If you live in or visit Chicago and DON'T get a tattoo from Mercedes Wright at Wild Wind, then what are you doing?! Mercedes did an amazing job on my Chicago star flag piece. She is kind, professional and, gentle. I have three tattoos from a previous artist that I love however, Mercedes has a better technique, and the tattoo process was painless! Thank you so much for a killer piece of art, Mercedes! Booking you again in December for sure! :) read more

Wild Wind Tattoo - Sticker! - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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By far the worst tattoo shop I've gone to.... 2 years ago I got 2 small tattoos (I was a walk in) and both the experience and the tattoos themselves are horrible. For reference I have over 10 tattoos have gone to many shops now. Firstly, a tattoo on my arm, the artist (still works at the shop) did NOT prep the skin or shave the spot until I told them and now that its 2 years old its super faded and sloppy line work. Then for my second tattoo, its splotchy and wobbly. The artist could pull a clean line to save their life. Its so embarrassing to have this on my skin... forever. I do not recommend. Seriously. Do not go here I don't even know how they have 5 stars. read more

Great experience! Richard was patient with all the questions I came up with and extremely knowledgeable/ honest.

Probably the best experience I've had. Richard is easy to talk to and very proactive and attentive to ensure you're happy with the ink work. read more

MIRANDA LARSON. If you need anything from bold colors, to fine lines, and everything in between, SHE IS YOUR GIRL. I have a few pieces from Miranda already, and I know I will add more from her for sure. First of all, the second I met Miranda I felt like I knew her forever. She is so easy to talk to, and has the sweetest soul. Her workspace stays clean and sterile, she keeps you updated on the process, and relays proper aftercare information. I have never felt more comfortable with an artist, and truly always feel that my opinions are being not only heard, but listened to and taken into consideration. Thank you also to Wild Wind Tattoo for being a welcoming, clean, and friendly space to spend a few hours in! 20/10 would recommend! read more

Wild Wind Tattoo - Miranda Larson - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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While it's a bit of a trek from downtown, it was absolutely worth it! I got a medium sized tattoo as a walk-in from Eva. She was thoughtful and super nice! It was my longest walk-in session, but it was all worth it. The atmosphere was wonderful (they had great music) and the session was very peaceful. If I'm ever back in Chicago, I would definitely go back! My tattoo looks amazing! read more

I got my first "big" piece, a thigh tattoo, from Rich Marafioti prior to all the COVID business. I felt welcome in the shop from the email and my consultation went incredibly well. I never felt rushed or hurried to make decisions, and felt comfortable having Rich design the tattoo which I didn't see until I got to the shop. I was pretty nervous (especially as someone with melanin) but the space is chill and very welcoming. We ended up breaking the work into 2 sessions (outline & shading). Rich was very considerate of when I might need breaks. I got great information on aftercare and it's healed beautifully. (I'd include a picture but it's really hard to take a photo of my own side-thigh ). I have a beautiful piece now, and I'm super grateful I decided to go with an artist I felt comfortable with. Everyone at the shop is super nice and I'd definitely recommend them. In fact, I have! I'm hoping to save some and go back to Rich soon! read more

I came here to work with Andrew Mullen to get the tattoo below fixed. His work is totally amazing, he's super thorough, and crazy talented. Sufficed you're say any other work I get done will be at Wild Wind. read more

Wild Wind Tattoo - The tattoo on the left was the original, the right side was after it got fixed at wild wind. - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Just got a tattoo done here by Rich. The whole experience was amazing. They are taking precautions for COVID very seriously and I felt completely safe. Rich did exactly what I wanted and made sure the tattoo was exactly what I had in mind as far as design, placement, and even made a last minute change for me. It was super quick and super professional, they also made sure I was very clear on after care directions. I would recommend Wild Wind to anyone from first timers to more experienced patrons. An overall amazing experience! read more

Wild Wind Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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My artist was Clayton when I went to Wild Wind. His linework and detail is great and he really takes his time with every piece I've gotten. The three times I've went, I was finishing my sleeve and I asked Clayton to fill in the gaps. He custom drew the stencil on my arm just to make sure it fit perfectly in the gaps. I got cherry blossoms and shinigami paper charms from him read more

Genuinely some really nice artists/people work here :) - I called to ask for some help with my tattoo, despite me not getting it there they were still so friendly and helpful. Definitely going to be getting my next few tattoos done here! The artists are also all super talented. read more

