A couple weeks ago I walked into Live Free to get a tiger tattooed on my abdomen​. I have 20+ tattoos elsewhere on my body, so even though I knew the abdomen is a painful spot​, I thought I would be able to handle it. About 45 minutes into the tattoo, it was pretty apparent that I was in pain and uncomfortable. My artist, J Smalley, offered to complete the line work that day and finish the color at a later date. Went back today to get the color done, and unfortunately was still unable to finish the tattoo due to the level of pain. While I felt extremely​ embarrassed​, Smalley consistently​ reassured me that we could finish later and take breaks as needed. Smalley is hands down the most talented and patient artist I've worked with and his kindness was much appreciated. In many other shops, the attitude toward​ someone tapping out is not positive. On top of the positive atmosphere, Live Free is neat, clean and professional. If you're looking to get a tattoo, go here! Read Less

Receptionist made me feel unwanted and like I asked for a inpossible design. I came to a different tattoo shop, and there staff treated me way different.... I have been to live free tattoo and prior receptions attitude was way different..... it’s sad that there receptionist has an unfriendly attitude. Making there shop look bad.. Read Less

Morgan Russell did a tattoo for me a short while ago. I described what I wanted and he 'drew an original' design for me. Shortly after, I was browsing Pinterest and found the EXACT tattoo he claimed to be an original by him posted YEARS ago. This man is a con artist and a liar. I am now disgusted with the work and could not feel more violated. Read Less

I’ve worked with Javier twice - outstanding, professional results both times. Throughout my four hour session, several of Javier’s colleagues came to chat and admire his work. Unlike many tattoo shops that seem to bristle with tension and negative vibe, it is clear to me that Live Free has a positive work culture and a good reason why there are so many good review. It’s easy to feel comfortable here and a great spot if you’re a first-timer. Professional all around. Read Less

Got a simple arrow tattoo. They did it quick and asked before they shaded or changed anything from the design. The a shop is clean and the people are friendly and they accept walk ins. Definitely my new shop and will recommend to everyone. Read Less

Live Free tattoo is one of the coolest shops in GA, I highly recommend this place if you're looking to get a tattoo. Everyone I met in the shop has been super friendly and helpful. My artist was Jason Kelly, he is a true visionary when it comes to tattooing and is very methodical in his approach. Awesome combo of artistry and experience. You get the feeling that everyone is truly passionate about tattooing and art. They do not really have parking so find a spot on Rosalia st. Next to it or the cvs down the road. Read Less

I've gotten a few tattoos here and everyone is so awesome! Especially J Smalley! He's been a good long time friend and never lets me down! I always recommend for anyone who asks me where to go in Atlanta to go to Live Free! Good pricing for awesome tattoos from tattooers who know what they're doing! Read Less

This is like most tattoo parlors but the quality of the artists are horrible. They hire "artist" with little to no experience with "classic" abilities to work. Aka they can't tattoo any realistic art. Unless you are looking for a sailor tatt don't make the venture to a location in the gettho with no parking and usual ass hole artist. Avoid Javier at all costs of your bodily future. Above all make sure your consultation is clear. Your artist should be patient and thorough before you start. If the placement isn't right make sure to correct it. After all. It is forever. Read Less

Wow. What a treat. On a whim we decided to get some ink while visiting ATL. They have a great walk-in policy and we were helped right away. They were great about helping us with designs and walking through fonts and sizing with us. There is a $100 minimum so make to get something you are willing to pay for even if small. The quality of the work is worth it. J Smalley was our artist and he works fast and is VERY neat. I got a pretty small, dainty tattoo on the back of my arm and he was done in about 5 minutes. They gave us details on the healing and care process (though we are seasoned tattooers). All round really friendly staff and great team of folks. Would definitely recommend and go back again when in the area. Thanks J. Smalley! Read Less

