111 Arts Gallery & Tattoo Studio

I agree with everything Albertro said. When I can't make it to North Carolina to go to Ace (which is pretty much all the time), I head over to Muncie to visit Shannon at Ground Zero. This is a clean, friendly shop with two very talented artists. I recently had Shannon design a tribute tattoo to my dad... I emailed him with a short paragraph about what I was thinking, along with some photos of tractors (Dad's into farming and restoring antique farm equipment) and he ended up drawing something so gorgeous that I seriously almost cried. It went way above and beyond my expectations and I LOVE it. He also has great ideas if you're not sure what you want... he's very cool and easy to talk to. While I haven't had any work done by Nate, he is equally as talented and laid-back. The crazy art on the walls and around the shop isn't for everyone, but it's interesting and different than what you see at other shops... even the flash is cool, and you'll almost never hear me say that!

I don't judge tattoo shops/artists based on their prices, but I think 111 is very reasonable, especially considering the quality of work.

Definitely call and make an appointment... they get a lot of walk-ins. And they only take cash, so make a run by the Chase ATM a couple blocks down before you go in.

Tattoo shops in Muncie come and go.  Either your favorite artist moves to Portland or Brooklyn or the parlor gets taken over by Nazis.  I guess it's the nature of the beast.  

For the moment, 111 is my favorite shop in town, and I've sampled most.  These guys are no prison scratchers.  Nate Harmon and Shannon Hull (both formerly of Ground Zero) are artists, first and foremost.  They're creative and imaginative fellows, and not merely kanji tramp-stamp hacks.  

Apart from the tattooing, the shop serves as a legit gallery and is a highlight on the Arts Walk.  The decor itself is cool as shit, with tattoo flash wallpaper, eclectic tiling, creepy toys, stained glass, and a generally bizarre style.  

The shop is bright, clean, and utterly professional.  The guys themselves are funny, accommodating, and do excellent work.  I'll recommend 111 to anyone.