I was in Ann Arbor to visit a friend at UM and I decided to try to get a walk in tattoo on a Friday evening. I walked in to Authentic Art and the staff was super welcoming and an artist (Josh Figueroa) was able to fit me in right away. The shop was super clean and comfortable. I just got two small tattoos in black ink but the work was phenomenal and I was in and out in less than an hour. They were my first tattoos and I had nerves leading up to it but the staff was awesome and it ended up not being painful at all. I highly recommend this shop to anyone in the area! Read Less

I got my first tattoo at Aunthentic by Josh Figueroa and he was amazing! I was very nervous, but he made me feel comfortable and did a fantastic job on my rose. I would recommend this shop for being clean and comfortable with great artists. Thanks Josh!!!! Read Less

Went here today to get a tattoo done with Dee. Such a good experience!! Dee was really patient and took great care to get the design exactly right, and I am really happy with the result. The process itself was quick and not too painful (but then it is quite a small tattoo). Everyone was friendly and helpful and very professional. Would absolutely recommend. Read Less

This is the cleanest, quietest (other than good times, dancing, and lots of laughter :) ) shop I have ever been in. The staff is all very knowledgeable, courteous, an fun! Very professional, and very clean. I cannot wait to get more work done. I saw Shannon Purcell on this visit, and she made me a custom piece of art that I love and was nearly in tears when I saw the final product. Beautiful work! Read Less

Very unprofessional studio. I took off work for my appointment & they ran an hour behind. The tattoo artist was talking about leggings with the receptionist for a while... so I inquired how much longer it would be & found out they never even did my design. They claimed I was told to email my design, but they never told me to. I get tattoo shops are rough around the edges, but this place was very rude & disorganized. No thanks! Read Less

Authentic Art was absolutely phenomenal! I got my first tattoo there and everyone was super welcoming and helpful. Jeremiah worked closely with me to make my tattoo exactly what I wanted it to be and the environment was great. Definitely would go back! Read Less

I have now 4 tattoos, all done at different studios. However, the tattoo I just got done at Authentic Art was the best experience I've had so far, and I will definitely be sticking with this studio for any more tattoos I get done in this area! I came in for a consultation with Dee a few weeks ago with an idea but needed an artist to make it something closer to what I was thinking. I came in the day of my tattoo appointment and was not disappointed by what she had drawn up! Then the whole tattooing experience was fantastic. She took so much care, got my opinion mid tattoo before doing anything we hadn't talked about (that made the tattoo look better!) and the outcome is amazing! I love my new tattoo, and I would highly recommend this studio, and Dee. Read Less

I've had 2 tattoos done here, set up my appointment for my 3rd just today! I love it here. So clean, professional, and a super awesome environment, atmosphere, and people. Looking forward to this weekend and going back again!! <3 Read Less

Got my first tattoo here yesterday and it was the best experience ever! Super clean and sterile environment. Artists are all amazing! Jeremiah was beyond awesome! The whole experience was perfect. They talked me through everything that was going to happen and really gave me peace of mind. I will return again! Read Less

I got a tattoo from Jeremiah and it's easily my favorite! Super nice solid work and still looks beautiful after a few months. Everyone I've met at this shop is very kind and all of the artists are very talented! Would definitely recommend to any of my friends or family! Read Less

Authentic Art is a great place to get work done. Clean shop, and all the artists are top notch. They always make you feel welcome and aim to give you a piece you can be proud of. I have been there many times and will continue to make this shop and Rob Auquier my home for future tattoos. Read Less

Absolutely amazing and kind artists. So talented and great people all around. I'm only 18 and I'm so blessed to already have a few tattoos done at this shop, and I plan on having many more done here. I recommend this shop to anybody I know who's looking to get a tattoo, and whenever I get compliments on my tattoos I be sure to let them know where I got it and who did it. Read Less

Just got my second tattoo from Authentic Art Tattoo and was amazed at the results. I have had the pleasure of working with Rob both times and he definitely delivers! One thing that I especially appreciate is them being up front with me about where I could get a tattoo that would last. I came in with a spot in mind and they politely told me that getting a tattoo in that spot would not heal well and would not hold ink well. They recommended a different spot, altered the idea I had a little bit to make it work and it turned out better than I ever imagined it! Definitely recommend, will be going there for my future tattoos! Read Less

I recently graduated from the University of Michigan and wanted to get a tattoo to a symbolize my experience in Ann Arbor. I am familiar with the campus and have heard good things about Authentic Art from fellow students. It is a large shop that is clean, original, and active. I figured that since it was busy I would need to schedule an appointment. After I explained what I wanted, the manager Jordan informed me that there would be an artist available shortly if I was willing to be a little flexible and hang around for a minute. In about 20 mins I was able to speak to my Artist Jordan. Jordan was very friendly and knows his stuff. He was patient (I'm super particular) and is very talented. I am extremely happy with my tattoo!! Read Less