I searched on Instagram for Atlanta tattoo artist then discovered Live Free Tattoo. Shortly after, a friend of mine mentioned she had recently been tattooed here. I decided to reach out to Race and emailed him what I was looking for and that I wanted a cover up. I came in the next day and got inked! He covered my aged script tattoo with a gorgeous pink peony.The service was cool and everyone was very professional. I plan to go back to get a touch up and to add to my side art.I highly recommend if you're looking for your first or another tattoo! Read Less

I had been thinking about getting my coveted Harry Potter tattoo for months, years even, before I walked past this place. I decided to check out the reviews and they convinced me to give it a try. I called ahead around 5:00 PM on a Saturday to make sure they were still taking walk-ins and to my luck, they were. I asked for someone who was excellent and line work and, as a walk-in, ended up with Javier Rivera - and I could not be happier.Javier was amazeballs, truly. His artistry was incredible and his personality was awesome. After seeing my finished tattoo, my girlfriend decided to get her first one. His lines are super clean and his talent is unparalleled.The minimum is $100 but you truly get what you pay for. This place is exceptional. Read Less

My husband and I had a great experience at Live Free. It was our first tattoo for both of us and it was to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. Race Dylan did our tattoos. He did a great job and we are already planning our next one. Everyone there was super friendly and helpful. Thanks guys! Read Less

Had my first appointment with Rex today. I'm so happy with the work he did today! My experience couldn't have been any better. Everyone at the shop was super cool. Can't wait for my next appointment. Thanks again rex! Read Less

If you are looking to get a tattoo in Atlanta this is the spot. Great team with a cool vibe and talent for days. Went to Tai for a tribute to my dad on Father's Day and not only did he make some really helpful suggestions, he did a PERFECT job on my tattoo, and made an emotional trip one I actually enjoyed. I wish there were more stars to give Read Less

I went in and asked for a type of tattoo. They looked one up and unknowingly there were better and more detailed ones I said ok. Which that could be partially my fault as well. But I would expect a real artist to know of or have a creative mind to know that there were better ways to do the tattoo. So either way it is such a bland tattoo and way over priced for what I got. It is uneven thicker in one part thats not suppose to be there. I have seen better prison tats than mine. Also I asked about it fading and the artist said if it does just shoot him an email and a picture or just come in and he would take care of it. I live an hour away so I emailed him and sent several pictures. He never responded!! I was planning to get a larger tattoo on my entire back by another artist there. Of course I forgot my scheduled time and lost my $100 deposit and I'm good with that, it's my fault. But...a long time later I emailed that artist letting him know that I'm still wanting to get that tattoo. And again, No Email Back just out of courtesy and professionalism and customer service just to touch base back with me whether about the art work that I paid for to see if he still had it. Screw these guys, I will not go back. There is nothing special about this place. I expected an awesome job for the money. I expected an awesome job being an Atlanta tattoo shop than the local half the price tattoo shops near me. But hey, if you want something basic with no expectations and got the extra extra money to blow. By all means drop by and schedule an appointment. Good Luck! Read Less

Excellent work from these guys! The place has very little parking and is hard to notice deom the road, but the artists here do some fabulous work! Some of the artists need to update their art books though. I saw some tremendous work by a few of them and you would have no clue by just checking their picture books of their previous work. I'll be returning every time I hit Atlanta! Read Less

I had a tattoo done by Dylan in memory of my brother. It was my first tattoo and of course I was nervous, however Dylan quickly raised my concerns and walked me through the entire procedure. Once it was done I couldn't believe how awesome it looked and how good of a job he did! Also the amount of time he spent going over after care was amazing! All in all, I cannot recommend him enough! Read Less

I was coming to ATL to celebrate a friend's birthday and decided to get a tattoo while i was down here. What I wanted was very simple but I wanted it done right so I did my research on several shops in the area. After much deliberation, I settled on Live Free.Before hand, I called someone to see if I they take walk-ins (I was a little late with scheduling) and I was told they do. I went on to the website and decided that I knew who I wanted to do my tattoo if they were available. I reached out and didn't exactly get a reply in time which was expected since I did it two days before. Fast forward, I got to the shop and immediately upon stating what I wanted the staff suggested something else for me stating that the tattoo wouldn't hold up in that spot and may look better elsewhere. I was hesitant at first but came around. I see now that they knew exactly what they were talking about. Tai did my tattoo and he was AMAZING. I originally chose him to do it and as the cards would have it, it all worked out. I felt some comfortable and trusted him completely. I'll definitely be coming back to get another tattoo by him when I'm in the area.There is a $100 minimum regardless of what you're getting but these guys are worth it. I even gave an additional tip (as you should). Read Less

