My friend and I went here to get our cartilage piercings. We read online and on the sign on their store that they were opened, we got there 2 hours after they opened and all of the doors were locked and no one was there. Someone was in their car and talked to us and said that she had scheduled an appointment to get her tattoo fixed at that time and no one was there. I would not recommend this place. Read Less

Went in on Halloween and got a $31 tattoo. It took the artist 2 1/2 hours to complete a tattoo the size of a ping pong ball. He told me he would "give me a deal" on the touch up if I didn't tell anyone. I called a few months later to schedule this much needed touch up and they informed me he no longer worked there, but Juan would do my touch up for free. We set up an appointment for the following week. I arrived on time and the shop was closed and locked. Phone's weren't answered. I was frustrated and left a message. Never heard back until I called again later that night and Juan told me he was "having car troubles". He then offered to touch it up again in a few days. I decided to cut my losses and got it completely redone elsewhere. I wouldn't recommend this shop to anyone. Read Less

So I have had a couple experiences here and so has a friend of mine. Starting with the first one I went to schedule an appointment for my first tattoo a month in advance because I really wanted to talk to the artist and see their thought process. I walked in and asked to talk to Matt and the guy I was talking to not only didn't give me his name but said he would "do my tattoo because that's his favorite type of work". According to the shop owner the guy worked there for two weeks. Matt ended up doing my tattoo and it looks really good and has healed well & continues to get compliments a year and a half later. So shout out to Matt even though he doesn't work there anymore. My second experience was with a piercing. My friend and I went to get one piercing each. I got my belly button done which healed great and looks good, the only problem I have is again the person who did mine didn't even tell me his name or anything he just said "yeah I got you". (Note that I should have probably on both occasions stopped and asked etc. and that's on me.) NOW this is where I get bugged. My friend asked to get her septum piercing and a different guy whose name we also don't know, said he could totally do hers for her and then proceeded to make a quick phone call which meant GO GET HIGH before he pierced her. Not only did her piercing come out crooked but it was in the wrong spot. Granted again she or I should have said something but she has anxiety and didn't know what to do and neither did I at that point. So don't get me wrong, my work didn't come out bad nor did my piercing. Sadly their customer service sucks and their ability to run a business is beyond me. As for my friend she took it out and never looked back & I don't blame her. It's also sad that I go to a different shop now and I have herd from multiple people there (customers & workers alike) that I got lucky. After further research I realized that I got SERIOUSLY lucky. Moral of this is be careful who you choose & do research before you get anything done. Sorry Blue Magic but I wouldn't recommend you even to my worst enemy.Edit: added photos of my tat thought it might help Read Less

I came here to get a tragus piercing but before getting it done, I wanted to know a little more about the procedure, price and aftercare - I spoke to one of the clerks and he was very nice and knowledgable. I went home and decided to do a little more research but I think that I had already made up my mind. I showed up two days later but no one was home! I kept on asking if anyone was there but I didn't hear anything. I decided to wait a couple more minutes. I walked all around the shop and finally Josh came out! It ends up being that he was having "linner" (lunch + dinner). He was so polite from the beginning. I asked him a few questions which made me feel at ease and ready to add another piercing to my ear! I have to say that he is a very detailed and careful piercer. He was constantly asking me if I was feeling good and gave me some time to work on my breathing before having the piercing done. Overall, my experience was awesome! The piercing didn't hurt at all! Also, there was no blood whatsoever! - I only felt discomfort after he put the jewelry in its place (not pain but pressure). I'll give a four-star review due to the waiting. I think they can communicate better and let their customers know that they'll be right there! - basically, acknowledging their customers' presence. Read Less

If i could have the option of not giving any stars , i would give - 5 stars! Terrible customer service, irresponsible tattoo artists ! Did not show up for my tattoo appointments, ignored my calls, is a terrible place to go.   WILL DEFINITELY NEVER GO BACK. Read Less

Juan's done a vast majority of my tats and was the only one id ever trust doing my ink. But went in today and had Keith do two pieces and was as easily as impressed with his work. Blue magic is without a doubt top tier when it comes tattooing. Place is clean and is well maintained. I refuse to go anywhere else. Read Less

