Went with my fiance as she got a tattoo that she designed herself. Chad who worked on it was experienced and very kind as well as quite fast. It's a lot better lit and more open than most tattoo shops I've been to, and they're very friendly and upfront with what is going on. Definitely somewhere I plan to go if I ever want a tattoo some day. Read Less

This place is a not-so-hidden gem on Snelling. The new front of the building looks amazing, the studio space is welcoming and flawlessly clean. All the staff are friendly and helpful. Chad has tattooed me twice now and always been faster, cheaper, and better quality than I was expecting. I've gotten tattoos at a few different St Paul shops, but Fluid Ink for sure tops the list. Read Less

Got my first tattoo here a little over 12 years ago. Don't think it could've gone any better, and will be going back for all future ink. Staff was patient each time I've gone in, they are fun and professional. The perfect balance of all good things. Thanks guys! Read Less

I honestly am baffled at the ratings that Fluid Ink has gotten. If you want a super basic tattoo go here. If you want something that is even slightly creative and artistic, don't. I went in to get a tattoo not too long ago. I told Chad what I wanted and he quoted me a price and said it would take a couple hours. The work he did for me took a little over 30 minutes and he still charged me $200. It looked like shit. It was my first tattoo and I was so ashamed of it. Thankfully there are some real artists in Saint Paul. I went to the Holy Mackerel and got it covered up. If you're in the market for a tattoo/piercing shop, I highly discourage you to walk in to Fluid Ink. There are much better artists around. Read Less

Got my nostril re-pierced here about a month ago from Chad. He's pretty cool, knows what he's doing, and makes the process quick, all for a great price! I think the place is cash only, so be prepared if you're planning on making a stop here. I will likely stop by again. Read Less

I absolutely love getting my tattoos from this tattoo shop, the staff is extremely courteous nice and outgoing. The lisson to what you have in mind and take your idea for your tattoo and make come to life on your body. I encourage anyone to give this shop a try if you are looking to get your 1st or 10th tattoo. Read Less

Went to see Antonio & the guys to discuss my first tattoo. Extremely gracious, chill, nice guys. I immediately felt comfortable as they talked me through the process. Ivar did my tribal work and it came out fantastic. They did it the same afternoon as the consultation at a very reasonable price for what I was asking them to do. My only warning: Go early for your appointment as the parking is horrible.. I'm hoping to see them again soon for two more tats.Michael Read Less

It was really a good place to get a tattoo. The artists are chill and talk to you instead of being quiet I would recommend anyone to go hear and get a tattoo can't wait to go back and get mine colored in� Read Less

I have been to this shop before and really enjoyed the service however, I simply called to inquire about availability for my next tattoo and was told "So, are you seriously calling to ask if we are doing walk-ins?" I told him that I was and when I said yes, his response was, "you will have to walk in and find out". He then proceeded to hang up. Seriously?! What's wrong with you? Do you know how to conduct business? Won't be coming back. Read Less

The smallest, simplest tatoo was handled with attention and genuine concern for what we wanted. It is obvious why Chad, the owner, has been so successful. We had been to another tatoo artist to inquire about our tatoos and he couldn't even bother to look up from paperwork to answer our questions, I'm guessing because we are noobs and it was a small job. Chad is a true professional and we would recommend him to anyone. Read Less

We went here to get family piercings for Christmas . Our daughter got her ears pierced for the first time and my boyfriend got his septum and I got a double tragus ! Chad was amazing with our daughter and all of our piercings went through so quickly and painlessly. I will definitely return to fluid ink . Thank you so much Chad what a wonderful Christmas present for our family . Read Less

Antonio has been doing my tats for years now.   He has done all of my recent tats and I love all the ones he has done.  I am planning on more work and I will only lt Antonio do it,  Great artist, easy going with customers and can make any good tatt ideas you have ten times better. Read Less

I am very pleased with Fluid Ink. I couldn't of asked for a better place. I went back for another tattoo and I'll be going back again. If you want an awesome group of people and a bad ass tattoo then you go here. Also, this isnt a bro parlor or an over priced tattoo parlor. It's a blow your mind place. Now go get a piercing and tattoo! Read Less

