Thank you Bob! for making my daughters ear piercing a positive experience. It was the best birthday gift ever. This business is run well, from the first contact on the phone to when we checked out, great service. Thanks again Bob :) read more

today my daughters and i braved the blizzard to get ears done. I cannot say enough what a great place this is. my daughters are 6 and 9 and Bob was incredible. In fact everyone we encountered was lovely. i would highly recommend this place for kids. its the real deal. It was clean, honest, bob talked to the kids in a wonderful manner and my girls left very happy and proud. thank you Bob and the crew at Insight. i will be telling all my friends about this place. best Jennefer read more

I have had both tattoos and piercings done at Insight. I can't recommend highly enough. I will be going back for my next tattoo. Bob is the BEST piercer I have ever been to. He can put anyone at ease and is incredibly gentle. Thank you everyone at Insight for the great service. read more

This review is a bit outdated, since the bulk of what I've been to the studio for was last year, but I have been back several times since and am always completely satisfied with the experience! I have been to insight for three piercings (two nostril and one surface piercing on my nape) and one tattoo since moving to Chicago three years ago. I had researched a bunch of places before going in for my tattoo consultation and I picked it both because of their affiliation with animal shelters and because the artists portfolios look like the style I was wanting. Santi has always been professional, clean and attentive to answering my questions-- he changes his gloves a million times and double checks that the piercing location is exactly where I want it. When my surface piercing started getting irritated, he took a look at it and gave me some good advice about cleaning solutions to try and told me we could try a different jewelry after the irritation had gone down; when that still didn't work, he took it out for me yesterday (about a year and a half after I had gotten it); sad, but necessary. When I got my tattoo last year, Jeff met with me beforehand to look at my reference materials and figure out size, placement and pricing. On my actual appointment day he was prompt and even stayed late to finish the initial outline (it ended up being two sessions). I don't know if he normally charges a different hourly rate for work that takes longer, but he stuck to the original price he had quoted me and I was extremely happy with the finished product! Again, clean, professional, friendly and was good about checking in to see if I needed breaks (since it was my first ink). Again, love the studio, love the people! I'm sure if I had more expendable income I'd be back here again and again. read more

Brian did my tattoo and he was fantastic! He really took the time to make my tattoo my own. I came in with a rough outline of what I wanted and he truly made it a work of art. Definitely would recommend Insight to anyone, especially for a first tattoo! They were clean, thorough and professional. If I were to get another tattoo I would go back here! read more

I had asked 6 people where to get my nipples pierced and 5 of them insisted on Bob Jones. Not only was he professional and swift, but he made me feel very comfortable with how nervous I was. He made my experience relatively painless and I wouldn't go to anyone else for a piercing! Chicago's best. The counter girl was a bit cold, they could upgrade on that one though. read more

Great parlor. Clean, full of nice people and the artists are really talented. They run benefits for Chicago's humane and non-for-profit animal societies once a month where all proceeds go to the benefit. Awesome!! Really great place! I've love my new tattoo and will definitely come back here! read more

My dad and I decided to try to walk in on a busy sunday. We both have never gotten tattoos before, but we were calm under the professional care of jason and chris. I originally wanted my small trout on my foot, but jason advised strongly against it. Im very pleased with the advice and knowledge of the staff at insight.They were both spectacular and drew up some beautiful designs for us. We are so happy with the results. read more

Insight Studios - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

4th piercing here with Santi. I went in for a check and when I discovered he was working quickly decided to get another piercing. He is that good! The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is welcoming. Great music here as well. If you want a piecing, come here. read more

Well, the place is clean, I'll say that much, and the girl who works the front area was very friendly and helpful, but the price for a simple tattoo like 2 stars was WAAAAY over-priced!!! I mean, 2 stars with a little bit of red on one and blue on the other was $250!! They were very simple designs and didn't take more than 1 1/2 hrs to complete. I mean, I got an intricate tribal/somoan tattoo from shoulder to elbo that only cost me $500 that I got from Tatu Tattoo, and it took him 7 hrs! It was 2 hrs to free hand it on my arm, and 5 hrs of work. I'll stick with my guy at Tatu Tattoo. I hope they get a groupon coupon too! I'm Very Very disappointed in the price, especially when he made me believe it was going to be $200, which I still thought was a little pricey. read more

