This is my 4th tattoo, and the 1st with South Water Studios. Carlos did my most recent tattoo, and I'm very pleased with the result. My first 3 tattoos were done at a different location. The other place did good work, but for this piece I wanted someone who was skilled with shading and black/gray. After looking at photos of their work I decided to give South Water Studios a shot. I was not disappointing. I told Carlos what I wanted and he drew a quick sketch as we discussed it. He showed me a few reference pieces to confirm what elements I wanted and we set an appointment. This was the first time I got a tattoo that wasn't pre-made artwork. He drew a great looking piece that contained everything that I wanted, and the best part is that it's one of a kind. The day of the appointment he showed me some options, I picked the one I liked best, and he got to work. He was gentle in his application, and was very meticulous with the detail. The final tattoo looks great, and didn't ooze ink like it had been over done, nor did it scab up like the skin had been pulverized. I specifically sought a studio that was able to do quality shading, and black/gray. The piece I wanted done could easily have become a big black blob if the artist wasn't able to shade or mix black and gray. Carlos did an excellent job in getting the details in without having a mass of black that was unreadable. I read another review here on Yelp that said South Water Studios is "a studio not a tattoo parlor" (or something along those lines). They are exactly right. It's not your typical tattoo shop, and my wife (who hadn't read the review) told me she didn't think it seemed like a tattoo shop after the initial consult. Some people may view that as bad, I guess, but it seems more like you're getting a piece of art applied rather than just some random common tattoo. The atmosphere of a studio is matched by the quality of the work. I'm sure they're able to do the random common tattoo if you want it, but who wants the same tattoo as everybody else. The price is reasonable. This is my 4th tattoo, which are all approximately the same size, and it is the most expensive of the four I have. It is also the most detailed of the four, so you could easily say you get what you pay for. I wouldn't say they're expensive, so don't take that wrong. They're not overprice, just not what I would call cheap either. If you want cheap prices you're going to get cheap tattoos. Carlos took his time to make sure my tattoo looked good, and just like it should, the price reflected it. He didn't overcharge, but the extra time to get a quality tattoo did cost slightly more. It was well worth it to me though. Lets face it, these things are forever, so do you really want your artist to rush to save you a few bucks? I don't. In the end. Top quality work, at a very fair price. They were friendly and the environment was clean. I like that it felt more professional rather than like a tattoo parlor. I will likely return to South Water Studios if I decide to get another tattoo. read more

Wendi did an absolutely fantastic job on my shoulder quarter sleeve tattoo. I brought in a rough sketch of what I wanted done and told her the elements and meaning I wanted it to have, and on top of that SHE MADE IT MATCH MY EXISTING TATTOO! The entire piece was CUSTOM AND PERSONALIZED and the experience could not have been better. The shop is extremely clean and professional and Wendi was great about sanitizing everything and they only use disposable equipment so there is zero chance that the autoclave was having a bad day and left a surprise on the needle lol. It has been 10+ years since I had my last tattoo and the adrenaline rush when we started caused my blood sugar to plummet. Carlos was on point with bringing me a Coca-Cola and skittles and I was fine within a couple of minutes and we continued on for the next couple hours uninterrupted. Wendi was quick, clean, professional and a pleasure to work with. Oh, and her artwork is fantastic. I will be going back for photos and touch ups once the new one has healed, and I plan on also coming back to have my old tattoo sharpened to match and more pieces added on! I could not speak more highly of my experience at this shop, WENDI AND CARLOS ARE THE BEST! read more

Outstanding shop! Had a relatively large custom tattoo done in a professional manner. Started with a consultation where I worked with the artist (Carlos) where we conceptualized the design, returned a week later to see what he had come up with and was blown away. Had it sized and outlined that evening. Came back in two weeks for the color in what blew my expectation s out of the water. The shading and color work was out of this world. The cleanliness of the shop is impeccable. There is no autoclave since everything used is brand new, unpacked in front of you. The artists work and portfolios (Both Carlos and Wendi) shown on their website give you an idea of the range of work that they do. Since they are husband and wife, if they feel one or the other is more qualified to give you what you want, they will have you consult with the other member of the husband and wife team. No commission, no pressure, extremely laid back environment. This is the only place I will come back to for all future tattoos. read more

From consultation & design to the finish; this is a true studio, not a tattoo parlor. Taking time to explain WHY certain areas, colors, styles react, change, shift... What the body does with the ink over time is something no other tattoo artist cared to discuss. Wendi did my tattoo with such clean precision that it looks like a decal. Perfection. Most important though is the care & attention this studio gives to a CLEAN protected environment... from barrier covers on the tables to masks- everything is safe & sealed. Both artists here are absolutely amazing. I chose Wendi because I wanted a delicate feminine tattoo & her line work is breathtaking, but Carlos has a portfolio to rival all I've seen in our area too. read more

I just had a tattoo done on Friday the 13th. Forget about bad luck. The owners were FANTASTIC people. They were very informative on the whole procedure and made me feel very comfortable. It felt like hanging out with old friends. I had a simple tattoo done and It took less then an hour. The price was better then other places I've been to. I definitely recommend this place for your first tat or your 10th. When I decide on the next design I want...I'm going back. read more

I had a great experience here. I went for my first tattoo and was very nervous. Everyone was very friendly and put me at ease. They answered all my questions and were very patient with me. The studio was clean and professional. Overall a great experience. They have two work areas in one fairly long room, however, there is a partition they can put between the areas if you prefer. I would recommend South Water to my friends and anyone nervous to get a tattoo. read more

I Met Carlos 10 Years ago. He gave me first Tattoo and has done every piece I have now!! I can only say he is beyond great at his craft, I am always amazed at how he is always constantly evolving. I recommend anyone who is getting a first tattoo or anyone who has tattoos to get work done by Carlos @Southwaterstudios in Kent Ohio!!! Can't wait to see you guys in a couple of weeks!!! read more

If you are looking for a professional, clean and friendly tattoo shop, THIS IS IT! Look no further! Wendi is wonderful and has done all of my work. I am extremely pleased with everything that she has done - 5 tattoos so far. Great design assistance and GREAT execution. I could not be happier and I recommend them to everyone. read more

I can't believe there aren't more reviews of South Water. I got a tattoo here by Wendi over a year ago, and I get compliments on it on a regular basis and people ask me where ingot it done. The shop is clean and Wendi is simply awesome. Enough said. read more

Loved my tattoo! Everyone has complimented my piece since I got it. Carlos did a fantastic job and did it for a very reasonable price. I highly recommend this place to anyone in the are. I will for sure be going here for future work. read more