Had a great experience here today.  I have had one tattoo previously (done almost 15 years ago), and am fairly petrified of needles.  Shipwreck was great!  So patient, took plenty of time reassuring me and it went really well.  I'll definitely go back...you know, when I can work up the nerve again! Read Less

I got my first tattoo ever done by Shipwreck.. he was awesome and did an amazing job. I got a cross on my right shoulder blade and it turned out just like I wanted it too! The staff was cool and the shop was clean.. I recommend Shipwreck to anybody who asks me about my tattoo. Read Less

Having been a very loyal customer of another local shop for the past seven years, thanks to the amazing service of #Shipwreck and the other staff at Fluid Ink, I am a new convert!I arrived about ten minutes before they opened yesterday and had a chance meeting and great conversation out front with who I thought was just another customer waiting to get in.We talked about our tats and expectations and when I told the guy my sob story about wanting an 8th anniversary eternity symbol on my ring finger - and how my anniversary was THAT DAY ( nothing like procrastinating) - and how another shop had turned me down, and my usual place didn't return my email - the guy says, "Let's go in."Whoa. That was unexpected! He explained how Fluid Ink doesn't do finger tattoos due to the high rate of "buyer's remorse" and future implications for their owners - but as I am neither a) 18 (or even remotely close) and understand fully the employment implications, and b) was not requesting profanity-laced rants across my knuckles, he kindly made an exception for my tiny, bronze eternity symbol.Twenty minutes later, I was on my way after viewing Shipwreck's incredible portfolio of work (the guy is insanely talented!!!), and ready to surprise my hubby. Outstanding. Crazy clean, fun, nice, and super reasonably priced! A++++ Read Less

My first experience at Fluid Ink, I got my septum pierced. The staff was friendly and knowledgable. The only problem was, they pierced my septum with a retainer instead of a horseshoe. I had my septum pierced on a Friday, by Monday morning the retainer had fallen out. If anything, request a septum with a horseshoe instead of a retainer to prevent from accidents like mine. I almost would have had to take it out, let it heal and get it pierced again. The second time I went, I bought a lip ring. The piercer was booked at the time and couldn't help me get it in, so I went elsewhere and everything went off without a hitch. Within a few hours though I bit down on something very hard eating dinner and realized it was the ball to my new lip ring. A piece of metal had broken off into the hole where you would screw the ring back in and I was unable to fix it. Cheap jewelry, expensive prices, I advise you to find somewhere else with even better prices and much more quality jewelry. Read Less

I was a loyal customer to this shop for about 6 years. Why? Because I was loyal to the artist that worked there. I bought all my jewelry there, all my piercings even bought shop swag. At this point it is my recommendation that you run like hell from this shop. Unless you like drama, mediocre tattoos and high prices. The owner is a lier and a cheat. Even when caught in a blatant lie he tries to lie himself out of the situation. In my situation I started ordering custom jewelry, the first one the owner was like hey you spend a lot of money here I will give ya a deal. No biggy paid in full. Took three months to get the jewelry. He kept blaming it on the other company. I believed him. Second time around same deal because I am loyal. Jewelry came in three weeks, wrong fucking jewelry. The third time took 6 months! I prepaid. Non refundable. The owner kept saying it was the company he was ordering from. I finally got sick of the same answer and called the company. No record of any orders since my last one. The owner has basically pushed every good artist out the door over the years. I think he can't stand not being the best in "his shop" yet refuses to better his "art". If your looking for NIk who use to tattoo there message me I will tell ya where he went. In the end there are so many more good shops in the two cities stay away from this one. Read Less

I would never go anywhere else.I went here based on the recommendation of my best friend and her sister, who get all their work done here. I was beyond happy with the result. I got a small swan (a custom drawn design) on the back of my neck- a very simple design, but I would absolutely go here for my future, more complicated ink work. My tattooist, Nick, was very professional and friendly, and made me feel very comfortable (as it was my first tattoo). Their new location, a block up Snelling, is very nice- clean and bright, but not without character.The shop minimum is $65, which is what I was charged for my design. It's been a year and I've had no issues or fading. They do free touch ups if you do have any problems, though.It is cash only, but there's a Holiday across the street. Read Less

