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Marlowe Ink

4.1 (131 reviews)
ModerateTattoo, Piercing
Closed 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

By appointment only

Updated 1 month ago

Services - Marlowe Ink

Piercing

Tattooing

Marlowe Ink Photos

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Recommended Reviews - Marlowe Ink

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Reviews With Photos

tattoo

this place is amazing, my mom was getting a very elaborate piece done by Anya and I decided to get my first tattoo at the shop. My tattoo artist was Jen Root. she was super sweet and made sure that all my questions were answered, gave me a stress ball when it hurt and her room was super cute and welcoming. she let me know I could take breaks whenever I wanted to. The tattoo was exactly what I wanted, and she made sure that we stayed right in my budget. would definitely come here again!

Small script tattoo
Ciara K.

All around great experience. So professional right away in their management and scheduling for consultations, as well as the actual booking. Ken was my artist and was great to work with. He explained everything on our consult, things I hadn't even thought of. On the day of the appointment, Ken was a super fun guy to be around and chat with while we prepped to begin and during. It was a very relaxed space with definite mindfulness of Covid precautions. My tattoo was pretty small, but I'm so in love with it. I would highly recommend if you're looking for script or for elaborate artwork.

Work in progress-I'm in LOVE! Thanks Phil!
Katie S.

I am about 3/4 of the way done with a large piece that Phil created for me and I could not be any happier with the results so far! I have been holding off on this review since I'm not technically done yet, but since Marlowe Ink is looking at expanding to Old Town Alexandria I figure now is as good of time as any to get my thoughts out there. First of all, it's a really nice space. It's located in the heart of Fairfax City, across the street from what used to be TT's (dating myself a little with that one, I know), next to Bellisimo, just up a steep staircase and through the magical door on the right. Once you reach it, the waiting room is vibrant and colorful and there is plenty to occupy yourself if you find yourself waiting for someone. Second, and most importantly, they have some really great talent! I picked Phil for my piece since his flowers are some of the best I have ever seen, but I would be comfortable being tattooed by any of their very talented artists. Each artist has their own preferred style, so I would suggest checking out their portfolios (either online or in person) and booking with whom you feel suits you best. Also fairly important, I think the entire process has been simple and straight forward so far. I have found interacting with Kim at the desk to be pleasant and professional; she's actually been really helpful to me when booking appointments or at answering my random questions. Plus the overall vibe of the shop is everyone seems to like each other and are interested in what each other is doing. I have about ten hours under my belt now on this project and feel very comfortable at Marlowe Ink. Sadly, you can't always say that about a tattoo shop, but walking in the door here I always know I will be pleased with the results and my interactions with their staff. Lastly, and I would be remiss for not mentioning this, I have to give props to Rob their piercer. I actually followed him here from another shop (yeah he's that awesome) and he's pretty much the reason I finally found an artist I could entrust with what I am working on. A+ all around. Fairfax is lucky to have them and Alexandria would be too!

Papo (top), Reyna (bottom) and Tito (side)

Been working with Anya for years on my dog tattoos. And This is my 3rd time at Marlowe Ink (was tattooed by another artist in 2009). From 2009 until now things have changed a bit visually but the customer service has always been on point. This year I finally got around to scheduling my session with Anya for my youngest baby @MargaritaTheCleftie (FB and IG). But Covid had other plans for all of us. Throughout the shut down, Kim (manager) reached out to me via the telephone with updates. To me, that meant a lot cause it shows she wanted to personally make sure I was up to date with what was happening at the shop and was ready to answer any questions at that moment. Two weeks ago I got a phone call from Kim stating that they were ready to see me at the shop and I scheduled my appointment for today. I showed up 5min before my appointment and was created at the door as it's locked for Covid safety reasons. They provide hand sanitizer and cups to put clean and used pens in. Everyone in the shop had a mask on as well. The entire spot was clean! Once everything was filled out, Anya was ready to put her skills to work. When she placed the stencil on me, it was game time. We had a great convo and she made sure to check on me every so often to ensure I was doing ok. I laid there like a log for her so I guess she wanted to make sure I was still alive. lol. When she was finished, I was left speechless. I'm a grown man and I'll say this with no care in the world. I cried when I saw the finished product. There's a long story/history with Margarita and her ties to my grandmother who passed away in 2017. All my dogs are special to me, but she's different. With that said, trust Marlowe Ink and put all your trust in Anya, especially with pet portraits. Everyone there is a pleasure to work with. I'm attaching the pictures of my dog's tattoos. The ones with the Cuban link chains were done at Marlowe Ink but all 4 were done by Anya.