Steve is amazing.I came to the studio with an idea and Steve worked extensively with me over a few weeks to create the exact design I wanted. I was so impressed by all the time he was willing to dedicate to make my tattoo exactly what I wanted. He did a great job with the actual tattoo, and it came out exactly like what we had planned. The studio itself is clean and the employees are kind and welcoming. I would recommend this place in a heart beat, and will definitely be returning to Steve for my next tattoo. Read Less

While the staff I ran into here are all awesome, cordial, professional, and polite, this review in particular is for Hilmar. He did a great watercolor for me and I'm so happy with my tattoo. I showed him a picture of what I wanted and he worked with me carefully and patiently to make sure it was exactly what I wanted. I ended up with a beautiful, oil-painting-like tattoo on my rib cage that I absolutely love. Read Less

I hadn't got a tattoo in Ann Arbor. My previous had been in Flint, on Dort Highway, so my perspective may be skewed. However, based on the other Yelp reviews, it was difficult to choose a parlor. All seemed amiable, welcoming, clean and with good artists. I chose this place because it was on top. It's conveniently located downtown with ample parking. The studio is on the second floor and is a very nice space. They answered all my questions, were able to print my tattoo and let me walk in on a Saturday. I was in and out within an hour. It's a $100 shop minimum and you can pay cash, check or credit. The artists are quite accomplished and I think my non-color 2 inch x 2 inch tattoo bored them. However of my 6, it was instantly my favorite. Highly recommend Jordan. Read Less

I got my first ever tattoo in a watercolor style recently. It barely hurt at all and the guy was super friendly throughout. It healed even faster than he thought it would and was very reasonably priced. Read Less

Dani Felczak does an killer tattoos! She has a soft touch, which I recommend for 1st timers, and she goes to Art class once a month. Dani has over 20 years of experience and proves it with her tattoos of quality! AAT has 4 artist to choose from and the receptionist will help you decide which one would be best for your tattoo. The prices are competitive... when it comes to quality tattoos, money SHOULD be no object! Read Less

Absolutely love Authentic Art! I have been in and out of their shop for the past year and a half now. Corey has been working on an extensive cover up for me and I am thrilled with how it is turning out. Everyone in the shop is extremely friendly and every time I walk out their doors, I am nothing short of pleased! I recommend them to all of my friends (and family) when they are thinking about getting a tattoo. Read Less

Got my first tattoo here. My tattoo artist made the experience a positive and memorable one. They didn't make me feel silly for my 'first tattoo' jitters and were super sweet and professional. They answered all of my questions and explained the whole process to me in detail and honestly. While I am not very familiar with the artists' portfolios, I wholeheartedly recommend Authentic for your first tattoo. They definitely make it a positive, memorable experience. Read Less

Words cannot begin to explain the professionalism of the staff here nor the quality of the work the artists do.  I went to Authentic Art after years of contemplating getting a tattoo, even getting quoted at Miami Ink.  I was so comfortable with the laid back, easy going staff and blown away by the portfolios that I talked myself into getting not one, but two tattoos.  I truly couldn't be happier.   Jordan was extremely helpful with all my needs and concerns and together, Hilmar and Jordan perfected the tattoos that I was interested in getting.  I would HIGHLY recommend this shop for SO many reasons. I'll most definitely be back. Read Less

This is my first time giving a review on Yelp, but I couldn't help myself. This place is awesome. I got my 8th tattoo here, done by Cory, and it was my best tattoo experience yet. He did sort of a cover up - he helped me merge two tattoos that I was sort of dissatisfied with together in a beautiful way. Cory does amazing work - he tattooed me for six hours and we listened to great music, chatted, and he got some great work done.  I would highly recommend this place, and Cory in particular, to anyone looking for a good tat. Read Less

This is one of the best tattoo shops in the Midwest in terms of professionalism, artist integrity, and cleanliness.  Cory is a true artist and has a diverse array of style talents.  In a world where so many shops are unwelcoming, Authentic Art is warm and receptive to ink seekers of any kind.  The place is popular with students  and UofM athletes and is ideal for a first tattoo.  They approach tattooing with the care of a medical procedure. I've been there for a few pieces and am treated like a friend.  If you want The best art piece look no further. Read Less

This is one of the best tattoo shops in the Midwest in terms of professionalism, artist integrity, and cleanliness.  Cory is a true artist and has a diverse array of style talents.  In a world where so many shops are unwelcoming, Authentic Art is warm and receptive to ink seekers of any kind.  The place is popular with students  and UofM athletes and is ideal for a first tattoo.  They approach tattooing with the care of a medical procedure. I've been there for a few pieces and am treated like a friend.  If you want The best art piece look no further. Read Less

