@Darrien; don't know what you're talking about regarding Kelly. I've had 3 tattoos and 1 coverup done by him and they all came out fantastic. His work is wonderful and I can't wait for my 5th one by him. Read Less

If you go here do not see Kelly, he can't do line work at all and I'm very embarrassed to have this on my arm. I made a big mistake by trusting him so please stay clear of him. He's very nice but he should not be tattooing. This review isn't to be mean I just want to warn people so they don't end up with a mess on their body. Read Less

Kelly was my artist and he did a horrible job. I asked for a realistic flower and I didn't get anything close to that. He was nice at first but he really shouldn't be a tattoo artist, I'm really embarrassed to have this on my arm. The line work is choppy and and the shading is terrible, I cannot stress to you the embarrassment I feel having to walk around with this until I'm fortunate enough to have it fixed. I can't speak for the other artists there but if you ever go to this shop stay away from Kelly. Read Less

Customer Service Is lackingI have been trying to reach a certain artist that I made an appointment with over a month ago to no avail.Customer service is not great. The tattoo artists are talented but expensive.I recommend this place but be aware that you will not be an individual -  just another customer. Read Less

I am a 56 year old mom. I've been contemplating a tattoo for quite some time now. What to get, where to place it, and of course, finding the best tattoo artist around to accomplish just that. I've read reviews, read articles about placement, even read that women over 50 are getting more and more tattoos. I've done my research. Vanguard Tattoo in Nyack has GREAT reviews. I LOVE Nyack, used to live in Nyack, so Vanguard was the natural choice.Until I actually went there tonight to ask a few questions. The only positive thing I will say is that it smelled good from the Yankee candle burning on the counter.  The man behind the counter was rude and not welcoming AT all. Condescending even. When I mentioned my thoughts and ideas, questioned placement,  laughter was the response. From him and the other guys in the shop. A few jokes ensued. I felt uncomfortable. SO, I sat with my husband to look through the books of different designs, and decided this shop was not for me. On my way out the door, there were remarks and more laughter. When I decide what I want and where I will choose to wear it, it will NOT BE DONE at Vanguard! Renee BRockland County NY Read Less

Amazing tattoo shop and artists. Went in on New Years Day to get one and was able to go in at 9:30 pm with my husband to get my little girls footprint. Although my husband and I were virtually getting the same tattoo JR made it so they both looked different. His attention to detail and his precision is like no other. JR was amazing knowing how nervous I was. The place was clean, welcoming and comforting. Even if you don't want to get a tattoo you need to go in there and check out the amazing rectangular toilet.Read Less

I'm a 58 year old guy who decided to get my first tattoo for no good reason.  I had some ideas and shopped them around to various tattoo artists well recommended on Yelp...in williamsburg, the east village, etc.  Got a lot of attitude and no real interest.  I live in westchester, so I decided to check out vanguard.  Ian was awesome, friendly, receptive, and willing to give my idea a shot.  After a few sketches, I had a whole other idea that Ian really loved and we went with that.  It took two sessions of 2-3 hours each to get it done, it's a big ol tattoo, but he is completely friendly mellow and easy to hang out with.  I love the tattoo, even my wife loves it, and I get big ups whenever anyone sees it.  Its hidden during the workday, but I feel like a secret badass.  We listened to all kinds of odd music while I was there, I kept on asking them about it and we had some good conversations.  Its a nice relaxed scene, very clean and professional.  It wasn't cheap, but they earned their money for sure.  Can't help but thinking what might be next... Read Less

Had a new tattoo done by JR (walk-in Friday's are amazing) He's crazy talented, I'm in love with it. He took my crappy cocktail napkin sketch and transformed it to another level. His experience/knowledge is so apparent. I do have to say though, it's not the type of place where they'll just do whatever you want them to... which is a good thing. He had his own "rules" of placement & context which combined with his skill level made it the perfect tattoo. Awesome place, check it out, you won't be disappointed. Read Less

