I've been meaning to write this review for a while now, and I'm happy to have finally found some time to put pen to paper on my experience with Peter and the Meatshop team. For the last few years I did extensive research on artists/shops that specialized in blackwork tattoo sleeves...I'm from Minnesota so I was focusing most of my efforts on finding someone here in the States. All the artists that I found domestically didn't have the design aesthetic or tattooing knowhow to really execute what I was looking for. I really wanted my sleeve to flow organically with the shape of my arm and it needed to be a bold piece that included design elements that I wouldn't find in other tattoos. After searching for what felt like forever I came across Peter Madsen's Instagram page (blackhandnomad) and immediately knew that he had the skill and vision to pull off what I was looking for. The only catch was that he's based in Barcelona, Spain. I was thinking that getting a full sleeve from Peter wouldn't be possible because I would need to fly back-and-forth to have pieces of the sleeve created a little bit at a time (not ideal). I reached out to Meatshop and was able to discuss what I was looking for with Peter and I was amazed to find out that the process that he uses to tattoo (dotwork) allows the skin to heal quickly enough to tattoo large portions of the skin in back-to-back sittings and that he would be able to pull off my tattoo in 4-5 consecutive days. With that I booked a trip to Barcelona and started counting down the days. My first few days with Peter was at his personal studio which is in a beautiful town way up in the mountains. It took some navigating to get there but was able to easily find him. He welcomed me with a big smile into his studio that is adorned with elective artwork from different places and cultures around the globe. Peter is a really laid back guy and is super easy to talk to. He has a wealth of knowledge about his trade and I immediately knew that I came to the right person. He spent the first few hours on the first day drawing the rough outline of the tattoo directly on my arm, and by watching him work you can obviously tell that he understands what design elements will work and how to create a tattoo that "fits" with your body. Once he had the outline drawn he stenciled the design and then started tattooing. I spent four days with Peter at has personal studio. This was probably my favorite part of the entire trip. While Peter worked we chatted about many things; travel, food, tattoos, politics, music, culture. Some tattoo artists that I've visited before are more "heads down" and don't like to chat very much while they work, which can make the experience a little dull. Peter was great talking with while he was working and I learned many things about Spain, Nordic tattoos, and life (seriously!) in our conversations. The other cool thing about my experience was meeting Peter's family and getting to know them better over lunch each day. Peter and Inga are phenomenal cooks and it was nice having a meal to break up the tattoo sessions. My fifth and final day of tattooing was done at Peter's Meatshop studio in the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona. The studio is tucked into this beautiful courtyard and is located in a restored space with high ceilings and ornate artwork. Peter's entire team at Meatshop was amazing. They were all super friendly to chat with. I was able to see them work while Peter was finishing my tattoo and while they all had their own individual styles their work was all very nicely executed. From start to finish my sleeve took about five days to complete. As I said, it was an amazing experience. I'm blown away by what Peter was able to come up with. His attention to detail in the tattoo is unbelievable and I couldn't be happier with the outcome. The tattoo is exactly what I wanted, even though I wasn't able to fully articulate what I wanted to Peter. He was able to interpret the general direction that I was looking for and created a truly original piece. To this day I'm still finding little elements tucked into the design that I hadn't noticed before. There isn't a day that goes by where I don't get comments from people on the tattoo ("Where did you get that? & I love your tattoo!"). I couldn't possibly be happier with the outcome. read more