Totally honest here: Out of the 5 tattoos I have, the 2 I received from Fluid Ink are the worst. (I even have a better basement tattoo.)The tattoos are 2 film strips, one mid-forearm, the second around my upper arm, with small images inside the frames. Flags circle my forearm, Multiple symbols circle my upper arm. The "flags" are a poor excuse for an outline. You can barely recognize the Norwegian flag since all the stripes are different sizes. That goes for 2 others as well. The symbols include the aquarius symbol, gender symbols, an unfinished rainbow, an uneven Masonic square and compass, an unfortunately upside-down star (that I need to turn back around) and a terrible excuse for a celtic knot. The lines are un even, the thickness is all over the place, to say the least. You know what a 35mm film strip looks like right? The little black box with little white boxes on the top and bottom. My little white boxes are ALL Different Sizes! Eek!Scheduling the time was the worst. I worked two jobs and had a very small window of time. I explained this, thoroughly, to the artist who was as accommodating as possible, which meant telling me to come in early on a walk in day. Great. So, I wake up early and get to the shop as quick as possible. I get there and after more than a week of communicating about the tattoo, including giving him images to base the tattoo off of, and asking him to draw it up before I got there, since I didn't really have that much time. When I walked in that day I waited for over an hour while he drew it before me. I should have just left. "Best" part: the artist was TEXTING while tattooing me. Pretty lame. Thankfully, the tattoo healed correctly. It'll always be my overpriced mistake. Read Less

I went here for my first tattoos ever. I had a basic idea of what I wanted but was open to some other ideas. When I told Chad (who did mine), he was so fun and nice and awesome and very talented. He came up with a design that was perfect. And it turned out perfect, really. I would highly recommend this place. Read Less

I got my first piercing here, it's a labret (Monroe). I set up my appt for five pm on my eighteenth birthday but since my boyfriend and I don't know the area very well we got lost and ended up calling Fluid Ink around 5:05, Chad picked up and told us exactly how to get there from where we were and we walked in the door at 5:15. So far I was thinking that even though the guy was obviously friendly and helpful the building looked pretty sketchy. However, after I signed the waver form and we went to the basement I saw how clean everything was and that the floors and walls were just old. Chad explained the procedure to me and we chatted about why I was getting the Monroe, I was really amazed by exactly how calming Chad was, he did the piercing perfectly after showing me where it would be with a dot. It just felt like a strong pinch (much less pain than any cartilage). Chad explained the cleaning procedure and told me when to come back to get my piece changed. I love the piercing and it was a great experience, I'm going there for the rest of my tattoo and piercing wants for sure! Read Less

I went to Fluid Ink to get my first tattoo 2 years ago and I wish I never went. I got my tattoo done by the owner and it was HORRIBLE. He took advantage of the fact that it was my first tattoo and he could tell I didnt do much price checking or shopping around before I came in. I had to put $40 down to hold my appointment. I showed him a picture of the tattoo I wanted and he told me the tattoo would cost around $150. Fine by me....So, I go in and he starts working on me. We decided it was enough for the day, so we stopped. When we're done, he says I owe him $200, so I hand over the two hundred knowing the $150 was an estimate. He then tells me to come back in a week and it will be $175 an hour after that. He completely f**ked me. So, not only did I give him $40 to hold the appointment and $200 for the 45 minutes he worked on me (I thought it was only $175 an hour?!), but now he expects another $175 an hour after the $240 I already gave him. Initially I was told my tattoo would only cost around $150. Then, to top it all off, the tattoo is about 2-3" longer than I had asked for and the artwork is shotty. The lines that are supposed to be straight are all over the place...Fluid Ink SUCKS and I strongly suggest NEVER going there. Read Less

I had a great first experience with Fluid Ink. I am new to the area, and I wanted to get my nose pierced. I am so glad I chose to go there.  First of all, the staff was incredibly friendly and professional. I have gotten my nose pierced once before at a different place. That experience was not pleasant. The staff was unfriendly, unprofessional, and the piercing itself hurt a lot and I almost fainted. It also got infected.At Fluid Ink, it was an entirely different experience. The guy that pierced my nose, was so nice. He chatted with me the entire time, to take my mind off of my nerves. He was very sanitary, and had a clear procedure for the process. He told me to take a deep breath in and to exhale as he pierced my nose. I was so focused on my breath I could hardly feel the needle. He clearly knew what he was doing and had been doing piercings for many years.  Overall, I was very impressed with Fluid Ink and would definitely go back there for another piercing or a tattoo. Read Less

