South Water Studios is a professional tattooing and art studio. Run by the husband and wife team of Carlos Gonzales and Wendi Koontz they specialize in creating high quality custom work by appointment. They also accept walk-ins when time is available. Please contact us directly by phone or email as messenger does not work for us. Wendi and Carlos have been collectively tattooing in New York City for 15+ years. Wendi earned her BFA in graphic design from Kent State University and an MFA in illustration from SVA in NYC. Carlos studied painting at the Universidad de Artes Plasticas de Puerto Rico. We do not offer piercing services.
Reviews
Vince Patton
5 Jul 2018
REPORT
Amazing quality and service! Wendi and Carlos are friendly and professional!
Gabby O
30 Apr 2018
REPORT
Both times I’ve gone, I’ve had custom work done by Wendy! She is fun, personable and FAST! I also have never felt like she was trying to scam me out of money, as she is to the point and honest about w... Read More
Both times I’ve gone, I’ve had custom work done by Wendy! She is fun, personable and FAST! I also have never felt like she was trying to scam me out of money, as she is to the point and honest about what she can and cannot/will not do. I love what I’ve gotten! Read Less
Karen
27 Apr 2018
REPORT
Awesome experience! Very clean and professional. Wendi was great!! She made me feel very comfortable about it being my first time. She took four of us at last minute as walk ins with no problems.
Miguel Arasa
20 Mar 2018
REPORT
Wendi and Carlos are really great. Their shop is super clean at all times. Their prices and skill are the best in the city of Kent.
kathleen moore
18 Jan 2018
REPORT
I love this shop! The owners are kind, creative and it is by far the cleanest tattoo studio I've ever seen. This is a true artist tattoo studio. If you are looking for quality artwork for your next ta... Read More
I love this shop! The owners are kind, creative and it is by far the cleanest tattoo studio I've ever seen. This is a true artist tattoo studio. If you are looking for quality artwork for your next tattoo this is the place to go. Read Less
Jessica Hubbard
17 Jan 2018
REPORT
I am in love with South Water Studios. I have gotten 2 tattoos here within the last 2 years from Wendi, and I am so happy with them! One tattoo was a design I picked out myself online, and the other w... Read More
I am in love with South Water Studios. I have gotten 2 tattoos here within the last 2 years from Wendi, and I am so happy with them! One tattoo was a design I picked out myself online, and the other was a design that Wendi illustrated for me. Both came out exactly how I wanted. I love that the studio is clean, modern, and relaxed. It has a very home-like feel inside. Wendi is so welcoming and professional. She made me feel very comfortable, and she made it clear that my wants and interests were what mattered to her when it came to the tattoo. I had her resize my tattoo 3 times, and she wasn't bothered at all. She completes the tattoos very quickly, and they look perfect. This also causes the price to be a lot less expensive than other tattoo studios, because she factors in the time taken for the tattoo when charging. I cannot express enough how happy I am with South Water Studios. I will never go anywhere else for tattoos! Read Less
M W
9 Jul 2017
REPORT
Very friendly and funny. Super nice. Excellent work.
Jimmy B.
2 May 2017
REPORT
Dentist office clean, Carlos and Wendi are illustrators which means they can draw original work, which means your stuff is...your tattoo is original. I'm on my second sleeve and have full confidence i... Read More
Dentist office clean, Carlos and Wendi are illustrators which means they can draw original work, which means your stuff is...your tattoo is original. I'm on my second sleeve and have full confidence in Wendi's vision. Call them you'll have to make an appointment but these guys aren't playing around. Highly recommended! Read Less
Jennifer H.
14 Apr 2017
REPORT
I LOVE my tattoo! It is exactly what I wanted. The experience was also the best I have ever had at any tattoo parlor! I cannot say enough good things--I HIGHLY recommend this place!
