This is my absolute favourite tattoo shop in Berlin! It has a very specific vibe that may not agree with everyone, but I love it. They are blunt and to the point. There is no superficial flattery or disingenuous compliments. If they think your idea is awful, they will tell you upfront, and I love that honesty. You could always go to another shop if you insisted on getting it. But Toe Loop has certain standards that they adhere to and believe in.
They also have many visiting guest artists that complement the aesthetics of the shop, such as DSMT.
The artists there take pride in their work, and I'd choose quality linework, composition and pursuit of perfection over someone try to kiss my ass any day. The absolute worst thing is when the artist doesn't even care about their work, and puts in no effort to make something good and spends their time trying to suck up to the client.
Since the flash tattoo I REALLY wanted was already taken, Jonas (dirt.merchant) worked with me to design something custom. I asked for something specific, and the result ended up extremely different.
It was a great balance of my idea and his interpretation of it. Instead of giving me exactly what I asked for, he had his own agenda and we worked together to come up with something we'd both be happy with.
Many artists try to give clients exactly what the client wants, or the client receives 100% of the artist's concept by choosing a flash. But my favourite dynamic is when client and artist work together, because it shows that artist wants to create something he can take pride in and the client receives a point of view and concept she may not have thought of.
Jonas' art is amazingly dark, cheeky, and unique. His designs have a story and concept that is lacking in many other artists. I can't wait to see his future work as he develops and grows as an artist and I can't wait to come back someday! read more