in and get tattooed, but we also do solid custom work. Every tattooer here specializes in different styles and has the experience to handle just about anything. We take pride in doing strong, clean tattoos that last, using the best materials and proper professional standards. The shop is home to three tattooers: Dan with 30 years of experience, Will with 20 years, and Chris with 20 years behind the machine.
Walk-Ins & Custom Work
We do both walk-ins and custom tattoos. If you’re in Atlantic City and want to stop by, we’ll do our best to get you tattooed the same day if time allows. For larger pieces and custom projects, we prefer to set appointments so we can dedicate the proper time to the design and the session. Every tattooer here works in different styles and has years of experience, so we can handle anything from classic street shop tattoos to large custom work.
Why Experience Matters
Tattooing isn’t just about putting ink in the skin. Experience is what makes the difference between a tattoo that looks good today and one that still looks good years from now. An experienced tattooer understands design, placement, skin, and how a tattoo will age over time. A good tattooer will also be honest with you, guide you through the process, and make sure the tattoo you get is something you’ll be proud to wear for the rest of your life.
APPOINTMENTS
Appointments are usually reserved for large pieces or custom work that requires dedicated time. When we book an appointment, we block out part or all of the day for that client so we have the time needed to design, tattoo, and deal with anything that might come up during the session. This helps us make sure the tattoo is done the right way and without rushing.
To book an appointment, we require a $200 deposit, which is placed in person at the shop. When you stop by, you’ll be able to check your tattooer’s availability and talk with them directly about your idea and the direction for the design. Once the deposit is placed and the appointment date is set, the tattooer will contact you and begin working on the design, sending sketches and ideas until the design is ready for the tattoo session.
Some tattoos require designing directly on the skin. This is common with freehand work or styles like large Tribal or Bio organic designs that flow with the body. In those cases, you’ll need to set aside the full day so the tattooer can draw the design on your skin and begin the first session the same day, leaving the foundation of the piece fully mapped out.
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Before your session, make sure you’re prepared. Get a good night’s sleep, eat something, and don’t come in hungover or under the influence. Bring any reference ideas you have, but trust your tattooer to guide you that’s part of the process.
Wear comfortable clothes that allow access to the area being tattooed. Be on time, or a little early, and be ready to spend some time in the chair depending on the size of your piece.
Most importantly, come in with a clear mindset. The better communication we have, the better your tattoo will come out. We keep it real, and we expect the same from you.
tattooers
Highly Qualified tattooers
dan
This vato is the one who opened the shop... we can't fire him
chris a.k.a moyo
this homie doesn't even speak English that's why we can't fire him
will
"you can't fire someone who never was hired"..................... Abraham Lincoln.
CUSTOM TATTOOS AND FREEHAND PROCESS
Not every tattoo is the same, and not every idea works the same way. In the shop we work three main ways: walk-ins, flash designs, and custom tattoos. Walk-ins and flash are usually ready to-go designs you pick, we tattoo. But custom and freehand work take more time, planning, and communication because they are built specifically for your body and your idea.
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CUSTOM TATTOO PROCESS
A custom tattoo starts with an idea, not a finished drawing. You come in, talk with your tattooer, and explain what you want even if it’s just a rough concept. From there, the tattooer builds the design based on your idea, style, placement, and body flow.
After the deposit is made, the tattooer starts working on the design. This can involve sketches, references, and adjustments until the concept is solid. Before tattooing, everything is refined so it works properly on your skin and fits your body correctly. Some designs are finalized before the appointment, and some are adjusted on the day depending on placement and size.
The goal of custom work is simple: make a tattoo that fits you, not just a drawing on skin
FREEHAND TATTOO PROCESS
Freehand work is different. There is no paper design or pre-made stencil in many cases. The tattooer draws directly on your skin, shaping the design around your body in real time. This is common with large pieces like full sleeves, tribal work, or bio-organic styles that need to flow naturally with muscle and movement.
Because everything is drawn on the spot, you need to be present for the design process. This usually means setting aside the whole day. The tattooer will map the design directly on your body, adjust it as needed, and once everything flows correctly, the first session starts the same day.
Freehand work is about flow, balance, and adapting the design to the body not forcing a drawing onto it.
WALK-INS AND FLASH
Walk-ins and flash are more direct. Flash designs are pre-made tattoos you can choose from, and walk-ins are usually small or medium tattoos that can be done in available time. These are faster processes, but still done with the same care and quality as custom work.
TATTOO
AFTERCARE
Best TATTOO EXPERIENCE
Tattoo Aftercare (by style)
Full Color
Color tattoos need a little extra attention because saturation and brightness depend a lot on how they heal. After removing the bandage, wash the tattoo gently with clean hands and mild, unscented soap. Pat it dry and apply a thin layer of ointment or lotion not too much, just enough to keep it from drying out. During healing, don’t over-moisturize and don’t let it stay wet or dirty. Keep it out of direct sun, pools, and ocean water. Color tattoos can fade or lose punch if they’re not taken care of properly in the first couple of weeks, so keep it clean and let it heal naturally.
Traditional American
Traditional tattoos are built to last, but good healing still matters. Clean it gently once or twice a day, keep it lightly moisturized, and let it breathe. This style usually heals strong because of bold lines and solid packing, but picking or overworking the skin will still damage it. Avoid soaking it in water and stay out of direct sun while it heals. Let the scab fall off on its own don’t rush it. Simple care keeps traditional tattoos looking sharp for years.
Black & Grey
Black and grey tattoos heal a bit softer in tone, so the way you treat them affects how smooth they stay. Wash gently, keep a very light layer of moisturizer, and don’t let it dry out completely or get overly greasy. Too much moisture can blur the soft shading, and too little can cause heavy scabbing. Avoid sun exposure and anything that irritates the skin while it heals. The goal is smooth healing so the gradients stay clean and natural once fully healed.