Talented and friendly artists, professional work, and clean. Great history with respects to Dot and Dana for the industry. I've gotten tattoos from 6 of the artists collectively over the years (they all have different styles). Be prepared to bring references for the best outcome to your vision. Highly recommend. Read Less

This is my all time favorite tattoo shop. They have done four tattoos for me, including a large cover-up. The staff is all super friendly and willing to answer questions, even artists other than the one doing my tattoo. They were very thorough in explaining the healing process, as well as how and why they modified what I wanted for my tattoos to ensure quality aging. I felt very respected and appreciated as a client in this shop. I also love the atmosphere, it is a highly unique shop with a very cool vibe. This is always my go-to shop for my own tattoos, as well as who I recommend to others! Image is the cover up of micro-koi that I got the day I turned 18. LOVE the new one, it's a memorial tattoo. Read Less

Thank you to the amazing team at Designs by Dana!! I was looking to get my first tattoo, a memorial piece to honor my precious mom; and I was treated with incredible kindness. Steve took my very basic idea and turned it into an amazing design, the perfect tribute. I was perfectly at ease throughout the entire process, no pain to speak of, and Steve kept me informed at each and every step. Don't hesitate to go here for any and all tattoo needs! Read Less

Beautiful art, professional, clean, fast, solid work. I've been tattooed by almost all of the artists at this location: Dana, Greg, Nate, Steve, Tommy, Anita, and they are all so solid. Even after a decade of wear, my colors are bright and lines clear! There is a reason this shop has been voted the best in Cincy for a decade! Shout out to Candice, she is funny and helpful! Read Less

Dana is a pillar of the tattoo industry since before we even called it that. Not only has he assembled an amazing team of artists but it's a humble, easy going shop environment for newcomers and shop rats alike:) Ask to see their flash. These guys are ALL amazing! Read Less

Me and my 2 sisters went yesterday on mother's day and got a tattoo by Paul. Our mother passed a few years ago, and mother's day is one holiday of many that is hard for us. Paul did a awesome job on all of us! I've had a few tattoos but this place is the best!! I'm definitely going back here for my next tattoo!! Read Less

Emailed them a landscape picture of a place i visited recently requesting a sketch with a bit of color. Followed up a week later.. they respond 2 weeks later with a 'sketch ' that was clearly imaged from PAINT! The app on a standard computer.... i was extremely diaappointed as there were good reviews and its clear they didn't take the time or effort into what a landscape would be on someones body. Dont waste your time unless you want a damn butterfly. Poorly organized. Read Less

Nate did a great job on a bluebird I had been wanting for years. It was my first tattoo and they also dealt very well with my nerves about it all. It's now fully healed and looks exactly as I'd hoped! I'd recommend Nate and Tattoo Designs by Dana to anyone and would definitely go back for any future work. Read Less

Hi i had tattoos done by them years ago I had some tattoos put on my back yesterday and I got the same good service that I got years ago everybody in the shop are very nice and Jason. C. Did a great job I will be going back for 2 more tattoos before the summer thanks so much 💯💯👍 Read Less

The best tattoo shops in the tri State with 2 location to better serve their customers. I have been there multiple times to complete a full sleeve on my left arm. It's by far the most beautiful tattoo I have. This shop is a must for anyone who wants a quality pieceRead Less

Everyone there is super knowledgeable. I went for my first tattoo, and they were super awesome. Talked me through the entire piece, and answered every question I had. They were clean, and nice, and the best place to go in the city.Read Less

I LOVE this place. This is my second time having Jason tattoo me and he's awesome! Had some great color work done today and it turned out great. It was also a real pleasure meeting the one and only Dana. If you're looking to get a tattoo in the Tri State Area look no further. This is the real deal and they do beautiful work. Thanks so much Jason for bringing my tattoo to life. Happy Holidays. David Read Less

