I had been planning on getting a cover up job for an old tattoo on my back for years-- and in the end decided to take the plunge-- with a little apprehension about how it would be. So-- I thought I'd tell you how it was-- in case you too are teetering on the edge of indecision and needed just a little push to compel you to take the plunge too.
I worked with Mike Bradley-- and he was fantastic. I gave him two images that I liked, then he came up with an original work from those ideas-- and he is an artist-- with an artist's eye for detail and precision-- and in the end, the work was spectacular.
In the end, the piece took about five hours. Needless to say, getting a larger tattoo means pain-- and I think I'd gone in underestimating just how important it is that the artist doing the work is personable and patient and thoughtful. Mike was all of these-- which took the edge off of the pain and made the time fly.
So! If you're looking for quality and skill, I highly recommend Mike at 717 in Columbia. The place offers piercing and tattooing services, and jewelry as well. It's clean, and the staff is helpful and accommodating, and it's not too far off Route 30, and has cheap, metered street parking.
And you know how it is: tattoos are a little like them Lay's potato chips-- it's really hard to stop at just one. When I went in I had no intention of getting more-- but now I'm reconsidering; I had such a positive experience, and I don't know that I can articulate just how much I love the piece that I will carry on my back for the rest of my days-- and I want more. So, if you were looking to support a locally owned business, and support our local artists, you should definitely check out 717. read more