This place is horrible! I had high hopes when a friend of mine said I should come check it out. I went there and they drew on the tattoo, which I was happy about, then I realized that they drew all over my shirt (not a huge deal, but...). Durelle started the first tattoo (of a half sleeve) and it was a cover up, so I will give it some lenience. but the koi that was done is absolutely horrible. It has been over two weeks and it still is not healed yet. The outline that he did for the other part of the half sleeve was so bad that no other tattoo place will even touch it! They said my best bet is to get it removed and start over. I made another appointment today (before going elsewhere) with Keith to maybe have better luck, but he never even showed up because of a doctor appointment. If that is true, so be it, but I should have gotten a phone call, that's what they expect when you cancel! If I could go lower than one star, I would. I would recommend that know one goes here and I will do what I can to get reimbursement to get my tattoo removed! I get a free touch up (at least I was told) but I will not even use it. I will go elsewhere, you should too! read more

I honestly wish I could give zero stars. The worst tattoo I have was from this shop. It's a very small, simple tattoo that I stupidly thought any shop should be able to knock out. It's uneven and has blown out lines. It took the "artist" less than 2 minutes to do. That might be part of the problem, his rushing. To top the whole experience off, he was rude and had no personality. Expect more from your tattoo experience, don't go here. read more

Took my daughter for first belly button ring. Professional and clean. Made her feel at ease! Thanks !

Very impressed with this place and Chris in particular! I went in because I had an eyebrow piercing done in Vegas and I was having some problems. Even thought it wasn't his work, Chris took time with me to explain to me how to care for it (I had gotten bad after care instructions) and even ended up changing out the jewelry for me. He was very nice and helpful when he didn't have to be and I will definitely be back! read more

I love this place! You have got to see Keith! I have gotten two tats here (one on the inside of my ankle, the other from ribs to hip) and a nose piercing. It is very clean, and they always have the best jewelry. Keith is a great artist, and in addition to coming up with my tats, he has done dozens of hours of work on my boyfriend (aka the guy with all the skeleton tats in the pictures). Keith is a great free hand artist and I trust his work 100% read more

My experience with this shop was absolutely terrible. I went to get a small wishbone tattoo behind my ear that was no larger than one inch by one inch. Keith Pulver, the owner and person who did my tattoo, was completely unprofessional. He didn't tell me anything about the tattooing process or what to expect, even though I told him this was my first tattoo. I even had to ask him how much it would cost. The small tattoo was $80 but I was willing to put up with that considering all the good things I had heard about him. After the tattoo was applied, he asked me if I wanted a bandage - of course I did, it was bleeding a lot. I asked him how to care for it and he just said "take the bandage off when you get home" and handed me a piece of paper. Then, when I went to pay, their credit card machine was down. Because it was late in the day (around seven pm), I was forced to use their ATM (with a six dollar service fee). About two weeks after I got my tattoo, I went back because the top of the wishbone was black and the bottom was light grey. It was supposed to look three dimensional and have detail but instead it looked half finished. There was even a small spot without any ink at all. I was very unhappy about the unfinished look. I told Keith this and he kept insisting "no it's fine." He told me that he would be willing to touch it up for $50. I was very upset that he was not willing to make the tattoo look the way I wanted it to. Keith Pulver is not the most experienced, cheap, friendly or talented. There are many other artists in the valley to choose from: definitely don't waste your money on something permanent at this place! read more