First off let me start by saying I don't do very many reviews like this. I have one tattoo and it is one that is dear to my heart so this is a pretty biased review but none the less an honest one. Danas is the best Tattoo parlor around and speak for myself and girlfriend. (Don't tell her). My artist Greg was the man, super chill and of course super talented. For a portrait larger then my hand. It took him about two hours and for a tattoo that I thought was going to be 400 plus dollars it didn't even hit the 300 mark. (I tipped him very well) so again let's review. Great service, great price, great place! Read Less

Very happy with my ribcage tat on my right side...It took almost 6 months to get done and I gotta say that Paul is a true artist. I have another idea for my next tat for my ribcage on my left side and I will be back to get it done at DBD. Read Less

I went with my coworker to get her first tattoo in honor of her newborn baby niece that we just found out needs a heart transplant. Obviously it was an emotional time for us and our appointment was very spontaneous and unplanned. Heather at the front desk (who is absolutely ADORABLE btw) was so sympathetic and helpful in making our appointment and making my friend feel at ease since it was her first tattoo. We walked into a very clean and upbeat parlor with a very friendly staff and customers who were surprisingly very open to conversation. The tattoo artist, Greg, was very sweet, professional and funny. He did an outstanding job on making her feel comfortable and taking her through each step he took to make such a sentimental piece come to life. I will recommend anyone and everyone to go to Dana's. Thank you to everyone that was a part in this bittersweet moment, we appreciate you more than you can imagine! Read Less

I came here to get a my first tattoo from a recommendation by a friend. I got that tattoo on my side(ribs) and it's of my zodiac sign(). The tattoo is actually very similar to the emoji . It's a really simple tattoo just straight lines and part of a circle. But the two lines aren't parallel and at the top were the two lines meet the circle are uneven... Read Less

Oh, Dana. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...Designs by Dana was the pinnacle of a day-trip to Cincinnati with my mom. I followed David Armacost to Dana's from his previous shop, and my mother had liked his work so much she decided she'd make an appointment with me and have David do a cover-up for her; y'know, make a fun day out of it, bonding and making sweet, painful memories together.Walking into Dana's, I was immediately reminded of the Tattoo Factory in Chicago, where I spent a ton of time during college. Original flash by the likes of Ed Hardy and Sailor Jerry line the walls, and it soon became obvious that this is much more than a tattoo shop; Dana's is a watering hole of sorts and is basically a madhouse on a Saturday afternoon. I talked with Dana forever about my neighborhood in Indy (where he just happened to grow up), the aforementioned Tattoo Factory (of which we both knew the owner), early serial killers (totally normal tattoo shop fodder), and he regaled me with stories of his gold teeth and running with the Indianapolis Outlaws. Suffice it to say, if I were a local, I'd be spending a lot of my free time here. Now I've worked with David before, so it goes without saying that I'm a fan of his work and completely comfortable with having him apply permanent artwork to my various appendages. He creates weird and unique art and works quickly, meaning that you get an awesome tattoo for a great price ($125/hr). My mom was really happy with the cover-up that David did, and because of the conversation and laughs, five hours passed like 30 minutes. There's definitely good reason Designs by Dana has lasted so long and is so well-known. I look forward to visiting this family of artists again very soon. Read Less

The tattoo I got was not at all up to the standards I'd expected from reviews I'd seen for the shop. I cared for the tattoo well, yet within a couple weeks the black outline had entirely faded in multiple spots, way more than what should be needed by a first touch up. The shading is weird, and I don't know if it was supposed to be the "style" or they were trying to be cheap with ink, but the tattoo is irregularly colored and in a lot of parts the color doesn't even fill the outline, leaving blank skin. The artist didn't seem to give much professional thought to the placement, and she didn't seem to take anything from the reference picture I gave. I'm not saying there aren't possibly some good artists here, but based on my tattoo I'm shocked this place has a good reputation. Read Less

