I found this studio after weeks of searching through Yelp, Instagram, Reddit, etc. I decided to go with Cody after looking through his portfolio and couldn't be happier with the results. After the initial consultation going over what I was looking for, I scheduled an appointment to have the actual work done and put down a deposit. In the weeks leading up, I put together a ton of samples and work (probably way too many) that I wanted to use as references, but Cody reviewed everything and presented me with a sketch a few days before. We emailed back and forth for a few days going through minor adjustments, and Cody was very responsive and helpful throughout the process. The work itself took about 4.5 hours, but wasn't actually too bad to sit through. The studio is very clean and organized. Cody was fun to talk to, and we even got a chance to look at the solar eclipse during a short break. Overall, it was a great experience and I love the artwork and the piece overall. He also offers a free touchup within the year, which is very helpful, particularly with the detailed artwork that he creates. It was a little pricey, but worth the cost. Definitely recommended!(Cody did the wolf patronus as an add on to my deathly hallows) Read Less

I found this studio after weeks of searching through Yelp, Instagram, Reddit, etc. I decided to go with Cody after looking through his portfolio and couldn't be happier with the results. After the initial consultation going over what I was looking for, I scheduled an appointment to have the actual work done and put down a deposit. In the weeks leading up, I put together a ton of samples and work (probably way too many) that I wanted to use as references, but Cody reviewed everything and presented me with a sketch a few days before. We emailed back and forth for a few days going through minor adjustments, and Cody was very responsive and helpful throughout the process. The work itself took about 4.5 hours, but wasn't actually too bad to sit through. The studio is very clean and organized. Cody was fun to talk to, and we even got a chance to look at the solar eclipse during a short break. Overall, it was a great experience and I love the artwork and the piece overall. He also offers a free touchup within the year, which is very helpful, particularly with the detailed artwork that he creates. It was a little pricey, but worth the cost. Definitely recommended!(Cody did the wolf patronus as an add on to my deathly hallows) Read Less

I discovered Pete through Instagram and knew I'd be contacting him eventually as soon as I saw his style. He did my first ever tattoo of flowers from my wedding bouquet. I sat for him in Toronto at the NIX Convention this past weekend. The whole thing was a very new experience for me and Pete made it comfortable. There was a LOT going on around him and he still managed to be personable (yet nonchalant) and at the same time create a beautiful, very detailed piece on my shoulder. From what I saw at the convention - Pete surrounds himself with very talented artists and is extremely gifted himself. I've even contacted him since to ask advice on care instructions (since I'm new to tattoos altogether) and he has answered promptly and seemed happy to help. I'm very pleased with his work and I would love to get another tattoo done by him. Read Less

I am so happy with this place. Cody did my tattoo and he did an amazing job. He is such a talented artist and very meticulous.  He captured my two cats personalities perfectly in his art. He was so lovely to work with and very kind. The place is so clean and very nice inside. It was my first tattoo and I didn't know what to expect but I could not be happier with the experience. Would 100% recommend Cody and central tattoo studio to anyone! Read Less

Pete did my first tattoo in June of last year. It was a piece based off my wedding bouquet and some flowers that were sentimental to me. I did not think I'd get the opportunity to have him tattoo me, because I had moved away from philly to the Bay area. Luckily, he was guest tattooing in San Francisco and had a spot open. Pete was awesome. Very friendly and easy to work with. My tattoo was a long time sitting, but he really made it comfortable for me. I'm still so in love with my tattoo and recently had it photographed. Thank you again pete!!! Read Less

I scheduled a consult with Murt, who took notes as I presented my ideas for the piece. The artists at Central are all fantastic and tend to be booked up weeks in advance. We booked my appointment for a month after the consult. When the time came for my appointment I was impressed with the detail Murt put into the piece. It took him a while to set up as he included some last minute details and resized the piece to ensure it fit my arm perfectly. Murt was professional, kind, and attentive to detail throughout the process. The studio was clean and welcoming. I would recommend these guys to anyone considering a higher end tattoo. Read Less

