I literally have leaving reviews about places at the VERY bottom of my to do list UNLESS I encounter a place like Ikonic Ink and an artist like Joshua Kunkel.
This was the 2nd time I went to Joshua and there's a reason for that---he's Absolutely. Amazing. Full stop. I won't get into all of the details, but to say Joshua went above and beyond as an artist for his client would be an understatement. My circumstances were a bit unique in that going into my session with Joshua, he knew of my terminal cancer diagnosis. I have NEVER met someone who was so accommodating and so professional in his approach not only to the artwork, BUT to the needs of his client. Because of my end-stage cancer circumstances, Joshua recognized that there were some things he could do to make the experience more comfortable for me as the client, but also recognized the importance of this particular piece of art (hopefully not my last piece done, but if I'm being realistic about things, it may very well have been my last).
Joshua, recognizing that this could be my last tattoo, made sure to 1) take his time, 2) check, double-check, and literally triple check some really important details in the piece. For me, it was a specific time on a watch face, as well as the spelling of a Latin phrase. He nailed them both.
Joshua was NOT going to get any of the details wrong and he did not disappoint.
At the end of the session, I was really tired from the experience, but it was a decent length session. Joshua was great about taking a break if I really needed one, but also doing his best to stay on track and keep things moving for me.
Perhaps it's common, but I don't think it is--that is the level of commitment and justified confidence an artist has in their work and their ability to deliver on quality art every time they do a piece for you. That is indeed the case with Joshua Kunkel.
Fingers are crossed that this won't be my last piece, but it probably was and for that I'm a bit sad. Tattoos, when done right, make you want to come back for more and this is definitely the case for me.
I want to come back for more art and will ONLY go to Joshua at Ikonic Ink.
Bottom Line Review:
--cleanliness of business = A
--professionalism of artist = A
--attention to detail = A
--making me the client feel comfortable = A
--listening to MY ideas and blending w his = A
--overall quality of the artwork = A
As I stated at the beginning of this review, right or wrong, I'm usually really bad about leaving reviews. I just don't like typing and I have pretty high expectations, so generally I expect my interactions with a business to be good, but then there are those rare occasions where the interaction, in this case an amazing tattoo and an amazing artist, comes along and I'd be an absolute tool not to take the time to give an honest critique/opinion of the business and one of its employees.
If you want an amazing piece of art (and/or just a really amazing tattoo) that will stay looking fresh and new if you take good care of it like he explains how to do, you will NOT be disappointed with the work Joshua Kunkel will deliver at Ikonic. Everyone I've met there was super chill and very cool, but for my money, I'm going to Joshua every time. I can't thank him enough for this special tattoo! read more