This is just my experience but I did not have a good time while at Mayday. It had nothing to do with the artist that I was working with or the tattoo that I got; I cannot speak about the individual artists or their work. I worked with a guest artist from out-of-town and they were nice and caring. However, my experience with the shop itself was not good. Firstly, there was the cleanliness of the shop. There was visible dirt on the floor so it looked as though no one had swept the floor in a long time. There were a lot of plants in the front of the shop that appeared dead or dying as though no one cared for them. The bathroom waste-basket was overflowing as though no one had cared to empty the trash and the restroom itself was dirty. There were many cobwebs, spider webs, and dead bugs all throughout the front of the shop near the walls and shelves and visible dust on all of the surfaces that weren't tattooing surfaces. This, in general, just made me feel unwelcome and uncomfortable with being in the tattoo parlor. However, the cleanliness of the tattooing stations was good and professional. Secondly, there was the care of the other tattoo artists and people in the shop toward myself and the artist I was working with. Many ignored our existence, which is fine, I don't expect people to go out of their way when someone is not their client. However, there was filming going on in the shop for some kind of social media but no one asked myself or the artist if we were comfortable being filmed or present while filming was occurring. The person behind the camera and the people in-front of the camera never acknowledged our existence or work other than to tell us that we were not bothering them by working. I did not speak up because I did not want to be a bother but this felt very rude and dismissive. Finally, during my tattoo, after the artist and I had been working for hours, two of the other artists in the shop put on a movie at full volume on the TV. This completely broke my concentration and I needed to stop our tattoo for the day because it was so distracting. I completely understand different artists need and use different methods to concentrate and work, but this felt like a complete disregard for everyone else in the shop. Overall, these are all relatively minor things but they matter to me and they added up to creating an un-fun experience. read more

Went in for a tummy tuck scar cover up. Was super nervous to get this tattoo done but Dj Pearson was more than accommodating. What an excellent and stress free experience. As a lady who's a little on the shy side he made me super comfortable especially having a tattoo near such an intimate area. Dj did his best to be super gentle, respectful, and attentive. My tattoo turned out exactly how I hoped it would and beyond exceeded my expectations. I never thought I would have such a beautiful piece of art on my body. The shop was clean and everyone was super friendly. Looking forward to getting more work done by Dj. 100/10 read more

Came here for a first come first serve free flash tattoo promotion got there when the event started at 11 proceeded to wait in line until 7 to make it TO THE DOOR of the shop only to be told sorry you don't get a tattoo today even though I was told it was probably a good chance that I was going to get one based off of my position in line. The whole event was just managed poorly and it sucks that I wasted 8 hours of my life for nothing not ever going to come back to this place read more

I've been here several times over the past 3 years, and always had a great experience. My last appointment was yesterday, so I promised myself I'll leave a review otherwise I'll forget as always. It's easy to forget when you're happy about everything, which is unfortunate because then people don't get the appreciation they deserve. Mayday has a very professional and welcoming atmosphere. It's by appointment only, so there's no nonesense, everyone present is focused on their projects. All my tattoos have been with Garrett Harper. We are working on basically covering my entire right leg, so it's an ongoing project with multiple elements. From what I understand, Garrett prefers to work on big projects that are interesting and challenging to him, so he is not the guy to go to for something quick or last minute, and he is not the guy to go to if you will be anxious about time and counting minutes. Working with Garrett is a creative collaborative artistic process, that will likely take more than one session to complete so it is important to be patient (and budget accordingly). However, for a person whose expectations align with this style of work, it's truly a wonderful experience. When I come for a session, I know I'm pretty much coming for the day, I enjoy the creative process, we take the time to discuss the direction of the piece and take multiple breaks as needed. Garrett is very good at thinking of the concepts behind the art. You don't necessarily have to know what you want until you get there as long as you know how you want the piece to "feel." At least for me, I never knew what image I wanted coming in, instead I would try to explain the "mood" i wanted to relate and Garrett would then show me several options and combinations. Each time we had the "aha!" moment and found the perfect piece for me. I absolutely love my tattoos and I look forward to future sessions. I've attached a few to illustrate the progress of our project. read more

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Got some work done by DJ, and I was blown away. If you are lookin for high quality work he is the man to find. You will be very happy with his work. Line work is out of this world. I look forward to continuing my sleeve with him. Thanks guys read more

