I got my second today and my fiancé got her first.  Jax worked with both of us to get the design we wanted.  My fiancé can change her mind quickly and he was very patient with her.  I was more set on mine and he took the design and made it even better with some changes but keeping the original thought.During the work, he was funny and we were both comfortable in the shop. My fiancé got hers (see picture) on the top of her foot - he joked with us during the process as she was struggling through it.We are both very happy with the finished products and we recommend Jax and crew to everyone! Read Less

This was my first tattoo in over 18 years. It meant a lot to me. It was drawn perfectly and the execution was superb. The artist (sorry cannot remember his name) captured exactly what I wanted. What I asked was very simple for a tattoo artist but he did not mind. It was done quickly and painlessly. If I ever get another one this is the place I will go. Read Less

This will be my third tattoo, but my first in the state of NC.  I had dreamed about getting a sincere daddy-daughter tattoo for a while.  My daughter and I spend a lot of time doing Jeep'n together and I wanted a tat that could put both my love of Jeeps and my daughter together in one image.  My daughter, Sejal, 12 now, originally built the concept, but Jax put depth, color and detail to it that was completely original.  Most important, he allowed my kid to hang out in the tattoo parlor during my 4-hour session, he provided refreshments throughout my session, breaks and would bring her in to discuss color and detail.  He knew this was important to me and included my child in the process.  This was very professional and shows the value Jax holds for his customers.  We talked throughout the application and I must say, it was really enjoyable.  Unlike others shops I've been to in the past, Jax and his staff (Erin, D-man) understand the biology of tattooing (I'm an immunologist, so I was surprised by his knowledge of clinical dermatology, this must come from decades of tattooing experience).  Erin was professional on the phone, by email and in person, honestly, if you had called thinking this was a clinic, you would have never known it was a tattoo parlor.  This shop provides a "service for body art", that is probably the best way I can say it, all his work is custom and made-to-order, you will find no "prints" in his shop, only art.  How do you pick the right shop and artist when there are so many out there?  I look for three things 1) Good customer service - so reviews and in-person visits (the "feel" of shop and its staff); 2) The hand of an artist (not just a print specialist) and 3) Custom designs.  What got me the first 20 seconds after walking into his shop - which made me realize he was a true business professional - is that Jax took the time to reach out his hand, look me in the eye and say "Hi, I'm Jax, welcome to Apex Tattoo Factory" with a smile.  This basic and simple customer service action is missing from so many businesses today, not only tattoo parlors, but many establishments.  This is a different kind of shop with a different kind of experience, you will not leave disappointed. Read Less

I haven't gotten any work done personally at Apex Tattoo Factory, but I've paid for a couple of pieces that someone close to me got, and was directly involved every step of the way including the tattooing session. Here's what I've witnessed first hand:Jax is a great artist, no question... but I'm disappointed with the customer communication and business practices of this shop. When they first opened they were easy to work with, but unfortunately I find that to no longer be the case - to the point that I'm taking my business elsewhere.I'll spare you the details and get to the bottom line: If you're ready to visit the shop in person so that you can put down a deposit so that you can schedule a consultation, go back again to get that consultation but leave with no idea when you might actually get your tat, then get practically no response or follow-up while you wait so long that you start to wonder if you'll ever get it at all, then you'll probably wind up with a great tat. Read Less

I go to Apex Tattoo Factory for all of my piercings and tattoos. I trust FatJax and his wife Erin for everything. He did my first tattoo, and has done more since then. Erin has done my nose ring and my belly button piercing. I plan to go back for the rest of my tattoos and piercings. They always make sure you are comfortable and know what's happening, and are always happy to answer questions. They have incredible prices for the work they do. I recommend Apex Tattoo Factory for any of your piercings or tattoos!! Read Less

About a month ago I stopped in at Apex Tattoo Factory. Erin, Jax and D were there and I liked them all right away. Jax seemed to be the one who was going to assist me which was fine. Essentially, I had a 25 year old shoulder tat that needed to be updated.Jax was able to see me the following Saturday (11/4), he asked for a non-refundable deposit to book the appointment (that would be applied to the cost of the work) and off I went. The following Saturday I showed up at my scheduled time. Jax took me in just a little late and proceeded to get to work. I thought he was professional, worked clean and knew what he was doing. While he was working we discussed the idea of doing a sleeve on the same arm and Jax suggested I shoot him an email with some thoughts on what I'd like to see so he could design something.The shoulder tat came out great. His after-care instructions were spot on too. My tat was healed in a week.While checking out I asked how long before he could get back to me (once I responded with my thoughts on the sleeve). Jax thought a week to 10 days. Again I had to leave a deposit for the design. He explained that it would be applied to the work if he performed it. The next day I sent him a detailed email about my thoughts regarding content for my sleeve.At this point there was a bit of a hiccup in communications and once we worked that out all has be progressing quite nicely. I've been working closely with Jax as he designs my ever-evolving sleeve and have been coming in every 2 weeks for the past 2  1/2 months like clockwork to add more and more. We are finally nearing completion.Jax is great to work with. He gets a pretty good read on your tolerance for pain as well as time in the chair. I prefer to get it over with rather than take a bunch of breaks and he is ok with that. Read Less