I recently got a design and tattoo done by Murrt. He is very patient and understanding in the whole process. This was my first “large” tattoo and I was generally very nervous but I put my whole trust in him. Let me tell you.. Murrt is a super talented artist! He did 2 design revisions for me in a matter or hours. The whole tattoo session itself wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Currently it’s been a week and the tattoo is healing wonderfully. My friends and coworkers love the design. Will definitely go back to him for another tattoo! Read Less

So I'm pretexting this with I never even got a tattoo here. However, I walked in because I knew exactly what I wanted, heard amazing things about the studio, and it was near my house. Cody and another woman in the studio (didn't get name) talked to me at length about what I wanted. This artist had a fairly long wait and I was set on getting it done that day because it was a simple tattoo. They were both so well-informed about tattoos, different styles, what to know before hand, body areas which are more prone to change design over time, etc. And this discussion was after they knew I wasn't willing to wait 4 weeks and not a potential customer. Clean space, art on the walls, looked more like an advertising firm than a tattoo parlor, which I appreciated. Highly knowledgeable, helpful staff. Wish I had had the time to wait for an artist here to tattoo me! Read Less

The experience was disappointing.  Pete, no doubt, is very talented.  He wasnt excited about my tattoo project.  Perhaps it did not provide for much creative license.  He put no time into planning, or thinking through, ways we discussed that might enhance the image.    The first session was front loaded, and the charge was high.  The website says nothing regarding progress billing, but if one is familiar with this business, that should be common knowledge.  I didn't know that.  Perhaps consider indicating in your payment policy that a time estimate would be provided, and expected payment is required for each session, as those unfamiliar with progress billing moving targets might be caught unaware, as I was. I was apologetic...arranged a partial credit card payment.  Only half the amount went through, so I offered to drive to the shop to make cash payment for the rest.  From the beginning of this unfortunate misunderstanding, Melissa treated me like a dishonest criminal.  Rude and cold as ice.  I had no intention of begrudging a talented artist his due, but by the treatment received, you'd never know it.  Melissa left a curt message, as I arrived at the shop, turning away my payment, indicating that the last hour and a half session was cancelled, and that they would keep the deposit.  So, in the end, I paid $1000.00, and am left with unfinished work, that reflects none of Pete's artistic individuality.  What I have is copy work...no more.  Melissa should be assured that she clearly exhibited cold, rude and nasty behavior, but, at least, she collected every penny, plus much more, than what my tattoo is worth.  Putting artistry aside, this is a business, and how you treat people matters.  Melissa, you should get some sensitivity training, or experience a bit a life, so that you are better able to recognize the humanity in people.  I didn't walk away with art on my back, rather a shoeprint.  Rest assured, Karmas a bitch. Read Less

I've been working with Cody since the summer designing and completing my half sleeve.I contacted Cody via email and received response in a few days. In my email I detailed my ideas, including a few pictures (my piece is architectural so I included photos of the buildings).  An initial consult was scheduled, which lasted around 40 minutes and was free of charge. At the consult, Cody reviewed in detail my ideas, explaining what concepts would and would not work for the tattoo. He reviewed pricing, policies of the shop, and scheduled all of my sessions at the consult when I agreed to the work. It is his policy that art work is emailed digitally 24 hours prior to the initial session. I requested minor changes which were made promptly. My sessions have always been professional and I am pleased with the work. Cody is interesting to talk to and friendly which makes time pass quickly. Following a session he is detailed at explaining aftercare and discussing healing. This piece is not my first tattoo, but it definitely is the best and healing has gone well. In addition, both the ink and products Cody uses are vegan, even though he himself is not vegan. To conclude this review, I wanted to make some general comments about Central as a studio and best practices for getting tattooed. I am early for everything, so I've spent some time in the lobby. During this time I've witness people coming in to the studio requesting walk ins and sometimes some ridiculous stuff (a guy came in asking for a complete sleeve to be done same day without a design for 'a few hundred'). Please research tattooing before you decide to be tattooed! This is permanent decision making. Please research your artist before deciding where to go. Tattooing has evolved stylistically and each artist tends to have a personal best. Central has a high caliber of artists, they charge hourly rates, they do custom designs. If you want flash tattoos Central is not your place. Read Less

