Let me first start by saying that I was first tattooed by the apprentice in the shop. The tattoo I requested was on the lower knuckles. I 100% understand that ink on the hands is difficult in the way that their are several layers of skin and you use your hands everyday. During the first session with the apprentice, whom I won't name as it isnt her fault, the ink did not retain at all...she had a very light hand. The owner wasnt their to begin with. She showed up about an hour after we started. She came in, looked at the work being done and did not say or correct the apprentice in any sort of way. After I contacted the apprentice with pics of my hands and the absolute lack of retained ink, she asked for me to come back in to correct it, at no charge. She assured me her boss/the owner Viki would be there to oversee and correct. I went in, for the second time. Viki was nowhere to be seen. We started the session. After 2 fingers were done, she came in. She watched the apprentice for maybe 15 minutes, then herself decided to do the letter L on my 3rd finger. Then she left the shop. Cut to not even 3 weeks later the ink, once again is not retained. Some letters with no ink at all!
I consulted with another professional, who informed me the placement of the letters are in the absolute wrong place. They are actually on the lower crease. They should be between the bends on your fingers.
I see this as irresponsibility on Vikis part as the main artist and owner of the establishment. An apprentice shouldn't have ever been given the go ahead to do a knuckle tattoo without prior knowledge. The kicker is, on that first go around when Viki came in, she didnt say a word about the incorrect placement. I would assume an "award winning" artist and owner would care if their apprentice is doing a tattoo completely incorrect. But no..not a word. So I blame the owner. Now, to correct this mess, I have to get their mistake lasered off, yeah it will only take 1 session since the ink is barely there, then go to a responsible professional who knows and cares and isnt just trying to make a buck.
I wouldn't recommend Queen Tattoo Co to anyone. Yeah, I see awards and such in the lobby, but I'd rather frequent an establishment that will actually do it the correct way and the responsible way the first time.
Addition:
Yes, I did sign and was well aware I was booking with an apprentice. However, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY as the owner/ teacher to accurately teach. You are 100% incorrect when you showed up. It was NOT after the tattoo was complete. You should have been there the entire time to accurately show the apprentice how to do the tattoo. You apparently had to interrupt your workout as you showed up in workout gear for godssake. You're a disgrace to the tattoo community. Show your apprentice how to do tattoos correctly...not prison scratch. read more