I've been coming to Assassin Tattoo Studio since 2024, and unfortunately, my most recent experience…read moregetting my rook pierced by Jun was extremely difficult.
There was a language barrier between the piercer and me, and someone from the front had to translate for us to communicate. I repeatedly tried explaining that I had scar tissue in the area, but I didn't feel like my concerns were fully understood.
During the piercing, he was very rough and held my ear extremely tightly with the clamp. My friend was there and noticed that my ear had become very swollen and was turning red/purple while he was clamping it. I have a high pain tolerance, but this was incredibly painful. I have been through a fair share of piercings so I knew that wasn't okay. The needle wasn't going through, so he got another needle that was bigger. Throughout the process, my ear was being held so tightly with the clamp that the pain became even worse.
Later that evening, the bottom ball of my jewelry came loose. My ear was already extremely swollen, and I spent the night trying to keep the jewelry in place. Thankfully, it stayed in overnight.
I returned to the studio the following day with the loose ball. The receptionist, who is also a piercer, told me that the same piercer could screw it back on. I asked if I could speak with a manager because I wanted to share my concerns regarding the safety of my experience, not simply complain or get anyone in trouble. Unfortunately, the manager wasn't available, so I explained what happened to the receptionist instead.
The same piercer tightened the jewelry, which was uncomfortable because my ear was still very sore and swollen from the previous day. Afterward, I felt uncomfortable with the interaction because he appeared upset and seemed to be raising his voice toward me while I was leaving. Due to the language barrier, I couldn't understand what was being said, but the situation made me feel uneasy.
I was given a discount in the end, which I appreciate. However, that doesn't change how the experience made me feel.
I understand that piercings can be painful and that scar tissue can make the procedure more difficult. However, I believe communication, patience, and client safety should always be priorities.
I've supported this studio for a couple of years, so it's disappointing to say that I no longer feel comfortable returning. I wasn't looking to cause problems or make anyone uncomfortable. I simply wanted my concerns to be heard and taken seriously. Unfortunately, this experience left me feeling the opposite.