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Imperial Tattoos

3.7 (24 reviews)
ModerateTattoo
Open 12:00 pm - 10:00 PM

Services - Imperial Tattoos

Tattooing

Imperial Tattoos Photos

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Erica D.

This is my go-to shop! Sean Smallwood, the owner is a great artist. Just take a look at their wall--full of awards! His work is quick and efficient, well done and looks great most importantly!! He is so good, its hard to get an appointment right away with him, he is always booked up! :) Ive had several tattoos done by him over the years and I love them all. I highly recommend this studio.. and if you can get a Sean Smallwood tattoo!

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Christopher M.

My rating is for the entire shop as a whole. Many factors go into my 3 star rating. The shop personality as a whole is difficult to rate. The artists! Sean Smallwood (4 stars for the owner) although myself I have not been tattooed by him, I have witnessed over a handful of great larger pieces done by him. He can achieve it all the softest grays to the saturated colors, he knows what he is doing when it comes to realism, I haven't seen many other styles from him yet.. Braylyn is the awesome spirit in the shop, knocking out some classy traditional work, let him do his thing! Chris Vantucky has solid line work! Bold and has a good personality! He knows what he's doing so let him guide you! Now Charlie... Charlie has some things to learn about dealing with people in general. You will always feel rushed, no matter what. Says he will work on designs for you and never get back to you. You show up and he hasn't done any design work yet. Not professional at all, he's very capable of duplicating art, but designing something himself is not his strong suit. (2 stars) I have gotten about 10 hours of ink from Charlie himself. Let's just say there are better artists in this area than Charlie. I would not mind providing a recommendation to a different artist/shop - just ask! Please!

I received a tattoo when I was in Louisville on vacation. I live in Washington State. The tattoo has errors, crooked lines, and it does not match the design I brought in. I know that an artist cannot copy a design exactly, but the design I ended up with is far from what I showed the artist I wanted. I am naive about tattoos. This is my third. I assumed everything would work out well, I was happy, happy for what I perceived as having received friendly competent service. I signed all the forms as requested. When I got back to Washington and took off the bandage, I saw the errors, but decided to put on the second bandage, hoping when it came five days later, things would have improved. They did not. I began emailing the business. I was stonewalled initially, then told repeatedly there was no refund policy and I had signed a release to that effect. They repeated that a lot, in several emails. That I had signed a release. And they repeated over and over that they did not offer refunds. I went for a consultation to a tattoo artist in Washington state to see about fixing the errors. I was transparent with Imperial about everything I was doing and continued to press them for help offsetting the charge for fixing the tattoo here in Washington State. I received more messages to the effect I had signed a release and there were no refunds. All along, I had hoped they would work with me to help me find a reputable artist in my area, and help offset the charge of fixing the errors, which is why I consulted with the artists in Yelm, WA, and told them all about it. Finally they said to come in and they would fix it no charge. By this time, I had made it clear multiple times I live in Washington State, and coming in to have it fixed in Louisville was not an option. After a great deal more back and forth, a lot of telling me over and over I had signed a release and there were no refunds, I told them I'd be filing a complaint with the BBB and putting negative reviews on Yelp and Google. Well. Then the message changed. Substantially. They said they had been discussing working with an artist I found in Washington and helping to offset the cost of a fix, but now that I'd filed a complaint with the BBB "that ship has sailed". There were a couple more back and forth emails communications, but as they said, that ship had sailed. And I replied, not only had the ship sailed but it was well out of the harbor. I have the complete email chain and will provide it to anyone upon request. The tattoo was $115. That's a high price to pay for the negative impact this review, as well as the BBB complaint and the Google review I will complete next will cost their reputation. Unfortunate all the way around for all involved. But just remember - if you frequent Imperial Tattoos in Louisville, you sign a release! And there are no refunds! And if you sign a release you have no recourse! And you sign a release! You sign a release! You sign a release! Don't forget! You sign a release! +++ I received this response from the BBB 9/24/2021: Dear D: This message is in regard to your complaint submitted on 8/31/2021 against Sean Smallwood Presents Imperial Tattoos & Piercing, LLC.  Your complaint was assigned ID 15820682. The BBB has made several attempts to resolve your complaint filed against the above-named business. Unfortunately we have not received a reply from this business. Your Better Business Bureau receives the cooperation of the majority of firms when working with customer problems. Sometimes however, we encounter a company that simply refuses to cooperate. If your complaint has been resolved or is resolved at a future date, please advise so we may adjust the company's file. We sincerely regret we have not been able to assist you.  However, please know that anytime BBB must close a complaint as "no response," the company is advised that continued failure to answer the complaint may have a negative impact on their rating with BBB. When potential customers check the company's BBB report before doing business (always a good practice), your complaint will help the BBB alert these consumers regarding the company's business practices.  Thank you for using the services of the Better Business Bureau. Sincerely, Conciliation Department Better Business Bureau

