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    Rising Dragon Tattoos

    4.4 (242 reviews)
    ModerateTattoo, Piercing
    Open 1:00 pm - 7:30 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

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    Recommended Reviews - Rising Dragon Tattoos

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    The shop is amazing,everyone is very friendly, and willing to work with you and whatever design you have! I put together a tree design and the artist Darren was able to give me something even better, highly recommend!

    Latest work done at Rising Dragon, this time by Alfred
    Mikey C.

    I got my first and second tattoo ever at Rising Dragon and couldn't be happier with the resulting artwork and experience. Darren and his talented crew are absolute pros -- made me feel comfortable the entire session and provided expert after care tips. Jace, a visiting artist, did my very first tat of David Bowie kitty on forearm back in 2019; more recently, Alfred took my vision of Totoro and turned it into a beautiful piece of work. I can't recommend them enough -- if you're thinking of getting inked, Darren and team got you covered! Literally and figuratively ;)

    My finished dragon tattoo
    Chantel A.

    Rising Dragon had the best and most warm reception to my request. I had a few minor burns on my arm (including one that *appeared* like a healed knife wound) that I wanted covered up and I knew I wanted a dragon to cover it. Darren was very approachable and had impeccable precision with conceptualizing and executing my dragon. Things were very well done, sterile and safe. Even the shop feels welcoming--calm environment and minimal wait. I'm over the moon with the piece and I'm really happy I chose this shop to execute, it couldn't have been more perfect! Thanks again Darren!

    Samir N.

    This place has been around for a long time. They have a decent size space with 4-6 tattoo artist and also have guest artist pop up. Each one of their tattoo artist have a specialty. The place is clean and the decor is cool. The employees are professional & respectful. Prices vary per artist and wait times for an appointment also vary per artist. Definitely recommend them, I have got a lot of work done there.

    After 3 hours!  By Jace.
    Gabriel P.

    I got inked by "Jace", originally from Spain. He spends some of his Summers tattooing in NYC's 'Rising Dragon Tattoo'. I got a Hannya tattoo by Jace. It is AMAZING. I will wait for his return, next season, in order to either adorn/put a background on the Hannya or create something new. Can't wait! The man has a very nimble, soft hand. I believe his quality of work is excellent.

    Friends tattoo  Artist - Nino
    Serita H.

    Hidden gem for sure! My friend and I drove from VA to NY for the weekend for a mom vacation and we had the honor to step into Rising Dragon Tattoos. My artist was Chris, first tattoo so I played it safe with the tiny tattoo. Literally took 2.5 minutes, set up was longer... but, Chris was really cool about it. He cracked jokes and made the experience a breeze! -Look, the picture of my tattoo below didn't do justice for this mans talent I know, but walking into the shop having bubble guts and sweating out of fear of needles! Chris, a tatted angel sent from the tattoo gods calmed me with his tattoo gun harp and jokes! So I'm going to flaunt my tiny diamond of a tattoo and assure you reviewers that this tattoo shop is worth the visit! My friends artist was Nino, not her first tattoo but she was still nervous. Nino helped her choose the location of her tattoo, and also made her feel comfortable with everything! He brang that Florida sunshine to NY for sure! Really dope artists, and really cool laid back people. Highly recommend this gem to any tourists and locals! It's a small shop with big talent I promise! Thanks Chris and Nino! Next trip up Rising Dragon Tattoos is our first stop!

    Jean D.

    Met with Darren to add to a piece that was done by one of his former artists, and boy did he do a great job. I have dark skin, so I never thought about adding color to a tattoo, but after speaking with Darren, he's shown me that certain colors can be added and the tattoo will still pop. I'd definitely recommend him to anyone looking to get some work done.

    Daniel was amazing! I walked in today and was immediately helped, and got exactly what I was looking for. I will definitely be coming back!

    Cherishe C.

    My boyfriend and I had the pleasure to work with Eddie on creating an original tattoo that pays homage to my boyfriend's profession as a firefighter . After our first consultation with Eddie he assured us that he could complete the tattoo sketch exactly how my boyfriend requested. We received the sketch from Eddie in an email and although there were minor changes we were pleased with his work . After two sessions the tattoo was complete and my boyfriend and I were extremely pleased with Eddie's work . He is extremely professional and an absolute pleasure to work with .