I've had 2 tattoos done before Dana's, one covering my entire left rib cage but they by far surpassed my expectations for quality and professionalism. Tommy did my right side and did a fantastic job talking to me the entire time to keep me distracted from a rib cage tattoo which is one of the most painful you can get. After a few weeks it didn't heal as well as I'd hoped and it needed a touch up. He undoubtedly booked a touch up appointment and made it right. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a true tattoo experience! Read Less

Designs by Dana is the top in the city for a reason. They're GOOD at their profession. Their shop is clean, their attitude is professional, they want your tattoo to live up to the name. They are fair priced and won't try and rack up the hours to stretch the bill. Tommy took care of me at the Covington shop, and when I have need of another tattoo, I know where I'm going. Great work guys! Read Less

It's our go to spot for awesome work. Jason always takes care of us. Great custom designs and detailed work. Comfy, clean, laid back, and completely professional. 25 years of our business comes with complete faith and respect. Read Less

I just got my first tattoo here a week ago!  Paul did an amazing job.  It was a simple handwriting tattoo, but he made me feel comfortable.  He was able to rearrange the words how I wanted to.  The shop was professional looking, but fun.  Dana was there as well.  He was really funny and nice!  Overall, I had a great experience, and my tattoo seems to be healing properly.  Pricing was also very reasonable.  (Of course, my tattoo only took about 10 minutes to do)  No infections, no problems!  Love it! Read Less

I have been going to Designs by Dana for 12 years. I got my first tattoo at this spot. I love it and will recommend it to anyone. I am ALWAYS satisfied with the work I get done. The shop is filled with nothing but great artists. I always feel welcomed when I come in. Best tattoo shop in Cincinnati. Read Less

I was having my first tattoo done and I was visiting Kentucky for a week to see my family. Because I was leaving in a few days they made time for me and squeezed me in at the end of the day. My artist was Greg and he did my tattoo better than I could have ever imagined. He even re-drew it a few times so that I would be completely happy with the design. He did such a wonderful job and was very caring when it came to the amount of pain I was in. I don't think I could love my tattoo or this shop any more than I do. They are amazing and Greg is a VERY talented and funny artist. Definitely recommend him. Read Less

Love love loooove Dana's! Have 4 tattoos so far from here. I have 2 others but once I came here I've not gone anywhere else. I've had Nate, John, and Tommy and a friend of mine had Carter. All do great work! I recommend this shop to everyone I talk to about tats. If I had the money I'd be getting tattooed here all the time. Go to Designs by Dana. :) Read Less

After my HORRIBLE experience at Andy's Flying Tiger tattoo place, I came here.  Everyone was so nice, and even though they were booked up, they called me the next day with a cancellation and got me right in!  I am actually going back today to get another one, and will work with them on a cover up as well.  I could not be happier and would recommend this place to anyone.  Dana the owner is really cool and funny and everyone was so nice.  Nothing like the snobby jerks at Andys. Read Less

I have not gotten any ink here yet myself, but that will be remedied in the next several months. Came here with man-friend last nite to get his shoulder worked on and Micheal did such a phenomenal job, both with touching up his old tat and creating a new one to integrate old tat. I am relieved to know that there is more than one reputable place here in Cincinnati (One Shot Tattoo is also fabulous) where I now feel safe getting more work done, especially after such a terrible experience at Skincraft. Definitely book in advance, because their schedules fill up quickly! We both enjoyed our time and were able to comfortably pass the time chatting while he got inked, and Michael was great about checking-in to make sure he was doing ok / didn't need breaks/ etc. Read Less

I am not a tatted up lady. I was incredibly nervous stepping foot into this place. Greg made it easy to relax because he was confident and laid back.My 2 best girl friends and I have been talking about getting matching tattoos for 10 years, but it never happened. Recent events brought us to Dana's on NYE  - 3 walk in's... we thought... if it's meant to be then they'll be able to get us in.... I was secretly hoping they wouldn't be able to fit us in... and considering the popularity of this place I thought that would be the case. They were able to get us in so now I permanently have a beautiful tattoo on my left upper back - 3 bird silhouettes. The process was easy, it was VERY clean (which made the nurse inside me happy), the staff was professional and kind, and the prices were very reasonable. Greg mentioned everyone at Dana's goes through an apprenticeship which shows they really care about having quality artists. I heard nothing, but wonderful reviews about this place from friends and now I can recommend it too! Read Less

