I’ve gone to Pink Elephant since they first opened up in Ankeny and have had all of my piercings and two of my tattoos done there. I went there to get another one and a guy named Dante had quoted me for my tattoo after drawing it up. Upfront he quoted an extra $100 if I “squirmed and jumped around like a jelly bean”. I’ve never heard of a tattoo artist quoting extra money before even starting the tattoo. If I had to take breaks and caused him to take an extra hour and a half, sure, I’ll pay extra money. But if I have to take a 5 minute break, how do I know he’s not going to charge me an extra $100 just because he can back it up with quoting that at the beginning? I’ve gone elsewhere for all of my needs after that. Not to mention I tried to get a hold of the owner for 2 months and never got called back. It was very upsetting to lose my go-to location and having to have one of my tattoos finished by a different artist than the one who created the original. Read Less

I had a wonderful experience at Pink Elephant today! The piercer (Emily) was so professional and helpful- she didn't try to pressure me AT ALL to buy the more expensive jewelry, but she DID take the time to explain the pros and cons of each one. She was patient and kind and was so gracious despite how nervous and chatty I was! Although I live over two hours away, I returned here after having a great experience four years ago. The expectations held up and I am so glad we came here! Highly recommend. Read Less

I was interested in getting my first tattoo at the insistence of my Grandchildren. I didn't get that Tattoo because of the caring attitude of the employee at Pink Elephant. He explained that at my age and with the medications that I take, the tattooing process could tear my skin. It was a simple tattoo that I wanted but he was kind, and careful to point out the dangers and recommended that I not get the ink. He said Pink Elephant wouldn't do it AND I really appreciate the honesty and concern he showed. Having heard from the expert I will be getting a temporary tattoo for my 50th anniversary. I would recommend this location to anyone not in my age group LOL. Thanks again!! Read Less

Spur of the moment decision and was able to walk right in! Staff made me feel very welcome and removed any anxiety I had. Nic took great care of me and the tattoo turned out great. Will definitely be going back. Read Less

We took my niece in to get her ears pierced and wanted me to get mine first. I've had lots of piercings and Emily did a great job. She was very patient and explained everything to my niece in the process making her feel very comfortable. Read Less

My husband and I have both gotten tattoos here so when our daughter expressed interest in getting her ears pierced we knew we wanted to take her here. Emily was very patient and explained every step of the process. She had our daughter laughing and feeling very comfortable. She didn't even cry!! I would highly recommend Pink Elephant/Emily to anyone! Read Less

Nick Tapp did amazing on my tattoo, I was very pleased and he made it everything I wanted. Going in for my first tattoo was a bit scary but his kindness and sense of humor helped a lot. I'll definitely be going back. Read Less

Nick Tapp is awesome! He did a fantastic job on my tattoo and made it out to be everything I wanted and exactly how I wanted it. He made the entire process just awesome! Would highly recommend this shop to anyone looking. Everyone that works there is just awesome! Read Less

My husband thinks outside the box. He bought me gift cards to Pink Elephant so I could get a new tat! So, I was recommended to go to BJ. I swung through, told him what I wanted, gave him a few pics and ideas because I wanted a hodgepodge of different tats I've seen. Obviously you give the artist time to draw up the mix between your ideas and their own art. He was very informative, I had lots of questions about foot tattoos, (do they fade, rub off, what's good placement) I'm a high energy talkative gal and I have tendencies to be repetitive when I'm anxious. He was very chill, laid back and even caught my off the cuff joking. I made my appointment, confident in his abilities, he was referred to me by a friend.A few days later, bam, art looks perfect...let's do this. He was professional, great mannerisms, thoughtful about my comfort. The coloring is perfect, the script/font is exactly how I asked (please use the font you feel your best at). The shadowing, crisp lines. It's just wonderful! I'll never get another tattoo from anyone else. Not ever.I had a little $ left over in the gift cards, so right then and there he retouched a small previous tattoo done years ago by a tattoo parlor now out of business.I'm so excited, I can't wait for my next one already! Thanks Pink Elephant and a special thank you to BJ! Read Less

Have had Aaron do all of my tattoos including the sleeve we are part way through. Everyone has been great. Shop talk is always upbeat and everyone has great stories to tell, music is varied, and the atmosphere just couldn't be better for a tattoo/piercing place. Extremely clean, great at explaining care and what's going on, and they know what they are doing. Even hearing other artistes work with their clients it's clear they are top notch. Highly recommended. Read Less

Aaron has been tattooing me for a long time and he does amazing custom work! He really pays attention to every detail. High quality tattoo artist. The shop is clean and open. Lots of extras to get off you want. Read Less

I've been to a couple other tattoo shops and this one is by far the best. I have now had 4 tattoos done here by BJ and he does wonderful work! I've been completely happy with every piece I've gotten done here...which I can't say about any of the other shops I've been to. I'll never go to anyone else. Read Less

Haven't gotten a tattoo here,  yet.  However my husband and I did go in for new body jewelry.  The first thing I noticed was how clean it smelled.  Like hospital clean,  very big in my decision for a new tattoo shop.  I had talked to a gal there about some things we wanted done and she was so friendly and was able to suggest specific artist for my needs.  I will be back for a tattoo.  Hopefully very soon.  :) Read Less

Pink elephant is one of the better tattoo/piercing studios I have been to. Very professional, clean, and educated! The staff there was very nice- (talkative!) and hilarious. I had a great time and I felt at ease while receiving a piercing. I have not had a tattoo done here before, although a friend of mine has many from this studio and they're all very impressive! They have very clean lines and great color! I recommend this shop- but I have only been to a few in the DSM area. Read Less