I met with Dawn and she was such a sweet person. Very easy to talk to and professional. I've only had a consult so far, but we've booked all of my appointments already so that I wouldn't have trouble scheduling them in the future. She understood exactly what I was saying and was also excited to be a part of it. I know this is just the first impression, but wow, was it an amazing one!!! Read Less

Listen, when I first went into see Ken about a coverup, Barbie (his girlfriend/"assistant"?) gave me a quote of $250-$300. Fine. I saw some of Ken's work, wanted a "rainbow bridge" tattoo, seemed like the guy to do it. First, I went in and Ken looked at my tattoo, which I explained to him had been removed partially by laser, creating scar tissue. He saw this, acknowledged it, and said "no problem, will be easy, I can do it in one sitting, maybe two." I explained and showed him what I wanted in the tattoo, he said he could do something "similar" but would "have to get creative" because it's a coverup. Fine. I have two other coverups by someone else I was very happy with, but I went to Ken because I saw some of the work he supposedly did with animal tattoos. So I paid a $50 deposit (Barbie had to use her phone to take a credit card, no receipt printing available and the emailed receipt I got lists another business name?). Whatever, I set up my first date and go in a week later for it. Ken realizes he doesn't have the equipment to do my tattoo when I get there. Mind you, I live 45 minutes away. So I come back a week later for the first session. Thinking we are just working off a "total tattoo price" I was quoted at my first visit, I pay no mind to the 4 hours or so that the first sitting takes. The first 2 hours is Ken smoking cigarettes (outside), setting up, the second 2 hours is a mixture of tattooing and smoke breaks.The animals are "roughed in", and he leaves no room for adding more animals as I explained (THOROUGHLY) I wanted, so I wouldn't have to do another tattoo to add more animals in my life as they pass away. So now I have a roughed in tattoo of animals and some of the coverup, and after this time passes, he says "I'm tired and hungry, we need to call it a night". So, I pay him $200 (credit card, same process, this time no receipt, but on my credit card statement it shows up as the same business name that is NOT "Vigilante Tattoo" or Ken/Barbie?) So I go back for the SECOND sitting, and more work is done. At this point I have paid the quoted price of $250, and after the second session (which was maybe 3 hours, only about an hour of actual tattooing, mostly smoke breaks and setting up etc.) he says "200 for today" and then Barbie asked him what the FINAL session would be (You see, we still weren't finished....) and he said "$100". I said "So you want me to being $300 next time? I thought we were at the quoted price....?" Barbie shrugs her shoulders, and I left. I let the tattoo heal up a bit and I begin looking at it. The animals' faces are TERRIBLE. You can't even tell what it is. I message Ken and he says "I still have more work to do to them, they'll be fine" (the short version). I send pictures. It's VERY clear the only way to "fix" them is to simply black in their bodies/faces making them more silhouettes. Which is NOT what he described he could do. He said on my first visit, "I can make them as detailed or simple as you want". I said I would LOVE for them to look lifelike and he said "No problem". What a JOKE. They are absolutely awful! Now I have a coverup that was supposed to cover a problem, that is now a bigger problem that looks like crap. Thanks? The tattoo is about 1/2 done, I am out $250 and they want more money for work done, even though it looks like an amateur did it. Looks TERRIBLE. I now have to spend another $500 to get this fixed by someone else who actually knows what they're doing. Ken didn't offer to finish the rest of it unless I paid him another $350!!!!!! That would mean it was a $600 tattoo, NOT A $250 TATTOO THAT I WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE. Very unprofessional operation. There was never anyone else coming or going, but Ken always posts things on his Facebook page about how he only has "one opening left this week", yet in the many times I went there, I never saw anyone else except his girlfriend and the other artist there who was doing a walk in. I have lots of tattoo experience. I have been tattooed by one of the best artists in Rochester. I have NEVER had any experiences like this and I will warn everyone to stay away!Absolutely rude and trashy behavior from both Read Less

Needed a cover up of a horrible tattoo from another shop and dawn did amazing!!! She does free consultations for tattoos once a month then schedules you otherwise  it's done online according to website. I went for the consultation and she quickly and confidently shared her ideas of what she was going to do. She was sooo friendly and professional and I'm thankful that my tattoo now looks how I wanted it. I cannot recommend her enough and If you don't wanna take my word for it you can just look at her work online and  it speaks for itself -thank you dawn! Read Less

Dawn Kelley & Ken Karnage are two of the most talented artists you'll find anywhere in Upstate New York. They actually take the time to work with their clients, discussing ideas and options at great lengths to ensure that everyone walks out with exactly what they wanted... only better. Vigilante Tattoo has a clean, comfortable and laid back atmosphere and there's always something new to see. Love this place and these artists! Read Less