    Karina T.

    I went in for a consult with Eddie , he was very professional and instilled in me a sense of peacefulness. I was able to have a lengthy consult with him and he went over every detail regarding what I wanted , I have not done my tattoo yet but so far I've been very happy with the entire process. Also , he even squeezed me in for a quick tattoo on my wrist without even having a tattoo appointment, just a consult appointment, I can't wait till 11/25/17, that is when I will start the cover up with Eddie , I am certain that he will do an amazing job , loved this place , and loved Eddie . I would highly recommend this place and specifically Eddie . The pictures below are of the quick tattoo he did during my consult visit .

    Angel and butterflies in memory of my mom, done by Darren.
    Christine M.

    Where do I even begin? I had been to Darren, the owner, 6 years ago for my first tattoo at the old 23rd street location. I was 18, terrified, and he made me (and my best friend who accompanied me) feel ridiculously comfortable at the time. Flash forward to this past friday. I arrived at my appointment with one friend in tow, as he as getting a tattoo at the same time by Wendi. My tattoo session was 4 hours but it only took 3 1/2. Still, i was nervous about such a long session. Darren was beyond gentle, really funny, and kept me in conversation from time to time to get my mind off the pain. They surely don't joke when they say your endorphins run out after 2 hours or so, i was in straight pain after. Darren always made sure I was alright. We took breaks when my legs got shaky and he had no qualms when both my friend who just got tatted and a second friend came to the back to keep me company. His work is phenomenal. He took a drawing I brought to him and turned it into something beautiful (not to say the original drawing wasn't amazing itself). I had come to him with a black and white pencil of an angel and butterflies, in memory of my mom (the picture of which is in the gallery), and he brought it to life with color. Also, side note, Wendi did a fab job on my friend, who had a poem stanza tattooed on him in an old English style font. It was done beautifully. Everyone who has seen it since has asked me where I got it done. I highly recommend this place if you want quality work, a comfortable environment and tattoo artists with great personality. The place is clean, high class, and very welcoming.

    Blackbird, singing - 9/11/11 by Wendi
    Theresa S.

    I'm basing my review pretty much solely on on working with Wendi. My interactions with the various desk people, etc, was totally neutral and I don't think I would have chosen to go to any of the other artists there, personally. Not that they aren't talented, but I was looking for someone very specific. I could have done without the super loud, fast music an hour into my tattoo which was selected by another artist there, but it wasn't the end of the world. So, Wendi. She is fantastic. Before I even knew what tattoo I wanted, I knew that it needed to be girly and expertly done. Nothing but super crisp lines and deep, saturated color would do for me. I spent countless hours reviewing portfolios and always came back to Wendi's, as her aesthetic and skill as an illustrator was evident in so many of the pieces she had up on the site. I got a feeling for which ones she designed herself as they were the exact artistic aesthetic I was looking for and had rich, amazing color. So, when I went in for my consult appointment, I was sold off the bat. She's friendly and personable - I felt totally comfortable. I went in with some inspiration pieces for a few different ideas I had but it became clear that I was strongly biased toward one - a blackbird. However, I didn't want just a big, dark bird on my arm. We worked together to come up with exactly what I wanted as my vision evolved and she was totally gracious about it. I'm a control freak and didn't really know at what stage I should expect a final sketch, so there was a lot of back and forth and she was always sweet about it. If I'm honest, when I went in for my final appointment I was nervous about the final sketch. I didn't want to back out but wasn't going to go forward if it wasn't perfect. Luckily, it was! I gasped as soon as I saw it. She totally captured what I wanted in the bird! He's a beautiful, graceful and also adorable piece of art. We talked through colors and I was fairly comfortable, though not 100%, but now that all is done I see why she advised what she did and its so much better for it. If you want a tattoo, but are not into the usual ugly tattoos and want something modern and cute, I completely suggest Wendi. I feel like I have an amazing piece of art on my arm now and am so proud of it. Its so expertly done that, while its sure not to look this new forever, right now it looks as if someone just drew on my arm with marker and I'm scared I'm going to be able to wipe it off! I'll post a picture of my bird right after it was done in the pictures. He's the black and gray bird with bits of blue and green that is singing. Oh, also, super affordable! It cost way less than I was prepared to pay.