I post very little on social media, but only for that which I truly believe in. For years I would casually looking at tattoos out of curiosity, but had never seen anything that inspired me to actually get one. Many of my friends wives had one, but in areas that were well hidden to all but their husbands or close friends that they would show to. Very few of the guys I know had any tattoos, and those that did were on the back or areas which could be covered with a shirt. One day about 2014 I saw an article on Meatshop Tattoo from Denmark and the artistry of the shop owner Peter Madsen. These were big, bold Nordic designs. Not meant to be hidden, but displayed as any work of art would be. I was inspired. Over time I did internet research on other similar work of talented artist from various parts of Europe and the US. I took the awkward first step of visiting local shops and displaying some of Peter's work as to what I liked. I heard comments such as, no problem and we can do even better and at a lower price. When asked for samples of similar sized projects, I would invariably compare it to the original. I saw a lot of good work, but it was not what inspired me to begin with. So now what to do. Denmark is far away and I could not find what I was looking for at home. I ran across an article on inklightenment.com that said " don't go shopping for a cheap price, go shopping for a good artist, that can do exactly what you hope for, and then some". I was hooked. During this time the shop moved to Barcelona, Spain. I contactacted the shop all gung ho, then reality hit. The shop manager asked for a sample of the work that I liked and what I wanted. I spent weeks pouring over how I wanted the design to look and sent in the results with the photos of Peter's work that inspired me to begin with. It was a collage of monstrous proportions. Things that I thought I should have. After back and forth a decision was made to give Peter an idea of what I would like and to trust his vision for the final design. I could not have made a better choice. The shop is clean, comfortable, and very professional, putting one's mind at ease to enjoy to process. I did a full sleeve in 2017 and have booked again this summer for more. read more

I had a back piece/cover up started with Inga and Peter at Meatshop in Dec 2018. This was an intensive booking, as I was only in town on holidays (I live in Australia). Inga and Peter did everything the could to get as much ink on me as they could without pushing me or my body too hard, and the results are simply amazing. I adore my back piece - design is Inga's but the majority of actual inking was done by Peter. You can really see the difference that experience, talent and dedication from the artists make on the finished product - lines are clean and clear and the dotwork gives a depth to the solid areas that I wasn't expecting. It really looks amazing and I am convinced it will age better than my other tattoos have). Aftercare instructions were simple, easy to follow and effective (1 month later and it is perfectly healed). The studio itself is clean and comfortable, in a convenient location in Gotic close to metro Jaume I (yellow line), or a slightly longer walk down to Liceu (green line). There's plenty of food around for vegan's like me if you are in for the entire day, and everyone in the studio will give excellent recommendations. Can and do recommend this studio without hesitation. All of the artists sample work looks amazing, I'd be happy to get inked by anyone there. I'm looking forward to returning to finish my back piece. read more

I encountered Peter and Ludo's work via Instagram and I immediately fell in love with their precise work and passionate candor. When Ludo posted his idea for a full body cathedral work, I know that it had to be on my body. I reached out to Ludo and Peter through email and was impressed with the professionalism in which they answered my questions and the courtesy they displayed as I was relatively new to the tattoo scene. This was an ambitious project but we all wanted to see this project materialize so we agreed on a daily rate and I made plans to fly out to Barcelona for 10 days to be able to get this magnificent piece of art. When I arrived at their studio I was overwhelmed by Peter, Ludo, and Inga's hospitality and amiability. Everyone was so excited for this massive project and we were eager to start. In total, the project took 10 days and came in around 64 hours to complete and I could not be more pleased with the result. Everyone at the shop was so genuine, funny, and talented. I was only with them for 10 days, but I feel like I am part of a small family even though we are a sea apart. I love you all Ludo, Peter, Inga, Nikita, Heywood, and Julian. Thank you for sharing your gift, your talent, and for the most amazing odyssey I have ever experienced in my life. I will never be the same. See you next year. read more

I searched for an artist to turn my ideas into ink for years before I fell upon Meatshop Tattoo. I now have an ongoing project with Peter, which we started at his very charming private studio in Spain. I found out fast enough that Peter truly understands and masters his craft in a way that exceeds expectations, his wealth of knowledge and experience is there to guide your vision into something so unique and impactful that you can't help but give him all the creative freedom you can give! (and you should!) The result so far is beyond what I can put into words. When I see and feel my hand drawn and anatomically aligned ink it honestly never ceases to amaze me; it isn't just a tattoo on some skin, it becomes one with you to turn your skin into a mystical story that you'd be proud to carry along this journey. My experience was just as amazing when I visited the Meatshop at the heart of Barcelona, everyone on Peter's team was wonderful, warm and very friendly; surely a melting pot of astounding creative minds from all around the world. All that being said, wether your project consists of a small tattoo or a bodysuit, a first tattoo or a tenth one, I highly recommend Peter and his team at the Meatshop. You'll surely end up with an awesome experience and some incredible ink! read more

