It's taken me a long time to write this but every time they come across my Facebook I'm annoyed. I had contacted the shop expressing that I wanted a Rays theme tattoo. Went for consult and discussed that I wanted something creative and rays theme. I did not want the words Tampa bay rays. Use the colors, the TB, the starburst, the trop, baseball stitching. Idk I'm not creative that's why I came to you. Left deposit and returned on tattoo day. Zack comes to me with basically the same design in pics but said devil rays where the tb is. Absolutely not. Since I left a deposit for his 30 second design I felt I needed to scramble to come up with something. So we did. Ironically as I'm laying on the table getting tattooed there is the devil ray design right there on pop art in the shop. So lame!  When Zack finished and told me to get up and look at it in the mirror all I said was. ... why is it so green?  His response was that I saw what colors he used. Wtf kinda answer is that. That isn't light blue,dark blue,or yellow so you tell me again why it's so green. I was hopeful time would make it better. Lol. Not so much. When I called later to say I wasn't happy I was asked to come let J Michael see. Showed him my arm and started to speak and he said you don't have to say anything. He offered to fixit once the healing from the first hammering had healed. First photo was the finished redo. I asked to cover the teal in light blue and was told it couldn't be done cause you wouldn't be able to read it. So this is it. I'd like to say I'm happy about it but not so much. Read Less

A Hipster's Place: Good tattoo work/Terrible customer serviceI first had the consultation, then made the appointment. Though I had a lot of examples of my three main themes, I didn't have an exact complete image of what I wanted. When I had visited their website, I was put at ease by the blurb, as it essentially said, it's okay if you don't know what you want, they are the artists, let them do the work. J. Michael, who would be my tattoo artist, told me to email him five pictures of what I wanted. I did, with no reply or any questions on his part. When I showed up for the session, he showed me what he had drawn, which I wasn't too crazy about; I asked him if he could change it, as it didn't have the majority of what I emailed him, and the main piece wasn't what I explained to him. He very nearly threw a fit, saying I didn't know what I wanted, didn't offer any direction or suggestions  and that he had to cancel the appointment and reschedule. I asked him why (it seemed odd that he was so flummoxed I didn't like his first and only sketch), about how long would it take to redraw it (this was to be a shoulder piece). He said it would take him about an hour; Okay, I said, I had set aside 4 hours for this appointment as agreed, and I wouldn't mind waiting, no pressure at all, I brought something to read. Side Note: When I made the appointment, the lady who scheduled me said the initial hour of appointments are usually taken up with changes/placements; also, to bring some headphones as the artist will not be talking to me due to concentrating on doing the work (not a problem). So we went back and forth for a little while, and he ended up agreeing to redraw it while I waited. He came back under an hour with the art; I liked it, and so began our session. A few things occurred during this time I thought was odd: answering his phone, signing for a delivery, joking/laughing with his colleagues (again, this while he was tattooing) and, about an hour in, a bug was crawling up my arm, to which he seemed sincerely apologetic. The second and last session seemed to go off without a hitch; I hardly spoke to him, letting him do his work, and he hardly spoke to me. After about two weeks, I decided I would like to add a small part to the existing tattoo to make it look complete; I wanted to have the same artist do the work for continuity. I called on a Friday; J. Michael was busy, and so I left a message. Come Tuesday, no return phone call; I called again and was told he was too busy, and he did not want to do it. At first I thought this was how he works, it's his personality, an artist temperament, but seeing him greet two people (male) who walked in and how friendly right off the bat he was with them (which he never had been with me) and in addition to some disparaging remarks about a female intern, I believe she was, I think he might have some issues with women.All in all, I am happy with the work, however, the unfriendliness and non-cooperation from beginning to end, really put me off. Read Less