Sean did an amazing job on my tattoo. It's absolutely gorgeous. Everyone in the shop was friendly and immediately felt at ease. He tolerated me being antsy because it hurt like hell. Very nice place, great staff, and extremely professional. I couldn't be happier.

My idea that Sean Smallwood was able to extract from my mind and visualize and realize for me

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Photo of Eliza D.
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10 years ago

The environment was clean and professional. Braylyn was great and I'm very happy with my tattoo. I recommend them completely

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Review Highlights - Imperial Tattoos

Amazing place, went to Sean Smallwood for the first time, gonna stick with him!!!

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Artfully Insane - Laying out the plan

Artfully Insane

3.9(58 reviews)
2.7 miBardstown Road
$$$$

Professional, dedicated and talented. Want new ink. Want a cover up. First time. Book your time…read moreand get in with Myra or one of her talented artists. I've spent the last 5 years going in and spending a day each year. We chat, we kick around ideas and we execute our needle therapy. Always walking out the door happy and excited to take my new characters out and into the world with me. Book that appointment early and often and get into this establishment if you want someone committed to their craft giving you forever art =]

I went here to get my belly pierced, it was quick and easy. I was a walk in, so no appointment set…read moreahead of time, and I was in and out within 10-15 minutes. The belly piercing itself looks amazing, I get quite a few compliments on how centered the placement is. Before I got the piercing, my nerves were sort of high, so when he originally marked where he'd pierce, it was too far to the left, but I was too nervous to correct it. Thankfully, the piercer corrected himself after I stood in the mirror and it turned great, as well as making some jokes to ease the nerves. However, I will say that the jewelry isn't the best quality. After about a month with the piercing, the gem inside the top part of the jewelry fell out? Overall, I had a good experience and would go back again. The workers are cool, and pretty respectful. Maybe I'd go in with my own jewelry or bite the bullet and buy more expensive jewelry from them.

Photos
Artfully Insane - 0 gauage plugs with gold willow tree impression in middle

0 gauage plugs with gold willow tree impression in middle

Artfully Insane - The pallet or at least most of it

The pallet or at least most of it

Artfully Insane - Modern day Waldorf and statler heckling me everyday of my life.

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Modern day Waldorf and statler heckling me everyday of my life.

Mama Tried Tattoo Parlor - Goose tattoo

Mama Tried Tattoo Parlor

4.7(12 reviews)
0.4 miHighlands- Cherokee Triangle, Bardstown Road

I cannot say enough good things about this shop. Lyndi took a situation, that I won't go into here,…read moreand snatched artistic wizardy from the jaws of bitter disappointment. The bottom line is that I was only in town for a couple of days and had gotten my 93 year old, retired Presbyterian minister dad, to agree to a tattoo. He was, naturally, rather trepidatious having treated his body like a temple for as long as he could remember and now riding the ragged edge of desecrating it. Lyndi could not have been a better artist for him. She was kind, and gentle, and whatever fears he may have had she addressed them thoroughly and patiently. It turned out to be an absolutely incredible experience and it's all due to her. And I'm exceptionally happy with the art I got. The next time I'm in town, I will definitely be back for more work. Again thanks Lyndilou for making this such a special event for me and my father. You don't know how much it means to both of us. PS: he's already talking about getting it modified with some color. He wants more ink. He'll be sleeved out in a year. Cheers Pete

This is the best shop in town! I have only had wonderful experiences. The artists consistently…read moreconsider not just how ink will look fresh but also how it will age. I have had more that 15 tattoos done by Lyndi and have sent like 8 of my real life friends there too. The vibe is chill, everyone is friendly. I cannot recommend them enough!!

