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Hi Chicagoist: I am temporarily living in downtown Chicago and wanted to get some tattoos retouched while I am here. I'm looking for somewhere clean and centrally located with talented, reasonable artists -- not the kind who hang around smoking out front until some drunk guy walks up wanting a Popeye tattoo. I'm not a kid anymore!
Is there any tattoo studio and/or artist that comes highly recommended?
Many thanks in advance!
Dear Mr. Dark,
We hope you're enjoying your time here in Chicago. Our own lack of tattoos aside (we think it has something to do with a fear of permanence), we are rather fascinated with them and the whole tattooing process, and think you'll have no problem finding a great place to get a touch-up while you're here.
The artist many of our friends have utilized (and we've even hung out a couple of times while they were getting work done) is Deluxe Tattoo (1459 W Irving Park, 773-549-1594). Everyone we've met there is very kind, extremely artistic, and not at all sketchy. They will also without a doubt not be too quick to jump at the chance to tattoo Popeye or the Tasmanian Devil. We can't say there's no smoking out front, but it's not at all creepy, we promise.
In particular at the shop, artist Hannah Aitchison does remarkable work (see the picture in this post for some evidence of her talent) and does it quickly, which can help save you some cash. She seems to have an extraordinary eye for color, which makes all the tattoos we've seen her do really stand out from the crowd. Hannah's talent even has her on the verge of appearing on a new TLC reality show ("L.A. Ink") with Kat Von D. Sadly though, because of that, she won't be back in Chicago until September. But we think you should give them a call anyway, as we really do like the shop.
If Deluxe Tattoo doesn't seem up your alley, there are plenty of other options. We have no first-hand experience, but have heard some really good things about these tattoo shops (in no particular order):
- Tomato Tattoo (1855 W. Chicago Ave., 312-226-6660)
- Tatu Tattoo (1754 W. North Ave., 773-772-8288)
- Insight Studios (1026 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-342-4444)
- Taylor Street Tattoo (1150 W. Taylor St., 312-455-8288)
- Chicago Tattooing Company (1017 W. Belmont Ave., 773-528-6969)
- Shred's Inferno (4304 W. 63rd St., 773-585-2653)
- Cherry Bomb Tattoo (1579 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-645-1703)
Honestly though? If we were you we'd take some of these recommendations and give the shop a call to talk to an artist, to make sure you click. That's a sure-fire way to have an enjoyable time while getting your tattoo. Well. As enjoyable a time as is possible when being poked over and over again with a needle.
Where'd you get inked? Do you have a great artist you'd recommend to our visitor that we (inevitably) missed? How about places to avoid?
Do you want to see the pictures? Need some advice? Email ask(at)chicagoist(dot)com.
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Jade Dragon???
Please, people, do not go to Jade Dragon. I have never been myself, but I've heard it's very factory-like, in and out with very little consideration for you as a person. Just what I heard.
I got one of my tattoos at Deluxe, and while the artists there are fantastic and the place seems clean enough, I didn't click with my artist very much. Also, I took his advice to not keep my tattoo lotioned up all the time (like I had done for my other work), because he said it was better to let it go ahead and scab up and fall off--it would heal faster that way. So after the initial bacitracin ointment, I let it dry out, and I was in some serious pain for many days (it was a very large tattoo.) It kind of soured me on the place.
Someone recommended Esther at Butterfat Studios. Her portfolio looks great, and I might go to her next.
just FYI:
Besides being a future reality tv star, Hannah may be the least accomplished of the Deluxe crew. Drop Tim Beidron's name at any shop in the U.S. and they'll know it. Same goes for Ben Wahhh, the shop's owner. It should be noted, then, that tattoos there need to be scheduled up to 3 months in advance.
Also, Cherry Bomb Tattoo isn't really a shop, but the private venture of Kim Saigh (who is renowned in her own right). It is appointment only. Make sure you call ahead and know what you want for this one.
Those are the best places to get custom tattoos in the city. The wait is long and the price is high ($150 an hour for some artists!) but you'll be happy to show it off when it's done. I've gotten some really bad tattoos (and most of the came from Chicago Tattoo.
I completely agree about Hannah! I'm eagerly awaiting her return so I have her do my half-sleeve. The girl has skills!
I've also heard great things about Tim B. at Deluxe.
Last year (I think) Time Out Chicago did a pretty good issue about what tattoo shops are best for what kind of work, etc. You can read it by Google-ing "time out chicago tattoo". (I tried linking here but it doesn't want to work.)
I recommend Tatu Tattoo. Su Houston there is great! I would avoid Chicago Tattooing Co. as I have known plenty of people unhappy with their work, and they will tattoo very obviously drunk people which no reputable place should do.
Brian Clutter and Insight Studio does really great work.
"Please, people, do not go to Jade Dragon. I have never been myself, but I've heard it's very factory-like, in and out with very little consideration for you as a person. Just what I heard."
Do get cush treatment from the cashier at Walgreens? Do you think that used carsalesman really gives a shit about your cat Tabby? Do you think that waiter goes home at night and thinks about how wonderful it was to serve you?