Emi Buttitta
11 Apr 2017
REPORT
I was getting my first tattoos and was obviously pretty nervous. I walked in the first day with just some preliminary questions and met with Carlos, who was fantastic! He was welcoming and answered al... Read More
I was getting my first tattoos and was obviously pretty nervous. I walked in the first day with just some preliminary questions and met with Carlos, who was fantastic! He was welcoming and answered all of my questions honestly and openly. I didn't feel rushed or intimidated, but welcomed and comfortable! I came back later to discuss some ideas and made an appointment for the following Saturday. The day of my appointment, I arrived, was again greeted by Carlos who was happy to go over the process and talk with me about the designs he had prepared [which were all perfect] and he led me to the room to get the tattoos done. Everything was cleanly and organized and I was introduced to Wendy as well, who is also amazing! During the process Carlos and Wendy were professional and hilarious! The entire process was super simple and I ended up leaving with all 10 tattoos I wanted! I'm already excited to go back in the near future, and I wouldn't want to get tattoos done anywhere else! Read Less
David G.
22 Feb 2017
REPORT
I came across South Water Studios via Yelp a handful of months ago, and my apologies on just now getting around to now posting a review. From the initial email I sent over and to throughout the entire... Read More
I came across South Water Studios via Yelp a handful of months ago, and my apologies on just now getting around to now posting a review. From the initial email I sent over and to throughout the entire tattoo process, Wendi and Carlos are AMAZING! I had all of my work done by Wendi who went above and beyond in helping me design my tattoo, and Carlos was also fun to hang out with as well during my 3-4 visits to have my tattoo completed. Wendi is very creative and "soft handed" as I have had multiple tattos over the years, but these tattoos that she has done have healed up quickly and look amazing soon after. I would recommend her and Carlos to anyone! Read Less
Morgan Reese
9 Feb 2017
REPORT
Will definelty go back! Awesome work and awesome people!
Evan Malek
29 Nov 2016
REPORT
After talking to my brother in law he recommended this studio. My wife and I went there for my first tattoo and her second. I had a concept in mind but wanted a custom piece. Carlos drew the piece bas... Read More
After talking to my brother in law he recommended this studio. My wife and I went there for my first tattoo and her second. I had a concept in mind but wanted a custom piece. Carlos drew the piece based on some direction and it was better than I hoped. My wife had the same experience, she went in with a concept and had Wendy draw a custom piece she and I both have about 16 hours in their chairs total and recommend them to everyone. All work I see is based on what we got from this studio. I will be going back for more! Read Less
William White
4 Oct 2016
REPORT
I've had work done by Carlos and Wendi, both do fantastic work. Very clean, and cool people. I'm going back for more work, I highly recommend.
Eva K.
31 Mar 2016
REPORT
Friendly, very clean, and cozy place. Carlos is a great guy and an awesome tattoo master. He explained us every step and gave all the necessary instructions on how to care for a new tattoo.
Leah W.
30 Dec 2015
REPORT
I have been to a lot of tattoo establishments all over the place. When I walked in the first thought that came to my mind was that it was THE nicest place I've been in. It was crazy clean, enjoyable, ... Read More
I have been to a lot of tattoo establishments all over the place. When I walked in the first thought that came to my mind was that it was THE nicest place I've been in. It was crazy clean, enjoyable, homey-vibe. My whole experience with them was awesome. I would recommend them to anyone and everyone I know. Read Less
Kate S.
23 Jul 2015
REPORT
I can't believe there aren't more reviews of South Water. I got a tattoo here by Wendi over a year ago, and I get compliments on it on a regular basis and people ask me where ingot it done. The shop i... Read More
I can't believe there aren't more reviews of South Water. I got a tattoo here by Wendi over a year ago, and I get compliments on it on a regular basis and people ask me where ingot it done. The shop is clean and Wendi is simply awesome. Enough said. Read Less
Katherine K.
21 Mar 2015
REPORT
Psssst....I have a tramp stamp. Actually, it's so large I consider it a WWE CHAMPIONSHIP BELT. Anyway, it wasn't looking great after 15 years. I started an expensive, painful series of laser removal a... Read More
Psssst....I have a tramp stamp. Actually, it's so large I consider it a WWE CHAMPIONSHIP BELT. Anyway, it wasn't looking great after 15 years. I started an expensive, painful series of laser removal and after 10 sessions it looked like a faded, bad tattoo. I realized that this wasn't going to completely go away; so time to look at a cover up.Wendi and Carlos have an awesome shop. It's clean with clever decor. I know interior design isn't what I'm looking for but so much thought was put into it, I expected great things. Wendi listened to my ideas, offered advice, and drew a gorgeous cover up. I've had two of three sittings so far, and it's been a positive experience. Wendi always makes sure I'm comfortable and explains exactly what she will do. And she's quick - my outline was done in about 4 hours and looked perfect. She spent over a decade in NYC tattooing and is a total professional, if you want a custom, gorgeous tattoo everyone talks about then make South Water your first choice. Read Less
Ben S.