Thank You MAT.! wow i read reviews before i went down there and no wonder they are awesome! i went to get my first tatoo over the weekend i was so sure about it, i did have a problem with it because i didnt have my id but i came back later on same day and Mat still was available to get my tattoo done. he was very nice, his face was very serious the whole time, but was very patient with me freaking out , and was very helpful with where it would look best.Insight Studios is very very clean and sanitary, plus the prices are great! Mat did a fantastic job! i love my tattoo ! INSIGHT STUDIO A + + + + + + ++ !!! read more

A very cool looking and clean studio but the customer service is lacking and the prices are outrageous! The guys working there dont seem to really care about what their customers want, dont communicate and seem to be very short with answers to questions (or dont care to hear elaborations from clients) I like that they do Charity weekends were all the proceeds are donated to shelters but this was the ONLY reason I paid what I did for my ink. If they would have quoted me what they did on any other day I would have laughed in their faces and walked out! I was charged $120 for two words that took up a whole 1/2 " tall by 2 1/2" long area....talk about a rip off. I need a good amount of touch up work on one word since it was not done correctly and a few letters were botched and cant be fixed. There are much better places to go in the city. I wont be returning and I wont recommend them at all. Sad since I would have been happy to keep going there to help support the animals. read more

This place is great! I went in for a tattoo and to get my septum re pierced. I was only charged for the jewelry! Bob Jones is great! It was my second experience at a tattoo/piercing Parlor. I wish I had gone to Insight Studios for my previous piercings. I recommend Insight Studios to all my friends who are interested in getting pierced or tattooed. read more

This is my second Insight Studios/David Allen review... and just like my first experience with David, the second time left me totally thrilled with his professionalism, demeanor, and of course INSANE TALENT! Look at some of his work... it is jaw dropping. I went in yesterday with my cousin for my second tattoo. Of course there was a bit of a waiting list to get the appointment but really it is completely worth it. David is so skilled so it only makes sense that he books up fast. I would recommend everyone going to him. If you're a jumpy person like I am or it's your first tattoo and you're nervous - don't be. He has a really calm, laid back way about him that kinda puts you at ease. As a previous reviewer stated, he is gentle... and he really is. I am in love with both of my tattoos. The studio is super clean, super nice and David did a fabulous job. Honestly, I wouldn't want anyone else to tattoo me but him... he is that good! read more

I just got my cartilage pierced there. It was wonderful. They were nice and helpful. I called beforehand and asked for an estimate on a price. They said more than I actually paid, including tip. So that was a wonderful surprise. He took a good amount of time to clean up everything and get ready. And the entire shop was spotless and beautiful. They gave me a little pamphlet about piercing car and a little thing of soap. My boyfriend got to sit in the room with me and we got suckers and business cards after. I will probably go there again for another piercing or tattoo. read more

A friend and I visited Insight a few weeks back to get ear piercings; I was in for a second lobe, and she for a helix. We were both seen very quickly, without appointments, in the early afternoon. The studio is clean, brightly lit, and open, and super professional. Both of us were pierced by Santi, who was friendly, calm, and very clear about what would happen during our respective piercings, communicating with us each step of the way. He accommodated our pickiness in piercing placement without hesitation and was quick, efficient, and kind. Unfortunately, neither of us got to choose our jewelry; all we were offered was stud or gem without an idea of material or color. (Both of ours ended up being dark silver studs.) However, I do have to dock a star for a notable issue. One of my piercings was pierced at a slightly strange angle (straight through instead of angled downwards), which resulted in a too-tight labret. Santi should have realized this, because he had trouble getting the back of that labret on when he pierced it. By the end of week one, it was growing into my skin, and in a fit of pain and frustration, I replaced it with a 14K gold stud at home. It's now healing fine. Now, had I called Insight and reported the issue, I'm fairly certain they would have seen me without hesitation, which is why I still give them 4 stars. However, I live about 45 minutes away and it was impossible for me to visit again before replacing the stud seemed absolutely necessary. read more

Regarding their tattoo removal, they have great service, great quality with the best results all for a good price!!