Wow. This place is wonderful...the artists are all so talented and you'd be lucky to get an appointment with any of them. Cody did my memorial tattoo coverup and I am over the moon in love with it. I am so proud to show off my new ink and I am so happy I found this studio. Read Less

I found this sweet studio after landing on Pete Zebley's work through the World Wide Web. I was so in awe with his portfolio and generally, the classiness of the studio's art that I just knew that i needed to get my tattoo here! Just based off of their previous work I felt a sense of trust that they produce high quality tattoos and it wasn't just about inking folks. I looked through all the artist's work and ended up vibing with John Murrt and Cody Dean's work. I ended up getting a consult with Murrt. He had done a lavender/florals before though, to be fair, his specialty is blackwork and dots. Though florals don't seem like its his thing - my lavender came out absolutely beautiful! The day of - I came in super nervous. It was my first "bigger" tattoo (though most would say it's a small tattoo.) my friends all told me it would feel like a slight tickle or annoyance but to be fair, I have ZERO pain tolerance. Anyways, 30 mins into the tattoo I thought all hell was breaking loose and had to ask for a break. If I had to would I do it again? Yes! it was so beautiful and Murrt had beautiful craftsmanship! But, would I get a third tattoo?? Probably not. I gotsta bebe soft skin that isn't made for ink. Read Less

I have been going to Pete Zebley for many years now and was super stoked when he finally opened up his own studio.I first saw him in 2012; I wanted a hummingbird/flower tattoo and had been searching for quite some time for the perfect artist.  When I saw his book, I knew he was the one for me. We set up an appointment, I gave him my idea/vision and the artwork he drew up was amazing.  We discussed splitting the session into two parts and made the appointments right then and there. His prices are right on target and his shop is super clean and nice.  I liked it so much, that I decided to keep going and create a half-sleeve on my left arm.     Pete is a wonderful artist who takes great pride in his work.  He is kind, patient, funny and someone who wants to make sure that his client is happy in the end.  He is down-to-easy and easy to talk to.  I felt listened to 100% of the time.  With the time and $$ that I invested in my half-arm sleeve, if asked if I would do it all over again with Pete - the answer is yes.  I get so many compliments and I can't wait until my next one. Read Less

Pete is truly impressive. I have been tattooed by Pete a few times in the last year. His ability to transform your thoughts into art is special and unique. Pete pays attention to detail and brings his own interpretation to images. His work is simply beautiful. In addition, Melissa is so responsive and easy to work with when setting up appointments etc. The overall shop is clean and professional. Central Tattoo is an overall experience. Read Less