13 Feb 2015
REPORT
I just had a tattoo done on Friday the 13th. Forget about bad luck. The owners were FANTASTIC people. They were very informative on the whole procedure and made me feel very comfortable. It felt like ... Read More
I just had a tattoo done on Friday the 13th. Forget about bad luck. The owners were FANTASTIC people. They were very informative on the whole procedure and made me feel very comfortable. It felt like hanging out with old friends. I had a simple tattoo done and It took less then an hour. The price was better then other places I've been to. I definitely recommend this place for your first tat or your 10th. When I decide on the next design I want...I'm going back. Read Less
Stephen A.
4 Sep 2014
REPORT
Loved my tattoo! Everyone has complimented my piece since I got it. Carlos did a fantastic job and did it for a very reasonable price. I highly recommend this place to anyone in the are. I will for s... Read More
Loved my tattoo! Everyone has complimented my piece since I got it. Carlos did a fantastic job and did it for a very reasonable price. I highly recommend this place to anyone in the are. I will for sure be going here for future work. Read Less
moevets
27 May 2014
REPORT
The staff are knowledgeable, personable and will answer any and all questions you may have. The studio is immaculate !
South Water Studios is a professional tattooing and art studio. Run by the husband and wife team of Carlos Gonzales and Wendi Koontz they specialize in creating high quality custom work by appointment. They also accept walk-ins when time is available. Please contact us directly by phone or email as messenger does not work for us. Wendi and Carlos have been collectively tattooing in New York City for 15+ years. Wendi earned her BFA in graphic design from Kent State University and an MFA in illustration from SVA in NYC. Carlos studied painting at the Universidad de Artes Plasticas de Puerto Rico. We do not offer piercing services.
Amazing quality and service! Wendi and Carlos are friendly and professional!
Gabby O
30 Apr 2018
REPORT
☆☆☆☆☆
REPORT
Both times I’ve gone, I’ve had custom work done by Wendy! She is fun, personable and FAST! I also have never felt like she was trying to scam me out of money, as she is to the point and honest about w... Read More
Both times I’ve gone, I’ve had custom work done by Wendy! She is fun, personable and FAST! I also have never felt like she was trying to scam me out of money, as she is to the point and honest about what she can and cannot/will not do. I love what I’ve gotten! Read Less
Karen
27 Apr 2018
REPORT
☆☆☆☆☆
REPORT
Awesome experience! Very clean and professional. Wendi was great!! She made me feel very comfortable about it being my first time. She took four of us at last minute as walk ins with no problems.
Miguel Arasa
20 Mar 2018
REPORT
☆☆☆☆☆
REPORT
Wendi and Carlos are really great. Their shop is super clean at all times. Their prices and skill are the best in the city of Kent.
kathleen moore
18 Jan 2018
REPORT
☆☆☆☆☆
REPORT
I love this shop! The owners are kind, creative and it is by far the cleanest tattoo studio I've ever seen. This is a true artist tattoo studio. If you are looking for quality artwork for your next ta... Read More
I love this shop! The owners are kind, creative and it is by far the cleanest tattoo studio I've ever seen. This is a true artist tattoo studio. If you are looking for quality artwork for your next tattoo this is the place to go. Read Less
Jessica Hubbard
17 Jan 2018
REPORT
☆☆☆☆☆
REPORT
I am in love with South Water Studios. I have gotten 2 tattoos here within the last 2 years from Wendi, and I am so happy with them! One tattoo was a design I picked out myself online, and the other w... Read More
I am in love with South Water Studios. I have gotten 2 tattoos here within the last 2 years from Wendi, and I am so happy with them! One tattoo was a design I picked out myself online, and the other was a design that Wendi illustrated for me. Both came out exactly how I wanted. I love that the studio is clean, modern, and relaxed. It has a very home-like feel inside. Wendi is so welcoming and professional. She made me feel very comfortable, and she made it clear that my wants and interests were what mattered to her when it came to the tattoo. I had her resize my tattoo 3 times, and she wasn't bothered at all. She completes the tattoos very quickly, and they look perfect. This also causes the price to be a lot less expensive than other tattoo studios, because she factors in the time taken for the tattoo when charging. I cannot express enough how happy I am with South Water Studios. I will never go anywhere else for tattoos! Read Less
M W
9 Jul 2017
REPORT
☆☆☆☆☆
REPORT
Very friendly and funny. Super nice. Excellent work.
