Awesome shop.  Everyone is friendly and made me feel at ease! Loaf did my tattoo and he was very talented and professional. Very reasonable pricing, I'll definitely head back there next time I want a tattoo. Read Less

I had some Initial ink done at another local shop, the quality was good but wanted to get more of a completed look for my half sleeve to come together which wasn’t happening. I did my research and came upon Loaf. His work and reputation were impressive. He gave me an honest opinion and told me with confidence for sure he could make this look good. I’ve had two appointments with him, and I’m so happy and impressed with his work. He is seriously talented! I will definitely be a return customer! Not to mention, it’s always a fun time to chat with the people in the shop. So happy that I found Loaf and Big Top! Read Less

If I could give negative stars, I would. When I walked into the place to make an appointment and to talk about the tattoo I wanted, the guy I was talking to wanted to upsell me and make the tattoo I wanted 10x bigger than I told him I would want it. Also, he did not really listen to the style I wanted, at all. We set an appointment for me to come in and see one of the other artists and I agreed, based on being able to talk to the other artist about my actual wish. Two hours before my appointment I get a call from the guy who I was supposed to meet with and he tells me that he didn't know if I was still coming in so he had another appointment scheduled a half hour before mine. Knowing that he would not be able to fit me in the time slot that I managed to keep free in my schedule. When I said that it upsets me to just be scheduled over and that it was not easy to carve out this time slot, he told me to calm down and almost yelled at me. Seriously, being clearly treated as a second class citizen of lower importance than someone else and called 2 hours before the appointment and not a day or two ahead is absolutely unacceptable! And being told to calm down when saying in a calm manner that it really is not appropriate to tell me two hours before my appointment that I would not be able to fit in, is absolutely unprofessional. Waste of my time!!! Read Less

Walked in on a whim today because the shop looked nice and well kept, even from the outside. I immediately talked to Jesse, who was incredibly welcoming and eased any anxiety i may have had. After a short wait, the process began and Jesse continued to be friendly. He managed to do my tattoo perfectly while still chatting about TV with me. Its a simple piece, so any mistakes would be blatantly obvious, but he made none. It took half as long and i paid half as much as I expected to based on work I've watched my friends get done at other shops. Not only would I reccomend Big Top, I'm coming back next week for more Read Less

My name Is Nick, My Fiance and I came in here to get tattoos as walk-ins on a Sunday as they were still pretty busy, we got a consultation from Mark(The Owner) they couldn't take us that second but Mark had us leave our number, we left thinking that we wouldn't ever get a call back at all to come on back once they were done(we were more than welcome to wait for someone to be available for a walk in). They gave us a call same day and we came back in and were able to get fairly reasonable sized tattoos for reasonable prices. The work was really well done, My Fiance got writing on her left arm and I got this fun awesome Black Widow. Both tattoos were done by Loaf, and all the artist there were awesome. I was recommended to this place by my friend and I would definitely reccommend this place to anyone else looking to get some quality work done. They're all awesome funny people and it was a great experience for a first time tattoo for myself. THANK YOU. Read Less

My name Is Nick, My Fiance and I came in here to get tattoos as walk-ins on a Sunday as they were still pretty busy, we got a consultation from Mark(The Owner) they couldn't take us that second but Mark had us leave our number, we left thinking that we wouldn't ever get a call back at all to come on back once they were done(we were more than welcome to wait for someone to be available for a walk in). They gave us a call same day and we came back in and were able to get fairly reasonable sized tattoos for reasonable prices. The work was really well done, My Fiance got writing on her left arm and I got this fun awesome Black Widow. Both tattoos were done by Loaf, and all the artist there were awesome. I was recommended to this place by my friend and I would definitely reccommend this place to anyone else looking to get some quality work done. They're all awesome funny people and it was a great experience for a first time tattoo for myself. THANK YOU. Read Less

