I've been looking for a tattoo shop and after searching I decided to give it a shot here and I was not let down ! This shop exceeded my expectations I love my new tattoos I recommend here 100 percent!! read more

Margaret greeted me warmly. She talked with me in depth regarding the style of tattoo I wanted. Margaret carefully and meticulously sketched a design and worked with me to tweak it to my needs. She took her time to complete my tattoos and the end results were gorgeous read more

Tattoo Candy - Rose behind my ear - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Like many of you, I went to this "New" and "Hip" shop sometime late this summer. It has been a long time since I last got a tattoo and this to me was a great deal. I walked in one summer night and decided to have one of the artists there work on a simple, but significant tattoo for me. I spoke with Jake and showed a picture of what I wanted. He said it was simple enough. Once we agreed on the type of tattoo I was to get he said it was cash only. I was surprised by that request and thought who has a cash-only business nowadays? Nonetheless, I was instructed to go to the nearest ATM and withdraw cash. I came back to the establishment and decided to proceed with my pan. To my surprise when I came back I was passed on to Tanner because Jake got busy with a customer. Seeing that my tattoo was simple enough I agreed to have Tanner work on it. It took 2 hours at least for him to work on my tattoo. It was simple enough and decided to get a black ink design instead of the colorful and elaborate tattoos I have gotten from other more reputable shops. After meeting with Tanner he struck me as an outgoing energetic young man. After shooting the breeze I learned that he had been a tattoo artist for about 3-4 years and that he had been in this business. Prior to this, he worked at (I believe his father's body shop). I felt uncomfortable about that revelation, but we all have very different backgrounds and no matter what we excel at something we are passionate about. I originally got there around 8:00 pm, but with all this running around we did not get done until the shop closed a bit after midnight. Tanner and the rest of the remaining crew seemed to be in a hurry to finish up and hang out at the next door tavern. Anyway, after 2-3 hours of spending time at this shop, I was glad to get it over with and get on my way home. Before leaving I noticed that my design needed a bit of color and I had talked to Tanner about this before the end of the session. He responded with, give it a month until it fully heals and then I can address any areas that may need some touch up (this is normal at times with some people he said). He gave me a document containing instructions on how to take care of my new tattoo. He also went over the ointment I should use to keep it clean in order to allow it to heal and have the best result. I took the poorly copy of such instructions. I was just happy to leave because it took such a long time to finish something with barely any detail. I called a month later and I was told to email Tanner so that he could accommodate me in his schedule. After I sent him such email he called back a few days later and we agreed on a date and time to come in and address my concerns. I took the afternoon off from work to see him. Something told me to call him before heading there. He answered and barely remembered me. He said to me, why don't you come back or call after 4:00 pm since my appointment with him was scheduled for 1:00 p.m and I was to be his first appointment of the day. He responded with " I have two paying clients here and I need to take care of them, plus you have not paid a deposit". Surprised by this I reminded him of my entire conversation. I did say to him during my original session that I wanted him to touch up a few tattoos I had that needed some updating. But, at this point, I was not thinking about any more tattoos at least with him. He said he would call me back after he was done with his "paying customers." I waited all afternoon and no call and even now no calls. Customer service or lack of professionalism is definitely not there with him or Jake. Their instructions on how to take care of a new tattoo can be better written by a 1st grader. They promise a lot in the beginning but fall short of honoring these promises. All I can say is that before visiting this establishment do your homework, ask as many questions and go see other shops that have been around for a very long time. Sincerely, Unhappy Tattoo Lover read more

Went as a walk in one day and fell in love with the place. Everyone there is great and always know what they're doing. Jake has done 95% of my tattoos and always kills it! I've always walked out extreamly happy. Tanner also did an amazing job, made my idea come true and honestly better than my initial idea! they are my go-to guys for Horror and Comic Book ideas! And they got free candy I mean come on! read more

One name..... SPECK!!!!!!! This girl is the jam!!! her an idea and her ideas will blow yours out of the water!!!! She's done a big piece on my arm and I will be back for more!!! read more

Walked in and was seen by Jake within 40 minutes or so. He was very friendly and professional. I'm a Chicago native moving to a new city next week; I wanted a Chicago flag tattoo to mark my hometown. I'm really happy with this tattoo - it's a great size and the colors look beautiful. Bonus: A Quentin Tarantino playlist was on the entire time he was working on my tattoo. read more