Marlowe ink is the place to for your first or next tattoo. Located in the heart of northern va this shop is easily accessible with good parking. The owner James is awesome

Courtesy of Hayden Abernathy
Annie Z.

Warning: lengthy and gushy review ahead. Marl{owe}? More like Marl{oh-em-gee}! This place is AMAZING. There is no other way to put it. I kind of stumbled upon Marlowe to get my nose pierced one weekend in a fit of impulsiveness, and immediately felt at ease - Rob was so quick and did an utterly perfect job! - and I knew that I would be comfortable getting inked here (for the first time) as well. Little did I know how much more I was going to love it once I met my tattoo artist! (Also, I am kind of obsessed with the smell of this place - it is incredibly immaculate, for one thing! Smells - and looks and feels - very, very clean. Take this from the most OCD person on the planet). One of the front desk ladies booked me with Hayden for a consultation a few days later (post piercing), and everything went as smooth as could be expected. First things first: Hayden is without a doubt the cutest, funniest, and most down-to-earth (and easy to talk to) gal I think I have ever met! I was so nervous bringing in my design (because I wanted it to be perfect and also didn't know what to expect, having never sat down with a tattoo artist before) - and nervous about the process - and she made it a total BREEZE. She is just an absolute doll; don't take my word for it, go see for yourself! Hayden was able to squeeze me in the day after my consultation, since she had had a cancellation, which was perfect. The actual appointment went SO well: she talked me through everything, and kept me distracted while she was inking. She was so quick and yet also so thorough; why can't the rest of our adult lives run as smoothly?! Riddle me that. The tattoo itself brings tears to my eyes every time I look at it - it is in memory of 2 of my favorite people - both whom I lost this year: my grandpa and my college best friend. Hayden took my design and brought it to life; in the process, she also assuaged my fears (mainly about perceived pain - it was no worse than getting blood drawn at the doctor's) and made it the most seamless and wonderful experience. I will absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt, turn to Hayden and Marlowe Ink should I decide to get another tattoo (which, I will admit, is probably inevitable!) In conclusion, I cannot recommend Marlowe Ink (and Hayden Abernathy) enough! They are professional, thorough, clean (fastidious even!); from what I can deduce, one of the BETTER and more sought-after tattoo/piercing establishments in the area. Hayden is a gem, and if you can get an appointment with her, you won't regret it!

By James Marlowe
Jey J.

I have been coming to Marlowe Ink for 10 years now. I typically see James Marlowe but recently saw Corey Taylor for my finger tattoo. I have nothing to say but positive things about this business. They are so incredibly friendly and welcoming from the moment you step in. I have have Jaq (I am not going to attempt to spell her name and butcher it. She's a piercer.) Change out my tragus piercing and she didn't even charge. Every time I get tattooed here I feel comfortable and they do an amazing job of keeping up conversation so it's not just odd and awkward laying/sitting there. I recommend them to everyone. The remodel that they have done is also amazing. Do not park in the small lot near the shop or else you will get towed (thankfully this has never happened to me before however there is a free parking lot at the top of the hill (gravel not pavement) and it's a one block walk over. Ample parking there! I've been seeing Misti Kilgore's work on Facebook recently and Instagram and it is absolutely everything that I love. I am trying to figure out free time so I can go see her to get my next piece done! So excited!

Skin rip Caps Tattoo
Amy J.

Jackson (who's moved to the Alexandria location) did my very first tattoo. He's amazing, fun to work with and made my first tattoo experience that much better! Incredible talent and he loves Wu-Tang! Thanks Jackson!!

Nancy N.

My husband and I absolutely love Anya G. as our tattoo artist! For me she created a piece by Audrey Kawasaki on my arm (perfect shading and colors that is pretty stunning!), and for my husband, she's currently constructing and designing an original Anya sleeve design of a tiger, dragon, with more to come! Anya is a prodigy as her colors are deep, artistic, and this lady works super fast and so detailed-oriented that we are amaze of her skills! For my piece, which is about 5-6 inches long and 4-5 inces wide, she was able to finish the entire Kawasaki girl in 3 hours! The shading and color today is still vibrant (had her tattoo done in 2014) AND her line work is on point! The outline and all lining in my girl is so straight you would think someone printed the portrait on my arm instead of someone etching and filling in the tattoo. Anya is quick, fun, and has so much personality. I would def. recommend her over and over to everyone who wants a great tattoo and art experience that will last for a life time. Marlowe Ink as a studio itself is nice, professional, and easy to find. There is easy parking with options of a parking lot or street parking.

Not complete yet but linework is dope!
Sandra G.