I visited Meatshop Tattoo to get my first tattoo ever and I don't think there's any way I could be more pleased with the experience. The woman working at the front counter was super friendly and explained everything really thoroughly, both before my appointment started and how to care for the tattoo after I was done. I received my tattoo from Andrea, or Subliquida as he's know on their website and Instagram. I can't explain how amazing he was but I'll try anyway. I was very nervous beforehand but he was very comforting and relaxed, which made me feel better. After ten minutes, I started to feel a little ill and he was so good about grabbing me a Coke, turning up the A/C, and giving me a minute to collect myself before we continued. After that, it was all smooth sailing because he was quick and gentle. And that's not even including how beautifully it turned out!! His artwork is incredible and the application of it is better than I could have imagined. He took what was a dream tattoo for me and turned it into a reality. After sending pictures to my mom, she now wants to get a tattoo at Meatshop when she comes to visit me in January! I couldn't give a higher recommendation for this shop. read more

An amazing experience with a phenomenal artist! From start to finish, Peter and the rest of the team at Meatshop took the great care of me and have given me a piece of body art that i could have only dreamed of before meeting them. From something as simple as making sure I could locate the studio, to something as complex as ensuring that my tattoo project was completed prior to my leaving Barcelona (as I live in New Zealand, and thus can't easily zip back over for a follow-up appointment, this was extremely important), Peter, Inga and Nakita made sure that everything occurred in as efficient and easy-going way as it possibly good have. Great music, podcasts, food and out of this world tattoo ideas and execution! Getting a tattoo, especially a large piece, such as I wanted, can be a many-headed and tricky beast to manage, but the Hydra has been slain, and I have made a swag of great friends as well. If all of my holidays were this awesome, I would be one of the luckiest people alive :) read more

I have been following Meatshop tattoo for a few years now on instagram and facebook so when I knew I was going to Barcelona I had to see if I could get in. As luck would have it Lahhel was free and able to put together a masterpiece! I couldn't be more impressed with the whole experience. From the moment I arrived everything blew me away. The space is absolutely stunning, with lots of examples of the work done by the artists there. The level of professionalism and focus that Lahhel has is mind-boggling. I had sent in an idea of what I wanted with some room for additions if the artist and I thought that was the way to go, and I'm so glad I did. I can't recommend this place enough if you're looking for an amazing tattoo, with unique styling, and meticulous attention to detail. Thanks Lahhel and everyone else involved with this tattoo! read more

I was really nervous - like I have been waiting three years even to get a consultation and talk about my design idea. Anyways, I was recommended the Meatshop by a colleague in Berlin who had a really cool design made on his calf. I booked to see Julian Rossi and when I met the guy I was immediately impressed by how easy he was gonna make this thing happen. I wanted a geo skull on my back and my design was taken to another level with this guy. Nikita is really cool Meatshop Manager and she kinda sensed I was nervous but the team there are so pro - they really know what they are doing and I felt really really calm. Trust Meatshop - I mean you can walk in anywhere in Barcelona but they DO IT GOOD!!!!! Clean, amazing artistry. I am going back in six months time for more work I love this tat so much. Thanks guys x read more

My tattoos are Magnificent. Epic. Incredible. Amazing. Those are the words of the people I show them to. Once they get a glimpse they want to see the whole thing. The reaction is always the same: Their eyes widen, they look closer, they look from different angles, they step back to look at the whole piece. They say "Wow, that is "(insert adjective here)! Where did you get that? Who is your artist?" My tattoo's are created at Meatshop Tattoo. If you want a tattoo that will be described like mine, then I recommend that you either visit or just make an appointment! Choose an artist that suits your style and they will work with you to create the best tattoo for you that they possibly can. I will certainly be returning soon! read more

Meatshop Tattoo is located in the centre of Barcelona, easily accessible through public transportation. The studio is packed with talent and different styles of tattooing that will assure you get what you want. I have travelled all the way from Norway (twice!!) to get tattooed there a few days in a row, and I couldn't be more happy with the outcome. I have always wanted a nordic inspired tattoo with ravens and geometry all woven together. I initially found their page on Instagram and saw a style I liked from one of the artists, I proceeded to send a bookingrequest by mail. I received an answer back shortly and it got rolling pretty fast from there. Great experiences, awesome artwork, epic tattoos! Thanks guys! read more