This is the best tattoo shop I have ever been in and I have well over 60 tattoos and was a tattoo artist myself for a few years. First the guys are all super friendly with a real down to earth positive attitude, they are all willing to help you find exactly what you want. My only regret is not finding this shop sooner. I had a very large and detailed calf tattoo done by a artist from Adrian, Mi who I thought could handle it. However they could not, long story short it was done very badly and I was sure there wasnt anything we could do to salvage this giant mess. Cory took the mess I brought in and completely re worked the design and brought it to life and made it look how it should have looked originally. He did little coverups and things inside this tattoo to fix it that I didnt even know you could do. Not only is this guy a super talented artist who can do lettering like a type writer but he is one of the nicest guys youll ever meet, even bought me a borrito when he took a lunch break during our all 4 hour session. Cory even stayed late to do a little tattoo on me honoring my daughter, it wasnt part of my appointment but he stayed and knocked it out no problem. I will never go to another tattoo shop again- these guys rock- Read Less

Just got my first tattoo yesterday, and it was a really great experience. Working with Jaison at the front desk was awesome. With setting up an appointment, hashing out specifics on the tattoo, and going over the aftercare procedures, he's patient and knowledgeable with the product! He's a pretty cool dude to talk to as well.Hilmar did my tattoo, and it turned out awesome. He's pretty cool, and the tunes he had on spotify were top notch as well!Great people, great tattoo and atmosphere, at a great and fair price. When I get another tattoo, this is the place I'll be heading! Read Less

Friendly, Professional, Clean, Talented, Well Priced.  Was looking all over town for an hour long walk in, on a Friday night.  Front desk acknowledged me right away, got my info. and called me later that night just to let me know they were still booked but set a time for next day.  I got there and we got right to work.  They were extremely helpful with the design and logistics of my idea and enthusiastic about getting it done right.  Cory did the work.  He is friendly, talented, and most importantly the final outcome is great.  I will be back for more, and would refer anyone to do the same. Read Less

After a session at Authentic Art, I typically find myself at a loss for words (a truly rare thing for me).  All I can ever seem to say are things like, "Awesome!", "Amazing!", and "Perfect!".  These gentlemen are true artists and professionals.  Not only does Cory create beautiful works of art, he, Jaison, and Jordan are all warm, genuine, and enjoyable people.  The itself studio is clean, comfortable, and classy.  My husband and I have both had work done (new work as well as the some of the best-darn cover-ups I've ever seen) and we've recommended the studio to friends and family too - even my mother-in-law!  We'll never go anywhere else... these guys are the BEST, hands-down. Read Less

I just got my first tattoo and couldn't be happier. Cory (the artist) not only did awesome work, but was friendly and positive the entire time! You can tell that he really loves what he does. Jaison (at the front desk) worked with my friend Xin and I to make sure we'd be getting exactly what we wanted. I brought a drawing a friend had done but I also felt like I wanted a little something extra--Cory had great ideas and ended up adding some shading that totally MADE the tattoo. Great artistic touch!Overall, it was a clean, upbeat, fun experience. Both Jaison and Cory were patient, relaxed, and positive, and it eliminated the anxiety I felt over getting my first tattoo. For future tattoos, I can say that I will not be going anywhere else. I recommend Authentic Art to anyone considering a tattoo! Read Less

Top notch...being that it was only my second tattoo I was still a bit nervous. I walked in with no appointment, the first thing that struck me and had me thinking this was definitely the place for me; was the country music playing! Jaison looked and said they had an opening in an hour and a half with Johnny...I agreed and we left. Within a half hour I got a call and they had a no show with Cory (who was the tattoo artist I had originally wanted.) So we booked it back there as fast as we could. Cory is awesome, he asked me what kind of music I wanted to listen to...I told himI was digging the country, and so he put on Colt 4 which I had never heard of before but was awesome! (A more up to beat remake of popular country songs) You can tell Cory really enjoys what he does, worked with me on my placement, he never seemed rushed or irritated. We started and he hummed and sang along with the songs! The person I had come with me said you can tell he's very detail oriented by how focused he was while tattooing me...The best thing was he did the outline, and then he used a topical numbing cream. I never felt another thing!!! It was amazing!!! The tattoo turned out beautifully....I was so incredibly pleased with Cory's work. The price was lower than I thought it would be for what And where I got the tattoo. They also provide a free touch up :)) Besides the whole amazing experience I have to comment on how clean and up to date everything was in the shop. Top of the line everything...Bottom line is...I'll never go anywhere else! Read Less