Visited several times from Charlotte and have made a point to have scheduled appointments with Rich as recommended initially by a tatoo aficionado from Mpls. Great, welcoming, chill environment. Fair prices. But man, best is the sick artistry. Patience and expertise working on flash. Killer line work and shading. So pleased. Just don't know what's next... Thanks Rich! read more

Wild Wind Tattoo - Custom Tlingit orca on inside forearm. - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I had a piece done by Reid. She was very attentive and professional, and the work is fantastic. The shop is really welcoming and just offers a great experience. read more

Chris was absolutely amazing to work with. He was super responsive during the consultation process and is one of the best artists I've ever met. My tattoo and my husband's tattoo are both flawless and we were both done within an hour and a half. Definitely recommend! read more

Wild Wind Tattoo - Ignore that other little paw print- my watch covers that so I got this piece done instead to replace it - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I got a larger piece done with Rich last weekend. It is amazing and Rich was great to work with. He was patient with my occasional whimper. I watched a few walk ins come in and get treated with respect and spoken to just as kindly as those with appointments. read more

Wild Wind Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I went to see Rich at Wild Wind on the recommendation of a friend who has the most beautiful and colorful sleeves I've ever seen. Rich brought my idea to life above and beyond my expectations. The lines are impeccable and the color is spot on. Additionally, he was a calming presence for this tattoo newb. The shop is clean and comfortable and the art installation on the back wall (which will be changed regularly) is really sweet. Great experience for my first tattoo . . . it will not be my last. I'll definitely return to Rich and Wild Wind. P.S. The laser photo backdrop is a fantastic touch! read more

Wild Wind Tattoo - My gorgeous first tattoo by Rich. - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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My girlfriend and I both went in for tattoos last weekend and could not be happier with our experience! She had Chris and I had Rich. Both of them were absolutely wonderful and gave each of us exactly what we were looking for. Her tattoo was a touch up and an addition to an older tattoo that she had grown less than happy with from a different artist (obviously.) She didn't know exactly what she wanted but had a pretty good idea of what she wanted to accomplish with it. Chris has an inherent propensity for passion and collaboration which left her not only happy with the addition to her old tattoo, but also genuinely excited about the touch-ups he made to her old tattoo. Her tat was based on a Hufflepuff theme and Chris is a self proclaimed Harry Potter enthusiast. His enthusiasm shown through for an exciting and fulfilling session and result. My tattoo was my first one and I was very worried. I had Rich, who was incredibly patient and assuring. He answered all of my questions (even the dumb ones and ones I asked more times than was appropriate,) and he put me at ease even though I was sure I would be a wreck throughout the whole process. His calm rationale and obvious professionalism left me with both a tattoo which I am proud of and an experience I will always look back on with happiness. Thanks again to the incredible guys at Wild Wind. I recommend this shop and these artists without reservation and hope to be back again as soon as inspiration strikes! read more

Carlos is absolutely amazing. His work is impeccable and he makes you feel so comfortable. Me, my boyfriend, and my brother have all been tattooed by him and I can't recommended him enough! His artistic talents are unparalleled and his line work and color are unreal. read more

was in town from NC & found this shop on insta- not only did they fit me last minute in as a walk in but brock was so helpful and kind, and clayton who did my tattoo was absolutely wonderful. can't express enough how much i love my tattoo and the whole staff and experience was lovely. i'd visit anytime i'm in town again read more

A few months ago I decided to finally start working on getting my sleeve done. It has been a long time since I got a tattoo and now that I'm older I wanted to be careful about what I get. I went in to a local tattoo shop that had decent reviews and talked to Rich. When I showed him a pictured of what I wanted he explained to me that if this were made into a tattoo, after a few years it would blend together and I would not be happy with it any longer. He could have said sure and made some money but he showed integrity by telling me that. I talked to him about what was looking for. I really like the hand sketched look and I showed him something I liked. He went in the back and sketched up my samurai. It looked great once it was all done; even better healed. I have gotten a ton of complements on how clean the lines are. A few months later I contacted Rich again and he told me he opened his own shop and if I was still intersted he could do it at his new shop. He did such a great job that even though it was further from my house I went by so he could measure out where I want it and for him to make the next one look like it goes with the first. We set another appt and when I came in he had the new addition sketched up for me. I told him what I wanted tweeked and he went back and made the changes. He put the outline on my arm and I knew it would be perfect! It looks great and I am already getting complements on it. Too bad it's getting colder and I will have to cover up soon! read more