I had a smooth and awesome experience! I sent a photo of what I wanted done and they made it look awesome! I am 5 days in and have followed all of the after care instructions to make my first tattoo look great. F@tj@x is an incredible artist and professional, so I will be coming back once I get my next tattoo. Pricing is awesome for something that you want done right the first time and I am so happy with my decision. Thanks for everything, folks! Read Less

I had a smooth and awesome experience! I sent a photo of what I wanted done and they made it look awesome! I am 5 days in and have followed all of the after care instructions to make my first tattoo look great. F@tj@x is an incredible artist and professional, so I will be coming back once I get my next tattoo. Pricing is awesome for something that you want done right the first time and I am so happy with my decision. Thanks for everything, folks! Read Less

Amazing!!!!!! I just got a portrait from D-Man and his work is astounding. I've wanted a portrait of the Heath Ledger Joker for a long time and I wanted to make sure I got it done from a great artist so it was done right. I definitely made the right choice!! His attention to detail is unchallenged, he took his time and double checked every mark. I am extremely impressed by the facial features on the tattoo, I've never seen such a realistic tattoo until now. If you want a great piece of art go to the Apex Tattoo Factory. D-Man and Jax will be the only artists I get tattoos from because their work is the best!!!! Their manager Erin is great too she's warm and welcoming and can satisfy all of your piercing needs. This is the best tattoo shop around hands down. Read Less

I got my first tattoo with Jax and it was a great experience. He worked with me on my design, managed my expectations for discomfort and aftercare, and did beautiful work. I recommend Jax for anyone looking for a great experience and beautiful work. Read Less

Was looking to get my first tattoo.  In memory of my grandma who passed last year.  I emailed Erin. Very nice and professional.  Got an appointment to have it done with D-Man.  Super nice guy.  Did an awesome job.  I love it.  Perfect tribute to my favorite person.  . Read Less

I've been thinking of getting a tattoo long enough but with the stories floating around was scared to go. I took the decision to getting started with a small tattoo today and met with Jax. The experience was far superior than what I'd expected. I did not feel the pain that others had mentioned and the job was done very neatly and professionally. If I do get more tattoos, Apex Tattoo Factory is the place to go. Read Less

Best tattoo/piercing studio I've ever visited. My tattoo by Jax was done great, and my piercing by Erin healed flawlessly. Everyone here is very considerate, and you can tell they all care about their work. This is the only shop I'll ever visit for work again. Read Less

We had a fantastic experience from beginning to end. I made an appointment to have my 10 year old daughter's ears pierced. They were very courteous and professional when I called and Erin was absolutely wonderful! She explained everything to us ahead of time and  everyone at Apex Tattoo was so kind. My daughter was a little nervous, but they made the experience wonderful! We will definitely be back. Read Less

Even though my tattoos were simple, Jax gave plenty of attention to my needs.  He took the time to explain what was going to happen, as these were my first, and he was a professional.  This was a clean, neat shop and reasonably priced.  Will definitely go there again! Read Less

I got piercings done by Erin. She is extremely sweet and so cute. She made the pretty painful experience so comfortable and totally made me feel at ease! She did an amazing job and my piercings are totally straight and in alignment with each other. She did an awesome job! Read Less

I got piercings done by Erin. She is extremely sweet and so cute. She made the pretty painful experience so comfortable and totally made me feel at ease! She did an amazing job and my piercings are totally straight and in alignment with each other. She did an awesome job! Read Less

ATF is an amazing place with talented people ready to meet any of your body modification needs. The shop is clean and decorated with really great art. I've been pierced by Erin and it was hands down the best piercing experience I've ever had. You can't go wrong at ATF! Read Less