Very good tattoo experience. I talked to Jaison, the front desk area person, and he was super nice and helpful, as well as patient, over the phone.So I went in for an arm piece, and my artist was Johnny. Let me just say, of all the tattoo artists I've gone to, he was the most gentle. Before we even started the process of inking on my tattoo, he was super patient with me about the placement of my tattoo, and presented me with many different options. I know it sounds silly, but I was super stoked when he asked me what kind of music I'd like to listen to. As someone sensitive to loud noises which create some anxiety with me, he changed the playlist to some nice, mellow music for me.So about my tattoo...it's looks pretty good, and it has healed well, but it definitely needs touched up, and a few areas do look a little misshapen. They have assured me that they offer free touch ups, so that was good to know.Price wise, it was incredibly reasonable. They will work with you to get a price you can both agree on.The only negative about this place is that it seems impossible to get in. I understand that they only really have two artists, but don't advertise as walk-ins welcome if they're not really. Twice I've called to get in for a tattoo since my last one, and they've told me it'd be at least a week. Due to time constraints and my work schedule, I went to another shop and got my tattoo done, and it only took a matter of 15 minutes both times from start to finish to complete my tattoo, and I was able to call and get in same day. I called another time to get my fiancée in for a surprise birthday tattoo, which was a very tiny piece she wanted, and I was told that there was no room for another week. I guess I would have appreciated if they would have offered to take my info for any cancellations (explaining that we were both current clients and that the tattoo she wanted was a small, minimal piece and it was for her birthday), or to even talk directly to an artist myself to just be certain that it wouldn't be an option. It's too bad because we were clients, and our business was turned down like we were dispensable as clients...again we went to another place that was able to get her in and her tattoo took 20 minutes. So, this is a great shop overall, but don't expect to be treated like they care if you are a return client. Read Less

I walked into Authentic Art for the first time early in 2012. I had no tattoos at the time and only a vague idea of the process or what to expect. When I walked in, everyone was friendly and the place was brightly lit and clean.The reason I chose Authentic Art was because of their reaction when they first saw what I had in mind. After checking out the usb-drive I had brought that was full of designs and sample pictures, they were all very enthusiastic about my ideas and provided plenty of suggestions on how to make them into the best possible tattoo.We set up a formal consultation to finalize everything. They were clear on what I should expect and how to prepare, and a few days later we got started.   Cory's years of tattooing experience and willingness to make the ideas a reality were obvious and because of that, today I'm rocking a sleeve that I couldn't be happier with. Needless to say I've been back many times. Read Less

I got my first tattoo yesterday (9-15-12) by Johnny Kuntz or John. Mind you I was seriously nervous and scared because I don t know what to expect. John the artist and Jason the front desk guy did an AMAZING job of making me feel more comfortable and calm. I told John what I wanted which was my son s first name and as his name is being written out I wanted it to form a treble clef. I an not artist what so ever so I had no idea really how it should look like or what. He went back to the room where you get them done out and said to give him a second and he was going to sketch something up for me and about 10 minutes later he came back and showed me what he had come up with and I ABSOLUTELY loved it it was AMAZING! So it was time to sit down and let John work his magic. He took the gun and showed me like a preview of how it will actually feel and it wasn t as bad as I thought it was going to be mind you in some places it hurt a little more than other spots. When it was all said and done I was so HAPPY with the way it turned out looking. It was SPECTACULAR looking words can t really describe how happy and satisfied with the whole experience! I will definitely be going back for my next one and I am going to refer anyone I know and that they know to come to Authentic Art for an AMAZING experience and great work as well! Keep up the good work guys!! Thanks again! Your # 1 Fan/Supporter!!Lauren =) Read Less

Authentic Art is great.  I went there for my third tattoo earlier this week and it was by far my favorite tattooing experience. I would definitely go back.First off, these guys have a very clear idea of what they believe the process and experience of getting a tattoo should be. They definitely work with you, not just tell you what they want to do or what they think would look best (something I saw with previous tattoo artists, where I always felt like I had to be prepared to be 'stern' if I wanted something in particular). This is not to say they don't give advice or their professional opinions, they just do it in a much more conversational manner. And I'm sure Cory (the artist) would *happily* draw it out a million times to get it right if he had to!The people were great, and they knew their stuff. The place was clean, and the tattoo care product they sell (H2Ocean) is also good stuff.Perhaps most importantly- the tattoo turned out really well. Granted it's just script, it was very small and in a strange spot (across my heel, over the achilles). Cory did it perfectly, it was exactly what I wanted.  On top of that, they charged me a very fair price. Read Less

This review is actually for my mother. She is a 52 year old suburban woman who got her first tattoo here recently and from what she has told me it was an extremely pleasant experience and the place was very clean and the staff was very friendly. Plus since she went through with it there that means she wasn't intimidated and that means a lot to a first time tattoo getter.The fact that my mom even got a tattoo is perplexing enough to me (trust me if you knew her..) but I thought I had to give this place mad props if my mom approves of it. haha. Plus now she can never get mad at me for getting more tattoos! :) Read Less