A tattoo is something that is going to be on your body, FOREVER; so it's really important to do extensive research about the tattoo shop and the tattoo artist before you commit to letting someone draw on your body permanently. That being said, I came across "Crooked Heart" and Vlad (in particular) on Instagram and was instantly drawn to his work. From his Instagram alone, I was able to see his great attention to detail, his precise shading work and his extremely clean and well thought out lines. I'm somewhat of a seasoned Vet when it comes to being a tattoo canvas (two sleeves, large thigh piece and a bunch of other tattoos scattered throughout my body), so I knew what I wanted, very specifically, and decided to reach out to Vlad to see if he thought he would be able to accomplish my goals. He was very easy to reach, and he responded to my request on IG within minutes! I explained that I wanted a neck piece, and at first he was hesitant- which I really respected. He made sure that I knew the commitment and permanence of having a tattoo on an area that I could not cover, and made sure it was 100% the best thing for me. Once I made him aware of my other tattoos, he booked me for my first session. When I arrived at the shop, the interior was more than I could have imagined. The walls were decorated with beautifully framed photographs as well as some amazing antiques (that were fun to talk to Vlad about during the tattoo process). His equipment was clean, the needles were new and just the shop alone was worth a 10/10. Vlad has an extremely soft hand (I didn't scar one single bit), and he really took his time to make sure everything was perfect. He also likes to take breaks, which really helped me stay hydrated and enabled me to have a protein packed snack, as well as some sugary candies throughout, just to keep my glucose up. I waited until my ink was fully healed, before I wrote a review of the shop, just so I could give the best possible feedback for Vlad's work (and not just a review of the shop). My neck piece healed PERFECTLY! Even in the summer time, when tattoos are a little harder to protect from the sun (but not impossible). My lines are straight and look wonderful! The pigment isn't patchy and after a couple of months now it hasn't faded at all. Vlad was able to achieve all the goals I set out for him as an artist and gave me amazing follow up care and instructions. I liked my experience so much that I went back, not just once- but 4 times now! Vlad has inked my neck (on both sides), and is working on my stomach piece (that we broke up into sessions). Part of my stomach piece includes a tattoo cover up as well as tattooing over a tummy tuck scar that runs across my stomach, from either side of my hips. So far, everything has healed amazingly, and I will continue to return to Crooked Heart Tattoo for all of my future tattooing needs! Vlad is GREAT, and extremely professional! 11/10; WOULD recommend! Also, there is a girl tattoo artist (Trinity) who works in the shop too; just in case anyone would feel more comfortable with a female (tattooing an intimate area maybe?), and although she hasn't tattooed me, she does amazing work and is super chill as well! All in all- great vibes, top tier professionalism, wonderful results that surpassed my expectations and I'd recommend the shop to anyone who's looking for new ink in NYC! read more

A few weeks ago whilst shopping at L train vintage, I noticed a sign for 50 dollar flash tattoo's. Being that I moved to Brooklyn & all my artists from Long Island & Queens have moved away. I was looking for a new permanent artist! I contacted the shop and scheduled an appointment for the following week for a flash tattoo & possible consultation for a future tattoo. Now I usually get major anxiety going into a tattoo shop but upon my arrival I was welcomed by the tattoo artist who was going to be working on me, Adrienne. She was extremely friendly and walked me into the shop and I instantly felt as if I was going here for years! We chatted, we laughed & she did an incredible job on my piece and I left with a smile ear to ear and planned a following appointment for another tattoo. Today I brought my mother in because she wanted to get a tattoo commemoration my grandpa who passed away last year, and unlike my tattoo my mother got color work done. Once again Adrienne did an impeccable job. We also this time got to meet the shop owner who also was super friendly & made us feel at home. The shop is clean, sterile and they are extremely strict and are up to CDC guidelines and inforce mask wearing at ALL times. I never leave reviews and would never write something this long if I didn't feel so passionate about something. If you haven't been to this shop I HIGHLY recommend it & I am heavily tattooed and have worked with a handful of artists / shops. I seriously have nothing negative to say. can't wait for my next appointment!!! read more

I cannot speak highly enough of my experience at Crooked Heart! Adrienne has done five of my tattoos now, and I have always left so impressed with her work and have recieved numerous compliments on her line work and designs. Adrienne has always been so flexible with my design ideas, and so enthusiastic about making sure that we both love the art before the tattooing occurs. Both Vlad and Adrienne are so professional, and have created such a positive safe space within the shop, and are so lovely to speak to and connect with. The shop has really clear instructions about how to schedule appointments and their expectations for timeliness and cancellations, and they always do their best to accomodate walk ins while balancing appointments, which I really respect as that is difficult! I have to shout out their flash sheets too, they are so so neat and cute! I cannot reccomend this place enough, and send all of my friends here. read more

I love crooked heart! Adrienne gave me my first tattoo (during covid) and it was a perfect experience- she and vlad made sure I was comfortable, safe, and gave me extremely thoughtful advice about location, placement, and aftercare. The pieces I've gotten healed wonderfully- I always walk out feeling very happy, and I receive many compliments once they're unveiled. They're very friendly and responsive through Instagram messages- quick, polite and efficient. Unbeatable prices for good quality tattoos and gorgeous flashes, especially traditional style! As a plus, decor is super cool and interesting to look at while getting tatted, and Adrienne and Vlad are super cool, down to earth, extremely passionate and professional. Super close to the L train and other cool places to shop and get a drink when you're done getting inked. I've already been back, and I can't wait to get another beautiful piece! read more