Do NOT listen to the moronic individuals who gave this place a one star review. Even though I only had touch-up work done on a piece I got many years ago, the quality and precision of the process brought it back to life! Big Top is the place to go, and I for sure plan on being a regular. Read Less

I had a great experience at Big Top Tattoo. Everyone of the staff members was very friendly and welcoming. After explaining my idea and draft I was suggested Loaf being the right person for what I wanted. He was very focused on his work, made me comfortable during the tattooing and worked with me on the changes I wanted trying to micromanage every detail :) Read Less

Went to Big Top to get my third tattoo and Loaf did a great job with a lotus flower on my wrist. He was super fast and efficient, and the end product looks simply amazing. The atmosphere in the tattoo shop is super chill and not at all intimidating. I will definitely be back. Read Less

I walked in about a week ago for my 1st tattoo. Lorne does phenomenal work, and he was very easy to talk to as he walked me through the whole process. Very friendly place, and I loved being able to talk with other customers while getting my tattoo. I know once I decide on my next one, that I will be back to Big Top! Read Less

Awesome designs and top notch artwork. Mark Heggie created the perfect design for me. It surpassed my expectations. Extremely professional, very personable, expert craftsmanship and all around nice guy! All the personnel were very nice and helped me to feel comfortable and at ease. Read Less

Even the party tats done with party needles by these guys on me are better than most shit I see. Mark did this reaper on my arm like 5 years ago, actually longer than that, the next day I was out in the sun on a boat all day and the thing does not need even 1 touch up anywhere. Also, I can't believe how absolutely amazing and anatomically correct the baby foot print Lorne did on my girl and me is. It literally looks like he inked the foot and stamped it on my arm. Many of my friends have been tatted by them after seeing mine. They hand draw everything and the shops are cool as fuck, not to mention Mark is the weirdest yet sexiest dude alive lol I could not imagine going anywhere else. Read Less

effing wow! lorne worked on me and i left with my new favorite tattoo. i have several tats but never felt the urge to commit to any of those artists. I'm happy to say I've found my guy! cool guy, great lines, can't wait to go back for more! Read Less

Loren was awesome! My sister and I walked in with very meaningful tattoos for an anniversary to our mother. On the 10th year anniversary of her death, we wanted tattoos on that day to dedicate to her. Big Top Tattoo did everything in their power to fit us in to meet our request. Our tattoos came out perfect! Will be going back! Read Less

All I can say is I will not be going back. I've heard good experiences others have had here, the rudeness and arrogance is just one problem. There is no privacy so you hear all the banter between artists. They can't even afford comfortable seats for there clients, they have stackable chairs to sit on. The shop is way out dated and don't even get me started on the awful music that you have no choice but to listen to. There are way better shops out there and way more talented artists that will appreciate there clients considering we are the ones paying. Read Less

Big TOP is the shit !!! I was telling people to go there before they even put any ink on me .... I've had work from 3 artist at this shop and all of them did A1 work and where all good cool people in their own way..... they just did my 17th tat which they've done the last 10 of them and I hope I don't ever have to go anywhere else again .... Read Less

Hands down best tattoo experience I've had so far. I got a little lotus on my ankle by Davey James (who didn't judge even though it was something super generic and boring lol) on Sunday and today Loaf knocked out an amazing piece on my arm. The vibe in the shop is super laid back and isn't intimidating or uncomfortable like some places I've stopped into before. This is definitely where I'll be coming from now on and I can't wait to get back. Thanks guys! Read Less

Great experience here. Lorne did mine and he was great! I was a walk in on a Saturday and I got my piece drawn up and inked within two hours. Great atmosphere, prices are reasonable, definitely recommend. Read Less

Mark Heggie is a consummate professional, and an incredible artist. Mark has done 5 tattoos for me, and I have another appointment scheduled. :)I constantly refer family and friends to Mark for their next tattoo. Big Top is a very clean, very professional studio, with incredibly talented artists. Read Less