Mayday Tattoo Co - Latest work Dj did on me! - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I recently went to Mayday to get a tattoo & was extremely impressed. It's a clean shop with incredible artists. Gary (co-owner) did my tattoo & I couldn't be happier. I researched him before making an appointment so I knew he'd be perfect for what I wanted. I knew he'd do a great job - but he completely exceeded my expectations! I am still in awe at how amazing it looks. And not to mention, Gary is a super cool & polite guy. I will likely be getting all of my future tattoos at Mayday. And if you're looking for a quality piece from an experienced artist, Mayday is the place to go! You will not be disappointed. read more

I chose Mayday because I got a tattoo by Pony years ago, he's a little harder to book with now and I liked Carolyn's stuff so I made an appointment. We met to talk about my idea and I later emailed some photo references as I said I would, but I don't think she looked at them at all. At the first session, I loved the sketch/outline she came up with but when she started doing color it wasn't anything I thought it would look like and the exact color I said I didn't want. I tried to trust her artist view, but didn't like it. In my last session, I asked her to add some different colors and some of what she did made no sense with the rest of the tattoo. Ever heard of color symmetry??? Overall, I'm really disappointed and unimpressed. It doesn't look like her typical work and I feel ripped off, especially since I'll have to pay more to get it corrected. read more

Love this shop and all the talented artists!! They truly work as artists and the art they create is priceless. DJ is our guy. My husband and I have searched high and low for geometric specializing artists and are the luckiest EVER to have found him. He is patient and kind and so so talented. He is worth every penny and has done epic work for us both. Makes sense why he works at a shop with 2 inkmasters. read more

Great people and nice shop! Gary and Pony are true artists. I've seen amazing art from all of their people. Shop is clean, well lit, and very comfortable. They have a TV's at each station to keep your mind off of the work being done. The chairs that they have are super comfortable - this is very important if you are sitting for a long time. Getting a hold of these guys can sometimes be hard. Having sat for many, many, many, many hours, they are ALWAYS working. Stay at it, don't take it personal - they are very busy - keep following up with them, it is worth it. Gary did a full back piece for me that included (2) cover-ups, I'm very happy with the work. read more

I had an amazing experience at Mayday. My artist was Pony and he is the nicest, most talented guy. I knew I wanted to get a portrait of my dog for a long time, and Pony's work just speaks for itself. Setting up the appointment with his assistant was very smooth (although I had to set it up WAYY in advance because he is so popular) and she even gave me a reminder email. When I got to the studio he was all ready for me and made me feel super comfortable. He really made sure I loved the placement and size of the tattoo before we got started. He emphasized that he didn't want me to rush into anything that I wasn't 100% happy with. It is obvious that he really cares about his clients and each of the tattoos that he does. The work he did is INCREDIBLE. I knew it would be, but I am still blown away by it. I will definitely be returning to Pony for a portrait of my other pup and would also consider having a piece done by another artist at Mayday. I was able to see some of the other work that was being done that day and it is clear that only really quality artists are at Mayday. Everyone there was very friendly and obviously talented. You will have to pay for it, but it is 100% worth it. read more

Mayday Tattoo Co - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

DJ Pearson is such an incredibly talented artist and an amazing human to work with. His unique style and vision are unparalleled in Chicago and I'm a true devoted customer after getting a masterfully curated geometric piece. In addition to being an incredibly skillful artist, he is also personable, attentive, and genuinely tries to understand his clients and their unique needs. Truly, DJ, along with the other artists at the shop, are a rare find and I am thankful to have found an artist that I know will design meaningful and cultivated artwork that will be admired for many years. read more

Where to begin... After hours of research I finally made an appointment Octoberish 2018 with Gary Parisi for March of 2019 because he's super popular, having been on ink master. My appointment was supposed to be at 8:30 pm on a Friday. When I walked in Gary was still tattooing someone else for another HOUR. He never came over to the waiting area to speak or to let me know he was running behind. I FINALLY got in the chair at 10 pm. He placed the stencil on my arm then proceeded to "let it dry" for 30 minutes while he dipped into his office. It's now 10:30. When he finally starts tattooing, he takes a break every 20 minutes to use his vape pen! Blowing so much smoke in the air that I could literally see it. He never once asked if I was okay with the smell, if I minded, nothing. He did this AT LEAST 3-4 times. I sat well, even falling asleep at a point. So there was no reason for him to take as many breaks as he did, especially if I'm paying HOURLY. I do feel like he did this on purpose to run the time up and I didn't end up leaving the shop until 1 AM! Although the work was beautiful, I won't be returning and I wouldn't recommend. read more

