So while at the 2017 Chicago Villain Arts Tattoo Convention I walked around and browsed through…read moreartists. I normally go home, search their artwork through Instagram and if I like their work add them. Fast forward 2018. I was at the convention getting tattooed and picked up a very talented artists card..Emilio Saylor. I knew I'd never be able to afford this artists work. Fast forward to the summer...I decided to invest in a tattoo. I drove an hour and a half to chat with Emilio for a few minutes and give a deposit. Few months later I was all ready to get tatted. I had told him that I wanted my kneecap tattoo since no one seems to want to do it, he was up for the challenge and like the dark matter of the tattoo. Unfortunately, my knee isn't a good shape for the subject matter. I was bummed. He put the stencil on my knee to show what it would look like and he was correct..it looked bad. So he suggested the shin. I decided to go with it, not knowing how I felt about it but how I wanted an Emilio Saylor tattoo. Emilio works fast. And he is a PERFECTIONIST. I felt so comfortable. The music really relaxed me and the shop is spotless. Kerri the owner was a doll through getting me setup with my consultation and everything. When I was done I was FLOORED by how amazing the tattoo turned out! He charged me less than I thought it would be. He seemed to love it as well! He loves creating darker tattoos. It's awesome when you LOVE your tattoo and your artists actually enjoyed doing it. It is my FAVORITE tattoo and my friends and coworkers kept asking to see it. A few months ago I saw a piece on Instagram he wanted to rehome. I decided I wanted him to do another shin piece so both my shins would be done by him before I moved out of the Midwest. I emailed Kerri. Literally two or three short emails, sent her a deposit, and then walked in blindly yesterday to see my tattoo for the first time. BLOWN AWAY by the drawing! Emilio is on another level! He placed it perfectly on my other shin and now I can say I have some sexy ass shin tattoos all because of Emilio Saylor. He needs more recognition, his talented is out of this world. Seriously, I love the shop. I don't mind the drive for a kickass, top notch tattoo by an award winning artist. I can't thank Emilio Saylor and Ink or Swim Tattoo enough for the amazing work!!

If I could rate this place with more stars I absolutely would. We went in here to get 7 people…read moretattooed in one day with Emilio. Not only was the organization leading up to the appointment incredible, but Kerri answered everyone's questions and concerns (and there were a LOT). Once getting there, Emilio was incredibly patient and professional throughout the entire visit. We were there for 7 and a half hours and he walked each individual person through their tattoo and what would work best for them. At no point did I feel rushed or like anyone wasn't getting all of their questions or concerns answered. He was as enthusiastic and wonderful with the first person as he was with the last. We had a few first timers and he took such good care of each of them and was incredibly accommodating. Again, I can't speak highly enough about this experience. My family isn't the easiest or quietest group of people and he handled us in stride. This tattoo shop and the experience we had here made an already meaningful tattoo even more special.

it really seems like they pick and choose, which tattoos they work hard on and which ones they kind…read moreof rushed through. The music in there was so loud I could hardly hear myself think. Although they were very nice, the artist was extremely heavy-handed rushed through it and ended up going so deep into my skin that it's scarred. I will not be returning here. I will literally go anywhere else.

I've been getting tattooed at Umbrella for a decade now. Kevin, the owner and operator, is peerless…read morein his ability. Every apprentice I've seen him take on has become an excellent tattooer in their own right, and Kevin only hosts other artists of great skill. If you're looking to get a tattoo in or around Valparaiso, they might as well be the only shop in town. Never once have I been disappointed in the finished product, which is saying something because I've come to Kevin with some pretty dumb ideas that he's turned into excellent art. I've tattoos that have been on my skin 10 years without fading a bit; as bold and bright as the day they were put there. I'm partial to American Traditional style tattoos, and have an arm sleeve with work primarily done by Kevin. Strong lines, bold color, lasting style. My finished right arm sleeve is full color American traditional, and am now working on my left sleeve of all black and gray. I could go on and on about this shop and the artists, but I'll leave it with this: good people doing great work. Get tattooed.

Christina and the entire staff are very welcoming, fun and most importantly, willing to LISTEN…read more I've been to other artists and, while I respect their Art, Christina was the only one who asked me what I wanted, rather than telling me what she could do for me. In the end, it allowed me to trust Christina to work her magic. She was able to interpret my desires, design a piece that speaks to me on such a deep level and then placed her art on my body. I have another appointment to finish my piece, and honestly can't wait! From the moment you step in with an idea, through the initial free consultation, and finally from concept to reality, the entire staff works to set you at ease, meets you at your level and, again, LISTENS. Sure, look around, bit in the end you will end up back at A.S.G Ink!