My avatar is my tattoo. It's my first tattoo and was done in September by Henry, a visiting artist. I love it as much today as I did the day it was done. My family and co-workers flipped when they saw it and I referred my friend Monica to your place for her tattoo (Sweetest Day). I don't remember who did hers - it was her first and she loves it. I've been looking at designs and thinking about my next tattoo. I can't recommend this place any more than I am. Clean shop, they explain everything to the tattoo virgins out there and are a friendly and warm bunch of guys who know their art. Bernadette Read Less

I absolutely loved this place. Very clean and a good environment. Josh did an amazing job on my piece to commemorate my aunt that passed away. I would give them more stars if I could! I Highly recommend them! Read Less

I have nothing but fabulous things to say about Big Top Tattoo. The majority of my tattoos are by Josh but I also have been tattooed by Mark. Every artist here is never anything but professional and friendly.If you're having a bad day ask Mark to tell you a joke, you won't regret it.But really in all seriousness they all do wonderful work! Anytime I've had any concern about a tattoo they're on top of answering my questions. When asking about prospective tattoos you can tell they care because they will tell you what they think will look good and what won't. They're not just gonna slap a tattoo on you and call it good, they want it to look good and to last. Read Less

Great place! All the artists are very nice. Lorne did mine and he was amazing. He talked me through everything and totally eliminated my nervousness. He was very helpful in working with my design. Ease of communication through texting was appreciated as well. My tattoo looks awesome!! Totally recommend Read Less

I had originally given a $100 deposit to Loaf for a tattoo. After I gave this deposit I found out  I needed back surgery and had politely asked for my deposit back (especially since he had not drawn up anything yet.) He refused the refund. After my surgery I had once again called and asked for the money back because I was moving to California, once again he said no and told me we could schedule something once I come home for Christmas. Well now I sent him an email on September 29th and have still not heard anything about scheduling an appointment. What a scam. No drawing no nothing. Free Money for the man Read Less

Loaf is the absolute best. I've gotten tattooed by him twice and can't wait to have more work from him. I get compliments daily on his work and had a great experience both times. Everyone at the shop was friendly, professional and knowledgeable. Read Less

Was looking for intricate/geometric line work and was recommended by Signature Tattoo to come here and get Loaf.  Absolutely worth it! Top quality shop, very clean and the artists there are friendly and funny.  Definitely finishing my tattoos with Loaf.Just be careful with parking. Next-door owner is a dick. Read Less

Big Top is everything you want in a tattoo shop. The shop is very clean and they keep to an extremely safe standard of hygiene. All the artists at Big Top are incredible at their work. Heggie does all my tattoos and I love everything he does! I've seen work done by all of the guys and I'm continually blown away by the level of their talent. And on top of all of that, everyone in the shop is super cool to talk with. Really nice guys. Big Top and Signature are the only shops I go to. You should do the same. Read Less

I'm a cancer survivor so every part this tattoo was a significant decision, from the placement, design, and colors. Josh Fallon was not only a nice guy and excellent artist, but he gave great advice and helped me with all the decisions. I brought a picture into him to show him what I wanted and explained to him that I also wanted to put a twist into that picture to make it my own. Josh's drawing was exactly what I had in my head, but couldn't put onto paper. Read Less

If you are looking for top notch work by friendly, creative artists in a clean, inviting shop - you want the guys at Big Top. (sorry for the rhyme.)Mark Heggie designed three beautiful roses - each unique but obviously related to the others - for me, my brother, and my dad (his first tattoo!) as a tribute to my mom. He was efficient, incredibly helpful in offering guidance on design and placement, and damn fun to work with. I love that every time I look over my shoulder, I'll see a truly lovely reminder of my amazing mom. And, I know that my brother and my dad feel the same way about their roses. I'll definitely be going back - workign with Heggie is totally worth the trip from Minneapolis! Read Less

Great Experience!! Tattoo Artist Loaf is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Read Less