Bob runs a great place here. I always get my piercings from him. This place is the cleanest tattoo parlor I've ever been to. I always feel welcome and everyone is approachable and nice. Don't go anywhere else. I recommend Insight to all my friends. read more

I came to Insight Studios about 2 weeks ago to have my earlobes pierced. I'd never had them pierced and was really anxious. A sterile environment was very important to me and I wanted somewhere where they would use hollow needles instead of piercing guns. I found everything I wanted there. The shop is close to the Ashland bus and a train station, can't recall which. I got a lollipop when everything was over. :) The pain wasn't that bad, and they've been healing nicely. The painful stage has passed and now I only get the occasional itch. They gave me a pamphlet with information and a little bottle of mild (antibacterial?) soap and told me to wash 2x a day. Also, I liked the music. :) read more

Johnny was great! He was very patient with me... It was my first tattoo! Admittedly I was a bit nervous, but Johnny was reassuring and took time to ensure that I was happy with the design and placement and also talked thorough the process. He really was terrific. I'll definitely be going to see him again. The shop is very clean and everyone was friendly and helpful. read more

Great place to get a tattoo! it was super clean and everybody was really friendly too! if you are looking to get a tattoo this is a really good place to go! I got a tattoo on my leg (shin) and it didnt hurt at all. read more

If I could give 0 stars, I would. I went here to get the front of my NEWLY pierced tragus screw placed back in (I made this knowledge very well known to the piercer) and this man replaced the elongated bar I had in my ear with a shorter bar. Being inexperienced with such a piercing, I was unaware that having such a small bar in my tragus is terrible for its healing process at such an early stage. A man certified to make piercings on somebody's body should know damn well not to set someone up like that. I paid $28 for the replacement of the jewelry at insight studio (notice I didn't use capitalization on such a pronoun because this place is the equivalence to the scum on my shoe) when it costed me $35 to get it pierced in the first place at my initial piercing destination (including the jewelry) just to have to go back due to it falling out again from this shop. Thank you for wasting my time and money. read more

I've honestly recommended this place to everyone that I know. The receptionist is always super sweet and patient, which I feel is very rare for tattoo shops! Everyone here is so kind and knowledgeable. I look forward to getting more tattoos here!! read more

I was tattooed by Chris last year and wanted to get my nose pierced. I knew I wanted to go back to Insight! I was nervous to get my 1st piercing but after meeting Santi and speaking with him my nerves were calmed I was more excited than ever. I received excellent service and after care instructions. My nose piercing is AMAZING!! I love the atmosphere and staff at Insight and I got a blow pop for being a good client :-) I look forward to getting more ink and piercings at Insight!! read more

Choose Insight based on reviews from clients. Love the decor and the Wizard was great. Got exactly what I wanted.

Unless you're ok with having your personal Information compromised, I'd pick a different place, if I were you. I can't in any way comment on the quality of the work that the "artists" there do, as I didn't get a tattoo from them. It is apparent though that none of the people there (and perhaps the owner too) know much about solid business practices. Claiming that this is "the law", but not being able to elaborate further on that, they insist on taking a photocopy of your driver's license, which contains a lot of private information. True, you're entering a contract and signing a liability waiver, but beyond verifying the information on your DL no law to my knowledge stipulates that they need to keep a copy of it. And... I wouldn't actually have had much issue with it, had it not been for the fact that the young receptionist who looked like life had been very unkind to her, was leaving some of the signed contracts just lying around. And those that she had "put away" were kept unlocked, in a cabinet right behind a counter which at least half of the time was unattended. Honestly, if I wanted to i could have walked away with a few contracts and the personal information of the people who had signed it.. So, naturally, I questioned them, and that's when they became very combative and rude. Arrogantly pointing to the numerous customers waiting, they told me in no uncertain way that they don't give a fuck about my privacy concerns, and that i can walk away if I want to. I tried de-escalating the situation that was about to get out of hands, by explaining again, calmly, what my concern was, but they really didn't care, and the dude I was talking to asked me to leave. It's ironic that in their site they prominently claim to take customers safety and privacy seriously. If only wishing made it so! Needless to say, there will be a complaint with the city and the state, and I hope their license will be audited. What they do is careless, and lackadaisical.Maybe their work is good, but I personally am not taking a chance with my privacy. It is the kind of approach that can ruin the entire business and bring severe legal repercussions. read more

I just got my second tattoo at Insight. Ryan Gutekunst listened, drew, refined then inked to perfection.

