My husband & I were driving along Historic Route 66 in March of this year (2024) when we stopped for a night in Flagstaff, AZ. I'd been wanting a Tattoo to commemorate our trip as well as fulfill a longstanding desire of mine, so I looked around and decided Flagstaff was the place. Generally, that is; the morning of March 22, 2024, I looked for Tattoo Studios and found Mariposa Tattoo, right on S Milton Rd, across from the Brilliant Milton Starbucks (but that's a Different review, lol). Mikey Sandochello is the owner of Mariposa, a brilliant artist/tattooist and all-around Good Guy. He graciously invited me to come right in, as they'd just opened for the day and were still setting up. He & I discussed my wishes, and he came up with a very cool design-- but then it so happened that he had an appointment scheduled too close to be comfortable starting on me that morning. Husb & I were planning on leaving Flagstaff ASAP for locales further East, and so we didn't want to wait if it could at all be avoided. The other tattoo artist at Mariposa however, Hunter, was present and willing to jump in & help me out with my unforgiving schedule. I was excited to work with Hunter, tho made a mental note to come back to Flagstaff for a Sandochello original in the future!
We clicked with Hunter right away, and he got to drawing my tattoo. The studio is bright but not painfully so, clean, and the vibes are refreshing and safe with that Chaotic element of creation ever present!
Hunter showed me his idea and we tweaked a thing or two, then got started. He is surprisingly fast, and has the skills to accomplish beautiful, consistent linework and wicked coloring without compromising design/execution to speed. We talked about everything -- our trip, Gambel's Quail, Tattoos/Art, and LOTS of DnD!
I was going to say that while kind, smart and a great conversationalist, perhaps Hunter wasn't the most delicate of the tattooists I've met; but in hindsight, that is very likely on me and not him! I discovered that the outside of my right calf is Twitchy when tattooed, so my RLS is more likely responsible for the sensations l felt, lol. Yay, restless legs.
Regardless, he completed an absolutely iconic and Beautiful tattoo for me in just about an hour, and was quoting a far-too-cheap price. While my budget heartily approved, I tried to compensate with my tip!
I highly recommend Mariposa Tattoo, Mikey and Hunter, without reservation! My experience was Brilliant and I eagerly look forward to visiting again, perhaps even next year. This place, these folks, are a hugely positive presence for Flagstaff and represent the Tattoo community with hard work and pride! Thank you, Thank You, I ADORE MY TATTOO! read more