Tattoo Candy - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've been going to Tattoo Candy for over a year now, and not once have I had a bad experience there. I've gotten to see not only the actual shop transform with their remodeling, but the artists grow as well. Walking in there is like walking into my family's living room. Everyone is friendly, welcomes you with open arms, and cracks a joke. I give mad props to Joe for picking such great boys, even the apprentice! I've been to quite a few tattoo shops across the city and Tattoo Candy is by far my favorite. They have not only a fun environment but a clean, professional, and well disposed one too, AND THAT'S IMPORTANT. All of my pieces come out better than I imagined. Joe, Devin, Billy, Bryan, Max, and Chester... KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK GUYS! read more

Ive been here multiple times and each time im satisfied i have gotten 3 of my four tattoos from them. they are always willing to work with you on money and they are very nice so i suggest going read more

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I had Tony do my tattoo! And he made me feel super comfortable and did an amazing job!!! I highly recommended asking for Tony if possible will be seeing him again for my best tattoo read more

What an amazing experience! And during these corona times... it has been difficult to find nice, down to earth people to tattoo you, especially on the same day. I was, however, exceedingly impressed. Jake was top notch. From start to finish I could not be more pleased; I got exactly what I wanted. I would recommend this spot to any and everyone I know and love. Thank you Jake! read more

I contemplated leaving a review here because i never went through with getting a tattoo by Margaret, but after speaking with another artist, I felt like I should. I came in for a wrist tattoo that was very simple - I left my deposit and waited anxiously a month for my appointment. I was told the drawings would be ready closer to the date of my appointment but I didn't get them until i reached out the day of the appointment, hours before. She told me she wasn't throwing anything together, rather she was "thinking" about the drawing since we met. She then sent me the same simple tattoo that we discussed the day of, nothing had changed. It really shouldn't have taken that long. Regardless that wasn't my problem - my problem was that i wanted to add a cross the size of my pinky nail to the idea and she drew out something that would take up almost my entire forearm and said flat out it wasn't possible. Really? how does a wrist tattoo go from a small size to a forearm tattoo when adding a baby cross. She seemed so unwilling to work with anything and just too lazy to put anything together. I went to another artist who told me the same thing - she was just not willing to work and he was able to completely put the tattoo together no issues at all. It's disappointing when you wait all that time and think you found the right person and they just totally let you down and get to keep your deposit all because you didn't want to follow through with a tattoo you didn't want. read more

I got my first tattoo from Tattoo Candy today and I couldn't have had a better experience. The shop is clean, friendly, and easy to find. If you check out the artists' work you'll see that there's a lot of talent at Tattoo Candy. Speck was my artist and she did more than draw up a beautiful piece for me. She gave me a great pep-talk, thoroughly walked me through aftercare, and generally made the experience awesome. I'm a pretty indecisive person, but I'm head over heels in love with the work I had done. I wanted a tattoo that wasn't just something from a binder of flash or a carbon copy of some image from the Internet. My expectations were exceeded. I'd definitely go back for more tattoos or recommend this shop to friends. read more

This was my first visit to the shop. It is a nice chill place with very warm decor. I have been to other places that just seemed stark. It is a very clean place as well. I saw Jen to get a nostril piercing today. Let me tell you.. I felt almost nothing! I actually had to ask her if she was done!! Excellent work. I would recommend to anyone. It looks great! Jen also provided me with all the information I could need for aftercare. She is very pleasant and knowledgeable. I plan on coming back to get some tattoo work done. Check this place out and if you are considering a piercing go see Jen!! read more

I have had 2 tattoos done at tattoo candy. They are amazing at what they do! The first by Allie Marie, it's beautiful and very skillfully done. She was very friendly and professional. I also highly recommend Jen Doe, she's amazing and she takes her time to make sure her artwork is perfect. I gave her a general idea of what I wanted as a memorial for my babies, she went above and beyond. It is the absolute perfect way to honor my children. I have received so many compliments on both of my tattoos from tattoo candy. The atmosphere is perfect, the artists are amazing and the owner is very professional. I will gladly drive the 700 miles for any future work. read more

Tattoo Candy - Jen Doe. - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Speck Osterhout is a true artist. My friends/fam who don't like tattoos love mine because they are truly works of art. She does custom tattoos and really takes the time to understand you and your style. My first piece by her was very collaborative. I had really specific images and sentiments that I wanted to get across and she did such a lovely job of staying true to a sketch I had drawn up, while at the same time putting her artistry and interpretation into it. The next piece I got done by her, I told her the subject I wanted and asked her to just do her thing because I completely trust her (I can't wait to finish the coloring). She uses techniques that I've known other artists to shy away from, not to mention that hanging out with her for 3 hours ain't bad either. A tattoo by Speck is an awesome investment, I recommend her to everyone and will never go to anyone else. read more

the zen in the space is like no other. the artist jacob was quick and on point definitely getting more work asap read more