I went here sort of spur-of-the-moment, although I knew what tattoo I wanted. Blake was amazing. I have lots of other tattoos, and was expecting a certain degree of pain, however, Blake has the lightest touch. I would recommend for anyone, especially those who are afraid of the pain when getting tattooed. I couldn't be more pleased with his level of compassion, friendliness, and ability. When it's time for another, I will definitely be back and I will recommend to friends. As for the bad reviews here, anyone who's ever gotten a tattoo knows that you are going to have to wait a little bit. If you  want it done right, it takes time to get it right. Of course you're going to wait while an artist draws out what is needed. Quality work does not come in an assembly line fashion when it comes to tattoos. The shop is very clean. Read Less

My daughter had her first tattoo done here a few mos ago, simple one word tat. The owner did it and he said free touch ups are policy. She waited  a few mos and had been given the runaround for a few months now. Carlos said the owner has to do it because another person won't "get anything"for touching it up. He also said that the owner isn't around much. We have both left our numbers without a call back ever.         The people there may be artists but their customer service is horrible and their word means crap. STEER CLEAR Read Less

Wonderful place. Sanitary, clean, and professional. Had many piercings and tattoos done here. Credit goes to Matthew and Juan. Aboslutely wonderful work. I wont trust anyone else but Blue Magic for my tattoos. Great care and great detail in every piece ive gotten. And they work with my budget very well. Will definately be a lifelong customer here. Read Less

I got my first tattoo yesterday. And it turned out amazing. �� I went to Josh Boston and he was super chill. Made me comfortable, showing me what is what and how they do it. So I felt less scared. The cost of the tattoo was very reasonable as well. It was an amazing experience. Would definitely get another tattoo there again! Read Less

I come here to ask for my dermals tops to be changed to a different color. And these 2 guys both come into the room and are talking and showing eachother pictures on their phones while they are changing my dermal tops. It hurt to be changed and he wasn't paying attention at all and over tightened my dermals to where they turned in my skin. Furious. Read Less

If you want a GREAT experience and a great tattoo go to Josh Boston. I have been getting tattooed by him for years and I can say that he is one of my favorite people in the industry! I will recommend him to anyone. Read Less

I went in for a quick tattoo to honor my wife. Even though they were busy, I had the attention that I was hoping for. I chilled with a great artist and even having the tattoo in a sensitive spot, I didn't feel any real discomfort. Got a great deal, and I'm very happy with what I got. Not bad for a spur of the moment idea. Read Less

This place is terrible. I had Juan do my belly button and 6 months later it felt out because he pierced it incorrectly but would not admit it. He did not even bother to offer up a solution just laughed at me. There tattoos are ok but the owner just isn't work dealing with. Read Less

Right off the bat, I could tell I wouldn't regret coming here. I was browsing and came across this shop so I decided to give it a go. Sent a message asking about prices and was given an answer Super quick. Arrived and everyone was super friendly. Juan worked on my tattoo, and it came out great, I loved it! Super friendly and clean shop, will definitely be back no doubt! Read Less

My divorce was completed yesterday so I wanted to commemorate it with the new tattoo before heading out and meeting family and friends. I was supposed to meet them at 12:30. That didn't happen. I called Tuesday to make sure I could get it done right after court at 11am. No issues were expressed and they took down my appointment and told me they'd see me then. I showed up yesterday even before the shop opened to wait. Once someone showed up at 11:15am I was having a bad feelin...g. He had no idea about an appointment nor did the the artist that came in at 11:30. They told me that apparently a couple of the artists are known for taking appointments and not showing up for them. Luckily Josh was able to get me in but I ended up not leaving until 1:30. I had a number of people waiting on me and not so happy. Josh ended up doing a hell of a job and a great guy but it didn't change the fact that Blue Magic dropped the ball. I'd absolutely have Josh tattoo me again but I can't say I'd be back here. See More Read Less

I've been here to get both my tattoos done and I must say what an amazing place this is. They are friendly and helpful and do good on the ink. I'm already working on getting my third one done and all the friends I bring here love it just as much as I do! Here's a picture of my most recent tattoo done. I love the colour and the detail! Thanks blue magic!! Read Less