This place is freaking awesome, heard so many things about the artists here and finally got the chance to go with a friend who had scheduled a consult. Danny genuinely took interest in the design I wanted, I wanted Vincent Valentine from Final Fantasy VII. He is such a contrast from my already bright sleeve, but so far, Danny has been working wonders with Vincent's cape, it looks so dope! With anime/video game tattoos, you seriously have to find artists who know a great deal about linework and coloring, and about the genre in general. They have to be fans of it, which Danny is, which also put my mind at ease. The environment is great, clean, awesome to look around at all the artwork on the wall. The banter between artist is hilarious, music choice is great as well (watch out for the laugh track they like to play lol) Definitely reccomend this shop to anyone looking for great artwork for great deals!

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Ask the Community - Marlowe Ink

Review Highlights - Marlowe Ink

James is the owner and not taking new clients so I feel elite because I can get work done with him.

Mentioned in 16 reviews

Read more highlights

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I received multiple recommendations to this business for my first tattoo and I am so happy I…read morefollowed the recs! Maddy was FANTASTIC. She is super personable to talk to - that my session went by pretty quickly - and so skilled at what she does. I sent over two inspo pictures and she got the design just right with the font, spacing and even delicateness of the letters! I absolutely love it. I normally get skin hives from environmental stressors but my tattoo was only slightly red immediately after and not hiving at all in the recovery. It is healing really well, too. The business itself is also very welcoming and bright. I cannot recommend this business and Maddy enough!

5 stars to Rachel for being so accommodating and professional and 10 flipping stars out of 5 for…read moreputting up with my child. I came to Wicked Goddess after my 9 year old daughter told me she was ready to get her ears pierced. alright, easy enough. I knew I wasn't going to take her to Claire's & I was worried about piercing her ears while they would still be growing. in comes Rachel, who came highly recommend on the Google and reddit. I booked the appointment for the end of November for Rachel since I figured this would give my daughter enough time to back out if she changed her mind. she did not. so the day after Thanksgiving, we went over to Mosaic to get her ears pierced. they let her pick out her earrings first and were so great. they let her hold the earrings up to her ear to give her a visual and gave her plenty of time to pick. Rachel sanitized everything and took her into the piercing room once she was ready. Rachel marked her ears a little higher up so when she grows, it'll be more centered as she got older. then came the first piercing, which my sensitive soul daughter took very personally. she refused to get her second ear pierced claiming she couldn't go through with it. with Rachel, my SIL, my husband and I trying to provide positive encouragement to continue on. Rachel ended up giving her the option to go grab some lunch to relax after the first piercing and to come back after. after our ramen lunch, we went back to get her second piercing. obviously it wasn't an easy task getting her to go through with it. I ended up having her sit down on my lap with Katseye playing just so Rachel could finish it. so to the amazing Rachel (who just came back from maternity leave!!), thank you! my daughter loves her piercings now and can't/won't stop looking at them. Rachel honestly has the patience of a saint even after my kid screamed bloody murder in her piercing room. if you're looking for a fantastic piercer for your child, I'd go to Rachel. she's a mother herself and understands children. she's soft spoken and really strives to make sure your child is comfortable and ready. not related, but there's free parking in the garage across the street. don't be an idiot like me who paid for parking in front.

Patriots Tattoo Piercing - freshly tattooed inner forearm-- done by Mauricio

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The best piercer in Northern VA. Super clean, very knowledgeable, and extremely detail-oriented…read more Piercings are something you live with for life, so you really have to love them. Lora is truly the best -- highly recommend. I used to have very low piercings and they looked terrible. I tried getting stacked piercings at Rowan, but the nurse (piercer) didn't really know what they were doing. My ears were poked multiple times, nothing was lined up, and it just looked off. Even though I paid a lot, I ended up taking them out. Then I went to Lora -- she immediately understood what I wanted, walked me through everything, and gave thoughtful recommendations. The result looks SO much better. I honestly wish I had found her earlier. Do not go to places that use piercing guns or devices -- they don't follow your markings properly. Go to Lora.

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Brilliance Piercing

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Tobias did an amazing job with my new faith piercing! I had one on the other ear taken out from a…read moredifferent piercer, and had the other ear done here. It was a completely different experience! I was in the other shop for 5 minutes and this one took the whole hour! Everything was explained in depth, the tools/earring were sanitized while I was there, and care was taken with each step! I would highly recommend Tobias to anyone and will be going back if I decide to get the other side repierced in the future! They also have an amazing selection of jewelry!

Marlowe Ink - tattoo - Updated May 2026

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