Tattoo Shop in Mount Vernon, Iowa

Custom design & walk-in service — serving Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Corridor

REFINED INSANITY · Est. 2023

CLEAN

Bold American traditional gorilla tattoo by Crispy Tattoo, Mount Vernon Iowa

TIMELESS

Colorful American traditional butterfly skull tattoo, Crispy Tattoo Mount Vernon Iowa

BOLD

American traditional pilot lady head tattoo by Crispy Tattoo, Mount Vernon Iowa

Looking for a tattoo artist near Cedar Rapids or Iowa City? You're close.

tattoos that hold up

I LOVE the American Traditional approach to tattooing and I love bold custom work — HOWEVER my only goal is to GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT and design tattoos that stand the test of time.

I provide expertise in many different styles and would love to know more about your tattoo ideas! Check out my PORTFOLIOand holler at me!

Crispy Tattoo is my own shop in Mount Vernon, Iowa — built from the ground up for clients from across the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City area who want custom tattoos or fun walk-in tattoos.

If you’re feeling frisky come to the shop and pick from 100’s of tattoo designs right off the wall. Just like the olden days!

No shortcuts. Just solid work meant to look good today and 20 years from now.

Booking Process

  1. Submit a tattoo request form

  2. I review submissions and respond within 24 hours

  3. A deposit secures your appointment

  4. We build something together

Chris Bostwick actively tattooing in Mount Vernon, Iowa

All tattoos are custom drawn.

Deposits go toward the final cost of the tattoo.

Why you should consider an American Traditional Tattoo

Choosing an American Traditional tattoo—often called "Old School"—is an investment in a piece of living history that transcends fleeting trends. Defined by bold black outlines, a restricted palette of primary colors, and iconic imagery like eagles, anchors, and roses, this style is engineered for maximum longevity. Because the designs prioritize high contrast and "breathable" skin space, they age more gracefully than almost any other genre, remaining legible and vibrant decades after the needle leaves the skin.  

Beyond the technical durability, there is a soulful, nostalgic grit to these tattoos. They carry a legacy of sailors, rebels, and folk artists, offering a sense of permanence in an ever-changing world. Each symbol tells a clear, punchy story that reads across a room. Whether you are starting a full sleeve or looking for a standalone statement piece, American Traditional provides a timeless aesthetic that honors the past while looking undeniably sharp in the present.

Whether you're local to Mount Vernon or making the short drive from Cedar Rapids or Iowa City, the experience you get at Crispy Tattoo is always worth the trip.

Ready to Start Something Solid?

If you’re looking for something unique, intentional, and built to last click the button below

  • Licensed and operating in Mount Vernon, Iowa.

  • Focused shop environment.

  • Clear pricing and deposit guide HERE.

  • Respectful, no ego atmosphere.