White Whale, I'm so pleased. You're trendy, you're clean, you employee some amazing artists. Hitting the mark on everything that a tattoo shop should be. I've been following Annie Bone on IG for a year now, that woman is an artist. With a background from DAAP and graphic design, she knows her way around most mediums. When her books opened up, I was so excited to try to get on her schedule. When you're considering White Whale, please pay close attention to each artist's "rules" when it comes to proposals. The website has some great advise for this as well. Most of them only open their books every so often and vet each piece before committing. Annie's light hand was much appreciated because I'm a total WUSS when it comes to tattoos. I have several but I really don't enjoy getting them. Annie was so kind, understanding and encouraging the whole time. She held conversation really well and seemed to care about me and my piece! This is the first time I've had a tegederm bandage and I really like it!! It's so much easier that being taped and bandaged up. If you have sensitive skin, be sure to mention this. I bruised up a little bit but Annie quickly corresponded with me and made sure the bruise was a "normal" one and that my tattoo/arm was healthy! Go to White Whale. Get a killer tattoo. No regrets. read more

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I can't speak highly enough of White Whale. My husband and I had a visit planned to Cincinnati for a wedding, and thankfully we were able to get an appointment with Emily. White Whale artists book super fast, so we had to book months in advance when Emily's books finally opened. The shop itself is charmingly eccentric, and by far the most welcoming tattoo studio I've ever been to. Everyone there was personable and friendly, and Emily is the BEST. Not only does she create the most gorgeous artwork, but she's just a warm and radiant human. It was a joy to work with her and we were both so thrilled with what she created. If we still lived in Cincinnati, I think we would be frequent visitors. If you're looking to get a tattoo in the area - or if you're from out of town - White Whale is worth a visit! read more

White Whale is hands down the best tattoo shop in Cincinnati. Almost everyone I know has gotten a tattoo here, and rightfully so! The work is outstanding, the shop is clean and bright, the service is kind and prompt, they even serve La Croix for those who are interested. Although priced higher than most other shops, the quality is worth every penny. After getting a tattoo covered up here, I won't go back to any other shop. read more

White Whale Tattoo - Cover-up work done by Em - Tattoo Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Clean studio full of talent. I have been to white whale three separate times. Each time to a different artist. I was comforted by how clean the space was and the aesthetic of the studio is different than other shops I've been to. I have a lot of tattoos and my favorite experiences all happened here. These talented artist fill up quick. Follow them on Instagram to see when books open or if they have a cancelation. It may appear pricey than other shops in the area but that is because these guys are artists with real talent and solid tattoo technical work. You get what you pay for so with forever ink make sure you invest a little bit more at somewhere awesome like this place. This has got to be the best tattoo shop in Cincinnati. Niki - she is no longer at white whale but she was the first artist I went to there. My tattoo proposal was all over the place. It amazed me how spot on a beautiful the draw up was when I arrived. She included every odd flower I said in my emails, ones that shouldn't go together but they looked beautiful. This was my longest tattoo I've sat for at that point and she did a good job of keeping my calm after the adrenaline wore off and after my precious tattoo experience was anxiety inducing (at a different shop). The way my arm band lined up was perfect which was a nice surprised because I had been informed that is hard to happen due to the shape of forearms. The line work was so awesome. Niki was so proud of this piece and that made me even more satisfied. It feels good when both you and the artist enjoy the process. Jaclin - she drew up an orchid for me and we put it in a funky spot on the underside of my arm. She did a great job of positioning my comfortably despite the location. During the tattoo time she let me rant about my upcoming wedding stress (I feel tattoo artist can almost claim being therapists because you talk so dang much to them). Also while we chatted she recommend CityBird tenders to me which is now one of my fav otr spots so thank you! She even replied quickly through Instagram when I had some weird rash around the tattoo in the first day of healing. It ended up going away on its own but it was reassuring to have her input. A friend of hers brought in an orchid that she actually won in a reverse raffle and she was tattooing my orchid. Zack - I ended up picking up some of his flash after he had a last second cancelation. His style is very unique. I personally don't follow or know of other artist like himself. He was such a warm, kind person. He talked with me through the whole thing and it never felt forced. He even re did the stencil when he thought it was not lined up right on my arm. This seems like a no brainer but sadly I've been places that don't care to be perfectionist and ended up with some off center ink because I was too shy to say anything. He was even kind enough to fill in my very first tattoo that had healed very poorly. I had been putting it off for so long so that was much appreciated. Such a nice guy. I'm sure the other artist that are currently at white whale are phenomenal as well. It seems well managed and the artist seem happy with where they are. I always make sure to tell people where I got my tattoos when they compliment them. read more

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After getting previous tattoos in normal, slightly dingy, boys' club-feeling shops, White Whale was like a breath of fresh air. The artists are experts in their work and are completely professional, clean, and kind. To get an appointment with Jeremiah (the owner), I had to apply with my tattoo idea, and my appointment was set for about 5 months out. It was worth the wait! Jeremiah uses a single point needle, giving his tattoos a beautiful, natural look that I wouldn't have gotten anywhere else. He talked with me throughout the appointment about the "heart" behind my tattoo and did amazing job of marrying his talent with my vision. Take note: the artists design the tattoo, and they show you their design right before your appointment. That freaked me out initially, but I loved Jeremiah's design, and he welcomed my input on minor changes. Also, save up, because this place ain't cheap. My tattoo was $250/hr. However, the work is so high quality and worth every penny. read more