A much deserved positive review was earned.J. Michael was my artist. We started a tropical themed half sleeve yesterday. Incredibly happy after session 1. The gallery in general is awesome. They were super accommodating. J. Michael is a very knowledgeable, straight forward, and is also going to steer you in the right direction for your own good. I'll update with a pic once its completed! Read Less

Went there for a very simple tattoo to homage a relative which is dying. My plan was to visit this relative this year while she's still alive and show her the tattoo, which I promised her I'd do before she dies. Since I just moved to the St. Pete area, I found the studio searching the internet and picked up an artist from the pictures I saw on the portfolio. When arriving there with the picture of my planned tattoo printed in paper, they asked me to send it via email, which I did immedatelly. The first artist simply didn't want to make my tattoo "because it was a cover-up" of a previous one I have. Then he sent me to "another artist of the studio", who also asked me to send the same picture of the tattoo I had in mind (I showed him the printed picture beforehand). He agreed to do it and told me he'd send me emails to communicate with me about it, which I never received. Then, I paid the deposit for him and scheduled the next time to see the guy, for the drawings. Every time I called the studio to confirm he'd be there, he wasn't. So, today, after I called the studio again to confirm to see him, the receptionist just said the second guy also didn't want to make my tattoo and would refund my deposit. After weeks of him having agreed on doing it. We're talking about a simple tatto of a HOUSE. I didn't come up with anything offensive and I was really polite and patient the whole time.The tattoo I'm planning to have is really simple and the only difference from the usual processes is that's a cover up. I really don't understand why they left me all this time waiting and without any sign of communication, since I even paid a deposit.I might not have time to show the tattoo for my elderly relative due to the time I wasted with them. It seems like one of those shops that either you're a friend of them or a hot girl. Otherwise, they'll treat you like totally disposable. If you're not a friend of the artists there or a hot girl, do what they suggested me themselves when refusing on doing my tattoo. "Search for another shop". Read Less

Awesome tattoo shop with a killer artist. All the artist were super friendly and my tattoo came out amazing! Will definitely recommend to my friends. They’re also an art gallery and boutique shop so even had some great things to look at and shop through while I waited. Read Less

Zack did an amazing job on a pet portrait for me today. He captured my late pet's (a golden retriever named Simba) smile/soul perfectly. I had a great time talking with him during the session and it helped me relax since this is my first "real" tattoo and I was a little anxious about it. The environment there was very calm and professional without being too stiff. I really enjoyed my time there and would like to come back to Zack to get future artwork done. Thanks again Zack! Read Less

Super happy with both the tattoos I’ve had done by Zach! He’s professional, easy to work with, and an amazing artist. The shop itself is really clean and everyone is friendly and helpful when I call or walk in. Read Less

Black Amethyst Tattoo is an extremely clean, friendly and professional place to get inked. AMAZINGLY talented artists, who are very active in the St Pete Artist Community. Beautiful work by J.Michael Taylor adorn the walls. Art Shows regularly in their main gallery. An Emergency Medical Facility located just across the street in case the need arises. Rotary Guns less noise, less pain , superior line work. Thanks J. loving my new INK. Read Less

Zach tattooed my wife and I today, the work he did was awesome! We both love our new pieces. He was courteous, professional, clean, and fun. He has a great eye and passion for the work he does and added details to our pieces we didn't even know we needed. The shop has a great atmosphere and is a clean comfortable place to relax while getting work done. Great job zach! Keep up the great work Read Less

Yesterday Zack did a cover up for me, he did a great job, was extremely respectful and professional. Zack exceeded all of my expectations, all while dealing with walk ins and shop phone calls. He went out of his way to apologize any time we got interrupted and was very nice to everyone that came into the shop. On top of all that he created a work of art that covered an old tribal. I would recommend him to anyone. Read Less

I had a rad experience at Black Amethyst Tattoo! I moved to the area a couple years ago and couldn't find someone right away to complete a sunflower piece for me. I found Black Amethyst on Instagram and it was the best find in the Burg. I had a shoulder piece created for me by Angelika; even though I believe she has left I hope to go back to their clean and creative shop again ;) Read Less

