I've been wanting to write this for a good long while but told myself I shouldn't. I found a few lovely spots in the area and intended to return, I didn't want to burn any bridges should someone recog... Read More
I've been wanting to write this for a good long while but told myself I shouldn't. I found a few lovely spots in the area and intended to return, I didn't want to burn any bridges should someone recognize me in passing. I had also convinced myself that I was at fault, but it's been nearly a year now and I've still been bothered. So, I think it's finally time.For those who'd like the quick and dirty details I'll post a TL;DR at the end. If you'd like the full story, please continue. I prepared for my first-ever tattoo session feeling absolutely wonderful about the shop I had found. I spoke with Ken through Facebook after seeing his work online, the tattoo I wanted had some fine detail, and he seemed well equipped for it. I enjoyed his design so much I ended up getting it a good 3 times larger than I initially planned. I'm still glad I did. I visited the shop before making my appointment, there is a float tank nearby (across the street) called Sacred Floats & Gems Co. My goal was to go there and have my first floatation session and get a tattoo afterward. Ken was very receptive to the idea, I was able to meet him in person, show him my ideas, and he quickly provided some amazing work. While he was a little awkward with customer interaction, when we were out on the street together he was very laid back, I got good vibes. He took me over to Sacred Floats and Gems; the shops knew each other and they figured out a time that would work for my little idea. No problems, no foul, Ken even offered that, since I was interested in a tattoo ASAP he offered to stay late. He was the one who remained at Sacred Floats as it was the last of the night, advised me on grabbing a bite at the local tavern so my body would be prepared, and was waiting for me at the shop when I finished. I didn't ask for this special treatment nor did I expect it, but it all made me feel very comfortable; that he understood I wanted to have some fun and an experience with my first tattoo, it had meaning behind it and I appreciated the extra care a great deal. At this point, I was certain I had found an amazing place for my long term tattooing needs.It wasn't until I was getting settled in for my session that I was a little concerned. The bathroom was also a cupboard and not well kept, there was also dust caked on a few open areas. I knew I was nervous though and that dirt never killed anyone. The work area was clean, tools sterilized, and I was confident in Ken's work. The following are the main points of my experience. 1. Podcast of a sexual nature (Which I did say was okay, but it went on for far longer than I expected)2. Minimal conversation or instructions3. My arm slowly being pushed off of the armrest during the tattoo, if I hadn't spoken up it would have been moved right off the edge. 4. First tattoo, one break so he could smoke, 3+ hours in total. 5. Suggestion that I should try drugs6. Had to be reminded to color in entire tattoo7. Bandaging at the end that was not secureOverall, once I sat down in the chair itself I was extremely uncomfortable. While I'm sure Ken had good intentions by securing me a late night spot sitting in silence, in an empty tattoo shop, in pain really gets the heart going. I was exceptionally eager to leave and did so with all smiles as it was around 2am by the time we finished as I wanted to be somewhere familiar again.I will admit to being a quieter person and especially in a situation where things are new my inclination is to believe that the person in charge will make sure everything turns out alright in the end. This is doubly so when it comes to artists, I'm in the same vein and I certainly wasn't going to fault a creator for how they worked if it was how something beautiful was produced. This was my mindset at the time. The tattoo itself is average and ever since I've gotten it I've been looking forward to touch ups. The shading is poor, the 'skin tone' he chose to make it look like it was emerging from my body is orange (I'm very pale), portions of my natural skin color peek through, smaller areas are missing color, missing lines, uneven lines, and crooked lines (my tattoo had many squares). This was done all in one go, no discussion of a second session or touch ups or the like, it was considered done and while I wasn't happy when I first saw it I assumed healing needed to take place. Again, first tattoo and Ken didn't explain much through the process. The price was less than I expected and coupled with that and the late night, lone, tattooing I'm wondering if it was done off the books, but no way to be sure there. I could have done better, I wish I had looked at the samples in store rather than just online and had asked more about the late night situation. Still, all things considered, to feel uncomfortable about and regret the experience a year later? A lot could have been done better, I won't say I wouldn't recommend the shop, I simply wouldn't recommend using Ken. Read Less