Wild Wind Tattoo - Work in progress but is truly beautiful. My lonely samurai. - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I was in town from NC and came into Wild Wind trying to get a tattoo. I was skeptical any place that great would have availability for walk-ins, but they fit me right in. Andrew did exactly what I asked and was incredibly talented. The fine lines were beautiful and i'm so thankful to have gotten fit in here. read more

Very clean place. Rich did my dream catcher with flowers on my neck and I couldn't be happier read more

Wild Wind Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Rich is an awesome guy. He really knows how to bring an idea to life. I came to him with a really vague idea and he turned it into a beautiful piece of art. Rich is most definitely the friendliest tattoo artist I've ever been to. We were talking about how delicious coconut flavored everything is as he was drinking some coconut flavored sparkling water. As I'm about to leave that night, he goes, "wait one sec" and comes back with my very own can of sparkling coconut water. Right on. read more

I've been going to Rich since I moved to Chicago. Chris is also pretty cool ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ read more

Wild Wind Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I live nearby Wild Wind and knew that when I was ready for my next tattoo that this was the place I wanted to check out. The decor is awesome and very welcoming, and later coming to find out all of the art is either from Rich and Chris' personal collection, or their own paintings and illustrations. Rich is the artist that I worked with, starting with some ideas that he helped to work through with me and then scheduling an appointment. He was awesome the whole way through. He gave me very honest opinions about watercolor tattoos and that adding a little bit of shading will make a huge difference (he was right). He is also just a really nice guy to hang out with for a few hours, which makes the whole process even more enjoyable. The tattoo I got is probably 3"x5" on my forearm and he finished it all in about 1.5 hours. The work itself is beautiful. The shading and line work is awesome and I get so many compliments daily about how it looks like it was literally painted on my arm. Anyway, I have already recommended this place to a bunch of friends and I know I'll be back for sure. read more

Wild Wind Tattoo - Tattoo by Rich - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

A friend recommended Wild Wind, and now I will recommend it here. Chris was great - he was patient, friendly, offered helpful suggestions on placement/size for my tattoo, and did a beautiful job. I had the first letter from my dad's signature put on my ankle, and I am amazed at how much it looks like his handwriting. The line is also very thin, so the tattoo looks delicate which is what I wanted. The studio was clean, warm, and overall welcoming. Highly recommend! read more

Wild Wind Tattoo is an absolute MUST VISIT for the tattoo enthusiast and artists alike. The artists here are actual artists - not some google image print out pretenders posing as tattoo artists because they have a stencil producer :P I've been going here since they've opened and have had both my legs done by Chris. He does spectacular work and goes the extra 2 miles to ensure the piece is unique and specially designed just for you. I'm always extremely impressed by the designs he comes up with when I give him a detailed email of what I want. It's like he took the image right out of my mind and threw it on a sheet of paper for me to approve - I always approve :) Get some work done here - you definitely WILL NOT REGRET IT! read more

Wild Wind Tattoo - Legs done by Chris C. at Wild Wind Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Rich came highly recommended to me by a good friend, is the first and only artist to tattoo me, and I have no plans to change it up. I have seen him once every year for the last three years to get a yearly tattoo and that rule is the only reason keeping me from having Rich tattoo me all the time. He is a friendly dude and honest with his assessment of customer ideas - which I appreciate as a relative newbie to tattoos. Yet to get tattooed in the new place, but excited to come in this spring. read more

Scheduling was super smooth and I got 2 tattoos within the week both done by Chris Cendejas. Chris was incredible- really really great line work, so helpful with designing the tattoo and helping me figure out placement. I was nervous about getting each tattoo and he was also really calming and supportive. I also felt really safe, Chris and Wild Wind are taking appropriate precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID. Would love to get all my tattoos from Chris and all of the Wild Wind team seems great! read more

I had an outstanding experience at Wildwind with Chris Candejas. I was recommended by a friend, and was thoroughly impressed with his demeanor, bedside manner, and his artistic intuition. He treated my friend (who was getting his first tattoo) and I with great respect and care. I will definitely be coming back to this shop and artist as well as referring people here every chance I get! read more