I have been getting tattooed by j Michael since 2012, and Jeremy since this last year. Both are absolutely amazing. They make you feel comfortable, and make it easy to relax. I've completely loved everything they have done. Shop is beautiful inside & out. Read Less

I'm so glad I decided to get my tattoo work done here! Not only are they amazing tattoo artists, but Black Amethyst is one of the few places around here that is actually knowledgeable about tattooing. These guys put so such much into their work and the end result proves it! J. Michael worked closely with me on the design and placement for my sleeve and gave me all the information I needed to keep my tattoos looking great. I Definitely recommend this place to anyone who's looking to get some stellar tattoo work done! Read Less

Let me start off by saying JMicheal is an amazing artist! I have gotten a sleeve started and i couldn't be happier!!! His work speaks for its self not to mention the shop is impeccably clean and very well put together. I would recommend him a million times over to my family and friends. Read Less

This has to be the classiest tattoo shop I've been in. I went for a consult with Jeremy and was very impressed with him and the establishment. The gallery is a nice addition, some very cool pieces.  I will definitely be making my appt with him soon. I also had a nice chat with the designer of the inhouse clothing & jewelry designs, she was awesome and so are her designs. I highly recommend anyone to check this place out!! Read Less

Cleanest, classiest tattoo shop in St.Pete!! Jay and Jeremy are both excellent artists!! Great atmosphere, great work!! If you want a custom tattoo, not some B.S. wall tat, go to these guys!! They'll take good care of ya!! Read Less

Went in to black amethyst for a tattoo for my daughter.  She wanted a palm tree above here Achilles tendon and because I was a little emotional he wouldn't tattoo her.  I have had breast cancer this year and uterine cancer and lost my husband to PPH.  Sorry if I had some tears when's expressing to him that my happy place was here at the the beach and I wanted a tattoo depicting that.  He refused to tattoo my daughter.  All he kept asking us was if we had been drinking.  He was extremely rude. I would never get a tattoo in this establishment.  He was unemotional, cold and distant and I think a tattoo should be be an emotional experience. My daughter was so so hurt because I have survived breast cancer and uterine cancer and she has already lost her her father.  What an ass hole.  Don't get a tattoo that means so much to you by a person that is so cold and heartless Read Less

fantastic experience all around. It was my first tattoo, and Jay managed to read my mind to design the tattoo I wanted. He walked me through exactly what to expect before, during, and after the session. Just a true professional with wicked talent to go with it. I will highly recommend this shop, and will be back if I want to have future work done. Read Less

I've gotten 2 awesome tattoos done by Jay. He's very professional, and gives his honest opinion with regard to what will look best in a tattoo. I strongly recommend going to his shop if you want high quality work. Read Less

LADIES DO NOT GO HERE! J Michael, or whatever his name is..is a pompous Ass. I brought him a picture of a tattoo I liked of a lion face but wanted him to make it more personal as long as it was feminine, included feathers and braids in the mane and ultimately changed my mind from it being B&W to very colorful. When I came there on the day of my appt the sketch he showed me was terrible. It looked like the Frosted Flakes cartoon. I wanted it to more earthy and raw. The final sketch I approved had eyelashes that were subtle and I approved this while it was being set on my body in preparation for the ink. After it was done, I noticed he avoided putting the eyelashes on. When I stood up to look at it in the mirror I noticed they were not on there and he said "well, too late now, it's done." I was upset I didn't get exactly what I wanted and paid $300+tip. I called from the car and spoke to his wife who said she spoke to him and he said to come back in 4-6 weeks after healing and he would put them on. I did this and he humiliated me. Tried to say he would do it when I got my next tat with him. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I do want another one, but there is no way in hell I would go thru this process with him again. He then told me he would do it for $100. We are talking about eyelashes here people. It would take 5 min. And I would've tipped him $10 for his time. This is customer service at its worst and he did all this while another patron was on the table. If I were that woman I would've been thinking to myself "wow. This guy is a pric*." What a joke. He thinks he's amazing and doesn't want to listen to your ideas or what you want. Certainly doesn't care about your happiness or what you have invested in putting on your body for life. I'll go to someone else to fix it, and I'll probably get another tat from them - I'm sure they will at least give a $hit. Horrible service, horrible PERSON. ......And your own response just solidified the facts. Thanks again :) your whopping ten years experience you like to boast about means squat when you treat people with such disrespect. Shame on you. I have more maturity in my pinky finger than you ever will in your measly little sheltered life. I have 6 other tattoos and you were the WORST artist I've ever come across. Read Less