EDIT: To be clear: My artist is a very professional and talented artist.  The issues experienced here were not, in any way, his fault. He was excited to move to this shop though the owner disputes whether or not my artist was really "part" of the shop at all.  I'm fairly certain that my artist was not using space because he was "in between shops"    The ink seepage or "blow out" from my tattoo is MOST LIKELY a result of the continuous stomping up and down the steps, done mostly by the shop owner's wife, during my tattoo.  The table shifted at one point and my artist say "that has never happened before"  To be more clear.  This review was honest and fair and I made certain to point out the talent here, the cleanliness of the shop, and the overall modern feel of the place.  Now. I'm just angry.  If you, as a business owner, are going to allow for personal tension to affect PAYING customers, then you may want to take a few business classes or at least buy a business for dummies book.  If you cannot handle an honest and fair review, which this is, then you probably should stay off the internet.  This isn't 1950.  You cannot be a jerk in business and not be called out on it.  I've experienced several harsh reviews of my business and I've had to step back and take the reviews for what they are:  learning experiences.  At no point in the response to this review is there a mention of the stomping up and down the steps.  That leaves me to believe that not only was there awareness of what was happening, what was happening was intentional and meant to anger my artist so that he would leave on his own.  Except the behavior affected ME.  What happened, the negative experience, had nothing to do with MY ARTIST.  He is at a great shop now and I'm excited to see him and have more work done.  Ask me about how often I'm approached about the work he's done for me.  Often.  Studio is very clean, aesthetically pleasing, and spacious.  Ipad check in is nice, a little more thorough, and prevents the need for paper work for each visit.  Philadelphia has a lot of tattoo studios.  Some are older and not as pretty.  But the artists in those shops, I'm quite sure, would NOT engage in the unprofessional behavior I experienced at Central.My artist left a busier South Street shop to pursue a more appointment driven shop.  I expected a clean, professional shop.  Upon my arrival, I could immediately sense something was not quite right.  Tense.  I should have discussed this more with my artists and rescheduled because he and I both had a very negative experience.  Central is set up on two floors.  I was in a small room on the lower floor.  Steps lead up to a larger space on the second floor.  No big deal.  Unless people are stomping up and down the steps while someone is being tattooed.  And. That is exactly what happened.  The ENTIRE time.  My understanding is that the wife of the shop owner and my artist had some falling out a few weeks prior and the tension was quite obvious.  That does not mean that I should be part of the tension.  The wife continually stomped up and down the steps repeatedly. DURING MY TATTOO.  THE TABLE I WAS ON MOVED. THE NEEDLE JUMPED. MY ARTIST GOT "BACK SPRAY" IN HIS MOUTH  In other words, he got my blood and ink all over his lips.  Because of stomping up and down the stairs. It is the most unprofessional experience I've had and I had another experience 3 years ago that I thought could not be topped in unprofessional behavior.  My disgust with the behavior was made clear. I am quite sure I was over heard (that seemed to be an issue as well) blasting the unprofessional behavior.  I have dark green blow out (ink spreading beyond the tattoo under my skin) and I am fairly certain the blow out is the result of the needle jump that sprayed my artists face. People at Central:  The behavior is unprofessional and not representative of what Philadelphia tattoo culture is about.  I've looked at other artist's work and the shop has a wealth of talent.  Professionalism should match the talent.  My artist left after this experience and has landed at a great shop on South Street. My understanding is that this is not the first newer artist in this shop to not stay very long due to unprofessional behavior.  I know of one other who left quickly.  He too is a good artist who was looking for a change.  Would I say "don't go here"  No.  That would be unfair.  And wrong.  The shop is very pretty and the artists here are talented.  If you are going for a tattoo and you are in the room on the first floor, I would probably reschedule or demand to be upstairs.  Either that or make it clear that everyone going up and down those steps should be cognizant that tattoos are surgical procedures and stable working environments are kind of necessary so maybe don't stomp up and down the steps while someone is being tattooed. Read Less

I was lucky enough to get an appointment with Pete after admiring his work on the web. This was my first tattoo and I didn't give him a lot to work with, just the basic idea and colors....and he created a watercolor piece more beautiful than I could ever have hoped for. I can't wait for the next appointment to see what more magic Pete can do. The studio itself is a cool concept.....the first floor is an art gallery and the tattoo parlor is on the second floor. The place is light, crisp and very neat and clean. Overall, I don't think I can say enough positive things about my experience or the tattoo from Pete. It's worth the wait to see him! Read Less

Pete has been my artist for several years.  I was so excited when he and his wife Melissa opened their own gallery and shop.  The downstairs gallery space is really airy and bright.  I look forward to getting tattooed to see the ever changing artists' work.   The second floor, where the shop is, has the same amazing natural light.  Pete's work speaks for itself.  I get stopped almost daily with either compliments or inquiries about my tattoos.  However long you have to wait for an appointment, I highly suggest sticking it out.  It's worth it.  You're putting something permanent on your body.  Do it right the first time. Read Less