First, let me start off by saying that I wish I could review an individual artist and not the entire shop. I've heard GREAT things about Ben, and had seen some of his work, and probably should have considered him to do my tattoo in the first place. But, I did not and instead I decided to give "Amber Star" a shot, because her work looked legit and seemed genuine. However, I was fooled. And had to learn the hard way. My appointment was scheduled approximately three weeks in advanced. And she assured me that in between then, she would work on drawing up my tattoo, and sending me pictures so that we could make any necessary changes. The night before my tattoo I found myself without any drawings, and texted her to see what she had. What she sent me was completely horrendous and I asked her to redo it. That should have been my first red flag, but I decided to give her another chance. She sent me another drawing in the morning. Although it was still somewhat flawed, it looked much better. I went in the next morning and she was completely unprepared. It took her about 30 minutes just to make the stencil and get started. When she did get started, she talked the entire time as she drilled into my arm for FOUR hours for what should have been a 2.5 hour tattoo. And she didn't even finish. Then, she had the nerve to charge me $380 DOLLARS for an UNFINISHED forearm tattoo that was not very large or detailed to begin with. I'm petite, 5'2, so not a very large forearm by any means. I paid for it, of course, not knowing I had just basically been robbed. She didn't even send me home with care instructions. Amber Star also told me my next session would cost at least $200, and that she was "trying to help me out by giving me a deal". She was so heavy handed that I was unable to work out for an entire week, and the healing process was an absolute NIGHTMARE. I now had uneven lines, seriously ugly and faded ink, and terrible scar tissue. I went in a week later to show her the unfinished disaster, and she claimed I was trying to get the rest of the tattoo done for free, that I was allergic to the ink, that I wasn't taking care of it properly. Obviously she didn't have ANY integrity whatsoever. Luckily, I told her I had already scheduled to have it finished an fixed at another shop for $250. The OTHER artist at the 2nd shop finished in under 2 hours and completely redid my tattoo. He even gave her a "facelift" and smoothed out the scar tissue, which you can see in the picture. read more

Instinktive Tattoo - Tattoo done by Amber Star on the left (4 hours), redone and finished by another artist at a different shop on the right (under 2 hours). - Tattoo Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

So I was here 2 times recently and so far I am very satisfied. My work is still in the healing process. Ben was my artist and he was very pleasant, helpful and patient with me. Angela was also a great help on my 2nd visit when I was very indecisive on my final decision. On my 2nd visit he ended up doing multiple stencil placements on my arm because I couldn't decide. Like I said he was very patient, I was losing my patience with myself :) My 1st one done by Ben was quick, and painless. I think I said to him, is that it. I know we all have different pain tolerance but mine didn't hurt one bit. It was only lettering so maybe that is why. When I took the adhesive off the next day there was zero blood it looked and still looks perfect. Also, I sent him what I was thinking and he did a design much better than what I had in mind. If you are looking for a spot in Gilbert I definitely recommend this place. I was referred by a friend that had a cover up done with Jay in 2 sessions, she highly recommended him as well. If you want some new ink, I would say this is a perfect spot to get it done at. read more

Went in on Mothers Day for my first tattoo with my two sisters. What a great experience. Bojie is super talented and extremely personable. The price was fair. We are so happy with our matching tattoos, very special. Already looking forward to the next one. It will definitely be with Bojie and Instinctive Tattoo. read more

Just got my first tattoo done with this place and it wont be my last as long as Ben is there awsome work and great enivorment felt right at home . Staff very up beat and friendly all the way around . Also not sure if its normal but Daniel went out of his way to grab my food while getting work done it hit the spot thanks man. Before choosing this place like most people i read yelps reviews, from my personal expeirence there this place rocks and i will be telling and recommending this place to everyone looking to get work done. read more

Chris is awesome. Have gotten a couple pieces done by him. Throughout the process he has kept me updated with how it is being drawn up, shooting back and forth ideas, and encouraging me to swing in the shop and see the piece in the days leading up to the session. Initially I wanted a simple piece around my wrist, and he informed me why that wouldn't be the best option, and came up with something that looks far better, conveying the same message, near by, that also worked in with an already present tattoo, in a matter of days. I'll be sure to be going back to them. Great customer service in a time when most tattoo shops around the East Valley have an elitist attitude and won't even talk to someone when they walk in. read more