Tattoo Candy - i needed a shave but it is epic - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Absolutely one of the best tattoo shops in Chicago! Went in and got a piece done by Tanner and absolutely loved it. Very professional and I was left with a beautiful piece. He was such a great listener and took what I wanted and made it 10x more incredible than I ever thought of! Very patient and understanding as well! read more

I came to Norm for my first tattoo in almost 10 years. He did a great job of making me feel comfortable, and explained the process and after care throughly. I love my tattoo, and the unique design he created for me. read more

THIS PLACE IS WONDERFUL!!! last week my boyfriend and i got tattooed by Speck. we couldnt be happier. She gave me a beautiful vintage mirror in the most wonderful location. it healed in about 5 days and looks amazing, she is light with the needle and i had no pain. My boyfriends look awesome too. we will def be back as soon as possible. PS ladies its an all girl shop and chicks rule. THANKS SPECK and all the awesome ladies at tattoo candy read more

Great shop. I got a tattoo from Allie and it was an honor to get an old school tattoo from someone that actually knows how to do old school tattoos. I would definitely recommend this both this shop and Allie. read more

In a very saturated market in Chicago, where there seems to be a tattoo shop popping up on every corner, this place seems to stand out among the ranks. They have a decently sized clean-cut shop and I really like the guys that work there. Not only that, but the prices they give are waaay better than a lot of the shops in the city. Two thumbs up! read more

Recently stopped by for a quick flash sheet tattoo from Allie Marie. She was really fun and very thorough. I really like my tattoo as well. I look forward to returning once I get enough money to justify getting another tattoo. Cash only. read more

I had a tattoo done here over summer. I am ashamed to say it wasn't the shop I intentionally went to. I was turned down by "stained in pain" tattoo shop because the artist told me by tattoo wasn't realistic and wouldn't do it for me. Well, as soon as I explained it here, at Tattoo Candy, the first stencil was perfect! I forgot the artist's name, but this is where I'll be going back to. 100% read more

I recently had a tattoo with Speck who did an amazing job. Her artwork was a perfect reflection of what we discussed in our consultation and the many pictures I had pinned on pinterest. The size, detail, everything about the end result exceeded expectations in every way. She had a light hand, made me feel completely at ease throughout the process, and let me go at my own pace. The few times I've had work done before I felt pressured into keeping up conversation with the artist the whole time, even though as an introvert I deal way better with discomfort by retreating into my own headspace. Speck was awesome to work with in this regard too. When I wanted to talk she was great company but when I wanted to just close my eyes and listen to my music she didn't make me feel like I was being rude. I will 110% recommend her to my friends and plan to return for a piece on my other arm when this one heals. read more

Tattoo Candy - Second day of healing, great line-work, minimal swelling. Art by Speck. - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I got a wonderful spur of the moment shoulder piece from Allie. I absolutely adore it and I get so many compliments on it. She is a great artist who I highly recommend. Also love the shop, it's up kept very nicely. read more

Speck really kills it as far as tattoos go. Honestly she's my go to and the person I recommend people to. read more

I just got my first tattoo from Billy...He did such an awesome job! I was nervous as hell, but his sense of humor loosened me up and calmed me down. I brought in a picture of what I wanted, but he didn't care for it and he changed it up and customized it for me. I'm so glad he did because I LOVE it! I loved his honesty because I am so thrilled with what he gave me! He is a true artist and has a gift...thanks Billy! read more

I highly recommend going to Tattoo Candy for any tattoo work you want to get done. Great, clean, beautifully decorated, full of talent tattoo shop. Speck did my tattoos, as well as and a few of my friends'. She is straight-up, will give you her opinion and it is spot-on with the work she puts on your body. I told her what I wanted, and she had no problem sketching out design, tweaking it with my feedback as well as some of her own, until we were both happy with it. She knows her craft and is definitely my favorite artist in the city. It's insane how versatile she can be with the different styles of artwork I've seen on her clients. The shop is very inviting and everybody who works there is extremely nice and welcoming. It's also in a great location close to transit! read more

I've been going to Tattoo Candy for years but my encounter with Jen was my perhaps my favorite visit. In preparation for surgery I had to remove all my piercings, well for 2 weeks I tried and failed. I finally gave up and went in, very embarrassed, to ask for help. Jen helped me right away and reassured me that I was not alone with this struggle. I'll definitely be going back to Jen for future piercings and maybe even some ink! read more

Great atmosphere and great tattooing. I got my first and second tattoo done here and they walked me through the process step by step and gave me cleaning and caring advise. read more

I been there twice. First I got tattoo by Brain. He worked amazing job. My tattoo still looks new. Last time I got belly button persing but it been more then 3 months but didn't heal. Last year my friend she got samething it healed so fast, less then a week. I like this place a lot. Except my belly button persing. I think she made it too thick that's why it doesn't get heal read more