Got my first tattoo here last week.John was awesome.He talked me through exactly what to expect and was very professional.I don't believe you can put a set price on art (especially when it's going to be a permanent mark on ur body).It turned out absolutely beautiful and totally worth it. Read Less

Dana's is the best shop in Cincinnati period  dasha did mine she was very nice and did one awesome job  going back soon for my next dasha also tattooed my son and he's going back Dana's is the place why mess with any other shop Read Less

I went to Designs by Dana for my fourth tattoo. I went to a different (but also well-rated) studio for each of the previous three, so I had some nice places to compare to when I went in. My fourth (from Amber at their Northside location) is definitely the best quality of the lot. My design turned out exactly the way I had hoped, and all of my lines and shading are stunningly crisp and precise. Not only that, the experience couldn't have been better. Amber joked and chatted with my partner and I through the whole thing, and seemed to take a genuine interest in getting to know us a little while we were there. You'd think this would be a given at any shop, but unfortunately I can tell you from past experience that it's not. And, in my opinion at least, it makes the whole process hurt considerably less...don't discount it!I walked out completely satisfied with my tattoo, the price, and the hospitality- and I think you will too. Give them a shot. Read Less

Getting a tattoo at Dana's was a really great experience. My friend and I came here after being turned away at Beelistic because the guy said it would take 2 hours for him to draw a flower (seriously??). So we decided to go back across the river to Dana's and I am so happy we did. I came in with a picture of some flowers and a print out of a bumble bee that I wanted on my shoulder and I got set up with Steve who went and drew it up in about 20 minutes. Awesome! The drawing he did is beautiful and I am so happy with the way it looks on my shoulder. The color is amazing and I feel like it was a good price. But I am also someone who doesn't feel like you should skimp on paying for a tattoo. The shop is really clean and the staff is very friendly. Read Less

I would recommend Designs by Dana to anyone that wants to be inked. I have two tats from other locations and have been thinking of a third one for over 6 years. Yes, you should think hard about those tats, people! They are going to be there for a good long while and you definitely want to make sure that the tat you are getting will be inked by a professional; one that really cares about you, what you want and how you'd like it done.Designs by Dana has been consistently voted the BEST by CityBeat and others, and with good reason. Not only do they have the combined experience that blows away any competition, they are staffed by wonderful artists. When I first stopped in to discuss ideas and price ranges I met with Dana. He was quick to point out that I should be talking with Dasha, that she would be the best fit for the type of artwork that I desired. I met with Dasha and we quickly were "on the same page" with my ideas and her ability to produce them. We looked at a very large number of pictures, designs and other tats. And, she was patient with me as I said things like, "oh no, too frilly"; "nope, too pink"; and even when I found two designs that were close to what I envisioned, but only conceptually. She advised that I give her some time to draw up some sketches and stop back in to approve them or discuss them further. Unfortunately, it was almost 6 months later that I was able to stop back in. Alas, as I cleared the doorway, Dasha says, "Hey, butterfly girl!". Yes, in those 6 months she had not forgotten me. And, she was able to go directly to the drawing. Needless to say, it was perfect! Dasha was able to create exactly what I had been picturing in my mind.The design is completely original and free-hand. I have been for one sitting in which the outline was complete and will be going back for 2 additional sittings to complete the shading and coloring. One might think my review a bit premature, since the tat is not fully complete; however, trust me... you just KNOW when you are at the right place and working with the right artist. I wish that I had been this enthused with the two previous tattoo "artists" that did my other two pieces!If you are going to make the investment in a tattoo, you should swing by either location of Designs by Dana and give them a chance. It will be a decision that you not only won't regret, but will be extremely happy that you did so! Read Less