After searching for hours, days, maybe weeks for an artist to do a total hodge-podge custom piece, we found Adam. He has incredible talent, is really laid-back and easy to work with, and yet maintains a high degree of professionalism. Their shop is clean, they have FREE arcade games, and they collaborate. It may hurt (the needles and all), but you become part of a community here. Adam was our artist but we got to witness several other artists working. They have a high degree of custom artistry coupled with the technology to aid in anything you ask for. Literally, we had the longest list of random things we wanted put into a sleeve...and it's happening. And it's more than we could have imagined. Also, not the priciest place. They charge what the deserve. It's an investment. Don't cheapen yourself or your experience. First timers here and we'll stay here! read more

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Def one of the best tattoo shops in Chicago. I always get tattooed by Gary and I have never been disappointed. I've always seen work by other artists such as pony and josh and their work is also amazing. I recommend mayday to anyone interested in getting a tattoo. read more

Mayday Tattoo Co - bottom portion of my sleeve done by Gary Parisi - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

HORRIBLE SERVICE!!! I gave them a down payment for concept and tattoo. I was never given anything back not even a sketch. Was told the original artist left. Was put in contact with 2 other artist who never returned my messages. 1 year later I contacted the owner who again just gave me the run around. BASICALLY Stole $200 from me! Very unprofessional and horrible customer service. read more

One of the best shops in the Chicago land area! I got a tattoo by Pony today I couldn't be happier! Highly recommended!!

Pony is the man, lovely atmosphere very welcoming. Enjoyed every minute there and can't wait to go back!!

Pony is the most talented tattoo artist in the city and just an all-around great guy. When you want top-notch work, this is the place to go to. read more

I stopped in to speak with Garrett regarding a skull tattoo idea I had. He said he needed to finish something up, then he would be with me in a few minutes. No big deal . He then came to sit with me, and I just needed 5 minutes of his time to see availability and pricing . I was very nice, and complimented him a few times on how great his work was on yelp. He was very cordial back to me . He quoted me at around 3 grand , for a 2 day session, which was surprising to me for a skull tat. He also said he isn't available until aug / sept of this year, so I probably can't wait that long. The real issue was after I left. Garrett kept peeking his head out the side of the door to watch me go to my car and sit in my car. He immediately locked the door . (This was at 8:30 p.m. And the shop closes at 10, according to yelp.) I felt really uncomfortable at this point. I sat there in my car to call my girl back, when another employee came out to stare at my car. A few minutes later, everyone rushed out, turned the lights off and closed down shop at 8:45, and they continued to stare! I assure you , I'm a nice , normal looking guy . I guess I pissed them off and freaked them out for asking for 5 minutes of their time! They made me feel awkward, uncomfortable and like some criminal when I was nothing but polite. I'll give 2 stars because Garrett was polite to my face. The sad thing is this has completely me turned me to off to a tattoo there , because it was such a weird and awkward experience. read more

Best artists in Illinois!!! This place is awesome I travel 2 hours for the best tattoos money can buy! Pony has done the most incredible life like portraits I've ever seen! His insane attention to detail is like no other, if your looking for an artist that can literally do anything pony is your guy, I've also seen amazing work from other artists in the shop.. This place is legit check them out on Instagram and you will be blown away by the talent mayday has to offer read more

Carolyn Elaine is an amazing artist who clearly puts great thought and detail into each and every creation that she generates. Carolyn tattoo'd my wrist about a month ago, and her creation surpassed what I had even imagined. Her tattoo artistry truly looks like a painting or drawing...it's unbelievable that she's able to use skin as her canvas and do it with such precision. I would never go to anyone else! read more

Worst place to go two. It takes them two months to reply. Rude they feel like there better than the costumer. Garret Harper was the worst artist I have dealt with. Basically acted like I was a peasant and he was god. Worst costumer service read more

Mayday is an appointment-only shop, and it's easy to see why. I booked an appt. in advance with DJ Pearson, who is truly such a talent. I started seeing his art on his Instagram page, and reached out to him directly. I sent him some images that I really liked from his page, and we made the appt. The shop is really nice, and since it's appointment-only, it's not overly busy and you can make yourself at home. It was a really comfortable experience. He drew something up same day for me, and it was amazing. I love the piece he did on the back of my arm. We had great conversation, good tunes in the background. I'm going back to him for another piece soon. I've been recommending his work to all of my friends, and have received so many compliments. If you're looking for a truly one of a kind piece by an amazing artist, DJ is the guy for you. read more

Great shop and amazing artists. I'm getting work done on my sleeve by Gary Parisi and his artwork is outstanding. All of their artists are top notch and you will not be disappointed by any of their work and professionalism. Clean shop and comfortable set up. I highly recommend you come to their shop and get work done! read more