I have had 2 tattoos done here by Glick. This place is amazing. Very friendly and professional! Their waiting room is small but don't let that fool you. They have TONS of space in the back where they have perfectly clean and separated rooms. Glick was the best! Going in for my first tattoo he was totally kind and helpful! Highly recommended. They have great pricing too! Read Less

I'm so frustrated with this place; I recently moved back to the area and knew of Blue Magic but had never been there for a tattoo. Years ago I went for cartilage piercings, both of which were done incorrectly (how even do you f*** up a cartilage piercing?) but for whatever reason thought I'd give them a shot with my tattoos cuz they were small pieces. I had a good first experience, so I scheduled another visit for a bigger piece on my arm. For 3 straight weekends, I tried to make appointments and got stood up by Carlos. I gave up until a few weeks ago, when I contacted the shop and asked to work with someone else. Carlos still contacted me and asked if I wanted to come in and do the piece with him, and I decided to do it because I already know his work. The first session went great, but we didn't finish. Now I rescheduled, and the cycle has started again that he is cancelling on me, changing the time, and just blowing it off. I don't want to finish the piece he started with another artist but I will not be going back after this. Read Less

Don't listen to the coo-coo ripping this place.  This is a tattoo parlor. The oldest running parlor in McHenry County. Juan is a true artist.  Tattoo parlor are not like a country club where you have to show up for your tee time. A tattoo parlor is also not the environment like a daycare where you pick your kids up by 6 or pay a penalty. Anyway, this place has great artists. People who are passionate about their job. If this parlor wasn't reputable then there is now way they would have survived the Great Recession.  If you want a piece of art go here. I'll be back. Juan is a great guy. Go see him have a conversation, get a flow, and I promise you will not regret it! Read Less

I had two tattoos done there. The first one is so awful it's embarrassing. It's all blurry and no one can read it. It's only two words!!! MY ***** I gave them a second chance with another artist and it turned out great. I wanted to get in very recently and they acted like they could care less about my business because it was something small. I even was willing to come back later in the evening, plus they said it would only take a half hour to do. I had been really excited about getting it done, and they totally ruined my night. Very disappointing AND very disappointed. Read Less

So I had an apt today at 11:00 with Juan that I made a week ago, telling him that I really need to be on time since i have to arrange for a babysitter .... guess what Juan did NOT ONLY NOT SHOW UP,  didn't call, people that work there with him had to call him and he kept saying that he will show up in 30 min then in 15 and never showed up. HE DOES NOT HAVE A COMMON CURTESY TO CALL and JUST SAY HE IS RUNNING LATE when he had my phone #. He is driving from Belvedere therefore that's a good excuse even though I had an apt. He has no regard for anyone's time, he is not A Dr, he is a tattoo "artist" so called.  will never ever go there and will never recommend this asshole to anyone since he has no common sense or regard to other's people time !!!! ( and my friends wanted to go after me ) He still didn't even call me to apologize !!!!!! Read Less

I went in with my 2 daughter's because both my girls talked about getting tatoos. My oldest is learning disable but high functioning and wanted one for her birthday. Juan met with us and explained everything so well. My daughter had a picture of what she wanted and he created a template for it. She had it placed on her left wrist. I was very nervous for her thinking she wouldn't sit still and would not like the "pain". Juan did a great job, offering to take a break for her...turns out she never moved or winced. It took longer to prepare everything than it did for the actual tatoo!!! He even took pictures and showed us how to care for it. My daughter is ecstatic and it was a great 22nd birthday gift for her. I had no idea what to expect and was very surprised. It was clean, orderly and well organized. Now my other daughter wants one for her 19th Birthday and is trying to convince me to get one!! Read Less

First of all, I chose not to get a tattoo here. I walked in and the place had about 4 other people in it that looked like they haven't even been helped yet. I was not greeted by anyone! I was standing there for about 10 minutes. The place didn't smell too great either. Aren't shops supposed to smell clean? Read Less

Andrea does great work with piercings! I've had piercings from a couple other people elsewhere and have always had problems but she has removed my dermals so fast and easy as well as done other piercings on me. I'm usually nervous before I go in and she calms me right down and walks me through it. Definately recommend her!! Read Less