If you're gonna etch something into your skin, shouldn't it be done by an established shop?Why go anywhere else when Dana and killer team can make you look the way you want to look. Go to the shop and look at the photos of the work yourself and you decide. It's a small investment effort for a bit of art you will look at until you die. Don't go to some bullsh*t tattoo shop and have no name joe stick a unidentifiable picture on your arm that looks like a bad Dali. If that's your prerogative then you could just come to my house with a dollar and I'll get out the ballpoint.I went there for the first time in 2001 to get my first tattoo and I have not needed a touch up. I've been back since (Dec 2010) and I love the talent of the artists available. A young lady does my work and I have nothing but compliments for her and all the other artists. Read Less

If you're looking to get a tattoo, Dana's is the place to go. I went to talk to them at least six months before I got my latest tattoo, just to see what they were like, and they took the time to talk to me about what I was thinking of getting, even though I obviously had no intention of getting it that day and was still shopping around. The guy at the Northside location even went to far as to recommend Nate from the Covington shop as the guy to do what I wanted. He was right. The shop is clean, friendly, and right in the heart of Covington. Nate, who did my tattoo, was amazing. He was professional, helpful, and just the right amount of talkative. He also worked very quickly, and ended up charging me less than the estimate because he was able to finish my tattoo so fast. Which is not to say that the quality suffered, the lines are all straight, the color is even, and it's pretty much perfect. It has been almost two years and I still haven't seen anything that I would want to get touched up. Tattoos are not things to skimp on. Saving $20 on something that is going to stay on your skin for the rest of your life is not a good plan. Do yourself a favor and go to Dana's. Read Less

How much do I trust Dana's?  I referred both my mom and my Aunt there to get their tattoos!  My Aunt is from Chicago and usually has her ink done there...but  when in town, she always manages to talk my mom into getting a new tattoo...Steve, an incredible artist, musician, etc...works at Dana's and is the only guy I'd send my little mother to :) Beautiful work, clean environment, nice clientele.  Even brought my wee one, and felt comfortable with her walking all around the waiting area.  I do NOT have any ink, but my mom and Aunt's work looks great. Read Less

How much do I love Yelp? Well I was checking it while I was getting a tattoo. As of this writing, I have three tattoos. Two on each calf and one my ankle. All of them original and all of them done by the same artist. And that is what is important about getting tattoos. Once you have found an artist that you like, you must stick with him/her. Only because this is a tattoo. It is not going anywhere. Think about what your getting. Think really hard. Do you want this on your body forever. If the answer is yes. Then you can get a tattoo. - NBC's "More You Know" theme and star play- Okay, so with that PSA over. I can actually review this place. Dana's (both locations) is one of the cleanest, most professional tattoo shops I have been too. And that is super important when getting ink. There is no flare. This is your back to basics tattoo parlor. Mostly it would suck as a reality show on TLC (looking at you Kat Von D)...but as your best chance for good ink then it is the only choice in the Queen City. Though I am moving away from Cincinnati soon. This will be the only place in the city that I will get work done. Period. (also for the price range, there is no set cost. One tattoo cost me 60 and the other two cost me 230 and 300, which talking to my more heavily tattooed friends is a steal for good work)(also pay in cash, you can pay in credit but the artists prefer cash) Read Less

I got my first tattoo from Designs By Dana 2 years ago. I was referred to them by everyone. When I was searching for the right place to go, everyone I asked would just say "Dana's". I've been going there ever since (tattoos are addicting). They are so friendly and make you feel at home.I've been in other shops since then and have found that a lot of places are cold and unfriendly. I went with a friend to two other local shops recently and the artists acted like her idea was stupid and wouldn't offer their suggestions or help. One of the shops had a front girl that was just completely rude. In the end I took her to Dana's. The price was comparable to the other two shops and the artist worked with us to make her idea work. I love Designs By Dana and would never go anywhere else. Not to mention they have great artists who do great work! Read Less