I had been thinking about getting a tattoo for a while now and finally figured out exactly what I wanted. I live close to the location and had heard good things about it. After finally getting enough money I called on a Friday afternoon and asked to schedule an appointment. They were super flexible and I got in 2 hours later. I told Nic what I wanted and he drew it out perfectly. I was in and out in just around an hour and I love my tattoo. I am very happy with the friendly service and the laid back chill atmosphere. He explained to me how everything was going to work and how to take care of it after I take off the wrap. I definitely recommend this for anyone thinking to get just a simple tattoo or an elaborate tattoo. Read Less

Being that this was my first tattoo I was completely freaking out. Got script on both of my wrists. Went in and gave the words to Benny with the explanation of I want them cursive but not to girly. When I came back the next day he had multiple choices that he had drawn up for me and I loved one right away. He was great with walking me through everything and I will for sure be going back. Read Less

When planning my first tattoo, I was advised to call around and schedule a consult to see if I feel comfortable in the shop with the artist. I've been driving past Fluid Ink as long as it's been at it's location, so it was my first call. I walked into the shop. It was clean and neat. I don't frequent shops with piercing displays and black walls, yet I felt comfortable. I met with Nic with nothing more than the phrase I wanted and a whole lot of 'don't wants'. After a lot of vague statements by me, Nic made a perfect rough draft with the lettering I wanted and the perfect size. I was sold. When I returned in a week, it was ready. As a newbie, I was a little nervous due to all the unknowns. Nic warned me I picked a sensitive spot. Showed me all the tools, and had my lay down on the table. Super fast work. I was out in an hour. He told me all about the healing process. I've been getting compliments ever since definitely going back to him for my next one. Read Less

I have been to Fluid Ink ever since I first wanted a tattoo and looked around elsewhere but always was drawn back to their friendly and comfortable atmosphere. They are laid back, professional and sterile. I got 2 tattoo's with an artist named Sarah who is no longer there. My most recent tattoo was done by Lolo, he is simply amazing and after consulting with him I knew he was who I wanted to work with. I am extremely pleased with how he worked with what I wanted and the contours of the location to place things in the most flattering way possible. He also did some freehand work following the contours. I highly reccomend him if you want a very personalized piece of art. I am planning on calling up tomorrow to schedule a consult on my next tattoo. Read Less

Dear Mr/Ms Disappointed- I love this place---been there twice for a tattoo with Lolo and no regrets. Great customer experience, as I expected and 2 seriously fantastic tattoos. Love, Very Happy Girl PS-let me know when you start eating meat! Read Less

I set up an appointment for a consultation with Chad. I had been planning a tattoo for nearly the past year to commemorate my 5 years as a vegetarian/vegan, and I was really excited. After meeting Chad, who initially seemed very cool and chill, I told him that I was vegan and that was the reason for the tattoo. That is all I said, and he went into this long rant that began with, ""Honey, you are the total opposite of me!"" He proceeded to talk about how he ate a steak sandwich during the movie ""Food, Inc."" and how he grew up on a farm and killing animals was normal to him. This rant went on for a long time before he finally asked what I wanted. I told him I wanted a small farm animal, a piglet, with text underneath. After asking me how to spell ""Earthlings"" 3 or 4 times, he wrote the phrase out under a drawing of a pig, and I said that's what I wanted. However, then he said, ""If you are going to do this, you should go all out."" I let him know that's really all I wanted, something small, and it has to be easily concealed due to the nature of my work. Every time I said anything, he looked at me as though I had asked for an obscenity to be tattooed across my face or something. He said he had an idea and grabbed a pad of paper, which made me feel better because I thought maybe he was going to be helpful. He then scribbled something I couldn't decipher, and said I should get a pig with broccoli around it, with a banner underneath, in addition to the text. I said I didn't really want broccoli tattooed on me to which he smirked, ""You won't get broccoli tattooed on you...but you'll get a pig?!"" Finally, I had had enough and walked out, telling him I did not like his condescending attitude and that I would be going elsewhere. He did say, ""Wait,"" but honestly, I was done. I should note that I have never walked out of any business before. My friends and family were shocked when I told them because it takes A LOT to bother me. Chad's attitude and rudeness completely turned me off of this place though. All I wanted was a tattoo, not to have someone judge me. Read Less

