Electric Zombie Tattoo and the Pulse of The Omaha Area Tattoo Community

If you’ve been paying attention to the tattoo scene in Omaha and Bellevue, you’ve probably noticed something shifting. Not in a flashy, trend-chasing way, but in a deeper, more meaningful sense. The community is growing, maturing, holding itself to higher standards, and at the same time finding new ways to support one another. As a local thriving shop, Electric Zombie Tattoo Studio is proud to be part of that momentum.

Tattooing here has always been about more than ink & art, although those parts are deeply loved and respected.. It’s about trust, accountability, creativity, and community. And lately, Sarpy & Douglas County's tattoo culture has been showing just how strong those roots really are.

The Return of a Staple: Omaha Tattoo Arts Festival

One of the biggest pieces of news for artists and collectors alike is the return of the Omaha Tattoo Arts Festival, scheduled for March 27–29, 2026 at the CHI Health Center (directions). Anyone who’s been around long enough knows this event is a major convention. It’s a gathering point for hundreds of artists, full of talent & comradery; live tattooing, seminars, and a reminder of how wide and vast the Midwest tattoo scene really is.

Events like this help keep the culture sharp. They give newer artists inspiration and something to work toward, seasoned artists a place to reconnect to their craft, and clients a chance to see just how much skill and professionalism exists right here in Nebraska. We love seeing Omaha back on the national tattoo radar, and we’re always rooting for events that raise the bar for everyone involved.

Accountability Matters (Yes, Even When It’s Uncomfortable)

Late last year, local headlines highlighted a situation involving consumer complaints at a Bellevue shop tied to an artist with previous licensing issues. No shop or artist loves seeing stories like this hit the news, but there’s an important takeaway here that benefits clients and artists alike.

Tattooing is a regulated profession for a reason. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services maintains a public license lookup tool, and the Better Business Bureau continues to encourage people to do their homework before sitting in anyone’s chair. That’s not fear-mongering, that’s empowerment.

If we’re being honest, moments like this quietly reinforce why reputable shops care so deeply about cleanliness, documentation, continuing education, and transparency. No need to dwell on lawsuits or drama (this isn’t reality TV), but it’s fair to say the industry has moved far beyond the “anyone with a machine” days. And that’s a good thing for everyone.

Tattoos with Purpose: Giving Back Through Ink

One of the things we love most about the Omaha and Bellevue tattoo community is how often artists step up for causes that matter.

In September 2024, Electric Ink Society hosted a flash tattoo event centered around suicide awareness, offering semicolon tattoos and donating proceeds to the American Foundation for Suicide Awareness, Nebraska Chapter. It was a powerful reminder that tattoos can be symbols of survival, hope, and shared understanding.

This isn’t new behavior either. Omaha shops have a long history of fundraising through tattooing, including past events like the “Lucky Few” fundraiser celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month. These aren’t marketing stunts. They’re artists using their craft to support real people in their community.

That spirit is something we deeply respect and aim to continue at Electric Zombie Tattoo.

Raising Standards, Protecting People

Tattooing today looks nothing like it did decades ago, and that’s intentional. A standout example of progress was a collaboration between local artists and the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where tattoo artists were educated on how to recognize signs of human trafficking, including coercive or “branding” tattoos.

That kind of partnership matters. It shows that tattoo artists aren’t operating on the fringes anymore. We’re professionals, advocates, and in some cases, the first safe point of contact someone may have. Omaha’s artists continue to prove that taking responsibility seriously doesn’t kill creativity. It strengthens it.

Growth, New Shops, and Shared Space

Omaha and Bellevue are also seeing new studios open their doors, including community-focused spaces like Razor Wire Productions, which blend tattooing with art, events, and collaboration. At the same time, established shops like Villains Tattoo & Piercing and us over here at Electric Zombie Tattoo Studio continue to evolve, expand, and refine what we offer our clients.

Growth doesn’t mean competition has to get ugly. In fact, when shops respect one another and push quality forward together, the entire community benefits. More education. Better art. Safer practices. Stronger client trust.

What’s Happening at Electric Zombie Tattoo

As we move into the new year, we’re leaning into that same sense of renewal and intention. This month at Electric Zombie Tattoo, we’re hosting a shop theme revolved around “New Year, New Start.” It’s about fresh ideas, clean slates, and honoring personal growth, whether that comes through meaningful tattoos, creative projects, or simply showing up for yourself.

We’ll be rolling out some special 'surprises' tied to the theme, so keep an eye on our Facebook & Instagram, and in-shop announcements. Trust us, you’ll want to stay tuned!

Proud to Be Local

Omaha and Bellevue’s tattoo scene isn’t perfect, and it doesn’t need to be. What matters is that it’s honest, evolving, and grounded in real relationships between artists, clients, and the community. Electric Zombie Tattoo is proud to stand alongside the many talented shops and artists who make this area what it is.

If you’re considering your next tattoo, do your research, ask questions, and choose a shop that values your safety as much as your vision. We’re grateful to be part of a city where tattooing continues to mean something, and we’re excited to see where the next chapter takes us all. TATTOO INQUIRY FORM.