This place really is as great as everyone says it is. It's friendly & incredibly clean. I had an appointment with David Allen who I found on my own but I'm so glad he works in a place as awesome as Insight. read more

Maybe I came on a bad day but my experience here sucked. First of all, their jewelry selection was very limited for nose and septum piercings. I guess I was more impressed by the selection of the first shop I've been to when I got my septum pierced. Then second of all, I'm not sure what the piercer's name was anymore since I got it done in early May but he was not that great. I was literally in and out in no more than 10 minutes. He barely explained what he was doing and gave me almost no after care instructions. All he said was to clean my nose twice a day with the antimicrobial soap he gave me. He did not warn me about any nose bumps or how to treat them. He didn't even set up his station in front of me. His back was to me setting it up the whole time so who knows how sterile he was being with the equipment. When I got pierced in Portland, the guy set everything up in front of me without me asking. He even spent a lot of time explaining the procedure and aftercare instructions. But not this guy at this place. Recently, I came into a different shop to change my septum and the guy asked me about my nose piercing. At that time, I thought it was healing okay but he told me it actually looked a little inflammed. He proceeded to give me advice about after care that I wished the original piercer had given me! He warned me that I might get a nose bump since I wasn't given the right after care instructions after a month of having it. And he was right. I got the nose bump and now I'm doing sea salt rinses. Honestly, I wish I would have been more vocal about the things that bothered me but I was trying to be polite. Ugh.... so much for that. read more

Five Stars! Five Reasons Why 1) Ownership. Bob, the owner of Insight Studios, was an absolute pleasure to deal with. He truly appreciates your selection of his studio and will stop at nothing to make sure your experience is an enjoyable one. 2) Cleanliness. I would eat off the floors in this place. I'm not kidding. From the front desk, to the tattoo cubicles, to the bathrooms, this place is spotless. 3) Artists. Friendly and engaging. Much like Bob, their concern is that you are 100% happy with your design. They are patient and work with you to make sure you are getting exactly what you want and at the highest quality. Thomas, my artist, made sure I was comfortable and relaxed and took his time to make the design come to life. 4) Safety. The studio has gone above and beyond meeting all of the rules and regulations set forth to make sure your safety is a #1 priority. 5) Intangibles. It should be of no surprise that Insight Studio donates a large some of money annually to the Humane Society. Fundraisers are held regularly and Bob and his fellow artists generously give back with their time and wallet to help local Chicago causes. Many thanks to Bob, Thomas and all the artists at Insight Studios for a wonderful tattooing experience! Steve Olondo 4/6/10 read more

I had a wonderful experience with Insight AND Hindsight (their tat removal facility on the lower level). Here's my journey: I started by getting an old tattoo on my ankle/foot area lasered to lighten the color (multi-color tattoo). The guys that run the removal area, called Hindsight, were always professional and kind. As part of the service, they apply a thick layer of topical anesthetic to the area being lasered beforehand to ease the pain (I happily accepted). The guy that handles the laser (I think his name is Dr. Bob) is very warm and calming. He explained everything before starting and smiled throughout the process, which makes it less scary than having some stone-faced tech. The fact that a doctor handles the laser gave me piece of mind that he knew what he was doing and didn't nuke my ankle. They also blast your leg with cold air as they laser it to counteract the discomfort of the laser. After three sessions to lighten the tattoo, I began searching for an artist for the coverup. After browsing through artists' portfolios on their website I came across Memo Espino's portfolio. He posts a lot of his work on his Instagram page, and I must say I was very impressed with his artistry and love of art, in addition to his tattoo quality. I booked a session with him 3 months in advance (he's an in-demand artist and for GOOD reason). Yesterday I had my coverup done, and his service and presence is just as great as his work. He's a really sweet guy, quiet but focused and diligent. He never kept the needle moving for too long, just long enough for me to breathe throughout the process. I'm a wimp, and I was honestly excited throughout the session. Before the rough parts he would look at me and smile, and notion me to breathe. The results are gorgeous and I'm in love with the tattoo. It doesn't look like a coverup at all. I'd recommend him to ANYONE. Let him hook you up and please tip him when you see just why he's awesome. The shop was very clean and I could see Memo grabbing fresh needles and gloves often. He also wiped my tattoo with cleaning solution like 5 times. Good service, great results - this is coming from a nit-picky, persnickety, freakishly neat person like me. Now go get some fresh ink! read more

I have been getting pierced by Mr. Bob Jones for the last 13 years! That's a long time and he has never done me wrong. He is very professional and attentive to my concerns. The shop is immaculate. And the artists are super friendly and skilled. Tom is currently working on my super detailed rib piece which is coming along nicely. I can't wait to have him finish it. I have been tattooed at many of the shops in Chicago. Once insight opened, I was blown away and will never go back to another shop. read more