When planning my first tattoo, I was advised to call around and schedule a consult to see if I feel comfortable in the shop with the artist. I've been driving past Fluid Ink as long as it's been at it's location, so it was my first call. I walked into the shop. It was clean and neat. I don't frequent shops with piercing displays and black walls, yet I felt comfortable. I met with Nic with nothing more than the phrase I wanted and a whole lot of 'don't wants'. After a lot of vague statements by me, Nic made a perfect rough draft with the lettering I wanted and the perfect size. I was sold. When I returned in a week, it was ready. As a newbie, I was a little nervous due to all the unknowns. Nic warned me I picked a sensitive spot. Showed me all the tools, and had my lay down on the table. Super fast work. I was out in an hour. He told me all about the healing process. I've been getting compliments ever since definitely going back to him for my next one.Update 5/2012- I now have a side tattoo of a Phoenix and plans for more work by Nic. Did I mention he's pretty great? Well, this BIG side/back tattoo was something I wanted for a long time. I had a nice consult with Nic where he once again listened to what I wanted, added his opinions, and ended up with an amazing sketch before I even left the consult. Three appointments later, and a touch up, i still spend a few minutes in the mirror looking at my amazing tattoo. Nic's shading and color schemes are amazing. I recommend him and Fluid Ink to everyone I come across who is looking for a tattoo. Clean shop, friendly staff. I'm sure I'll be back! Read Less

When I turned 18 I wanted to get an industrial piercing. I did some internet sleuthing for a shop close to me, and ended up in a tattoo shop that recommended I check out Fluid. It was a great idea. Scot met with me and told me that the piercing I wanted would be impossible for my ear, by proceeded to give me 10 other ones he could do. I ended up getting one of them and left with ideas for three more. Six piercings later, I'm still going there and I don't regret it. Scot is nice, funny, professional, very concerned with hygiene, and explains everything that's happening every step of the way. Read Less

This shop is amazing I went and checked out a bunch in the Saint Paul area and this is the one that looked the cleanest and was the most comfortable! They have screens if you want more privacy, unlike most of the others I visited. Everyone I met that worked there is super nice! Lolo did my tattoo for me and its my 1st so needless to say I was extremely nervous! Especially since its a giant dragon that takes up half of my back! He explained and answered all my questions even while tattooing and was perfectly fine with my friend, mom, and boyfriend being there to distract me and even had fun chatting while he was working! He drew out the piece for me and really listened to everything I wanted and we just seemed 100% on the same track from the beginning! Needless to say everyone I know I have recommended to at least check out the shop! My boyfriend will hopefully be getting his 3rd tattoo from an artist there in the coming months! Amazing for my 1st time experience! Way better then what I thought it could ever be! Read Less

Ugh, icky. This place, besides being in a scary neighborhood, is full of a bunch of scary people, or ""artists,"" as they call themselves. Chad did a drawing for me which literally, looked like it was drawn by a child, it was done with pastels, ( maybe?) I wanted a black and grey image. A complete and utter fail and bad judgement call on my part. I was initially attracted to the decor of the shop, but inside it is really dark. The bathroom was painted by someone who doesn't even work there anymore, (I aksed), too much testosterone, I wanted a tattoo, not a new boyfriend. Gross. Read Less

I have 3 tattoos all of which I got at Fluid Ink. Benny is my artist. He does a great job. He takes his time, draws what you want done, and is very nice guy. I will only let him tattoo me. Everyother Tattoo shop I have been to, makes me feel uncomfortable. This is definitely a chill place that is very fun and professional. Read Less

