My story began when I tried to get 2 tattoos covered up that I was given when I was a kid against my will, at another shop. I ended up with a penis-looking tail feather, and the old tattoo wasn't even fully covered. So, I went to Henry he looked at the tattoo and asked if I saw their IG and if I knew who I wanted to do the work. I said no I had not. I didn't even have IG on my phone. James helped me get set up and find their page. I checked the artists and their styles to see if anyone stood out to me. I liked Henry's style. I liked everyone's, honesty, but I liked how in our first meeting he was honest and straightforward about what could be done and what would look the best. He told me his price per hour, his deposit amount, and estimated time to completion which also depended on my ability to sit and obviously my finances toward any work.
I have never had a problem with him not caring about what I wanted in fact he asks me things all the time as far as colors and designs which I never have any idea so he suggests things to help me out, such as how big I want it, etc. and after the sh** show on my back was covered up on my next cover-up he suggested an idea, asked how big I wanted it and I said "go nuts" which is maybe not what other people would do but because I trust him based on what he has already done. He stopped a few times while he was drawing out the pattern on my skin and told me to go check in the mirror to see if I was okay with what he had drawn, I honestly got up and looked for his peace of mind, not mine because I knew after the first tattoo whatever he drew was going to be amazing but for his comfort, I got up and looked.
As far as other reviews saying he isn't personal I disagree, in fact, he let me sit there and cry because I was so overwhelmed that the bad memory was now changed to something that is going to look good for the rest of my life. He handled it like a champ and said, "That's what makes my job worth it." He didn't try to rush me to shut up he just waited. He is not rude at all and is extremely patient, for example. I kept moving my arm this last time and he had to remind me not to like 5 times and never once did his tone of voice change to rude or even irritated in the slightest. We talk about likes and dislikes on all different kinds of stuff. I try to pick his brain a lot because I find myself genuinely interested in what he has to say, it may be annoying to him but if it is he never says so which makes conversation sitting there for 5 hours nice. When we don't speak the silence has never been uncomfortable as far as I've ever experienced.
As for the other people I have seen in the shop James and Rob are also extremely nice. James came and stood there for a bit and talked in-between tattoos and greeted 3 different people who came in with nothing but smiles and "Welcome, how are you doing?" "Thanks for coming in" Rob also came over and talked about tattoos and various things, calm and respectful the whole time. I had never met any of them prior, but I feel comfortable when I'm in the shop. I have no idea how the bad reviews got on yelp but if you want a good tattoo and you are okay with someone talking to you like an adult, without blowing fluff up you're a** without being completely dishonest about their ability then go here. Henry has been tattooing for over 28 years, he's confident about what he can do and also what he prefers not to do, which is what put me at ease! but he isn't rude about it. He simply states what he will do and what he won't.
Remember also it's their work going on your body forever, you're literally a walking advertisement so if there is something they are not comfortable doing, get over it. Be grateful for the honesty; don't take their expertise as a personal attack. It isn't one.
My tattoos are ongoing so I will post the new ones as I go. read more