Should've read the reviews first, because my tattoo from Instinkive tattoo is disgusting! Worst decision I've ever made having my tattoo done there! Keith was rude, argumentative and even got nasty toward the end as I was pointing out all the screw ups he'd done! I would even go so far as to say that I believe he and the female companion he had sitting close by his side were high as a kite! I was made to feel very uncomfortable and nervous to continue to point out the mistakes he'd made, paid the over-priced fee for a piss poor tattoo and left, very upset with the rushed, ink bled, wobbly lined shit tattoo. I drove to another tattoo store immediately who advised me how to complete aftercare on Keith's shit tattoo and told me to come back to him in 3-4 weeks so that he could attempt to fix it! I would never go back there, nor would I advise anybody else too either! Disgusted! read more

Ben is a great artist! He is the best artist i know. His lines are very clean and smooth. He knows how to shade and how to make your tattoo ideas even better! He is very professional and I recommend him to anyone looking to get a tattoo. His pricing is low for his kind of work. i have gotten 3 tattoos from ben and he offers lifetime touch-ups! Dont go to anyone else other than BEN! read more

This place is absolutely horrible!!! I am so sorry I ever trusted them to give me a tattoo! I went in to have Keith the owner do purple Ribbons on my chest matching each other a few days and over $600.00 bucks later I went back because the designs didn't match right and one outline is darker then the other and the shading was different. So for that kind of money I wanted it touched up and fixed... Shouldn't be a problem since it was just done right!?!? Well when I pointed everything out to Keith he went off on me calling me a C@&t and everything else he could and how dare I judge his art. Needless to say the cops were called and I have the report number. I strongly advise anyone to think twice before walking into that shop!!!! read more

I had a add on tattoo to my original one from ten years ago and Amber did a great job blending the new and the old one. I would recommend Amber to anyone that wants a tattoo. read more

Keith the owner did my first tattoo and I really loved it. I scheduled a second tattoo and one for my daughter. When I arrived for my second tattoo they said, "Sorry Keith left he had a family emergency". So I rebooked. On the day of the second appointment they called me from Instinktive and told me that they had double booked and I would need to reschedule a third time. I already had my deposit down so I figured what the heck (MISTAKE) My second tattoo.... I hated and it was not what I wanted at all and lines were sloppy. He did not finish the second tattoo. They scheduled me to come back to finish and said we will just keep a charge 50.00 dollars deposit towards finishing your tattoo. After I got home the tattoo was sloppy and not at all well done. I decided I would go to another artist to finish. I called 24 hours in advance to cancel my apt. They said they didn't EVEN have me down for one!! I asked for my 50.00 deposit back since they didn't even have me down. I heard him ask Keith and he said "No she don't come in she don't get the money that's the policy!" I said "Wait, you don't even have me down so you have 50 extra bucks for nothing? You inconvenienced me twice and that was OK? Plus with tips and past tattoos on my daughter and I we dumped 1000 bucks and I tipped over 75 bucks as and you won't give me 50 bucks back for an apt I never had that you charged me for? Again I heard Keith the owner in the background say, Tell her its policy man... tell her too bad!" What a piece of crap operation UNBELIEVABLE. UNPROFESSIONAL DO NOT GO HERE. Really I pid for the tattoo in full and its half finished and your going to charge a stitting fee? You did half the work got paid-that kind of deal is this for the counsumer? I am calling the Better Business Bureau right away. If this is how you treat good paying customers you deserve to go out of business and or be sued. read more

Worst shop ever! They were condescending and acted like they were too good to do the tattoo that I designed. (The place that I eventually got my tattoo done at is using my design in their portfolio). Also, these guys seemed stoned out of their minds!! The guy that would have been doing the tattoo could barely open his eyes to see and the guy at the desk could barely make a sentence. As soon I walked in, I walked out and I'm so glad I did. Horrible vibe from this place. read more

Worst industrial piercing ever. Staff is not skilled in placement, ear has taken 8 months to heal.