I highly recommend Live Free Tattoo. I was tattooed by Rex Holloway and he was friendly, professional, and kept me comfortable during my 4 hour session. His creation went above and beyond my expectations! I also had the chance to talk to other artists at Live Free and they all exhibited the same level of care and interest in each others work. If you're looking for a great shop, look no further! Read Less

Absolutely love Live Free Tattoo! Miguel is the man! He did a traditional hourglass on my left arm and it is absolutely amazing! He is our go to guy for tattoos now in the area and can't wait to see what my husbands looks like in a couple weeks when we go back! Very clean space and all of the artwork on the walls is really neat. I'm sure everyone there is great, but Miguel has our #1 vote! Recommending to everyone I know that is wanting a tattoo. Read Less

Had a fantastic experience with Javier. From the consult to the finishing touches (3.5 hours later), he was a joy to be with. I love, love my botanical tattoo and would recommend him to anyone not only for his skills but also for the joy he naturally emits. Thanks, Live Free but even more, thanks Javier! Read Less

I freaking love this place! After a mishap at a different tattoo shop, I was referred to this place. Brett Pundt has done several of my tattoos, including huge wings across my back and a tattoo on the bottom of my foot and my husband's foot. Everyone in the shop is nice and laid back. Very easy to work with on designs and color choices (I'm a weirdo who wants colored outlines instead of black, and Brett did it for me and it looks amaaaazing). Pretty much my go-to shop now. Read Less

This was my first tattoo, so I was super nervous. I researched Atlanta Tattoo shops for months until I found Rex Holloway's work on Instagram, and I knew he was the guy I wanted to work with. I emailed him to set up a consultation, which was super easy. During the consultation (where you put down a $100 deposit) I showed him some flowers I liked and he came up with a design that he thought would suit the shape of my body better, and I'm glad I listened! The actual tattooing process wasn't fab, but that is because I have a very low pain tolerance. Rex was really sweet and asked if I needed breaks, etc. During different steps of the process, different staff members would chat with me and my friend and ask how my process was going. Everyone's really chill and friendly! Rex is a professional, friendly, and amazing artist and I could not recommend him more! I'm trying to spread by word of mouth by showing friends his Instagram too. I love my tattoo! Read Less

I've had so many great experiences here. I've been tattooed by Cori, Rex, Tai and a couple of guest artist. I absolutely love all of the tattoos I've received and they are nothing if not perfect. Everyone in the shop is kind and friendly. Go to the shop on any given day and you'll be sure to have great conversations and walk out with a kick ass tattoo. Read Less

Just got my dream tattoo today, and I'm already so obsessed with it. I did a little research last night, saw this place and its awesome ratings, so I decided to dig a little more. I came across a guy named Alan, because he work seemed to suit what I thought would be best for my tattoo. I made an appointment, and I'm so glad I did! He was super duper sweet, and talked me through the painful side rib process. Every artist there seemed super cool, and extremely talented. I definitely recommend this place to all tattoo lovers, rookies and regulars!! Go get tatted Read Less

I have been going to Live Free for a few years now and I cannot recommend it enough. I have been tattooed by Cori (multiple times), Alan, Miguel and Javier (multiple times) as well as guest artists they've had in the shop. Everyone is courteous and friendly and the atmosphere is very laid back - great for getting a tattoo. Live Free is the place to go whether you're a seasoned collector or you're looking to get your first tattoo. They will treat ya right! Read Less

Love love love this place. Went there for a small tat done by Jason and he was awesome. My bf is getting a cover up from him and he was just so helpful and gave him a lot of advice and my tat is looking great so I have nothing to complain at all :) Read Less