Let me just clear this up. This place is the one and only place I will ever go. I got an entire sleeve done by Loaf and it was the best decision I've ever made. His work is absolutely incredible, and he is a dream to work with. To be perfectly honest I was super bummed out when we finished it because it meant not having a reason to come into the shop! The place is awesome, the people are a fricking blast to be around, and there's no better environment. All the work that comes out of this shop is legitimate. Tattoos that look like tattoos-exactly what you want. I feel comfortable enough saying that I would get work done by any one of the guys here. Josh, Mark, Dan, and like I said especially Loaf. If you are looking for a place to get some incredible work done that you will love for the rest of your life-come here. You'll also have an absolute blast in the process. What else could you ask for?! Go stop in!Meredith Read Less

I wanted my tattoo immediately and walked in. With no notice, Kyle was able to draw exactly what I had in mind and it was exactly what I wanted. The tattoo healed perfectly and still looks great! They are extremely professional here and I wouldn't go anywhere else. Read Less

I have been coming to Big top to see Mark for about three years and recently got a new piece from Loaf! He did an awesome job and constantly made sure that I was comfortable. He was very professional and not at all rude or pushy. I'm so happy with how it turned out and will definitely come back to see him! Read Less

Big top tattoos is such a friendly and professional environment. All of the work I have gotten done there by artist loaf, came out amazing; he really takes his time to work with you and creates great pieces! All artists do great work and have their own specific twists. I will always go back there if I have a tattoo in mind and would recommend this place to anyone who has an idea of art that they would like to get inked. Everyone is so nice and welcoming and they strive to do whatever they can to work with you and have you leaving satisfied! Read Less

First and last tattoo. I wanted something to stand out and Josh did an awesome job creating a realistic Eagle and script. I would recommend either Josh or any of the other artists if your doing your first or 20th tattoo. Clean, great place! Read Less

Between Big Top and Signaturetattoo in Ferndale, if you're looking for a tattoo either of these places are the best in the metro Detroit area. They have the best tattooers, their work is great, nicest people. Big Top and Signature are owned by the great partnership of Dan Rick and Mark Heggie and its like a family! I won't be going anywhere but these two places to get work done. Keep in mind that the tattooers in these shops know what they are doing. If they have suggestions, I'd listen to them, they've got decades of tattoo experience. Signature in Ferndale seems to be their street shop and Big top their appt shop but go to either and you'll be well taken care of. All the dudes love their work and you can tell. As I said earlier, I would not get tattoed anywhere else in the metro Detroit area. Big Top and Signature are far and above the best places to get tattooed. Read Less

Great place , great bunch of guys . Very friendly and egos all in check . I felt very welcome there , comfortable before & during my tat . Joey rocked it . What a good young man with major skill and at ease persona . I'd give the whole experience more stars if I could and would recommend them and Joey highly and without hesitation . Read Less

Every morning I see the tattoo Mark Heggie created for me, and every morning I love it more. Not only that, it makes me want more tattoos, and has given me more appreciation of the art form.I had 2 tattoos before I went to Big Top, but they weren't at all "Serious." They were simple things, executed OK at best--they were just tattoos, I never thought of them as ART. But someone close to me passed away, and I really wanted to get a memorial tattoo. Not just something, not just a tattoo, but ART. Something I could truly be proud ofSo I called around to some of the more famous shops around, and got some positively ridiculous quotes--you know how they say the word "Wedding" increases the price of everything it's related to? Well I wonder if Memorial has the same quality for tattoos as "Wedding" does for tablecloth rental.Anyway, enter a friend who suggested I contact Mark. He listened carefully to what I wanted, gave me good feedback and sketched out something that was just what I saw in my head, which he did for an excellent, fair price. My visit to the shop was great--Mark and everyone else was very nice, very accommodating and positive, and the shop was spotless--you could tell that taking good care of customers and keeping everything ship shape was a major priority for everyone. Mark was also hilarious and awesome. He handled a last-minute adjustment to the design without any trouble, and did a great job while being personable and fun and putting up with my "haven't gotten a tattoo in like 10 years" new-ness. And the final product blows me away to this day.And so every morning, I look at my tattoo in the mirror. Mostly I remember the loss. But I also remember what Mark did for me. Here's the thing--like I said, before I had some standard boring tattoos. Some basically competent, but completely average, ink. But now I have a piece of beautiful art. And it makes me want more. It makes me want to see what Mark can do to cover up one of my old pieces that has aged really badly, and it makes me think of interesting new designs. Having a real, artistic tattoo done by an actual artist was huge for me. Thank you. Read Less