My first experience with this shop was about 6 months ago. There was about 10 guys standing in front smoking. I pulled up with my two kids and asked if they did piercings on kids. My 12 year old daughter has had her ears pierced three separate times at Claire's each resulting in them having to be closed up. Ugh....very fluke accidents the first two times and the third was Claire's fault. However this isn't a review about Claire's.... The Guy who did the piercings said he could re-pierce it in a higher spot and it would be great. Told me to wait about another couple weeks to let it heal a bit more. We came back and they we're getting the room ready while we we're chatting and he mentioned no swimming. My Daughter is on a year round swim team so we decided to wait until December to do it because she would have 4 weeks off of swim to heal. Here it is Dec 1st and I call to get her in and they said they don't pierce kids. 2 months ago they certainly were ready to. I've since then called and spoken to other tattoo/piercing shops and they were very helpful and pointed me in the right direction. Which is another tattoo shop with 5 stars on yelp. In addition I don't use yelp but am grateful that they turned me down. By the reviews it sounds like a terrible place! read more

So I went in to get the medusa piercing (stud above your upper top lip) and ended up walking out with something COMPLETELY different. Now there's a medusa dermal and a medusa piercing. I asked for the piercing. I went into the shop and asked for them for the piercing. First response I got from one of the "artists" was, "what's that?" That was a red flag right but I just blew it off and continued on with the piercing after I had explained what it was to them. He began searching for the jewelry and could not find any so he must of settled for what he thought would go there. As he began to pierce he not once told me to rinse my mouth, do anything of that sort, to disinfect. Which by procedure for any mouth/lip piercing you must do so. The guy made a dot where it would be placed but did not show me it or ask me if this was ok. (Every other place I've been has showed me and asked me if this is where I wanted the piercing) He began to clamp my upper lip with the clamps. He placed it one time on my lip, did not move it or pull it or whatever to check if it was in the right spot etc. etc.. He clamped it one time and just shoved the needle through. (Most painful piercing I've experienced). Afterwards I was bleeding quite a bit. There was no mirror for me to see the piercing after so I proceeded out the shop thinking he knows what he's doing so it must look good. I go home and this is what I am welcomed with when I look in the mirror. Not only am I livid but I wasted 50$ for some armature to pierce me. Helen Keller could of done a better job. I recommend going to new heights tattoo shop they are very professional and it is a welcoming environment. DO NOT GO TO INSTINCTIVE. Below is what I should look like and what it looked like after they did it. read more

Instinktive Tattoo - Here it is - Tattoo Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

See all

Keith Pulver messed up a tattoo on my arm so bad I had to have it removed. What a clown. He was so high each time I saw him. Why did I trust this moron. read more

If I could give this shop zero stars I would. Most unprofessional, nasty looking shop EVER. After 2 failed attempts at trying to get into the shop during posted business hours, and it being closed despite that fact...I finally found it open to get a piercing. The piercer who had promised to be there was outside crying because she had a fight with the tattoo girl - who looked like a strung out junkie and never acknowledged me until 10 minutes of just standing and waiting. DO NOT waste your time...RUN RUN RUN far away!!! read more

This is one of the best possible places to get a tattoo!! I came here for my very first tattoo and Ben made sure I had the best experience possible!! He carefully explained every step and what exactly he was going to do. He was very careful and precise in his work!! This was the best first tattoo experience and I am so grateful I found this place!! read more

First of all very clean & put together shop! Everyone is friendly! I've gotten my belly button pierced once before by this shop & loved it! Today I got my nose pierced by Jake. He is awesome! Very nice & chill guy! He calmed my nerves & successfully pierced my nose! Highly recommend going to Jake for any piercings! read more

Under the new owner I couldn't be happier with the service, or my tattoo. Awesome place to go i definitely reccomend

If anyone goes there and wants Piercing. Ask for Crystal. she cares about all our concerns. Hoping my piercing I got today heals perfectly without Fail. I will update my Stars as time goes on. read more

New owners, new artists! awesome shop. I would not go any other place!