These are tattoo artists, not therapists. It's their job, as it is anyones, to get people in and out so they can make more money. They rent those chairs by the month, so whatever they make after they pay their rent is theirs. If you are expecting them to sit and talk to you for free, they'll send you to the Polish florist next door.
Sure it's pricy, but it's quality work. If I want consideration, I'll join the Red Hat Society.
MJK,
Your comparisons are completely off-base. Having someone ring up your pack of cigarettes is not the same thing as having someone permanently put a piece of artwork on you. When I say, have consideration for you as a person, I don't mean talking to you for hours about your love life; I'm talking about making sure your custom piece of work actually reflects your vision as well as the artist's. If all you want is flash, then that doesn't matter, but if you want a piece of custom work and you want it done well, you want an artist who is concerned with you as a person.
But if you are the kind of person who doesn't give a crap if what you get inked is what you actually had in mind, then by all means, go to a strictly business place and leave appointments with more holistic artists to those of us who do.
My personal recommendation would be Taylor Street Tattoo. It's very professional, yet at the same time friendly, and when you're finished you can get yourself a nice chunk [i dare not call them slices] of pizza at the Pompei bakery down the street. Parking in the area can be a bitch. though [mostly permit only]. When i got mine there they were really patient with the design process and explaining how to take care of it and they even told me if there were any problems [there weren't] that I could call them or drop by anytime. Really cool kids.
For top-knotch work, you can't beat Deluxe or Cherry Bomb.
p.s. Jade Dragon = garbage.
Tattoo Factory in Uptown.
If you have a car, China Doll in Hammond, IN seems really fantastic. I got a piercing there ($20 everything included for waist up ones on Friday, woo), and everything seemed really clean and professional. They were also extremely nice. Sorry I'm not more knowledgeable about that tattoo part, but their prices seemed really reasonable.
I was considering Deluxe for my next two pieces, but now Cherry Bomb is in the run...
I do have two small tattoos from Chicago Tattoo Factory. They are pretty good if you want something simple or just a touch up, but not for anything big or they have to do more than trace. decent prices though.
Jade Dragon is a horrible, horrible place. I have seen many good tattoo ideas go bad there, as well as a few misspellings. Their attitude and pricing are equally abominable. Don't even waste your time considering them.
Best tattoo shop is without doubt Deluxe on Irving Park. Great original work, and the artists are serious about what they do. Highly recommended.
Deluxe is amazing, and I agree with everything everyone has said.
Chicago tattoo, though... I've had a LOT of work done there, and have never had a problem. Mario Desa does really good work. Tim Biedron actually used to work there before he worked at Deluxe (did a piece on my ex while he did). I like the people who work there, they're really nice guys. I'd reccomend not going in on a weekend night, or after a Cubs game, the douchebag customer factor can get pretty high.
But if you go when they're not busy, they are more than happy to work with you on a custom piece, and do quality work.
Hands down Taylor Street Tattoos...Check'em out and ask for Lana. I got a smoking tattoo from her. But just like anything in life. Have a clue...as to what you're looking for. I walked in and exchanged ideas and bamm..she took care of me. Took a few hours but it looks sweet. I've been to Jade and they did a good job but if you want something done bad-ass go to Taylor Street Tattoos.
It’s interesting to see a surge in tattoo experts. TV viewing must be at an all time high. I especially like the comment by MB about Chicago Tattoo “I've gotten some really bad tattoos (and most of the came from Chicago Tattoo.” MB you must not be that bright or maybe you are one of the crazy drunk Cub’s fans that go in there. If I went to get tattooed and I was unhappy with the tattoo I probably wouldn’t go back for another at that shop, let alone multiple ones like you have.
Tattooing is a service based industry, whether or not you want to believe that or not and just like any other service business. Some customers need to be coddled and held and told that everything will be ok. Others need to be told that their idea no matter what the tattooer thinks of it, it is the best idea that the tattooer has ever heard of . Some people (god forbid) just want to walk in pick a design off the wall get it and leave. It takes all kinds.
So before everyone goes and bashes everyone else, and thinks that there tattooer is the best on earth and that they really connected with them and their idea, check out other shops. Your needs aren’t the same as your friends or all the “hip bloggers” out there. Remember tattooers aren’t magicians if you want to get a good tattoo have a good solid idea, something that they can work from. Good tattoos aren’t cheap, and if you’re a jag to the tattooers they are gonna be a jag to you.
Revolution Tattoo & Art Gallery.
It's just south of Western and Fullerton.
Great work, really friendly, great art space as well.
Outside the city there are some talented folks.
Bud Weeks at Inktown Tattoo in Lombard is great.
Sacred Art in Calumet City is worth a look.
Drew at Blue Bird Tattoo in Portage, IN is awesome.
Just outside of Chicago is a great shop, Dark Water Tattoos. They are very talented artists, as well as kind hearted people. I would highly recommend Jose, his work is stunning. You can check out his work on his website www.darkwatertattoos.com/index.html
Check out Electric Land Tattoo! Great work & nice people, Me & three of my friends got some custom work by Jesse vibrant colors & smooth black & gray and the shop has such a relaxed atmosphere not to mention immaculately clean!
electriclandtattoo.com