I have nothing but wonderful things to say about Javier Rivera. From my initial emails with him setting up my appointment to meeting him in person today he was a gem to work with. He is so friendly, chatted with my husband and me the entire session, and has a gentle hand to boot. I'll be recommending him to everyone. Thanks so much Javier! Read Less

I found Live Free Tattoo on Yelp. There were other tattoo parlors which I contacted but Live Free was the most responsive and really seemed to care about creating relationships with new clients. The place is super clean and the staff is incredibly friendly. I've had Alan Berg do 2 tattoos for me so far and he's been great. He doesn't talk a lot but neither do I so we get along pretty well. The last tattoo he did for me was incredibly detailed and he did an amazing job. I still need to go back and get him to finish it...which at first I was skeptical about because he said he only does black, but I'm hoping for 2016 he will do more color :) I highly recommend Live Free; I'm incredibly content with the pieces I have had done here. Read Less

Made a Yelp account just to say that Alan Berg and his work are nothing short of phenomenal. I had my first tattoo done here after finding Alan's work on Instagram and Facebook. The entire process-emailing, consultation, and tattooing-all went smoothly. I showed Alan a few photos of what I wanted, and he was able to sketch out something that was exactly what I had been looking for. Everyone at the shop is friendly and clearly dedicated to their work. I highly recommend Live Free--especially Alan Berg! Read Less

Live Free Tattoo is located in Grant Park off Boulevard Street in a short strip of shops. That was a lot of S's... ssssss. Now say it 3x. #tonguetwister-ishLive Free Tattoo was referred to me by a good friend of mine. I kept my options open and researched several other tattoo places before ending up here. I didn't make an appointment, but walk-ins are welcome! I had the mindset of getting the tattoo I wanted checked out, getting a quote, and possibly ink'd within the same visit. Although my tattoo was simple and didn't require shading, etc. I still wanted an experienced artist. It all worked out! PARKINGLimited parking infront so make that turn on Rosalia Street and park somewhere in the neighborhood. INTERIORVery clean store and decorative, obvs. +++ PRICINGSet rates. Minimum of $60. anything over an hour is $150. SERVICERichard who worked the front was very friendly and helpful.ARTISTAlan Berg is awesome. This guy was aware it was my first tattoo experience. He took the time and walked me through everything. He made sure I was comfortable throughout the whole process. Very engaging and has a great personality. Instagram: alanbergtattoo Read Less

Got my first tattoo from this shop! Found Miguel through instagram and instantly fell in love with his work. I had been looking for an artist for a while and had sent out a couple emails. Miguel emailed back right away and was as sweet as could be. I brought in some reference photos and he sketched up a beautiful tattoo right away.Miguel was patient with me.. as it was my first tattoo and I was really nervous! He even stayed after closing hours to finish up the outline during my first session. My tattoo is beautiful! I love it. The shop was clean and everyone working seemed really friendly. Definitely recommend this shop! Read Less

It's always great to visit Live Free, where all the artists are openly passionate and excited for every tattoo. My girlfriend is working on her sleeve with Mat Welch, while I've been getting random fillers from Miguel and Brett. Clean space, walls lined with original work and professionalism lives here! Read Less

Officially my new favorite tattoo shop and a loyal customer of Alan Berg. There's a big elephant in the room if I don't mention this but not only is Alan hot but is also a supremely talented artist. I've always heard about Live Free from a couple of my friends who got some work done but also went in sometime last year to get something small. I was ready for some new ink and decided to browse through all of  the artist's portfolios online. I stumbled upon Alan Berg's work and totally fangirled over it. His work is very intricate and detailed so I knew he would be perfect. I immediately emailed him letting him know that I would like for him to bring my idea of a magnolia flower with cross hatching and hatching with a vintage feel to life.  He was pretty responsive through emails and told me to send some photos of the what I was looking for in regards to style, angles of the flower, etc. He had something drawn up before my appointment and by time I arrived, it was time to get it done. He suggested placing it a certain way on my arm and so glad he said something because I love the placement of it and didn't think to do it that way. Alan freestyled many of the lines on my flower and the way the leaves are treated was unexpected, interesting yet beautiful that I've never seen on a floral tat before. The shop is located in Grant Park, next door to Zibas. The shop itself is super clean, high ceilings, open and airy with tons of great lighting. The shop is well designed as far as decor, fixtures, visual merchandising and even the tattoo stations are open and spacious but still with enough privacy. They also sell Fossil & Hide's jewelry in the shop along with some other great Live Free merchandise. Everyone is so friendly and professional plus it's not too far from my house. Whenever I need a new tattoo, I can hop skip right on over! The artist even walked me to my car after the session so I wouldn't get snatched up. Talk about great customer service!  I'm beyond obsessed with my tattoo and so lucky to have Alan do this beautiful piece on my arm! I can't wait to get more work done by him and Live Free seriously has some of the most talented artists in their shop! Read Less

