I won't go anywhere else. I love Donald aka Cookieman. He has done tattoos for my children and my nephew. I wouldn't trust anyone else. He's very accommodating and the prices are great for the quality of work you receive. Read Less

The prices are great and the work is wonderful (depending on the artist) but of course, there are many many many flaws. I got two out of three of my tattoos done here; they were both done in the same session. I gave the artist a tip that he was genuinely surprised about (I see why now) and then attempted to get another “appointment” with him a few weeks later via Instagram. I was not able to make the “appointment” because I overslept due to just getting off work a couple hours before. Fast forward to Thursday (over a month later) and I contact the artist again to see if I could get the tattoo done for Friday (6/29). We speak on the phone and confirmed I could come in at 1. I get to the shop just a couple minutes before 1 just to be told that 1. He did not even know how I made the “appointment” or remembered the damn “appointment” (I literally spoke TO HIM ON THE PHONE THE NIGHT BEFORE) and 2. That someone else made an “appointment” via their website but he was confused as to how that even happened because apparently you can’t book appointments 24 hours or less in advance on their website. So his conclusion was that he push back MY appointment and cater to the other customer. Cool. Then I go to the waiting area in the back and he asks what I wanted to get (again, all discussed the night before) and then he remembers who I was. After that he proceeds to do the other customers tattoo and completely disregards me during the fact. I waited till about 2pm and left. I am completely dissatisfied, I do not live in Baltimore; I in fact live almost a hour away. I wasted gas and time just to not get what I wanted! That was my mistake and I won’t be coming here again. Work on y’all customer service and take “appointments” made serious, thanks. Read Less

The prices are great and the work is wonderful (depending on the artist) but of course, there are many many many flaws. I got two out of three of my tattoos done here; they were both done in the same session. I gave the artist a tip that he was genuinely surprised about (I see why now) and then attempted to get another "appointment" with him a few weeks later via Instagram. I was not able to make the "appointment" because I overslept due to just getting off work a couple hours before. Fast forward to Thursday (over a month later) and I contact the artist again to see if I could get the tattoo done for Friday (6/29). We speak on the phone and confirmed I could come in at 1. I get to the shop just a couple minutes before 1 just to be told that 1. He did not even know how I made the "appointment" or remembered the damn "appointment" (I literally spoke TO HIM ON THE PHONE THE NIGHT BEFORE) and 2. That someone else made an "appointment" via their website but he was confused as to how that even happened because apparently you can't book appointments 24 hours or less in advance on their website. So his conclusion was that he push back MY appointment and cater to the other customer. Cool. Then I go to the waiting area in the back and he asks what I wanted to get (again, all discussed the night before) and then he remembers who I was. After that he proceeds to do the other customers tattoo and completely disregards me during the fact. I waited till about 2pm and left. I am completely dissatisfied, I do not live in Baltimore; I in fact live almost a hour away. I wasted gas and time just to not get what I wanted! That was my mistake and I won't be coming here again. Work on y'all customer service and take "appointments" made serious, thanks. Read Less

Made an appointment.... show up for the appointment and no one to answer the door... No one answers the phone....I don't care how good their art is... their customer service is poor. I drove a long distance to get there for no one to be there... I'm very very livid. Read Less

Ray did an awesome job on covering some tattoos that I had for 30 years. He did me an awesome Japanese Hannya mask half sleeve. Hell of a nice person and very talented, and gave me a very reasonable price.Going back to get the rest of my arm sleeved. I definitely recommend this establishment highly. Berniemac!!! Read Less

Today was my third tattoo by Ray and it is always a pleasure to endure his company and his business professional environment he provides. Artwork is done promptly and precisely and he works with you in every area from the time you need to be there as well as the artwork. Baltimore needs more customer service like this! Thanks Ray! Read Less

Ray Is Amazing He did this cover-up free hand. It blends with the bio-mech piece on my arm. He spent the time to research some styles with me and then went to work. You can see samples of his art all over. He is a true artist; able to transform thoughts into imagery. I couldn't be happier. I can't wait to come back for more ink. I've found my tattoo artist finally! Read Less

Zwade is amazing! I love my tattoo I got from him and definitely will be going back! He is awesome and highly recommend them all! Very professional and really good! Also very clean and you can certainly expect great service! Read Less