I had been planning on the same tattoo for over 10 years and finally decided to pull the trigger. Even though mine was small, I wanted it to be perfect. I was looking up all these well known, well reviewed, big names in NYC when I stumbled upon Vanguard. SO glad I found them. I randomly walked into Vanguard on a snowy late Saturday afternoon and even then they had customers coming in and out and had some getting work done. I was greeted by Kelly who made the most amazing sketch and surprised me by saying I could just do it right then. Now, seeing how long it took me to work up the courage to do it, I was incredibly nervous, but the staff made me feel really comfortable. All my questions were answered thoroughly and even though my tattoo was small, probably easy, and relatively boring compared to the amazing art these guys are used to doing, it was taken really seriously. The actual tattoo took about 5 minutes, I was prepped on aftercare and made out with something I love for only $100! All aspects of my experience here were exactly what I had hoped for :) Read Less

Love Vangaurd Tattoo. I'm a 60 year old woman who got her first tattoo for her birthday. JR took the idea in my head and made it better than even I imagined. Atmosphere is warm and professional. My nerves were put at ease immediately. I can hardly wait for my next one. Read Less

I came here a few months ago to get my first tattoo ever. My boyfriend recommended this place and his tattoo looks amazing. When I first went in to make an appointment the guy was very nice, friendly, and helpful.I made my appointment for a week later. When I returned the customer service was not the same at all. The guy behind the desk was not friendly or welcoming, he seemed annoyed when I asked him questions and I got pissed off and made him aware(in a snippy tone) that it's my first tattoo. Kelly did my tattoo. He did a great job but again didn't introduce himself and wasn't friendly. I'm assuming a lot of tattoo artists have this personality? Regardless, I would expect someone to be a little more nicer and even introduce themselves being that they're permanently placing something on my body and it's not cheap. The owner is very nice. For my next tattoo I will be making my appointment with him even though it's about a 4 month wait.The place is very clean and they do a nice job, but I give 3 stars for customer service. Read Less

This place is very clean. The staff and artists are professional and welcoming. They treat everyone like a loyal client even if you've never been there and don't yet have a tattoo. They listen to your ideas and take your concept to the next level by creating something amazing. The finished product is always what you agree on and never something different. They answer all questions with respect and make you feel at ease and comfortable from the moment you walk in the door until you leave with your fresh ink. JR, Kelly and Ian are all amazing so you really can't go wrong. Ian does my crew's work and everything has come out sick. Smiles all around and you will be too. Feeling spontaneous?  Go to "Walk-in Friday". Read Less

These guys are amazing.  I had an idea and concept that Kelly took to the next level.  Kelly and I communicated via email to lock in the design.  Very responsive to all my inquires and questions.The entire shop is extremely talented and do excellent work.  Great customer service.  My design had a lot of detail, Kelly stayed until the job was done.Highly recommend these guys hands down. Read Less

JR and Kelly are excellent tattoo artists and Rob, who makes the appointments is friendly and helpful.  Based on my brother's excellent tattoos done by JR, I first tried to get an appointment with him but was told he had nothing available for about 3 months (based on his work that is not surprising).  Rob suggested Kelly and I was extremely happy with my tattoo, which came out much better than I envisioned!!!  The detail and color were phenomenal!  Very clean and welcoming environment!!  Can't imagine getting anything better! Read Less

The place to go for professional, custom artful tattooing. A far superior experience to  other local shops. JR is a serious artist with vast experience. He is a master at elaborate Japanese designs (hes got a HUGE reference library in the back) and can help you build an amazing custom piece..yet he and his guys can also make a more simple design look pro and just plain better then the other shops. You can tell the difference right away....Sure theres a waiting list, for good reason...those who are serious about getting quality work done in a professional atmosphere wait for JR. And he'll play killer tunes while he works ya up. Read Less

My fiance is in the process of getting his sleeve done right now. Vanguard is professional, and fun! They are amazingly talented and can take your idea to the next level. They are a down to earth bunch of guys who have been doing their craft for over 10 years! My fiance sent about 600 pictures to J.R., the tattoo artist doing his tattoo right now, and he managed to take all of the ideas and come up with one coherent design that looks absolutely amazing. Not to mention fair prices are always a plus in these economically trying times!! They make you feel 110% comfortable, especially me who is extremely skeptical about tattoo artist and their credentials! They are wonderful, but don't expect to walk in and get a tattoo, they believe that tattoos take time, and are willing to take as much time as needed to perfect something that will be on your body forever!! They will spend hours drawing on you until you are 100% sure and happy, and they only charge you for the tattoo itself not the time it takes to draw it out! They are amazing. I can't stress it enough. I'm going to Vanguard for all and any tattoos I will be getting in the future.! Read Less