I went into Big Top without knowing exactly what I wanted - just that I wanted a 2nd tattoo. Most artists would be annoyed with my indecisive tendencies and tell me to come back when I've made up my mind... and rightfully so..... HOWEVER Mark Heggie took the time to show me a bunch of designs and at the end of the day gave me one stellar tattoo on my back.  His surreal ability to tattoo with the smallest amount of pain was another main reason I trusted him as my artist. Mark showed professionalism while still being laidback and welcoming. I was amazed by how clean the shop was too! I'd totally go back to either Big Top or Signature Tattoo in Ferndale in order to have Mark as my artist again!! Read Less

I have gotten two tattoos from Mark Heggie at Big Top, and I am getting my third next week. He is very professional and is good as hell at what he does. I can't say much about the other artists because I have never had them, but they all seem cool and go at what they do as well.The shop is nice and clean, the people are professional and enjoy some crude humor (which I enjoy), and they have probably the greatest bathroom I have ever seen. Jesus Christ! (You will only understand that bathroom reference if you ever step foot in that shop.)If you want good ink at a fair price and done right, look no further than BT. Read Less

My sister and I went here for matching tattoos.  Oh,  hey!  She left a tip!  Hi Rachael! Anyway,  yes...  We had Joey G as our artist.  He was absolutely amazing!  He was very intuitive.  He somehow knew what font and size we would want for the wording.  I will be going back to get my other tattoos covered.  This is going to be my new home.  :-) Read Less

The first time I was tattooed in Michigan I went to Signature Tattoo in Ferndale and saw Joey G. I followed this young man (he's 29) to Big Top to get my 2nd MI tattoo and was not disappointed. This guy has talent, he is an artist, and the best thing about Signature and Big Top is that they do not employ anyone that is not a true artist. Joey put a nice big scorpion on my hip but the thing is, he makes the tattoo fit your body. He designed and placed my scorpion in a way that just flows with me. I'll post a pic soon. I will not go anywhere else and I would recommend either and/or both shops to anyone. You will not be disappointed!!!!! Read Less

this place is awesome! i have never seen so much original art in one shop! i have never experienced this whole rockstar attitude so im not buying it i like going to see all those guys, its almost like a goal to make you laugh before you can leave. Read Less

As sarcastic and witty as they might be, a fun time is guaranteed. Not to mention the best tattooing the midwest has to offer. Haters who don't respect the shop rules have a tendency to be bitter, hence the less-than-exemplary reviews. Respect earns respect. Just don't forget your sense of humor. This is where tattooing is taken seriously. And please, don't fight on a cell phone with your boyfriend and you probably won't get yelled at. Read Less

i live in chicago & always come back to heggie at big top to get tattoo'd. he's insanely creative, his work is flawless & i wish i could spend 4+ hours with him everyday. the shoppe is immaculately clean. good music, good company, no derth of snappy jokes. i even brought my mom to one of my appointments; she came in disapproving of tattoos & left in awe of their artistry.? Read Less

Wow, unbelievably and unnecessarily rude. There are great artists out there without the rock star ?tude doing amazing tattooing. Go find them instead. Sadly, these guys make tattoo artists look like jerks. Read Less