I've waited a long time to find my tattoo inspiration, and I found it at Meatshop Tattoo in Barcelona. The shop is located on one of the most beautiful streets in the Gothic Quarter. The team of international artists working at Meatshop Tattoo is beyond compare. They specialize in Blackwork, Dotwork, and Nordic designs, amongst others. Very high quality designs. The overall vibe of the place is fun and creative. Extreme attention is paid towards cleanliness and they provided me with great information leading up to my sessions there, as well as after care info and products. The work I received speaks for itself. I'm thrilled with the results! I'm planning a trip to go back for more next June. Can't wait! read more

I started my journey with Peter and Meatshop Tattoo back in 2012, when he was located in Copenhagen, Denmark. I had been searching for an artist to do a Nordic Godmask on my shin, and initially nothing more than that. But I fell completely in love with Peters incredible skillset, the art of dotwork, Nordic tattoos and the whole vibe of Meatshop itself. So now, 6 years later, I have my entire right leg, and my back filled with art. With no plans of stopping there. Now he, his beautiful family and Meatshop Tattoo are located in the old Gothic Quater of Barcelona. Here Peter and his team have handpicked amazing artists, situated in surrounds with an even better vibe than Copenhagen had! read more

This tattoo shop and people working there are pretty much world-class artists. I was looking for someone whom I'll have some kind of contact apart from purely client-master relationship, and I'm very delighted that I reached out to Peter. Not only a great person, he runs awesome tattoo business here. Premises are clean, people working there are nice and professional (hey Vitali!). Prices are adequate to their world class services and I guarantee you that, if you want to get a tattoo - and you'll get one here, you will not regret it till the end of your life, and moreover, you'll have good time and get some friends as well. Looking for next session with maestro Peter! :) read more

This place was recommended to me by a friend and I'm so glad I took their advice!! I was seen by Julian within 5mins, he was lovely and truly cared about the design (... It didn't feel like just another tattoo if you know what I mean). We talked through the design and placement and I took his advice on some tweaks that needed to be made (and I'm so glad I did!). I was asked to come back in an hour whilst he drew up the design and then I was straight into the studio! The shop itself is beautiful (and clean) with a relaxed vibe. I've been into other studios and felt a very inky typical vibe but this place had the experience spot on! Thank you meatshop! read more

I have the great privilege of being tattooed by Peter Madsen. I found his work some 4-5 years ago through a documentary on youtube and knew this was the artist I needed for my first sleeve. It is currently unfinished (next session in July 2019!) so I don't want to post a picture of an unfinished piece, but I will once it's done. He has been the best artist I have ever worked with. Incredibly responsive to even my most inane questions, flexible, patient, considerate, and a mad genius in his work. If you want the best there is, look no further. I could not be more happy with the sleeve and I cannot wait for our next session to complete it!! read more

I have rarely felt so at home and welcome in any other shop. It's stylish, it's clean and the people are the best! Both my tattoos were done by Peter, however, everyone's aim at the shop is for you to have the best experience and get the greatest tattoo you can imagine. Even if you're not from Barcelona, combining tattooing with a bit of sightseeing is perfect. The shop is right in the middle of Barri Gothic and as such surrounded by hotels, hostels and great restaurants. And if you have any questions after your return home, Meatshop Tattoo will be there for you reliably via mail. What are you waiting for? read more

Was visiting Barcelona for a few days and a friend of mine and I decided to get a tattoo last minute. Meatshop was super understanding and was fortunately able to fit us in. We showed the artists our ideas and they took the time to perfect the sketches. The artist who did my tattoo was Hector Carazo. This was my first tattoo and was on the ribs which is a quite painful location to place a tattoo. He was quick and talked me through the process as he was placing the tattoo, letting me take breaks as needed. Overall my friend and I are both very happy with the service, professionalism, and final products! read more

I currently have a tattoo in progress with Peter Madsen himself and I couldn't be more happy and satisfied with the work so far. In my opinion there isn't a better tattoo artist working the Nordic/Viking style with a neat dot work and an obvious passion, when he's working on your skin you can see the mastery that he posses! His tattoo shop is also full of other great artists at several other styles, so you can pull the best tattoo that matches your taste. I can't wait to continue my tattoo read more