Been working with Vlad for a bit. I'm not much of a yelper, but I was almost in literal tears when we started on a cover-up the other day - I have two very weirdly placed flash tattoos that I am trying to cover up with a dagger. Vlad not only doesn't hesitate to help with cover-ups like many artists do, he DELIVERS. He and the other artists, also in contrast with many tattoo shops I've been to, are super friendly and down to earth. Crooked Heart is officially one of two of my go-to's now. Thank you guys for your empathy and for helping restore my self confidence - I finally don't have to feel like covering up my right forearm all the time anymore - and for being all around totally rad. read more

every time i go to crooked heart i have a great time. both vlad and adrienne have tattooed me quite a few times and all of my tattoos are perfect!! they are so friendly, welcoming and talented. for custom pieces, vlad really workshops your ideas with you until its exactly how you want it to be. not to mention their rates are the best rates for the quality of work ive seen in all of nyc!! i recommend crooked heart to all of my friends looking for tattoo artists and every single one who has been have had a great experience and return or plan to return! check this place out. you absolutely wont regret it read more

Ive gotten tattooed here 3 times already and Vlad is the sweetest! He always explains to me what he's doing and why he's doing it (ex: going over a line for the second time because my complexion needs to grasp the color / using a specific needle because my skin is slightly sensitive). He also always reminds me that I can always come back for a touchup if I need it. I haven't gotten a tattoo from the other artist but anytime she's there while Vlads tattooing me shes also super sweet and playing good music. Overall a great vibe here with great people! read more

Crooked Heart is THE DOPEST tattoo shop in Bushwick. Really in all of Brooklyn. The vibes are always immaculate. The artists, especially Vlad who runs the shop, are so down-to-earth and not pretentious whatsoever. They make you feel really comfortable. I got the coolest little sunflower on my hip that was exactly what I wanted. I love it so much and get happy every time I look at it! Can't wait to go back for another piece. Go here. Super chill, super fun, super professional, amazing prices and beautiful work! read more

I've been tattooed here twice and it is by far my favorite place to go! Friendly, chill atmosphere, knowledgeable artists (Adrienne has been my artist both times and I couldn't be happier--but I've also watched Vlad work and have been so impressed with his pieces)! I've been recommending this shop to everyone I know! I would also definitely recommend this shop to anyone getting their first tattoo! They know their stuff and you won't be disappointed!! read more

amazing prices (probably best in NYC honestly) and both Vlad and Trinity are always happy to work with you on making sure your design looks how you want! they also have BEAUTIFUL flash options and are so cool about letting you customize them slightly, which no other tattoo shop allows for flashes. good vibes, kind people! i already have three tattoos from here and am planning on getting many more read more

I am always hesitant to try new tattoo shops. With that being said, first off is this shop is so welcoming! I participated in their $50 flash tattoo which was a huge selection of something for everyone. The artists there have each time, answered every single question I had, and also the shop itself is so uniquely beautiful. read more

I randomly found Crooked Heart while I was in brooklyn thrifting and Adrienne was outside and asked me if I wanted a tattoo so I just went with it. I got a tattoo of my constellation and I absolutely love it and it healed amazing. The shop was very clean and the artists were professional and so friendly. I recommend! read more

Met Adrienne and got my tattoo done by her.me She reassured me questions are more than welcomed and to speak up if there are any concerns or in general. Accommodated to all my adjustments pleasantly and overall the place was friendly and professional. Definitely recommend and coming back soon for more ^..^ read more

I had a fantastic tattoo experience here on Friday the 13th. They had amazing deals and were so friendly and accommodating. Both artists were very skilled and knew what they were doing, plus great company! Sad boy Vlad did an amazing sad girl portrait for me and I'll definitely stop by again. read more

Grace is so talented and lovely, and her line work and attention to detail is beautiful. I love my tattoo, and it's healing wonderfully. She's also really flexible in design and I think has good intuition for what would look aesthetically pleasing. I'll definitely be seeing her again! read more

This is the best American traditional tattoo parlor in Brooklyn. All of the artists are incredibly talented, know their art history, and will work with you to design your dream ink. If this is the style art you want, there's no other place in Brooklyn to go. read more

I got another fab flash tat from sad boy Vlad and I gotta say it's definitely already a favorite :) I love love love this parlor and encourage everyone to make an appointment and visit! Super great vibes, wonderful artists, and beautiful effing tattoos! read more

I got a flash tatt here with a friend, and it came out great. The artists are so friendly and easy to talk to. The studio is small, but of course you can't expect to bring a big group to your tattoo appointment. It was overall an enjoyable experience. read more

Amazing experience getting tattooed by Grace!!! She is a true artist-- her attention to detail is incredible and I cannot recommend her enough. Took the time to adjust size and placement to make it just right! Great vibes in the studio and very clean. read more