Took my son to get a tattoo on a walk in. Eric hooked it up stayed past closing and did a awesome job. Quoted the price and even though it took longer homered the price he quoted. Free touch-ups even though I doesn't need any. Large clean shop. Would definitely go back. One of the best shops I have ever been to and I have been to many. read more

Went in to make an appointment- showed him briefly what I wanted, he said he'd draw something up (I wanted text) and then scheduled my appointment for the following week. When I got to my apt he forgot what I wanted and asked if he was supposed to draw something up. Whatever, it's just text and I had a picture of what I wanted so i didnt care that much that he had no idea what i was doing there. He said my picture was terrible and was illegible. So he tried talking me into a script Style that he was drawing up and it wasnt what I wanted, actually opposite of my picture, but I'm still chill at this point and said that it wasn't what I wanted. So he had me look through a book of texts- At this point I'm feeling my stress level go to about a 2.5... I wasn't planning on doing this on a "whim" and I felt like I was steering away from my plan. But I found one that was the close to what I wanted out of the limited choices I had. So I showed him and he started drawing it up. This is my first tattoo and i don't really know the processes in and out. After he was about 2/3 of the way done w it he said I could come see- the text was good but it was not at all what I wanted with the word placement. He might have known this If he asked me ... But he just drew up what he thought I wanted. I guess I always thought I could go in a shop, show a picture and the artist would say- cool, I can draw something up like that... But that wasn't the case at all. If I was unprepared I wish he would have told me instead of waste both our time and my money while he draws up something he thinks I should have- that was completely different than my original picture. Anyway- he started acting like he was in a hurry- its about 40 mins into my apt. Which raised my stress level to about a 3.5 at this point, the last thing I want to feel is rushed when it comes to a tattoo! I wanted all my lines of my text to be symmetrical- which was just how my picture looked and how I explained- but he ran out of room on the paper and placed one single word on its own line. (?) He didn't seem very open to my opinion but I tried explaining how I do not want it to look like that- and he didn't understand and told me thats how I wrote it out for him (it wasn't) . He crumpled up the paper and threw it away. Stress level rises again. Great, an irritated tattoo artist! So at this point I told him I'll just come back an other time with a more definitive text and word placement that he can directly copy from (what I should've done in the first place, but I didn't know) and he kinda freaked out and said are you serious!? I've been drawing this up for you for 2 hours! (it had been about a generous 45-50 mins and that's including the time he took to answer phone calls, talk to other clients ect.. ) I said really? Because my apt was at 130 and it's not even 230... And he said well you owe me $100! Oh. Hmmm. To draw something up? I thought that was what the 50$ deposit was for... And you never drew anything up until now and I'm being charged again? I wasn't going to argue bc he was rather intimidating- Whatever- I just need to get the hell out of this place at this point. I told him he was rushing me and he said its not my fault your nervous! Lol- ya a-hole you are the reason that I am now super nervous! He then said well you have a 150$ credit now towards your tattoo when you come to get it. Well I won't be going back in there so keep it. merry Christmas. Maybe my $ is transferable for someone else! No way I'm going back. Like I said- if I was unprepared, just tell me. I'm sure he is a good artist (especially if you want cursive) but needs to freshen up on some people skills. read more

really nice guys in there, really funny nice environment to just hang out in. I kept twitching during the outline because I'm a weeny but my artist was really patient with me. I would definitely go back if I was going to get anything else done. read more

I have 6 tattoos done by Keith, owner of Instinktive. I come to him with an idea and he makes magic! I will never let anyone else touch me with a tattoo needle. read more

worst place ever... the owner keith9 (i think that's his name) is such an ass!!! sorry chirs... i thought you did good work.... I came by for a retouch on a tat that lost color... made an appt to retouch a few days later. but the owner was such a douche that i called & cancelled appt. he accused me of saying the art work was bad. NOT the case at all... I LUV my tattoo, it just lost some color after it was all healed.....I would rather PAY elsewhere than deal with that shop again!!!!! read more