Who loves this place??? I DO! I was little skeptical at first seeing all the good reviews. I was like, "This place can't be that good. I gotta check it out." So I walk in after work and I get offered a Reeses Buttercup! Then and there I knew this place was awesome. In all seriousness though I walked in really nervous to get my first tattoo and the atmosphere was very calming. It seemed that the people were really chill and just doing what they love. I got tattooed by Matt. Quiet guy but super cool to me. He did a really good job. I am definitely going back to get another tat. read more

I've been getting pierced for the past six and a half years and have gotten piercings at six different shops and Insight is by far my favorite. Bob Jones is a really excellent piercer who takes his time and works really hard to make sure you are 100% happy with your piercing. I have gotten two piercings there and loved both of them and had very pleasant experiences with both. The first was a vertical labret and I had wanted a very specific piece of jewelry in terms of length, gauge, threading, and proportion of beads to the bar. Bob had a difficult time ordering the piece for me and ending up bending one to fit my lip and giving it to me free of charge in addition to the piece it was pierced with.Today, I went and got my Medusa pierced. I know from past experiences with dentists and orthodontists that my front teeth (where a Medusa rests) are a little wonky so I was worried about how the piercing would rest. Bob pierced it and asked my if I liked how it rested and I told him I found it to be a little uncomfortable so he removed the jewelry and repierced it, the second time it rested perfectly. He actually gave me a discount because he repierced it, something I know lesser shops charge for. He also gives a discount for repeat customers which is a bonus. Also, the free lollipop doesn't hurt (Blowpops are my favorite!). I find Bob to be really easy to deal with and very concerned with the comfort of his customers, which is really refreshing. The shop is immaculate and everyone who works there is polite and makes sure you've been helped. They're also really easy to reach by phone or e-mail, something I would recommend if you want an unusual piercing (using odd jewelry or in an odd location etc.). I have only really nice things to say about Insight and I'll say them to anyone who will listen! read more

I went here on a whim for a piercing....well maybe not a whim..I have wanted to get my belly pierced for a while and I pass by this studio walking to and from work. I have tattoos so it's not that a tattoo studio puts me off but I had my nose pierced years ago and it was not a pretty experience. It was painful, I bled everywhere, the guys dropped the nose ring after the piercing and actually said "oops, butterfingers" and had to pierce it a second time. So after that I was a bit shy about going through the experience again. I admit that I first decided on Insight because it's close to my house and my plan was that as soon as I mustered up enough courage I would go straight there so there wasn't time to have any second thoughts. I then looked at their web site and was impressed by the fact that they were very concerned with safety, cleanliness & comfort. I finally got my guts up one day and stopped in. The service was friendly and the piercing was a piece of cake. It was quick and painless. I know that those of you without a piercing probably think that it's ludicrous to say it was painless but a cleaning at the dentist is probably more uncomfortable than this. And it was over really quick, I left kicking myself for not having gotten my piercing sooner instead of waiting! My nose piercing closed up years ago and I'm now toying with the idea of going to Insight to have it done. They've completely changed my opinion on what a piercing experience should be! Bob Jones did my piercing and I highly recommend him for both piercing newbies & vets. read more

Had a great experience with Jason. He put some beautiful lettering on my thigh that I am in love with! Two of my friends were tattooed at the same time and both turned out absolutely gorgeous. There's a reason this place has 5 stars all around!! read more

Couldn't be happier. You only get one good chance to get a piercing done right. I know from experience. My 6 year old daughter was ready to get her ears pierced and I wanted a professional piercer. I'm so happy we found Marcus. I wrote a quick email to make sure they pierced kids and I got the wisest, most compassionate response about piercing and kids. I knew we'd found our place. The experience didn't disappoint. It was expensive. And I'm not sorry - I'd do it all over again. Can't wait to go back and pick out earrings when it's time to change. read more

after weeks n weeks of contemplating about getting my nose pierced & loads of researching on the internet,i finally decided on this place. boy,am i happy! bob was a such a sweetheart! i have a needle phobia n he totally put me at ease n did an amazing job! i did not even realise that he was done with the piercing till he actually told me ,thats how fast n smooth he was! bob is THE man you should goto for your piercings!! read more

I went in after a recommendation from Tomato Tattoo. Bob J. adjusted my nose ring patiently and perfectly. He was professional, pleasant and interesting. The place was spotless and everyone else who worked there was friendly. Tons of literature on Tree House shelter. I would definitely go back for any piercing needs. read more

Santi was unreal and did an amazing job on my second nose piercing. Super nice and even the girl at the front desk was awesome. Overall, great experience! read more