Incredible Artist & Experience!…read more I cannot recommend Hope enough! From the moment I walked in, she made me feel comfortable and confident about my design. Their attention to detail, precision, and artistic skill are unmatched. My tattoos always come out even better than I imagined--clean lines, vibrant colors, and perfect shading every single time. The entire process was professional yet super chill. Hope took the time to make sure I was happy with the placement and walked me through aftercare to keep it looking fresh. If you're looking for a talented, passionate, and friendly tattoo artist, this is the one!

loved perri- she was kind- efficient and I am ready to bring my daughter and get a few more…read morepiercings!

Since the owner likes to delete all the honest bad reviews on other websites, I'll leave it here…read moretoo. If I could rate this place a zero star I would. These people are scammers, if they see you don't have any tattoos they quadruple charge you because they know you're uneducated about everything. Unfortunately they took advantage of me and charged me nearly a grand for a 200/300 piece when I didn't know better. They also make you sign an insane contract. And milk you of all your money with any charge they can think of. Of course read it. But unfortunately if you're younger or haven't been tattooed you don't know this isn't normal and that they are preying on you. (My case). The deposit of course which was over $200 for a small patch tattoo. One minute late? Charged. Though my artist was nearly a half hour late. (They don't follow their own contract but I guess it's fine. Also they don't let you in until they are ready so get ready to freeze or melt on the little wooden bench as you're forced to wait outside.) Change in the template when you don't get to see it at all beforehand anyways? Charged. Reschedule? Charged. lol. Unfortunately if you are new to tattoos/getting tattoos they take full advantage. On top of that my artist specifically, Mal, completely changed the lettering and the design of my tattoo. And for my tattoo, the piece was designed specific to be a replica of something, an item, not a different tattoo or artwork. I got there and he said this is the tattoo.. I said, why did you change it? He said, well this is easier for me to do. So essentially, he changed it without asking because he was lazy and refused to change it back. At that point I had put so much money in. I didn't wanna lose any more because I would've been charged for changing or canceling. The tattoo is basic at best. I also had to go to a different artist to get the lettering redone because Bro didn't even go deep enough for it to stick. I was much too uncomfortable to go back. I also didn't want to be charged a fee for their mistake which I'm sure I would've been. The tattoo, totally lop-sided and misaligned. You would think a beginner did it or that it was freehanded. Thankfully, I found a different place in the city over. I got a tattoo three times the size with crispy lines and it's actually what I wanted for about half the price. Would never recommend this place ever. All they care about is money!

Jordan at Bluebird I highly recommend! My husband, myself, my son and a couple friends have all…read moregotten tattoos from him, and not one of us were dissatisfied. Very friendly staff, clean shop and reasonable prices.

If you have not been to Bluebird Tattoo, you are missing out. I always feel incredibly welcomed and…read moresafe there, and I ALWAYS have a great time. I've been going to rainstormtats for a hot minute now and she does great work! The shop is clean and full of art. I count down the days until my next appointment.

Adam Is the BOMBDIGITY !!! He is absolutely talented!!! So…read moreglad I accidentally found this shop !! I will not go anywhere else but here for my art !

My first tattoo (which is smack in the middle of my chest): epic fail. Was not symmetrical at all:(…read moreeven though he used a template? Josh said that once he places the template it's "very" hard for him to clean it off so "I have to be sure"...1. That's not my problem and false. It is easy to clean off a template. 2. As a tattoo is permanent, customers should feel comfortable to speak up if they don't like placement. That was a rushy/pushy thing to say especially to a nervous first timer. (Although I like my placement, my concern is service/skill but wanted to point this out for others) I was told to email if any concerns. I emailed with concern a couple months later and no reply. Not cool. His vibe was good though.

First visit driving in from Chicago for my son's first tattoo. Great shop with a very chill vibe…read more AG was great in helping with placement and his work speaks for itself. Was an easy tattoo for him but still was very precise in his work. Highly recommend. Other employees were there as well and all were very friendly.

I love this place. A.G., the owner, is the nicest and smoothest guy I've met and his creativity…read moregoes a long way. Bring him an idea and he'll flesh it out for you. He's not happy until you're happy! Rage Ink is full of wonderful people and it's a great place to relax before and after getting work done. Prices are excellent and work is as well. He's done 3 pieces for me and I love them all. No doubt I'll be getting more work done in the near future.

Getting my first tattoo at 50 was daunting. However, Alan was so professional and calm, so the…read moreexperience was fantastic. The studio was clean, well organized, and super friendly. He made suggestions and worked with me on my design. I would recommend Ancient Ink to anyone getting tattooed for the first time.

Absolutely love my new tattoo from Dave - I wanted to try to combine two separate tattoo ideas I've…read morehad into one and he knocked it out of the park! I highly recommend letting him draw something up for you and see where his vision takes you. He added details that I wouldn't have even thought of and it really pulled everything together. I couldn't have asked for a better experience, more detailed/beautiful art & Dave is such a sweet guy too. Support your local artists and see what he can offer you.