Nothing but great stuff to say about Jax and his shop. He took all my ideas and created a truly unique tattoo. He worked with the design and re-did it a couple times making sure it was exactly what I wanted. Erin and D both were very personable and overall the entire shop had a relaxed atmosphere. The final result after 4+ hours was fantastic and it really went by quickly. Jax is an artist and if you want something custom I would and will only go to him moving forward. Read Less

Clean, friendly and great little tattoo shop....so glad I found you guys. After not getting a tattoo for 20 years, a small one was the perfect way to get back into the swing of things. My husband and I will definitely be back. Thanks for a great, professional job! Read Less

I went in to talk with them about getting some work done, and to discuss possible options.  When I walked I told the man at the front desk what I was thinking about getting.  He handed me a business card, and told me to email the artist on the card what I wanted done.  There were no portfolios in the store of their work, just one computer with links to their work.  I get that they may be working on other clients and they cant just stop when someone comes in the door, but other options as opposed to just emailing someone would be nice.  The next person through the door was told pretty much the same thing.  The staff was not rude, but they need a better system when it comes to consultations.  I felt like I was just pushed off to the side and not important as a client. Read Less

Clean shop, beautiful artwork, and amazing artists. Not overpriced whatsoever, you get what you pay for! Jax has over 20 years experience and many specialties, so his price range is perfect. Cheap tattoos are never good tattoos. Everything at this shop is custom, and has a relaxing environment. All the staff are super friendly and willing to work with you on your next permanent art piece. Recommended them 100%. Read Less

Had my daith pierced yesterday. Was very nervous of course but the woman who did it was excellent. Very friendly, great demeanor and definitely knows what she's doing. Other than the moment it was done, have had no pain since. Minor discomfort when cleaning it and that's it. Clean shop which is important to me and the other staff members were friendly as well. Would recommend Apex Tattoo to others. Read Less

Well they worked with me and gave me what I wanted for a real good price I recommend getting a tattoo from Jax he's the best at what he does kept it professional and I really didn't know what to expect they made me feel like family this is now my tattoo kingdom forever a customer Read Less

I will never let anyone else put a tattoo on my body. Jax and his girlfriend are so amazing and I absolutely love going to their shop. A tattoo is a personal experience and something you have forever and if your looking for great designs, excellent artistry, and amazing customer service this is the place to go. I live in downtown raleigh and I literally drive to apex to see them!! You won't be disappointed! Read Less

FatJax is a beast!! He did what I was told by Pheonix, mad Ethel's and shockingly Blue Flame (and about 4 others) what "can't be done". I went to him after consulting two of my daughters and a waste of a day being turned down. He said it would be no problem... And proved it! Do yourself a favor... GO TO APEX TATTO FACTORY. This huge cover up was done in 2.5 hrs and priced reasonably. I will be going back Read Less

Jax and Erin are awesome. Both at what they do and the kind of people they are. Jax is a true artist. I've gotten many tattoos from him. I had gotten a few tats at other places I had lived but after meeting him the first time about 1 1/2-2yrs ago n seeing other tattoos he's done on his Instagram account I knew I had found the right artist to finish what I had started. And for each tat I was able to tell Jax my vision of what I was looking for and every time he not only nailed them, but they came out better than I had imagined. He's done/finished my calf sleeve n both  1/2 sleeves on my arms. N I've had people stop me in the grocery store n some other places asking me where n who did my tattoos. There's no one better to go to than Apex Tattoo Factory for tattoos and piercings. Read Less

Got my daith pierced by Erin today. She was very patient with me as I was nervous and had lots of questions. She explained things well and did a great job. Everything looked very clean and was a calm atmosphere. Did not hurt as bad as I expected...would definitely recommend Erin for your piercings!! Read Less

Got my daith pierced by Erin today. She was very patient with me as I was nervous and had lots of questions. She explained things well and did a great job. Everything looked very clean and was a calm atmosphere. Did not hurt as bad as I expected...would definitely recommend Erin for your piercings!! Read Less

The shop is clean and well kept. The people are very friendly and out going. They do their best to make you feel at ease before starting. I personally have a Latex allergy and they went beyond out of their way to make sure that everything was safe for me. Jax did such an excellent job on my first tattoo that I went back and had him fix a tattoo that was done by a previous tattooist. After that I went back and had a third done. The job he did designing and tattooing was so awesome that I have family coming in from another state to have him tattoo them!!!!!! Read Less

Had a name covered up that no one would attempt to cover! So I went to fat jax the head artist and he blew me away with my cover up. He is reasonable price. And very professional. Mister Steve the other artist is a good artist as well and piercer!! Highly recommend them!! ;) :) Read Less