Jimmy B.
2 May 2017
REPORT
☆☆☆☆☆
REPORT
Dentist office clean, Carlos and Wendi are illustrators which means they can draw original work, which means your stuff is...your tattoo is original. I'm on my second sleeve and have full confidence i... Read More
Dentist office clean, Carlos and Wendi are illustrators which means they can draw original work, which means your stuff is...your tattoo is original. I'm on my second sleeve and have full confidence in Wendi's vision. Call them you'll have to make an appointment but these guys aren't playing around. Highly recommended! Read Less
Jennifer H.
14 Apr 2017
REPORT
☆☆☆☆☆
REPORT
I LOVE my tattoo! It is exactly what I wanted. The experience was also the best I have ever had at any tattoo parlor! I cannot say enough good things--I HIGHLY recommend this place!
Emi Buttitta
11 Apr 2017
REPORT
☆☆☆☆☆
REPORT
I was getting my first tattoos and was obviously pretty nervous. I walked in the first day with just some preliminary questions and met with Carlos, who was fantastic! He was welcoming and answered al... Read More
I was getting my first tattoos and was obviously pretty nervous. I walked in the first day with just some preliminary questions and met with Carlos, who was fantastic! He was welcoming and answered all of my questions honestly and openly. I didn't feel rushed or intimidated, but welcomed and comfortable! I came back later to discuss some ideas and made an appointment for the following Saturday. The day of my appointment, I arrived, was again greeted by Carlos who was happy to go over the process and talk with me about the designs he had prepared [which were all perfect] and he led me to the room to get the tattoos done. Everything was cleanly and organized and I was introduced to Wendy as well, who is also amazing! During the process Carlos and Wendy were professional and hilarious! The entire process was super simple and I ended up leaving with all 10 tattoos I wanted! I'm already excited to go back in the near future, and I wouldn't want to get tattoos done anywhere else! Read Less
David G.
22 Feb 2017
REPORT
☆☆☆☆☆
REPORT
I came across South Water Studios via Yelp a handful of months ago, and my apologies on just now getting around to now posting a review. From the initial email I sent over and to throughout the entire... Read More
I came across South Water Studios via Yelp a handful of months ago, and my apologies on just now getting around to now posting a review. From the initial email I sent over and to throughout the entire tattoo process, Wendi and Carlos are AMAZING! I had all of my work done by Wendi who went above and beyond in helping me design my tattoo, and Carlos was also fun to hang out with as well during my 3-4 visits to have my tattoo completed. Wendi is very creative and "soft handed" as I have had multiple tattos over the years, but these tattoos that she has done have healed up quickly and look amazing soon after. I would recommend her and Carlos to anyone! Read Less
Morgan Reese
9 Feb 2017
REPORT
☆☆☆☆☆
REPORT
Will definelty go back! Awesome work and awesome people!
Evan Malek
29 Nov 2016
REPORT
☆☆☆☆☆
REPORT
After talking to my brother in law he recommended this studio. My wife and I went there for my first tattoo and her second. I had a concept in mind but wanted a custom piece. Carlos drew the piece bas... Read More
After talking to my brother in law he recommended this studio. My wife and I went there for my first tattoo and her second. I had a concept in mind but wanted a custom piece. Carlos drew the piece based on some direction and it was better than I hoped. My wife had the same experience, she went in with a concept and had Wendy draw a custom piece she and I both have about 16 hours in their chairs total and recommend them to everyone. All work I see is based on what we got from this studio. I will be going back for more! Read Less
William White
4 Oct 2016
REPORT
☆☆☆☆☆
REPORT
I've had work done by Carlos and Wendi, both do fantastic work. Very clean, and cool people. I'm going back for more work, I highly recommend.