Ray has done a total of 12 of my tattoos. He is wonderful! The shop is very clean & has great prices. Ray will take the time to put together ideas and make sure the tattoo is really what you want. I recommend Ray to anyone looking for a good tattoo. Read Less

I went today to get my second tattoo . before I went I googled it and saw so many great reviews for the tatoo artist name Ray so that's exactly who I went too. Best decision ever he was so nice, and down to earth and funny. He brought my picture to life adding his own colors and really made it pop. He even made me feel comfortable by having Netflix there telling me watch whatever I want. We were in there geeking off the Dave Chapelle special. Overall I had a amazing experience. And he is def my new tatoo artist! Read Less

Came to get my first tattoo from Ray and had an awesome experience! I did a lot of research online trying to find a reputable but also affordable tattoo parlour and finally settled on this one. To be completely honest, I was a bit worried and skeptical over the "small tattoo for $25" deal but I had nothing short of a fantastic experience - a quality tattoo for a highly affordable price! Although the shop was on the smaller side, it was super clean. Ray sat down with me and helped me design my tattoo. He printed out my design in different sizes too so I could see which one would be the right fit for me. Ray made me so comfortable during the tattooing process - he talked me step by step through what he was doing and let me watch Netflix which helped to distract me from the pain. He gave me really great aftercare tips and I had no problem at all with the healing process. I definitely plan on coming here again if I ever want another tattoo! Fantastic service and fantastic prices!! Read Less

Ray was my tattoo artist and he was awesome!! He made my experience enjoyable with Netflix or music while he worked (I had control of the remote) they are very flexible, friendly and talented with killer deals and unbeatable prices. Will definitely be spending my money there again! Read Less

I was just there and Ray was Amazing. My friend and I just walked in and got 2 tattoos each and he was super nice and speedy. The tattoos are really detailed as well. I will definitely be coming back soon! Thanks Ray! Read Less

I got a tattoo from Ray yesterday and the experience was wonderful. I came in with a small tattoo that I wanted to get covered up with something a little bigger and more meaningful. A friend of a friend recommended Island City as being a great tattoo shop, especially for people of color. Everyone in the shop was welcoming and I felt a really great vibe upon arrival. I knew what I wanted so Zwayde found the image for me while Ray set up. Ray allowed two of my friends (one of whom is considering a tattoo) watch the process and he was professional, personable, and fast. I got all settled in and starting watching The Get Down and I was done!  I haven't gotten a tattoo because going to Tampa (where my old artists lives) every time I want a tattoo seems to be a bit ridiculous.  I think I've found a new artist. I'll definitely be back. Read Less

I got a tattoo from Ray yesterday and the experience was wonderful. I came in with a small tattoo that I wanted to get covered up with something a little bigger and more meaningful. A friend of a friend recommended Island City as being a great tattoo shop, especially for people of color. Everyone in the shop was welcoming and I felt a really great vibe upon arrival. I knew what I wanted so Zwayde found the image for me while Ray set up. Ray allowed two of my friends (one of whom is considering a tattoo) watch the process and he was professional, personable, and fast. I got all settled in and starting watching The Get Down and I was done!  I haven't gotten a tattoo because going to Tampa (where my old artists lives) every time I want a tattoo seems to be a bit ridiculous.  I think I've found a new artist. I'll definitely be back. Read Less

Just got my first tattoo done here by Ray and it was a great experience. Everyone was super friendly and professional. They are very obviously artists who tattoo instead of just guys doing tattoos, which I think is awesome. The whole shop is decorated with drawings and paintings that they've done. I would feel really comfortable designing a big tattoo with the guys here. Ray is hilarious and a really nice guy. He made me feel really comfortable when I was REALLY nervous haha every time he could tell I was feeling discomfort or letting my nerves get me, he would tell me to take deep breaths or just start up with another funny story. He was so quick too. It was a simple black line tattoo, about the size of a playing card, but I swear it took no more than 10 minutes. I didn't know what to expect, but it seemed really fast. My tattoo also looks EXACTLY like the sketch I brought in, which is awesome since it's a sketch by Picasso!! These guys are talented. I will be back for sure. Read Less

