After years of yearning, arguing with myself and being told not to do it, I finally took the plunge and got the tattoo that I've always wanted. I met the owner/artist Frank numerous times and spoken... Read More
After years of yearning, arguing with myself and being told not to do it, I finally took the plunge and got the tattoo that I've always wanted. I met the owner/artist Frank numerous times and spoken with him about the feasibility of what I wanted before I made my decision. Frank informed me, in no certain terms that what I wanted was very unconventional and he was hesitant to do it because of the location.. the palm of my hand. He duly warned me the palms and feet are a bad idea because eventually the ink wears off and has to be reapplied. I begged, I pleaded, and he finally gave in and said ok, as long as I promised not to complain about the need to reapply. YAY! So two months ago, I put in my deposit and made my appointment. I gave myself plenty of time to chicken out... but didn't.I went last Tuesday, drawing in one hand, and a friend holding the other, ready to just do it. My appointment was for 3, but Synergy is a one-man operation and Frank is BUSY! The flow of people in and out of that place is incredible. I never realized so many people were into body art. By 3:30 Frank took my design into the back and put it onto the machine to make the stencil. (Cool thing that is... he just applies it to your skin and it makes an ink impression on your skin that gets traced. I had NO IDEA there was such a thing... pretty cool. Of course Frank does free-hand too...)Anyway, I went through with it. And let me tell you, having the bony, sensitive palm of your hand done when you are a tattoo virgin is ill-advised. I howled like an injured dog for the most sensitive parts of my hand and sweated like I was in a damn sauna. I also have never used the F word so much in my entire life. While my friend laughed her butt off at me, Frank never even batted an eye lash- the dude has incredible focus. I was VERY impressed. I also mentioned to Frank that it doesn't hurt that he is easy on the eyes. It's a good distraction when you're trying not to punch the person that's hurting you. I also appreciated that he is A-1 professional. The literature he gives out is very informative. He makes you fill out a health survey first to make sure you are a candidate for inking as well. The info he gives you to take home is just like a hospital discharge sheet, which is brilliant, so that you don't forget your instructions. Also, Synergy is IMMACULATE. Music choices are also AWESOME which was a bonus I didn't really expect. I was very nervous about letting someone do something so permanent and personal to my body. I don't even like getting haircuts, because you almost NEVER get what you ask for. In the case of Synergy, I got EXACTLY WHAT I ASKED FOR. I couldn't be happier.After getting my tattoo, I've had numerous friends mention that Frank did some of their tattoos as well and they recommend him unabashedly. I would do the same. I am a very, very happy camper.(Obviously, appointments are recommended, since Frank does all the art, but he does take walk-ins if he has time. Cash only) Read Less