My best friend and I were looking to get tattoos on a trip to Chicago. After researching quite a few shops. I decided to email Wild Wind and one other shop. After exchanging emails with Rich from Wild Wind I found him extremely professional and kind. I requested he do both tattoos since his work was quite impressive. Rich was SO clean, I know this should be a given while tattooing, but it is really not. The entire shop looks very sterile and spotless. He wiped down his table, the chair, the table the client lays on, all of his equipment in between the two of us. I really appreciated that. The outcome of my tattoo is absolutely gorgeous and could not be more perfect than what I had pictured in my own mind. Rich's lines are impeccable and his eye for detail is immaculate. He is very calm and pretty quiet, but it is just the presence you want when going through a sometimes painful experience. I really want to take my fiance here so he can experience the beauty that is Wild Wind Tattoo. read more

Wild Wind Tattoo - Tattoo by Rich - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Carlos is an amazing tattoo artist!! He did a Frida piece on my arm and I get stopped daily from people telling me how beautiful it is. He is brilliant with portrait work and with colors. The shop is great as well, very clean and professional. My whole experience exceeded expectations. HIGHLY recommend Carlos Montilla and Wild Wind!!!! read more

Went in for my first tattoo and every step of the experience was seamless. Very cordial staff, and Rich was great with working with and perfecting my idea. Will certainly be going back again (hopefully soon)! read more

Came in to see Rich recently, and got a piece that required several clean lines & symmetry. His line work was impeccable, and I couldn't be more pleased with the results. He's got a gentle touch and was very kind & patient. Took extra time to explain tattoo care to me since this was my first piece. The shop was clean & all of the staff members were welcoming. Would absolutely recommend him to anyone! read more

I've been going to Wild Wind for somewhere between 1-2 years now and I am beyond happy with the service I have received. A friend referred me to Chris and it has been a pure delight to work with him. He makes me feel incredibly comfortable and I genuinely look forward to my appointments, not only for the tattoo, but to be in his company. Besides Chris being a lovely person, I have been nothing but thrilled with the work he has done. I've had gotten a few tattoos from him, but most notably he was able to fix one for me and after years I am FINALLY happy with it. I had no idea what it would end up looking like when he was done, but I trusted him to take care of it and he did an amazing job. Chris really is an amazing artist and so so comfortable to work with, which I think is very important. I have not worked with the other artists, but it's very clear they are all crazy talented as well. Highly recommend. Will be going again and again. 10/10. A+ read more

Rich is quick, friendly, professional, and extremely talented, with so much versatility in his art. The shop is so unique! Check out their "GWUG" (Get What You Get) box for $80 a piece! read more

Wild Wind Tattoo - By Rich Marafioti - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Carlos was amazing very professional I recommend using him as a tattoo artist. From the moment you walk in to schedule your appointment to the time you leave his chair always welcoming and creates unique and awesome designs. The tattoo was painless and his work came out looking like a real lion on my arm do not hesitate to use him as your next tattoo artist schedule a tattoo with him you will not regret it. read more

I have had two sessions with chris for a sleeve. So far chris has been professional and a great artist to work with. I came with a concept and some idea of what I wanted and he made it reality and has exceeded my expectations with the design so far. I am very excited to continue work with him. Everyone else at the shop has been nice and encouraging. Everything is very clean and the atmosphere is great for tattooing. I love that they play good music and maintain a positive attitude. I have several more ideas for tats and will continue to take them to wild wind in the future! Thanks guys. read more

I have never taken the time to post a review on Yelp. However, I felt compelled to share the awesome experience I had at Wild Wind Tattoo. This was my second tattoo from Christopher Cendejas. I followed him to this new shop because his work is amazing! The first tattoo he did for me was a portrait of my late cat Hoover. Not only did he capture him physically, but the colors and detail make me feel like Hoover is always with me. I had a tattoo changed today by Chris, with some additional words added. He made the old tattoo look like new and captured the feeling I wanted....once again. He is extremely professional, articulate and easy to be with. I highly recommend the shop! read more

I could not be happier about the tattoo that Chris did for me the other day. I have been wanting to get it for a while as it means a lot to me and Chris exceeded my expectations! I have a friend that recommended him and I am so glad he did! He took pictures of my nesting doll from my grandfather and made it a beautiful piece of art on my arm. He was very nice and easy to talk to as well. I will be recommending him to my friends and I will be back as well. Thanks Chris! read more