Im Michaels son sam, I had my first tattoo done at black Amethyst at 18. The manager of the shop was incredibly professional and also understanding of the fact that I was getting my first tattoo. He took the entire process very slow and explained everything to me to the little details. The shop itself also offered a comfortable and inviting environment that made it easy to decide this is where I wanted my first tattoo. All in all a fantastic experience provided by extremely talented and professional tattoo artists! Thanks J! Read Less

This place is beyond amazing. It's a gallery and tattoo shop. Front of the shop there are all different things of amethyst, locally made jewelry, tshirts and tank tops and paintings all around done by JMichael. They have velvet rope that blocks off the tattoo area from the front, so it makes you feel like a celebrity when they unhook the rope to let you come back.  Black chandeliers add an elegance. Purple adorns the walls, with hung art work. My reason for coming in, was that the artist I had been going to at St Pete Tat, Nick, was doing a 2 day trial with this shop. He let me know, so I came in so he could finish line work on my mermaid.  I was offered a water, but had my own with me. This shop is clean and well kept. It has a romantic feel to it and it's so well lit.  Nick had me lay on the table as he rub a numbing cream on my leg. I told him from the last time how it did hurt in certain areas, so he was thoughtful and used the numbing cream. He wrapped my leg with handy wrap for about 20-30 minutes. Once t had seeped in, he removed the wrap and clean it up and began tattooing. I was so surprised. I couldn't feel any pain. It was just very mild and I wasn't tensing up.  Within 30 minutes, he had finish the line work. He didn't have to trace anything on me prior, he hair free handed it, which is simple, since it was mostly her float hair. He touched up a few areas and that was all. We both agreed to hold off on shading and color once the lines heal. He asked if I'd show it to the boss. So I walked over and e had a gander at my mermaid. He seemed to really like it!Stoked to say that it's halfway there! Nick will be starting at the shop this week! Stoked for him to be working here too! I can't wait to return again for shading and color. These artists here are seriously mega talented. I pulled up their site and IG's and was blown away! Great shop! They take credit cards using Square and also have gift certificates available! Read Less

I got a tribute tatoo for my Husband who passed away. Angelika did 3 different sketches for me, and brought my vision to life. It's simply beautiful, so finely lined and delicate. Everyone who sees it says the artistry and execution are phenomenal - I think so too. This is a clean, gorgeous and really professional place. Thank you Angelika! Read Less

I have numerous tattoos from around the world and after I found J I will never go anywhere else. Amazing arist who will draw whatever you want. Cover ups like no one else. I can't wait to get back in for another session Read Less

I got a bonsai tree on my arm to finish my half sleeve and Angelika was wonderful in every way.  The place is clean and has artwork from the tattoo artists themselves throughout the shop.  I love what she was able to put together and the end result.  I will have to come back for a minor touch up but that is expected.  I would definitely come back again when I get another itch for new tattoo! Read Less

