For someone who has always wanted a tattoo, had ideas for work but always chickened out at the last minute due to an irrational fear of needles and general uneasiness with other shops & artists, I was recommended to check out Ghost in the Machine this summer by my roommate who had just finished his sleeve there earlier in 2018 with Erik. Immediately when I walked into the shop I was blown away by how friendly, inviting and professional both the artists and the shop was. Sitting down with Erik for my initial consult on my first tattoo (Voyager's Pulsar Map), we got to talking about the concept for my design, how cool the Voyager missions were and my reasons for wanting the design. Through that first meeting, I really saw Erik's passion for not only the topic I brought him but with his art as well and was totally psyched for my appointment a week later. I would be lying if I wasn't a little nervous walking into the shop that afternoon after receiving a phone call earlier in the day from Erik regarding my design and some reservations he had with it, specifically how it was going to age with all the detail the original design had. I put complete trust in Erik's knowledge & expertise and let me tell you, I was not disappointed. From his calm, easy going demeanor to his light touch with the tattoo machine, Erik made me feel completely at ease with getting my first tattoo. I was so blown away, I was back again within a month for my 2nd and even before leaving that appointment had scheduled another one for December! TLDR: Ghost in the Machine Tattoo is the truth. The artists, vibe and work is top quality and you will not be disappointed. I recommend this shop to everyone that says they are looking to get a new tattoo. read more

Picture is right after getting it! Got a tattoo from Brian Hemming here. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. He made a custom design for me with the imagery I wanted and design choices he liked. The piece is one of my favorites and the placement was also great. I originally wanted it on my inner arm but after discussing it with Brian, switched it. Such a great move! Honestly can't say enough great things about Brian. He even did a similar tattoo to mine earlier that week, but completely redrew and designed it for my needs. The consultation experience also was super easy and Brian really did a fantastic job. Was a great experience overall, all the guys were super kind and helpful. They offered me a soda for the session but also just kept up nice conversation. It was very clean and organized, every artist had their own booth decorated with art they liked/were inspired by. It was great to look at while getting tattooed as well as talk about. The waiting area was also very nice and cozy. Honestly one of the best tattoo experiences I've had in a while. read more

Been going to artist Brian Hemming for the past couple of years so I was happy to hear he was opening a new shop, especially so close to my apartment. Checked out the shop shortly after opening and it's by far the nicest shop I've ever stepped foot in. They re-modeled the entire unit and it's extraordinarily clean and inviting. Had some work done shortly after and, as always, Brian is a master of his craft. Very professional and one of the nicest dudes I've met. Highly recommended especially if you're into video games/horror/sci-fi. His designs for these topics are best in the city, hands down. I had a chance to meet some of the other artists/owners when I stopped by, and they were all unbelievably nice and courteous. You can tell they all put a lot of work into the shop and love what they do. I've seen their portfolios and they're all brilliant artists. If you're looking to get work done in Boston, Ghost in the Machine should be your first and only stop. read more

I was late to the tattoo game. After years of dilly-dallying with ideas I couldn't commit to, I decided to bite the bullet for my 40th birthday. I had an idea and almost every tattooed person I know and respect recommended Bill Byers. I sent him my idea and he brought it to life. He walked me through the idea, asked questions, made suggestions and sent me a mock up that was more beautiful and creative than I had ever imagined. Bill and the Ghost team made the whole process easy, fun and painless. Everyone there is professional, experienced and helpful. I felt comfortable and completely taken care of through the entire experience. Oh, and the tattoo? Yeah, it's fucking awesome. I love it. Everyone loves it. I'm so happy with how it turned out. There's a reason Bill's so busy. The guy is wonderfully talented and creative and experienced. It's a huge honor to permanently sport an idea we created together. Bill's an artistic genius. read more

I had some work done by Bill Byers a while back and so I followed him to Ghost in the Machine to get more work done over the summer. This shop is great! Besides Bill being a fantastic human and artist, I love all the work put into the shop to keep some of the historic charm while ensuring it is clean and up to date. And while I haven't had work done by anyone else, while I was waiting a few girls came in to inquire about flash. Instead of being elitist and rude, the guys here were polite and asked the girls what they were looking for, explained pricing variables, and generally made sure it was a decision they really wanted to make. These are guys who care about all potential customers, not just regulars. There is plenty of free all day parking as well as a bus that drops me near my office in DTX. I just wish it wasn't such a haul from my house! read more

To say Erik knows what he's doing is a huge understatement. I met with him and instantly loved his vibe and maybe even more so his work. Over a span of about 3 month I had a full sleeve done by him that was beyond my expectations. Being an African American it isn't easy to find a tattoo artist (in this area especially) that has the confidence and the ability to give me what I was looking for but Erik definitely was able to. The amount of detail and clean, perfect line work that he was able to do is amazing. He was even able to do a cover up on my shoulder that there is no trace of the old tattoo (which I thought wasn't possible due to the size) and the entire tattoo came out great. Once I figure out what I want to do with my other arm I'll definitely be back to have him work his magic. read more

I've been going to see Bill Byers and Josh McAlear for many of my tattoos for several years. They are extremely talented, professional and personable and when they moved to Ghost in the Machine, a 10 minute walk from my house, I was ecstatic! The owner, Erik, is wonderful and the atmosphere is great. It's very cozy with lots of great artwork on the walls and lots of plants. It is very clean and well kept and you will definitely be getting the best if you go to Ghost in the Machine. After going to see Josh and Bill there, I also began to get tattooed by Brian Hemming and cannot recommend him more! No matter what style you are looking for, someone at Ghost can do it. If you are looking to get a tattoo in the Boston area, Ghost in the Machine is the only place to go. read more

