I got a tattoo here summer last year that was incomplete. After showing the artist a picture of what I wanted which I had for about six years, I explained I didn't want to pay more than $250 for the tattoo and he agreed. He explained the location and size I wanted wouldn't work and I trusted him. I went in after being recommended to a different artist but this guy stated doing pin ups was his passion so I wanted to give him a chance. He did the tattoo - very plain and only colored a tiny part of it after I practically begged him. He stated I would have to come back and I figured he was just tired and would do the big, bold, beautiful colors when I came back. I paid him $250 cash and left with my friend who also got a tattoo. I texted/called him after to schedule a follow up and he stated I could call the shop and schedule an appointment to finish as he was going out of town to DC. I was disappointed at the tattoo as it is very lifeless, colorless and soulless. There's nothing about it that screams bold, exciting and vibrant like the picture I showed him but figured once he finished, i'd ultimately be happy. As life happens, I didn't get to go back to finish the tattoo and went in today randomly. Honestly, I was a bit afraid to let him finish the work as I was underwhelmed from what he started but figured after paying $250 for a tattoo, needing color and just a few additions, I would let him finish it. I go into the shop and he's there and I ask him about finishing my color and just adding life to my tattoo. He starts asking me about adding other things and what else I want. I explain to him I just want the complete tattoo for $250 and I do want other things added but I would do so at another point. I wanted to see how he would handle finishing the original work before I paid for more things. He starts talking about cost and all that and i told him "no, I paid $250 for a tattoo and I gave you the picture and this is not a $250 tattoo nor is it the tattoo of the picture I gave you". He says no, the $250 was for the session and I'd have to pay $50 for him to set up to complete the coloring. He said if I would have came back within two weeks of getting the original tattoo he could have done it. I explained to him when I came for the tattoo I told him I didn't want to pay more than $250 for the tattoo, not for the session. If he would have said to me at the time or even after as we were texting/talking to set up the next appointment that I wouldn't have a complete color, bold and vibrant tattoo that I paid $250 cash in plus tip unless I came back within two weeks, then I surely would have been back within two weeks to finish it. I've been wanting this tattoo for at least six years as I said and have been disappointed the past year with this unfinished, lifeless piece on my thigh. I explained to him I wasn't paying him any additional money and left. I called my attorney friend who got the tattoo the same day when we went originally and asked her what her recollection of our conversation was. She confirmed I showed him my picture, I told him I didn't want to pay more than $250 for the tattoo and he agreed, he was still working on my tattoo and she went to the ATM machine with my debit card to pull the cash out for me to pay him before we left. I've been getting tattoos since I was 18 years old (14 years) and have several pieces. I'm not silly and i'm not dumb and I know I was used. I think this artist was intentionally vague about needing multiple sessions and costs as well as time lines because he thought I was a sucker or he just needed that $250 so badly. He practically kicked me out of his chair and if he has any integrity in his work he knows that the tattoo he did and what he charged me is not good work, it is not something he should be at all proud of and it's not something that he as an artist, as a man and as a business owner should have allowed me to walk out with without first explaining that I needed to come back within two weeks. I am highly disappointed and will find another artist to add actual breath and life to this tattoo and actually give me what I am paying for. Cost is not the issue as i have a lot of respect for artists, it is integrity and morality. If he wasn't able to complete the tattoo I wanted for the agreed upon price, he should have said it. I will never go back to this shop or to Scott again. I pray moving forward he is more clear and honest with his customers about their pieces and making sure there is a mutual understanding. The $250 is a small price to pay to never go back to him or this shop again or to ever give him a referral. I would not recommend this shop or the artist without getting everything in writing, spelled out, signed and dated in blood! I've never had to go to that depth with any other artist who has done work for me but there was clearly something shady going on and he thought he was going to extort more money out of me. I've never received one compliment on it. read more