Photos
Mama Tried Tattoo Parlor - Sword tattoo

Sword tattoo

Mama Tried Tattoo Parlor
Mama Tried Tattoo Parlor - Tattoo #2 from Lyndi

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Tattoo #2 from Lyndi

Bluebird Ink Beautique - Plumeria tattoo by Ash

Bluebird Ink Beautique

5.0(8 reviews)
1.2 miButchertown

I've gotten two tattoos from Ash here and I love this shop! I believe Ash is now an artist, but she…read moredefinitely was an apprentice when I got my plumeria tattoo, which was my first tattoo! I got my plumeria tattoo in July 2022 and it took two hours and was $180 plus tip. I got my balloon flower tattoo in Dec 2022 and it took two hours and was $220 plus tip. As you can see, her rates have gone up so it's best to keep an eye on her instagram page and be on her email list for updates. For the booking process, each time I would submit an idea while her books were open then she would approve my idea if it fit within what she wants to tattoo. Once I got approval, she emailed two links for putting down a deposit and choosing when my appointment is. This process is easy, then you eventually get a couple emails/text messages telling you instructions for the day of the appointment and aftercare. Parking near the studio is rather hard, but I've always been lucky that my partner drops me off. You can definitely find street parking, it just may be a bit of a walk to the studio. You text the given number saying that you're here and go up once Ash says she's ready. The rest of the process is pretty straightforward after that. I love this studio since you always feel safe and respected while getting a tattoo! I have suggested Ash as an artist to other people multiple times and will continue to do so.

After going to some shifty tattoo parlors I walked in and felt right at home. Mind you I flew in…read morefrom PA walked right off the plane and into this studio! The studio is warm and inviting and just makes you want to be there. Louisa is not only a pleasure to talk to but her work is outstanding! I only got a very tiny tattoo but it had a lot of significance and meaning behind it and Louisa made sure to take the time and effort to make sure it looked/looks incredible now and for years to come. I am so pleased with the work I received that when I fly back in to Louisville i definitely will be visiting again!!

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Bluebird Ink Beautique - Balloon flower tattoo by Ash

Balloon flower tattoo by Ash

Bluebird Ink Beautique - Embroidered tattoo

Embroidered tattoo

Bluebird Ink Beautique

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Uncle Bob's Tattoos - black and grey work by Uncle Bob

Uncle Bob's Tattoos

5.0(11 reviews)
2.4 mi
$$

Went to the place that did my Daith piercing, because one of the balls fell off three months after…read moremy piercing, only to learn that the one day she works (Wednesdays) was not the day she was working this particular week. Walked into a Uncle Bob's and was pleasantly greeted by staff and Uncle Bob himself. (I will disclose that I have known Bob since first grade, but had not seen him in over 38 years). Their piercer is in every day they are open (go figure). He was honest and didn't have the materials I need to fix my jewelry piece and says he didn't want to attempt to replace it with something else because my ear was irritated. Here comes the best part of businesses I love. The piercer referred me to another tattoo and piercing shop. Businesses who realize their limitations and take the best interest of a potential customer are truly the best. They were not afraid to lose business and genuinely cared.

I've gotten my last two tattoos here, and plan on getting all the rest here. This shop has…read moreeverything you want; great hospitality as well as service and incredible artwork by talented artists. These artists have spent years honing their craft and it absolutely shows. Everyone is so wonderfully kind and sweet, but also very professional. My tattoos have healed beautifully due to the care from the artists, and they look 1000x better than I could have ever imagined. Honestly the best shop in the entire area. One visit and you'll never want to go anywhere else.

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Uncle Bob's Tattoos - Black and grey orange slice by Janelle

Black and grey orange slice by Janelle

Uncle Bob's Tattoos - Tink hard at work!

Tink hard at work!

Uncle Bob's Tattoos - Watercolor magnolia flower by Uncle Bob

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Watercolor magnolia flower by Uncle Bob

Imperial Tattoos - tattoo - Updated May 2026

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