I have had excellent work done by Brian Hemming in the past so I was excited to see he would be at a new shop opening in my neighborhood. The shop is clean, spacious and staffed with crazy talented artists. It's an awesome addition to Oak Square, and definitely my new go to shop. Brian Has started work on a new piece for me at this great new location. I am blown away by the progress, top shelf art as usual. His communication is on another level, You know exactly what you getting. No surprises and he bends over backwards to make sure you are getting something you will be happy with for years to come. Ghost in the Machine Tattoo and Brian Hemming both get my highest recommendation, and I will be a customer for as long as they put up with me. read more

Brian Hemming came at the recommendation of multiple friends who's opinions I trust so I was excited to check out his new location. The shop is absolutely gorgeous; one of the best set-ups I've seen- clean, professional and inviting. Plus a great location with plenty of free parking. Brian is the man; ridiculously talented and just a super friendly dude. He's my go-to guy from now on and I highly recommend, especially if you're looking for some unique horror or sci fi pieces. I can't go a day without getting compliments from strangers on my latest tattoo. The other artists that I chatted with are super personable and have really created a great spot flooded with talent. Can't wait to go back! read more

I got my first tattoo here with Dan Bythewood. He was attentive to what I wanted for my design, thorough about safety and sanitation, and put me at ease as someone who hates needles. Dan was extremely respectful regarding the fact that I am openly/visibly trans, something that had been a point of anxiety for me when considering interacting with a total stranger to get a tattoo. The process of setting up an appointment was easy, the appointment itself was quick, my tattoo turned out gorgeous, and the price at the end was lower than expected. Many thanks to Dan for his excellent work and for making me feel so welcome. I would absolutely consider going back for another tattoo here in future. read more

Ghost in the Machine is as good as it gets in Brighton and probably all of Boston. Not only is it easy to find, the parking is free and never an issue. Once inside, its immediately apparent you are part of something special. Extremely clean, spacious and tastefully decorated, I was comfortable from the moment I walked in. Everyone there is very friendly and professional. If you are serious about your body art, this is a must-visit. I've had most of my work done by Brian Hemming over the last two years, and I will never go to anyone else. He kills it, every time. If I could give six stars, I would. This is exactly how a business should operate. read more

I've been getting work done by Bill Byers over there for a little over a year now. I've had great experiences each time. The shop itself is awesome. It's clean, atmospheric, always good tunes playing overhead, and a really cool vibe in there. The staff/artists are all great people and extremely personable. I always felt really comfortable being in there. They make everyone feel welcome. All that said, Bill is an amazing tattoo artist, and I can't wait to go back for more work. I haven't yet had the pleasure of working with any other artists at the shop, but I've seen their work, and it's all extremely impressive. 10/10 would tattoo again. read more

While I know there are a lot of great tattoo artists in the Boston area, in my experience, the crew at Ghost is by far the most professional, friendly, and talented group of individuals I have come across. I have been getting tattooed here since the shop opened by the great Josh McAlear. They are all amazing artists though and each is great in their own way- so whatever style you are into, they can help you with it all. Erik, Brian, Josh, and Bill are all tattoo artists you want when looking to put anything permanent on your skin. Disclaimer- I suck at reviews.... just call them or stop by to check out the shop! read more

One of the best shops in Massachusetts. Erik did a great job putting together some top notch talent and creating a pretty rad space for them to work. They have a really solid group of guys (and ladies) tattooing out of here and no matter what you're looking for there is something everyone. The four resident artists, two of which have tattooed me pretty heavily, are all incredible and each have a unique style that can cater to anyone's need. Along with guest artists coming and going this shop will not disappoint. Great space. Great tattooers putting out great tattoos. They way they should be done. read more

By far the best tattoo shop I've been to in the Boston area (or anywhere really). Erik is an incredibly talented artist and I would highly recommend to anyone, whether your thinking of getting your first tattoo or your 20th, to check him out. I knew that after just the consultation, I had come to the right spot. My tattoo took four sessions, and it was incredibly painful, but it was bittersweet coming to an end considering how much I enjoyed being in the shop. You can't beat the atmosphere and team that Erik has put together! I will DEFINITELY be back for another piece soon! read more

I received my first tattoo from Bill Byers at Ghost in the Machine and WOW I could not be happier. The whole experience at the shop was so relaxed, comfortable, and exciting and holy shit....the tattoo is unreal. I'm proud of it, my friends love it, and even my mom said "damn, that's cool". The tattoo wasn't cheap because it took quite awhile but the line work is flawless and the shading makes it pop! I will always go back to Bill and Ghost in the Machine as long as I'm getting tattoos in the Boston area. read more

I have not gotten ant tattoo's from Ghost but my lil brother Stephen Pappas has along with his late wife Amanda and I am just in love with what Dan Reis has done with his art on Stevie . I have never gotten a tattoo but now want to get something on an elbow scar from dan his work is amazing fyi stevie can no longer get another tattoo without taking me with him ok Dan lol also all of you at ghost do amazing work as well hope to see ya all soon like real soon. Much love Barbara read more

I've recently gotten my first two tattoos here done by Josh McAlear and I have been more than pleased, not only with the work itself but with the experience of being in the shop from start to finish. Immediate first impressions when walking into the shop were the noticeable feel of professionalism and clean aesthetic in its appearance. I have had no problem with setting up my appointments and will continue going to Ghost in The Machine for my future tattoos. read more

I've gotten a few pieces by Brian Hemming over the last couple years and it's always been a treat. The shop on the whole makes you feel very welcomed as a client and you can tell everyone there genuinely cares about the work they're doing and your input during the process. Brian is a sweet angel of a man that is talented in many different styles and will make sure you get exactly what you want while dishing out some great conversation in the process. read more