I just got a tattoo at Fluid Ink and I highly recommend this place. It was a great experience overall and I'm so glad I went to Fluid Ink rather than settling for any old tattoo place! I walked in and was greeted by Scot who was very friendly and answered my questions. After deciding on the tattoo I wanted, Chad answered any other questions I had and was very friendly and personable. He helped to pick an artist that would be best for the tattoo I wanted. I had never been there before so his help in answering my questions was really appreciated. LoLo did my tattoo and did an amazing job! I love it! He was nice, funny, and put me at ease through the whole process. Overall, I highly recommend this tattoo shop. The price wasn't outrageous like some places try to charge and the atmosphere of the shop is very friendly, welcoming, laid-back yet professional, and very clean. I will absolutely be going back there for any further tattoos or piercings I get in the future! Read Less

fluid ink is a really great shop with awsome artists. Ive been to alot of tatu shops with snobby stuck up greedy artists who act like their gods gift to the earth. FLUID INK IS NOT THAT TYPE OF SHOP! finnally a shop with talent and great attitudes. benny being my artist of choice can put up with my pickyness for desighn and redrew a tatu for me for an hour understanding that tatus are a lifetime comittiment and wasnt acting like it was a hassle to help me out. everyone there treats their jobs with respect and thats rare to find. the tatus are well priced and good quality. Also for the lngst time i said id nvr change my piercing shop from saint sab- but after meeting scott and seeing how cool and fun and very talented he was i changed my tune and felt really comfortable going there!!! love the shop and should b stopping in soon again! Read Less

My first experience at Fluid Ink was with Sara. I was looking for my first-ever tattoo, and very excited. As tattoos are permanent I was sure to check around first. I went to a number of different shops (Xoel at Grand Tattoo, St. Sabrina's, Steady, etc) before I chose an artist. In the end, I liked Sara's sketch best, but I did not like Sara. I looked around some more to see if I could find someone that I liked both as an artist and as a person. I didn't have much luck, so I went back to Sarah. For a while my tattoo looked great. The details were phenominal and I was incredibly pleased. I went back to get it colored. I asked for a wash, but what I ended up with was a full color (Sara was very stubborn). Soon the details began to fade, no matter how careful I was in the sun, etc. I soon found myself wanting another tattoo, and migrated back to Fluid Ink. I found that I really liked the rest of the staff, so I'd give them another try. As it turns out, Sara no longer works there. The owner of the shop, however, asked to see the tattoo Sara did for me. He agreed about the details and how they were disappearing, and offered to redo the entire thing (both color, outline, and shading) for free! I was shocked, but he claimed that he wanted to uphold the integrity of the shop - even if the artist was gone. Needless to say, my skin is Fluid Ink's forever. Any shop that will honor the tattoo without the artist is a place I'm willing to revisit. Read Less

I went in with absolutely no idea what I was looking for (tat-virgin). The guys were all friendly and helpful, and they really put me at ease. Benny did a great job, and it's healing like it should. I'm already thinking about what my next tat will be... Read Less

I had an angle tattoo put on my back in rememberance for my mom as a 30th birthday present to myself, about three years ago. When I went in to talk to someone about what I wanted (I had a picture) the guy I talked to recommended Sarah, and so I met with her and she was great! It took about four, maybe five sessions for a total of about 15 hours and it was so worth it. I love it, it is beautiful and love showing it to people, and even people who have commented that they hate tattoos have said they really like mine. Sarah did a great job, she was very professional and easy to work with - she even gave me some candy so I wouldn't pass out - so I recommend eating a full meal and being well hydrated if you are going to be sitting there for a couple of hours. I thought that getting that big tattoo would ""cure"" me of wanting more (I have two others) but I think it is an addiction, and I find myself wanting more. The only draw back is that you can't donate at the Red Cross for a year if you have a tattoo done in MN, since they aren't regulated. :( Read Less

The tattoo artist Sarah really sat down with my friend and me and looked at the designs we had in mind. She then took the time to create designs specific and personal to us through listening to and looking at our many design ideas. The tattoos she designed were personal, and fit our personalities. The shop overall was clean with great decor and displays of the artists' work. Furthermore, we really enjoyed the eclectic music selections during our visit. Last but not least, we feel that our tattoos were reasonably priced for the quality and size, as well as the personal service we received. Read Less

I had my Tattoo done by Sarah. She did a fantastic job and has made a lifelong customer. She had some great ideas about the coloring of my design and by looking at her custom designs- she is very talented. I WILL be back for another tattoo ASAP. It was a very welcoming environment. Read Less