I got my first tattoo here 2 weeks ago Carlos did my tattooing he was very professional and explained everything he made someone getting there first tattoo very relaxed 2 weeks later the tattoo looks great I will definitely be coming back for another tattoo I would give them 10 stars if I could all-around a great experience Read Less

Best tattoo place ever! Price is reasonable, work is professional. All the artists listen to your requests and they do exactly what you ask for. they are all very talented. The place is very clean and they even offer free wifi for while you wait. I wouldn't go to any other place to get my tattoos and piercings, these guys are the BEST! Read Less

This review is based solely on being inside the shop without getting a piercing or tattoo.I give it three stars only because I would not get pierced or Inked here. For my own personal reasons, not because they do not have quality work (Im sure they have some great artists) I personally don't like the atmosphere in this shop. It's crowded, small, seems run down which makes it harder to say whether its clean or not because it does have such a worn look about it. I do go here on occasion though to get certain pieces of jewelry I haven't seen anywhere else. The selection is always good. The staff always friendly! If they could afford to renovate it might give them a better reputation just because the place would look a lot more inviting, a different layout would make if feel less cramped and I would be able to consider getting a piercing or two here. I understand how the economy is right now though and understand why that task is easier said than done! Read Less

I am covered in tats and a few years ago I switched from a different local shop. I did not know that a tattoo could be so pain free. I had no scabs and it evenly healed. I recommend blue magic to anyone wanting a tattoo. My schedule is busy and they said they would hang out after hours to work on my piece. I couldn't be happier with the atmosphere and the people there. The shop is clean and they designed a picture with me that was a lot better than I originally walked in with. I have more skin to cover and I cant wait to get in there again.. Thanks again for the perfect tattoo! Read Less

I was recently there about a week ago. Followed my tattoo artist who had moved from the city out to this shop (so happy I found him!). I found the shop to be very clean and the staff to b very personable. I had a great experience. It was comfortable and welcoming. I will most certainly be back. Read Less

Awesome shop. Really liked it and the people. Have had a few tattoos there. Some early on in the shops beginning, some later, was there a few weeks ago and really liked the changes. New management rocks and the shop looks very good and clean. If you haven't been there in a while I would definitely recommend a return visit, it's worth the trip. Read Less

They do tend to have a Rude Vibe in the Air,,Rushing through Work just to Get Paid. The Love of Seeing A Master Ink Worker Apply His Craft,is Lost at the Sight of some of the Tracer, color by Number, Employee's.......Get Your Passion back ! Put the Magic back in Da' BLUE.. And Stop Playing Lil'Kid's with 10 Doll'a Plug Rings,They alredy Paid to get it Done. Read Less

I have only personally been into the shop once. The guy 'helping' me was passive-aggressively rude and seemed to want to just get me to leave rather than answer my questions or help me in any manner. Everyone I have known to go in there has had bad experiences. I drew a design out for one of my friends and he went to get it done there. It turned out blotchy and the lines were all skippy and waved, not clean and straight like they should have been. Another friend got his second tongue piercing there and they screwed that up too by piercing it too close to the older tongue piercing because within a month the two piercings merged. Those are just two stories from friends. Like I said, everyone I've met who has gone there has had bad experience. Even other tattoo artists whom I mention Blue Magic to cringe whenever I talk about it! Read Less

They have done all 4 piercings and 3 of my tattoos, they do great work. they are great to get along with. Juan gave my friend and I a great price for our tattoos and I recommend them to anyone looking to get a tattoo. Read Less

I first found Juan due to his generous nature and providing a gift certificate to our local Battered Womans home silent raffle. I was the fortunate one to get that cerficate. He created my matching piece to my brother who lives in a different state. They are identical. Work done on my spine and I could have napped through the whole thing. I went back yesterday to have my memorial piece for my Uncle. Once again, on my spine and painless. Juan is as gentle as they come. I would go no place else. Very attentive to my comfort, my art work and did and redid what I asked. I certainly would recommend and will return with more. Thank you for creating my peacefulness. (I could have done without all the tape though) Read Less