I came to Derrick Rhodes with an incomplete idea of combining a lion and a womanist symbol for a half sleeve. He was completely excited about the idea, and brought it to life. He is an artist you can sit back and trust to do excellent quality work. Professionally, he is serious about his business. I was concerned initially because it took him until the next day to get back to me. However, one thing I notice is that he absolutely does not answer his phone while he is working. People pay for his time and he gives it. He told me the next day that he was working on a tattoo late into the night and did not want to call me back late. His communication is great. I have a great deal of respect for Derrick for his artistic abilities, passion, and professionalism. I'm more than happy with his work, and will be a customer from here on out. Read Less

Got a tattoo today from Ray. I've only had my tattoo's done by one other person so I was a little apprehensive going to some one new; but Ray and the guys worked with me got the design just the way I wanted and rest was a cakewalk. Like one of the precious reviews said "Don't judge a book by its cover." Live on the wild side and get a tattoo in a sketchy neighborhood! Bottom line is, the tattoo artists are great, they even do piercing and the prices are fair. I'd definitely go back... Read Less

I just left Island City tattoo with a half sleeve done by Derrick! I don't  normally leave reviews, but the service provided by Derrick was worthy of a five star  review. This was my second tattoo and the entire process from start to finish was completely painless. The staff is friendly and funny, which makes the time go by fast. Derrick's work was definitely more than what I expected. I will definitely be returning to Island City Tattoo and ask for Derrick specifically. Read Less

Definitely definitely satisfied with my new tattoo ! Derrick Rhodes is an amazing artist , we'll be back for sure .. make sure to book an appointment specially before August 1st so you can catch his deal : 2hrs for 80$ , 3 for 130$ , 4 for 180$ & 5 for 230$ !! Read Less

Ray gave me the best tattoo ever! This is my first time going here I had a great experience. There is tv and music playing and he talked with me through every minute of the process. I'm going back for more ink soon Read Less

Got my first tattoo here.  Ray was really cool man, plus he had a tv hooked up in there with netflix so it was a painless process.  I got a tibetan snow lion stamp on my forearm, and he transcribed it perfectly.  Will be back.Overall...talented artists, great price, interesting kinfolk outside to converse with.  good times! Read Less

Ray is the best !!!  The other artist appear to be good too but I deal with ray he did a back piece cover up for me and my half sleeve. FYI you know how they say don't judge a book by its cover well  same case here. The shop is in the "hood" lol so it may not appear I guess you could say upscale, but it's clean and sanitary, reasonable prices, nice and talented artist :-) Read Less

I have been goingto Island City tattoos since I was 16. My first tattoo was done by Ray. I mentioned his name because I love his work. He is the only one that does my tatts, however I'm not doubting the skills of the other artist there, I just love Ray. The cleanliness there is awsome, and the art work is great!! I am going there again this week to get ny 5th tatt. And I know if I want it to e custom made just for me, then it will be that way. They are very pleasant, and always have the soca, and reggae playing when I step in the building. They are lively, and welcoming. Their prices are the best around, and the best you're going to get in Baltimore. Trust me I've tried other shops for a tatt I wanted and Island City was the cheapset. I would recomend Island City to everyone!!! Smooches!! Read Less

The neighborhood is extremely urban. Some would say that they are afraid to get a tattoo at this location because of this. The honest truth is that all artist in this location practice safety first. They are extremely clean with their utencils and practice good work and saftey ethics. I have 20+ tattoos, several of which were done by two particular artists. Each artist has their own style. All tattoo artists are artist which mean they either paint andor draw. They are able to draw a sketch on the body and let their imagination flow from there. I recommend two artist in particular (but I regret to inform you I will not mention their name). They are extremely talented. One is great in stationary work, while the other likes his customers to have an open mind and work with him while he draws CUSTOM tattoos. I can not speak for any customers that have had an experience with tattoos that are other than great. I can only speak from my own, as well as many of my friends, experiences. Island City does a great job. Prices start at $35 for 4 letters and are 5$ each letter then on out. They do portraits and the whole 9 yards for very good prices. Mnay customers become customers for their entire tattoo-gettin career and also bring their friends and family. Read Less

Im a loyal custmer of Island City Tattoos ive been going to them for years, not only do they have good prices but there work is excellent, they also remodeled there shop added longer open hours and added airbrushing as well i highly recommend them to anyone who ask me about my 14 tattoos that were done by Island City Read Less