Although I could probably give this place five stars solely based on the fact that it is WOMAN OWNED AND OPERATED (always an exception in any field but particularly in this one) or that it is a singul... Read More
Although I could probably give this place five stars solely based on the fact that it is WOMAN OWNED AND OPERATED (always an exception in any field but particularly in this one) or that it is a singularly un-hip, un pretentious, No Attitude vibe and presentation (also noteworthy in this field) this review is really for Sam McWilliams who we followed up the coast from San Francisco for the sole purpose of getting a tattoo. She's only at this place temporarily so go get it now.Seriously, my person waited three years to get a tattoo because he only wanted it from Sam & it took that long to get to be in the same place at the same time w/ the equipment to do it.Why Sam? Well, because she has done great work on me over the years, and has only gotten better. I have gotten tattoo work from Sam in SF and NYC and got my little sister a tattoo from her as a graduation present. I've had cover up and fresh work. And my stuff looks great. And I have tattoos from other folks and they are not that good. Nor were they as fun to get. (see below)So-my tattoos look good but the tattoo my person got is a real stunner- it's part cover- up, part original. The placement and design did wonders. The colors are perfect. The design is perfect. It healed with less irritation and scabing than any I've seen because Sam knows how to give a great tattoo, and not to carve a scarification design into your flesh.Also, back to getting a tattoo; like I said, I've gotten a few, ok, Seven to be precise. And getting a tattoo is kind of like having your therapist give you a Brazillian. It hurts. And you're usually having some kind of personal association with it and the person doing it is, like, Really close to you. And maybe you want to talk to them, or maybe you don't. Maybe you are scared. Or maybe you are in your head and want to be there. A good tattoo artist knows how to listen, help you communicate what where and how you want permanent, meaningful art installed and then get you through the procedure without being a dick to you while they hurt you. And I say that because I've had several tough guys be total jerks who's work I've had to pay to cover up because not only were they jerks, they did bad work. Yes, expect it to hurt. No, do not expect someone to be a jerk to you about the fact that it hurts. Don't expect them to talk you through it like a labor coach either because you want them to FOCUS, but expect them to be with you, and paying attention.Sam knows how to pay attention. She will get you to tell her your dream, make it a beautiful reality, and install it permanently while being a present, confident guide through the process, all without feeling like she's trying to make you feel better or sucking up. She's practical, very real and "down to earth" and one hell of a talented artist. Do not settle for anything less- this sh*t is Permanent after all. Read Less