About Our Studio

Medusa Tattoo first opened its doors in June 2002, a few blocks from the current location. Shortly after opening the studio, Carol Oddy and Cesar Enciso decided to take a leap of faith and remove the traditional flash (pre-drawn designs) from the walls and use the empty space as a gallery for local artists, becoming Ithaca’s first primarily custom tattoo shop/art gallery.

In 2007 they decided to move to a better location, and since then have been situated at 126 W. State Street across from the Historic State Theater.

Since opening, the shop has hosted guest tattoo artists from all over the country, and has developed a reputation as one of the best tattoo shops in the area. It still hosts rotating gallery shows, and is firmly committed to supporting the community that has allowed it to flourish.

Medusa Tattoo’s most recent additions are Dan Trocchio, who relocated from New York City in 2020, and Jen Lightfoot, who joined us in 2021.

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Inks & Needles

Our inks are made from safe, non-toxic ingredients. All of our needles are one-time use and our stainless steel tubes are autoclave sterilized in our studio. Our high standards reflect our commitment to safe practices and the tradition of our craft.

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Art Shows

Our studio is also a place to showcase local artists and host gallery events. See our events page for a list of current and past shows. Also, if you're an artist interested in showing your work here, contact us – we'd love to meet you.

See our Events

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Appointments

Most of our work is done by appointment (deposit required) – so the best way to get started is to stop by to email us and start  discussing your tattoo idea with one of us. If you are interested in working with a particular artist, please let us know! Visit our Contact page for frequently asked questions.

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Do You Have A Tattoo In Mind?

Give us a call or email right now and let us know.