I had been waiting to get my first tattoo for some time. Maybe about two years with the idea that I had in mind, and I wasn't entirely sure of where I would get the work done. After a few recommendations from friends of ours, we paid a visit to Live Free for a little consult and subsequently made an appointment. The whole experience was just rad. We walked in and chatted with the guy at the front desk (Colin -- super nice guy) and showed him the artwork I had in mind. He immediately thought that Brett would the be the perfect artist for my tattoo idea. Brett walked up and was immediately stoked about the piece (Link from The Legend of Zelda) on my forearm. He had mentioned that he had done a few pieces from the series before. We made the appointment and waited for another week.The day had come and we stepped back into the parlor for my appointment with Brett. We walked back and he showed me the tracing he put together and explained the entire process to me. He made sure I understood how he would approach all of the colors, shading, different sections, where he would start, and he made sure the alignment of the tracing was exactly what I wanted. He was super confident, thorough, and really conversationally calm throughout all of the prep. Then, we got started. For those who have never been tattooed before, it wasn't nearly as bad as I had anticipated. I thought it would have been unbearable pain, but the pain is more of an irritating/shocking sensation. Now, when he got closer to the crux of my arm, it hurt like hell, but not for long. I sat for about 2 hours and then we were done. Pretty straightforward. As soon as I sat up, I was shocked at how good it looked. It was amazing. Exactly as I had anticipated and absolutely perfect. Even now that it has healed, it looks just as good. Super vibrant and the line-work is stellar. Brett is the man. I was also really thankful for Brett's knowledge and advice regarding tattoo care. Using a mix of Lubriderm and Aquafor has been the saving grace through the dryness of winter and damaged skin. Really appreciative of that. Currently, I have one other tattoo idea and I'm looking forward to heading back to Brett sometime later this year. Huge fan of Live Free and Brett. Great stuff. Read Less

Okay seriously I have to stop rating an establishment based on how hot the men are!!! But hot dam I can look at these tattoo artist all day.Okay on the real super talented artist, I was kinda worried that my tattoo wouldn't look like the style of the rest of my tattoo's but Alan Berg knew exactly what to do. I trusted him with the direction after being super paranoid :).What I can say is that as a black woman I didn't feel comfortable at first because all of the styles displayed in this shop were a specific style of tattooing almost everything looked like pinup style of artwork. But it took me to trust the artist to do what he does best. So I say to all you who have had the same fear, trust your artist, be opinionated and voice your concerns it will play out int he end to be just like you wanted or better.Currently trying to brainstorm another huge thigh piece to come to life.LIVE FREE! and get TATTOOED.I forgot to mention it was clean and safe :). The artist even walked me to my car after he was done to make sure I got to my car safely.  Please remember to tip. Read Less

