Michelle is wonderful. She takes her time and does the work in a professional manner. Nothing sloppy here. Appointment only. Highly recommended. read more

I went in this summer for my first tattoo with Michelle and it was the best experience ever... we sent a good time talking about exactly what I wanted and it felt like she was able to bring my exact vision to life. I went in for a complex line design and even though it was my first time, she walked me through everything and always made sure everything was perfect. The vibe before and during was so positive and I'm so happy I decided to have Michelle as my tattoo artist. read more

I had talked to Michelle about adding color to a already tattoo , I told her its not that old and the reds are fading already We set a time and I came back She recolored the entire tattoo and honestly was so much better then the first person I went to , Michelle has hi quality inks , Wish I had known her before I had my tat done ,I highly recommend Etched in Skin She knows her stuff read more

This tattoo parlor is a 5 star joint for the young and dumb or biker gang. When I look for tattoos, I now look for various things that never even crossed my mind when I was "young and dumb". 1. The tattoos artists must actually be artists outside of their tattoo profession and have something else to show. I like that tattoo artists have art shows. 2. The artists work with the clients to create/design up a tattoo that fits that particular client's needs/personality (after all, it is their job to be creative as an artist). 3. Reputation- I stay AWAY from the places that are over priced tourist traps. 4. I look for artists who can venture away from the traditional "out of the book" tattoo design and know how to give realistic looking tattoos. 5. The studio must be clean, and I like when the shop is uniquely decorated to the artists' style. 6. The ink must be good and the artists must be able to work on themselves, When it comes to Etched in Skin, I can say that I have only experienced 2 out of these 6 things. This shop looks like every other I've been to on the south side. Blah. Walking in, you do not see much creativity and can't really make out the personal styles of the artist(s). There was only one artist working here when I came in, so it's not like you have a choice as to your tattoo style. Now, as I said, I was young and dumb when I came in here, so I stuck to the book. I got what I paid for: over priced, cartoonish looking traditional tattoos. They aren't very big at all and don't have as much design and talent as others I have seen from elsewhere. One, I want covered up, the other, I can only hope to get covered up. It's not that she did a bad job with the tattoos. She didn't. Looking back, I can say that her designs just arent my style. The ink used at this place though is pretty awesome. I dont have much fading at all with my two tattoos. Any fading that I do have is probably due to me not putting anything on the tats when out in the sun. I did not like the personalilty of the artist. She seemed to herself in a way. Not very talkative. Something really shady about her. One day when I went in with one of my siblings, she acted high as a kite. This in itself is something that turned us away. When choosing a tattoo place, do your homework and don't go somewhere because it's close and convenient. That choice literally stays with you (unless you choose to cover it up). read more

So today I decided to get my septum pierced, so I looked online and found this awesome place! I read the other review on here and then found the myspace page and I decided to go check it out! Mary is the piercer who did my septum. She is awesome she helped me decide on which ring I wanted! She was helpful and told me what to expect! I will defintly come back here if I am in Chicago and want a tattoo or peircing! read more

I'm not writing this review simply to disagree with Morgan's. I'm a new, long-time customer, if that makes any sense. I was referred to Etched through a friend of a friend, and I'm incredibly thankful this happened. Michelle is my tattoo artist and she's amazing. No, she's not in some high-end, pretentious shop, nor is she a diamond in the rough. I can't tell you how many years Michelle has been tattooing, but her works leads me to believe it's been a while. Michelle did my left sleeve (which was complicated because I had my entire shoulder already done and I needed her to take another artists' vision, and make it her own. Maybe I'm a little biased because it's my arm, but she nailed it). She kept the original work, added to it, and then blended everything in to make one helluva 3/4 sleeve. I loved her work so much that I went back for my back piece, which we're currently in the process of completing. You can walk in off the street and get great work done, or you can come in with a vision, talk with Michelle, and let her put something together. You can't walk in to a tattoo parlor, tell the artist what you want, then expect something unbelievable to appear on your arm. It doesn't work that way; it's a process. Call the shop or stop in, throw around some ideas, then give Michelle a little bit more than 19 seconds to come up with something, and I guarantee you'll be impressed. I've been referring people to this shop for almost 2 years now, and I will continue to do so. Michelle is there to work. She runs a business and runs it well. Her designs are beautiful and her work speaks for itself. Don't judge a shop by the location or the "I just want to get a tattoo so I'm going to pick from one of these designs hanging on the wall." Judge the tattoo and the artist by their work, on someone's skin. Her ink is the best, her rates are excellent, and she's a pretty cool chick. 5 Stars for sure. Keep it up Michelle! When the back is complete you know I'll be there for my right arm 3/4 sleeve! read more

I have been here for 6 of my tattoos. I had Michelle design and draw my tattoos for nobody else would have them. She did a great job. Michelle does a great job and I would not go anywhere else... read more

Etched In Skin..... What more can you say! Michelle is a great artist. Her shop has been there for years. A true Southside Gem. All work done by appt which is your time. Some of the best cover up work I have seen, my arms are proof! Keep up the good work. See ya soon! read more

I love Michelle!! She is a true artist! Her work is amazing! I have been going to her for a few years now! She's currently tatting my half sleeve And has covered up many bad pieces that I had got in the past from other places. She's awesome at giving advice! Her color are so vibrant!! I love it!! Finally found a true artist, I will definitely be back for more! :) read more

Michelle is a great artist . It's a shame that society forces her and all others to charge such outrageous prices. But that's just this fukd up world in which we live in. read more

I must say this is a 5 star joint for any one looking to get an excellent tattoo from a very creative artist with many years experience. I'm neither young or dumb and have been a returning customer for 13 years. I've been told nothing but good things from people I recommend to this establishment and I always get compliments on my tattoos when out in public. 1. The tattoo artist here personally drew all my tattoos just from ideas I gave her. Not one was from a book. She was very patient with me and had no problem changing drawings upon my request. She creativley designed my tattoos to my particular liking. 2. I think the price is just right. How can you put a price on art when the artist created exactly what you were looking for. 3. This is a very clean shop. You will feel comfortable in this professional tattoo establishment. When it comes to Etched in Skin, I can say that I've been nothing but satisfied over the years. I'm currently about 16 hours into a tattoo that this artist created for me from only thoughts in my mind. This place only needs one artist, because after you see her previous work you need to look no further. So if your looking for a tattoo you should definitley stop into this place. I think you'll leave more than satisfied with an excellent piece of art work. read more

I recently got a tattoo done at this shop and I couldn't be happier with the experience. Michelle is the owner and before I got the work done we met for a brief consultation with a design I had brought in. She offered suggestions, colors, ideas and I came away with something I am very proud of to wear. On the day of the work I had a slight change I wanted and she accommodated it with no issue. Michelle was suggested by a friend of mine who got a large tattoo placed on his chest; I liked the work hence why I pursued her as my artist. My work is not that large or intricate, however, I wanted to be sure I could get the finer details done right. Overall I would definitely recommend Etched in Skin. I enjoyed my short time with Michelle and appreciated her candor and professionalism. Thanks so much! read more