absolutely incredible experience here with my artist juan!
was a little anxious about getting tattooed in a completely different city across the country from where i live (the bay), but this apprehensiveness swiftly dissipated as i noticed how attentive, prompt, and communicative their shop is. although the rates were pretty different from the pieces i get back home, they're well worth it. the craftsmanship of these artists is unbeatable.
was working out of NYC for a couple weeks and wanted to get a tattoo as a memento of my experience here, especially knowing the artists in this city are TOP-NOTCH at what they do.
after scanning yelp profiles i was convinced that blindreason had a variety of artists that would suit my vision.
all their recent work is published on their shop instagram, and they showcase all their artists very well in their story highlights. after scanning through portfolios, i was super drawn to juan!
there is a small gripe here, but they actually do not allow walk-ins (i remember reading somewhere they they were offering, but after talking on the phone with the receptionist i learned that they don't. so call ahead! they're also very heavily drawn to cash payments only, so beware...although they do take venmo.
one thing that i particularly enjoyed was that if you are visiting from out of town, you can specifically mention that and they'll go out of their way to fit you in so you can get a piece before you leave! i thought this was so helpful, and awesome, as i was pressed on time and was working as well, and needed to plan in advance when i'd take the day off.
i communicated my vision to juan, who learned about what i was looking for through the receptionist. after putting down an idea and a deposit, i came in for my appointment!
i thought his bedside manner as a tattooer was wonderful. i've had multiple bad experiences with male tattoo artists and have been made to feel uncomfortable around them, but juan was sooo chill, understanding, tender, and warm. i was able to have real conversations with him about serious stuff, and also joke around about goofy shit too. realest experience with an artist i've had. this made the experience super memorable and this kind of energy will keep me as a loyal client coming back again and again whenever i'm back in the city.
although i requested a piece that's not generally his style, element, or specialty--juan absolutely KILLED my piece. i requested a cat with a hanya mask in japanese influenced style, and have very rarely ever trusted artists to just draw my ideas and go with what they come up with, but when i saw his design i was overjoyed and super stoked. i'm glad i trusted him after finding his portfolio.
everyone who walked past his tattoo session with me remarked how cute and well executed it was. i'm overjoyed whenever i look at it.
excitedly so, after having such a spectacular first experience, i wanted to get another piece in the same session. juan was super down to do it or let me leave for the day (i was yawning and nodding off during the first piece), and i'm glad i took up the idea and got a crane from his flash tattooed also.
juan was an absolute pleasure to get tattooed by. i complimented him many times on his ability to be so diverse in skill, to the point where we agreed the next time i come to town, he'll tattoo swallows on my chest in realism and touch up my pieces if necessary.
i already know i'll be getting a bunch of other pieces from him as the years go by. i've found an artist that i trust that i can see regularly now. albeit, he's across the country--but nothing some cc points can't solve!
seamless experience at a great studio, with the most amicable and highly skilled artist, the bay would be lucky if an artist like juan were to move or guest tattoo there. read more