Got my first tattoo here on December 28th. Speck did a great job making me feel comfortable, and I couldn't be more pleased with how it turned out. I will definitely be back! read more

Highly recommend this tattoo shop. Super chill and everyone is so nice. Speck is the most professional and artistically advanced tattooist I've ever worked with. Not to mention she's quick (yet efficient) and very easy to talk to. read more

This place is amazing and Speck is a true professional. She was so kind and helpful and her work is truly beautiful. I brought in 4 people and we all got tattoos. She was super accommodating and much faster than we expected. I had some issues (fainted) and she was super patient while I took a breather. The parlour itself is inviting and clean and very comfortable. Highly recommend this shop and Speck specifically. read more

When I first entered the shop they where extremely nice and immediately started sketching my design. The shop was VERY VERY CLEAN. My original tattoo price was $100 and Jacob kindly dropped it to $80. He was very understanding of how I nervous I was for my 1st tattoo and was very gentle. 100% recommended this shop! and I will definitely be returning to get more work done! I am 100% pleased with my tattoo. read more

I went here for my first tattoo and I'm so glad I did. Speck tattooed me and even though I had come in with a completely different idea I love the final product. She has amazing handwriting and drawing skills. I healed beautifully and I'm so happy with it! read more

This review is long overdue. My roommate and I have both gone to Speck for the past year or so and we totally love her. She's professional and very talented. You just let her know what you want and she makes magic happen. I let her [permanently, duh] draw on my whole upper left arm and about a third of my right thigh and couldn't be happier with the quality of work. She is very detailed and great with color. Go see this girl! I promise you'll be more than thrilled! read more

There are few people in life that can get you so outraged and mess up so bad that you go write a review solely based on them. But Ryan is god awful. If you go to this shop, BY ALL MEANS HAVE SOMEONE ELSE TATTOO YOU. Firstly we had agreed on a design I liked and set up a day. When I showed up the design was NOT what we had agreed upon, rather a terrible variation of the piece. I said I didn't want that so I suggested some other things to which he told me "well I can't get in there and do the detail of those lines just how they are". Why tf are you tattooing for a profession then? I walked out disgusted and to never return. They wasted my time, effort, and above all, cash. read more

I came with a friend from work to watch her and possibly get a tattoo of my own. I've had some previous work done and haven't been happy with the work ,ppl or entire experience ,Until today! Jen is amazing ! First off she super sweet , easy to talk to and made me feel like we where not strangers! She was super stoked to give me my PERFECT Betty Boop tattoo . Which made me even more excited . Previously I have been a nervous wreck before a tattoo but seriously Jen made me so relaxed from her energy ! I can't even say how happy I am with the Whole Experience. I will 100% be coming back ! And I will be whoring Jen and Tattoo Candy out!!! Much love and respect ! read more

It's been a while since I went into this place. I went in looking for a simple simple simple Americana type tat. A spade with a American flag pattern on the inside of it. I can't remember the girls name who did it but she was good friends with a girl sporting a oreo cookie or cheese burger tattoo. Some kind of food. It was on her arm. The girl I had draws up a spade to fit on my wrist and it looks good..........on paper. After it was done, something wasn't feeling to good. The inner wrist is a sensitive place. I understand. I've had enough shit done over my life to understand when someone is digging you out. At one point the wrist got rather numb so I kinda didn't think much of it. To finish this off I'll say this. 2 days later after proper care. (I'm not an idiot in regards to taking care of fresh work, especially smaller pieces) I found my wrist to be swollen causing pain up my arm. I went to a walk in clinic on Cicero Ave by Six Corners. There was puss coming out of multiple locations severe splitting of my skin with gaps and blood, missing color because of the cracked and puss ridden skin. After a dose of antibiotics from the clinic and continual after care, I now own a faded spade with obvious scar tissue and some tiny holes where hard puss/acne had developed and was removed. Over all, you can't judge a entire place on one extremely shitty tattooist (i use that term cause this chick was far from a artist, at least on skin) I should have walked back in there 3 days later and whipped out the nasty, drippy, grossness that was my wrist. The infection was painful as f##k. The splitting hurt like hell too. I was sooooooo tempted to throw something through the f##king front window at the time but I just figured I'm not a 21 year old moron anymore so that wouldn't be cool. The price would have been really good had this crap not happened. 80 bucks. I do recall the chick said she wasn't from around the area I think. Can't remember her name as this was about a year and a half or so ago. Maybe the owner has hired a better quality staff since than. I have no clue. I won't recommend this place because I simply don't know. My experience wasn't worth anything except money and pain. read more