Eva K.
31 Mar 2016
REPORT
☆☆☆☆☆
REPORT
Friendly, very clean, and cozy place. Carlos is a great guy and an awesome tattoo master. He explained us every step and gave all the necessary instructions on how to care for a new tattoo.
Leah W.
30 Dec 2015
REPORT
☆☆☆☆☆
REPORT
I have been to a lot of tattoo establishments all over the place. When I walked in the first thought that came to my mind was that it was THE nicest place I've been in. It was crazy clean, enjoyable, ... Read More
I have been to a lot of tattoo establishments all over the place. When I walked in the first thought that came to my mind was that it was THE nicest place I've been in. It was crazy clean, enjoyable, homey-vibe. My whole experience with them was awesome. I would recommend them to anyone and everyone I know. Read Less
Kate S.
23 Jul 2015
REPORT
☆☆☆☆☆
REPORT
I can't believe there aren't more reviews of South Water. I got a tattoo here by Wendi over a year ago, and I get compliments on it on a regular basis and people ask me where ingot it done. The shop i... Read More
I can't believe there aren't more reviews of South Water. I got a tattoo here by Wendi over a year ago, and I get compliments on it on a regular basis and people ask me where ingot it done. The shop is clean and Wendi is simply awesome. Enough said. Read Less
Katherine K.
21 Mar 2015
REPORT
☆☆☆☆☆
REPORT
Psssst....I have a tramp stamp. Actually, it's so large I consider it a WWE CHAMPIONSHIP BELT. Anyway, it wasn't looking great after 15 years. I started an expensive, painful series of laser removal a... Read More
Psssst....I have a tramp stamp. Actually, it's so large I consider it a WWE CHAMPIONSHIP BELT. Anyway, it wasn't looking great after 15 years. I started an expensive, painful series of laser removal and after 10 sessions it looked like a faded, bad tattoo. I realized that this wasn't going to completely go away; so time to look at a cover up.Wendi and Carlos have an awesome shop. It's clean with clever decor. I know interior design isn't what I'm looking for but so much thought was put into it, I expected great things. Wendi listened to my ideas, offered advice, and drew a gorgeous cover up. I've had two of three sittings so far, and it's been a positive experience. Wendi always makes sure I'm comfortable and explains exactly what she will do. And she's quick - my outline was done in about 4 hours and looked perfect. She spent over a decade in NYC tattooing and is a total professional, if you want a custom, gorgeous tattoo everyone talks about then make South Water your first choice. Read Less
Ben S.
13 Feb 2015
REPORT
☆☆☆☆☆
REPORT
I just had a tattoo done on Friday the 13th. Forget about bad luck. The owners were FANTASTIC people. They were very informative on the whole procedure and made me feel very comfortable. It felt like ... Read More
I just had a tattoo done on Friday the 13th. Forget about bad luck. The owners were FANTASTIC people. They were very informative on the whole procedure and made me feel very comfortable. It felt like hanging out with old friends. I had a simple tattoo done and It took less then an hour. The price was better then other places I've been to. I definitely recommend this place for your first tat or your 10th. When I decide on the next design I want...I'm going back. Read Less
Stephen A.
4 Sep 2014
REPORT
☆☆☆☆☆
REPORT
Loved my tattoo! Everyone has complimented my piece since I got it. Carlos did a fantastic job and did it for a very reasonable price. I highly recommend this place to anyone in the are. I will for s... Read More
Loved my tattoo! Everyone has complimented my piece since I got it. Carlos did a fantastic job and did it for a very reasonable price. I highly recommend this place to anyone in the are. I will for sure be going here for future work. Read Less
moevets
27 May 2014
REPORT
☆☆☆☆☆
REPORT
The staff are knowledgeable, personable and will answer any and all questions you may have. The studio is immaculate !