White Whale Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

The best place in southwest Ohio to get a tattoo, 100%. Got a piece done by Zapmeister and I'm in love with the work he did and how kind and reassuring he was throughout the process, as it was my first tattoo. The shop is super clean and small, which allows for a more personal experience. It is also a really comfortable and inviting shop and I really liked how it was decorated as well as the music choice while I was there. They have a variety of artists with really different styles, all of which are worth checking out! Definitely will be returning in the future! read more

White Whale is the only place I will ever go for a tattoo! The artists are incredibly knowledgeable and professional, and each have their own distinct style. It is 100% worth the wait. Annie did my first tattoo ever and it is beautifully unique and perfectly executed. She made me feel so welcome and really took the time to make sure it was exactly how I wanted it. I'll absolutely be back! read more

White Whale Tattoo - Perfectly personal tattoo of my dog. Cannot wait to see how it looks fully healed. - Tattoo Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Was very sure to heed the website's warning that the artists would take a long time to reply and basically not to be too pushy about response times, to please be patient - this is typical for tattoo artists and wasn't a problem, he replied within a week. I have 2 tattoos done at the same shop, but thought I would branch out a little and try somewhere new with a less traditional style. After discussing the dates (I had a limited time frame to be tattooed and wasn't pushy about it, only inquired if it could be done in that time 3/4 months in advance) he said it could be done in that time frame - Then things go south. After asking for the personal connection I had to the tattoo and some background on me as a person (which again, is listed on the website and I had no problem sharing), I told my experiences, mentioned I was transgender, and some connections to my tattoo along with answering a few other questions about the art. I am giving the benefit of the doubt and ASSUMING that the transgender part had nothing to do with it and that it was just negligence, but the artist stopped replying completely after that. During our discussions, I did send one email that was just asking to be sure they got my previous email, but that was the only probing I have/had done. I see good responses for the shop, and the artist was friendly the few times he DID respond before the full radio silence. Seriously, if there was a problem, I would have accepted him turning me away as a client. Instead, I'm just horribly disappointed that not only was I unable to get my tattoo here, but also in the unprofessional communication. read more

I've been meaning to post a review for a while now. I was in town from Austin last summer (August 2017) visiting a friend, and we stopped by on a whim for my first tattoo. It was the end of the day and I didn't have an appointment, but they graciously snuck me in just before they closed. We killed some time at a delightful coffee shop/bar next door while they finished their last client. There are a million tattoo shops in Austin, but I'm tempted to wait until I visit Cincinnati again to get my second tattoo at White Whale. Incredibly professional, understanding, and patient. Highly recommend. read more

White Whale Tattoo - Tattoo inspiration - Tattoo Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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White Whale is more of a tattoo salon than a traditional parlor. The space is minimalist and well-appointed. That, paired with the comforting attitude of the staff, creates a relaxing, welcoming environment. I visited Zack for my first tattoo ever. I didn't know what I wanted, so I sent him a bunch of photos, as well as a list of things I like. He was inspired by our mutual affinity for the films of Wes Anderson, and created a beautiful piece that was referential but not too obvious. He was very open to a few adjustments that I suggested, and we ultimately developed a unique work that had meaning to each of us. During the tattooing process, Zack ensured that I felt comfortable the whole time. He practiced a light touch, so the process was virtually painless. I had a relaxing experience in the chair and the time flew by. My tattoo has healed exceptionally--no pain and very little flaking. My experience working with Zack was fantastic. My boyfriend was inspired to get his first tattoo after seeing how professional and artistic Zack's work is. We are each planning our next pieces and we can't wait to visit Zack again! read more

I have gotten two tattoos from this studio, and my experience has been wonderful both times. Not only is the studio clean, beautiful, and highly professional, but the staff are true artists who are clearly passionate about the work they do. I was made to feel comfortable and welcome in the environment, which is extremely important to me. My first tattoo was done by Emily, who did a fantastic job even though I was nervous about the pain. My second was done by Jeremiah, and it came out absolutely beautifully. When I first proposed my second tattoo, I had a different style in mind, but Jeremiah suggested a more detailed, realistic interpretation. We went with that, and I ended up loving it even more than the original style I had wanted. I highly recommend them and I will certainly be going back for more tattoos in the future. read more

I received a sleeve from the extremely talented Jaclin Grace and she did an apsolutly incredible job. The shop is beautiful and clean and everyone there is deeply welcoming and easy going. I have never seen a group of more talented artist in one place! Do not hesitate to book with any one of them for quality work and a perfect atmosphere to get a tattoo. read more

I LOVE white whale. I've been tattooed by Annie and Jacline and they were both incredible. They're so personable and talented. Annie even remembered details about me after only meeting me once. I would recommend to anyone and I'm definitely getting tattooed there again. read more

Very Clean and beautifully decorated store. I absolutely loved the Moby Dick theme and all the lovely pieces around the store. White Whale has some of the best and most talented artists in Cincinnati. Zack talked me through the whole experience and really calmed me down during my first tattoo. They are very clean and use a gentle touch. This place rocks! read more

I've been meaning to post for forever, I got my tattoo last April. Jeremiah truely exceeded my expectations. I did some research of different artists that specialized in linework before I made my appointment at White Whale. In my opinion, they really do the best woodcut / pointalism tattoos in the city. I really appreciated the positive "vibe" of shop. Some shops can be jaded or intimidating, but everyone I had contact with was friendly and professional. I definitely plan on coming back for more. read more

Amazing experience, amazing atmosphere, and amazing artists! I was relatively nervous coming in, but Annie was so helpful. We were able to make any necessary changes to the art the day of the appointment and her work was beautiful. Needless to say I am obsessed with my new tattoo and will be back. read more