I went to Live Free because it was close to my place and I don't have any shop loyalties, having moved to Atlanta about 2 years ago. I checked them out on Yelp, saw that they had all 5-star reviews and decided to give them a whirl.I could NOT be more pleased with that decision.I was a walk-in appointment on a Saturday afternoon. The shop was as clean as you could ever want, had great art on the walls, doors... everywhere AND was playing some really great music (personal preference, of course).Miguel Olascuaga met me at the counter and was amazingly friendly and accommodating.  I was a little hesitant about this tattoo because my design is tribal and there are artists out there who aren't very enthusiastic about that type of work.  Miguel was genuinely interested and (dare I say) excited to work with me on realizing my piece, however.Miguel worked his magic through a 5.5 hour session and was an absolute pleasure while doing it. Great demeanor and great sense of humor.The rest of the crew at the shop was awesome as well. Everyone who dropped by Miguel's booth to watch him work was complimentary of my chosen design, had some well-chosen jokes and even a word of encouragement here and there as we worked into hour 4.I am absolutely thrilled with the end result and would ABSOLUTELY recommend Live Free (and Miguel) to anyone in the Atlanta area looking to get ink done. I'm looking forward to going back for more myself. Read Less

Cori James is the sheeit!  I've had one session with her and my tattoo is not finished yet. However, I am so excited about how easy it was to communicate with and work with her, and how badass my tatt is already, I have to share the love here.First of all, the shop is like waaay traditional.. Like, as in their decor and tons of flash on the walls, in books, etc. ..This is very appropriate and was actually unexpected.. because I was getting my very first traditional tattoo. Walking in to that made me feel good about my choice. Let me back up, I found Cori through Instagram.. yea, what?!  Isn't that weird?  Go technology!!I started following Live Free Tattoo.. and then found Alan Berg.. and then found Cori.. I emailed her with a description of my idea, and asked if she would be able to do something like that.  She enthusiastically responded less than 24 hours later with so much helpful info. Sometimes artists can be vague online, and I understand it - You don't want to promise time or cost necessarily to a stranger over the internet. She doesn't necessarily know it, but I'm not a stranger to tattoos anymore (14ish over almost 12 years, now) so I want to know the deets straightforward, and I don't necessarily want to drive my ass down there (Dunwoody to Grant Park) unless I know what I'm getting into (price, an artist's personality, etc etc)  Speaking of price, they charge $150/hour at this time.Her art examples are not quite as vast as some other artists I've worked with, as I believe she's newish (but no longer an apprentice, and there is no "inexperience" to be found!)  What I saw, I liked.. and I really wanted a girly touch to this tattoo. She delivered!She let me go back and forth with her through email to pick the right date to meet. Then she let me send her pictures of what I liked - I did so through a private Facebook photo album. When I showed up for my appointment, she showed me her drawing and it was perfect. She set up, which took about 15-20 minutes - Normal - and then we were GO! I laid down on a table, on my back, with my left arm outstretched. The little padded stand for my arm was wobbly, so a little bit into the tattoo, she switched it out with another. That one was still a little wobbly, so maybe it's supposed to be?  Didn't matter too much since Cori was stabilizing it all as she worked. Back to the shop.. It's not in the bestest area of Atlanta, honestly - which is the only reason why I dropped a star - but the inside is really nicely put together. I've seen a few "meh" shops in my day and didn't stick around, but this one is solid. Someone put a ton of time and love into this.I had never been tattooed in a shop where there weren't actually walls on each "room" - but this one has spaces separated by half walls, more like stalls. I did see a sign that said if you want privacy, they can help you with that. I think there's one or two actual enclosed rooms. The beautiful pictures and paintings on the walls go for miles.. which I love, because there's always something to stare at.. something to get your brain lost in.. That's important to me for getting tatt'd.. you need to get in your zone, ya know.The actual sesh - outline and shading on a maybe-6 inch long dagger tatt on the inside of my left bicep took about 1 hour and 15-20 minutes. That's a pretty good time. I could not sit longer for this super-sensitive area, so I've made another appointment with Cori to complete it in a couple weeks. She was super sweet the whole time.. asked how I was doing occasionally.. talked about fun stuff but hushed when I wasn't really responding (because it's hard to have a conversation when you're feeling this pain!) She seemed down to earth - a sweet, adorable Southern gal, and she likes good music - (We listened to Tame Impala which totally calmed me!) I'm stoked, and I'd totally recommend checking out Cori! Tell her Heidi sent you! Read Less