Black Amethyst Tattoo Gallery is one of kind. I definitely recommend anyone to check this place out if you are looking for a unique custom tattoo. All the artist are very talented. I have gotten two tattoos there already by J Michael. Hes an amazing artist and he definitely understood what I wanted. One of the tattoos is a cover up and it is a million times better than before. The colors are amazing with both tattoos and I am very happy with both. The shop itself is amazing as well. Being a girl it can be intimidating to go into a tattoo shop but Black Amethyst is very welcoming. I definitely recommend anyone who wants an awesome tattoo to go there. Read Less

I met J.Michael through a friend who had some amazing work done by him. His work truly speaks for itself and I can't go anywhere without someone asking for a business card! He is extremely professional, along with the other artists and the shop is beyond clean and beautiful! I wouldn't hesitate to recommended him or any of the others in his shop. Read Less

I have ink from multipke artists from multipke states. J is the best. He has done a cover up and redone several old tats from the 80's. I am thrilled with all of it. NO OTHER ARTIST WILL BE ALLOWED TO WORK ON MY SKIN. Get your ink by J or his fellow artists, you wont regret it. Truly the best in town. Read Less

Extremely clean & professional. After seven tattoos from various artists, I found Angelika and I couldn't be happier. She made me feel at home from the beginning and that is invaluable. Everyone at this studio comes from a strong art background and really knows their stuff. Go here. You won't regret it. Read Less

I happened across J Michael kinda by accident at the shop where he used to work. I looked at his portfolio & once I talked to him - I knew I wanted him to do my sleeve. He was so easy to talk to & really listened to what I wanted. Once the work started (about 6 mths total), I knew I had made the right choice. Here we are a couple yrs later, now he has his own shop & I'm constantly asked who did my work. I proudly say J Michael! I've also gotten to see Angelika's work & she has a real style of her own, really beautiful! Earl is the other artist, I haven't been exposed to a lot of his work but I have seen a lot of his lettering/script & it's the best I've ever seen! I just literally can't say enough great things about them! And I can't wait to get some more work done at the new shop! Read Less

J.Micheal is by far the best artist I've gone to! I fell in love with the first masterpiece he created for me! He is amazing and figuring out what is in head and making it come to life. He can make art flow so beautifully on your body! He also has probably THE BEST personality I've ever came across. He makes you comfortable and what's to make sure you're happy when you leave and know exactly how to take care of your art afterwards. I highly recommend going to him!!! Read Less

J has been my tattoo artist for a couple of years now and his work is the best. I get compliments on his work all the time. The shop is well run and comfortable to be in. Top notch all the way around. You can't go wrong there with any of the artists. Read Less

Definitely check out the Black Amethyst Tattoo Gallery! All the tattoo artists are top notch! You will not be disappointed... I have been going to Angelika Graca for years. Check them out...you will be very glad you did!! Read Less

It's hard to say enough about this place - as a tattoo shop, art gallery, fun place. J. Michael Taylor has done all my ink, from my first tattoo 4 years ago to my next appointment. I trust him 100%. Angelika Graca is as talented as she is lovely. Earl Noble is fantastic as well. The place is clean, cool, professional... It's art, it's ink, it's a great addition to the Burg's overall scene. Go check it out for yourself - I bet you'll be writing a 5-star review. Read Less

Very professional, clean place. I've been going to jay for about 3 years and will continue to go to him for all my tattoos. Everyone there is very welcoming and great to be around when getting tattooed. Read Less

I have an amazing piece from Earl on my left leg and have watch J Michael lay down some killer tattoos. Beyond the tattoos are great people working in an art gallery, do yourself a favor stop here for a look. Read Less

J.Michael is by far the best artist. His tattoo work is fantastic. He has done 99% of my tattoos and working on more. He listens to what you say, actually pays attention and ends up creating something more beautiful than what you can imagine. Read Less

Best new tattoo shop in town! J. Michael and the rest of the artists at Black Amethyst have done some of the best work in the Bay Area. If you are looking for a clean, professional tattoo shop with award winning artists that do amazing and affordable custom work search no further! Read Less