    Islamic Geometric design: sitting 2 of 3

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    Awesome. Just an amazing time. Daniel was great. My sisters and I all got 3 tattoos. Amazing time. Love it. Def recommend.

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    Page 1 of 7

    Ask the Community - Rising Dragon Tattoos

    Hi! Almost a week ago I got a tattoo that didn't turn out as planned & appears to have a blowout in a few spots. I would like to keep the original design but touch up a few things & coverup the blowout areas. Which artist would you recommend?

    Hey Emily, I would suggest 2 Things, 1) Look at the work of our artists on our website, and then 2) send us an email to risingdragon.nyc@gmail.com The email is important,… Read more

    Hi! I am looking to get a tribal tattoo on my forearm that completely wraps around. Which artist would you recommend I talk to about it?

    These days, our resident artist for the past 5 years: Jason Barletta, is your best choice, as not only does he do mostly black and grey tattoos, and tribal, but he likes it very much as well. It's become a niche specialty along with the trash-polka… Read more

    What's the price for Friday the 13th?

    Kagi, the best way to find that out is to follow our Instagram @risingdragontattoos That is where we post any of our sales or specials. Needless to say, we try to follow tradition and give people a "deal".

    Is it not recommended to get a sleeve as your first tattoo?I've had my heart set on a sleeve for a year now... hopefully Darren can do it!!!

    Justin, a sleeve is a GREAT first tattoo. I've noticed that more people are actually starting with larger pieces for their first as they know that more detail and bold imagery can fit into a larger space, and thus give them an artistic tattoo they… Read more

    Does this parlor have a price/hour minimum? Looking to get something small and simple done, and I know a lot of places have high minimums.

    Rebecca, the shop minimum as of today is $100. Which is the average in Manhattan in 2019, Yes I’ve heard of some shop’s charging as much as $500 for a minimum. Hope to see… Read more

    I would like to get a mandala tattoo on my top shoulder, who would best to do it?

    Hi Arlene, Eddi, Chris, Paolino and Jason all do fine line detailed tattoos very well, however I believe Jason has done the most mandalas. You can reach out to him: jason@jasonbarletta.com or contact us through our website contact link on… Read more

    Darren, I have scars on my legs and I wanted to see if I can tattoo over them and as for the half sleeves, I have existing sleeves that I want to extend to my wrist. I would to come in and consult with you so you can see the canvas. Is that possible?

    Harry, that’s absolutely possible. Best way is to call the shop during business hours at 212-255-8288 and ask for a consultation appointment which is free. I’ll do my best to help you. - Darren

    How much do you charge for calf sleeves and half sleeves?

    Harry, this is one of those "Depends" questions. We have a shop rate, but for bigger pieces we suggest consulting with the artist because if it's something they are really into, or a style that's easier than say dotwork or realism, you can get a… Read more

    How are they with cover ups?

    Darren is great with cover ups

    Hi! I'm going to New York from Spain in July and I wanted to know what do I need to get a tattoo since I'm 17. Do you need a paper from my parents saying that I can get a tattoo or something or is not necessary? Thank you so much!!

    Hi Paula, I regret to disappoint you that our laws state that you must be 18 years of age the day you get your tattoo. Letters or permissions from one or both parents do not… Read more

    I want to get a geometrical tattoo with a straight line going down my back/spine. I want to know based on customer experience how good is their line work? I don't want to pay 100's of dollars just to end up with a crooked line.

    Isabella, Thank you for your question, it is a very valid pertinent question, and I commend you for pausing to ask it. My answer would be to go with my artist Paolino, as he… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Rising Dragon Tattoos

    Because I was still just starting to figure out design with illustration, Wendi helped me adjust a few things.

    Mentioned in 15 reviews

    Read more highlights

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