I emailed Melissa a little over a month ago to set up an appointment for a consultation with Murt, which was short sweet and to the point. I knew what I wanted and he was more than happy to do it! Made an appointment for the following month.Murt showed me the stencil, asked if I wanted it bigger or smaller, and spent about a half hour working out placement with me and talking me through the process. The space upstairs is completely white and pristine - no clutter, no dirt, hand washing stations, the whole bit. Murt is a quiet yet knowledgeable guy with a beautiful eye for art. Awesome music choices as well.I got a tattoo of Sora from the Kingdom Hearts series on the outside of my left thigh, took about 3 hours, and I'm beyond pleased with it. This was my first tattoo and I really don't think I could have chosen a better artist. Pricing is very reasonable for the quality of work - if I'm going to put something on my body permanently, I'll pay good money for it to be perfect, and perfect it is. I'll be going back to him for some custom work at some point! Read Less

The Scene: My reference picture clipped to a black metal sheet music stand, the soundtrack to Top Gun, and Frank Rudy, the tattoo artist. In his earlobes dangled white alabaster backgammon pieces, on his hat the words "NEGATIVE APPROACH" -- which I took to mean that he was open to people, even people who are negative, approaching him. The Studio: Clean, bright -- surgically clean and bright. Art Gallery downstairs and Melissa. Her black boxer lounging on his Vintage Hollywood chaise. The Summary: I had an amazing experience as a Walk-In on Friday night at about 5 p.m. Frank had just finished with a patient and had time for me -- I'm awkward and a tattoo newbie and I felt that I could trust him immediately. He is serious about his profession and his creativity. I would go back to him in a heart beat. The price was more than fair for the amount of time he spent with me (over 2 hours) and the workmanship and just the pure level of comfort I felt. I was so comfortable at one point that I am pretty sure I sang along to at least two songs on the Top Gun soundtrack (don't worry, not "Danger Zone"). Read Less

Great parlor, great artists, great environment. Loved every moment I was there! Shout out to Murt for making my ideas into a great art piece. The staff is very professional and take what you want to the next level!!! You will not be disappointed! Can't wait to come back for my next one! Read Less

I've been wanting to get this watercolor seal painting as a tattoo for quite some time but nobody in Los Angeles comes close to doing anything that resembles true watercolor.  Then one day I got so incredibly lucky to discover Pete was coming to LA as a guest tattoo artist.  After inquiring about his schedule I was told he was booked.  Such a sad day for me.  So I begged and pleaded if anything opened up to please call me.  It must have been meant to be because Pete did contact me and I finally got the tattoo that I've wanted for so long.  It's perfect and just beautiful.  I've had so many compliments.  People can't help but stare at it trying to envision that it's actually a tattoo because it truly looks like a watercolor painting.  Pete is brilliant with his colors, shades, hues, and blending of colors.  I'm now trying to figure out what I want him to do next when he comes back to LA....probably some flowers!  Thank you Pete for your artistry. It's all just so perfect. Read Less

Pete is an artist. He doesn't just tattoo an image on you, he creates beautiful pieces with an artistic approach. I haven't been to his studio but I had a piece done by him while he was in LA. Personally, I find tattoo artists very intimidating because I've never had a good experience with one. Every single one I've met, with the exception of Pete, has been very arrogant, they didn't even want to bother talking to me unless we were on the topic of money. Stay away from those. On the other hand, Pete was super nice and accommodating throughout the whole 8 hour process. Called me up before my session to talk about my ideas and took his time (free of charge) putting the ideas together in a tangible image for me.I was already confident in his ability to create a beautiful piece for me but seeing Pete be very enthusiastic throughout the whole process made me feel comfortable sharing my ideas. PRICE: Some people might be scared by what he charges but he's charging for years of tattooing experience, state of the art tattoo equipment (he has this neat tattoo machine that is supposed to tear the skin less AND it's super quiet compared to most noisy machines) AND he has other cool stuff that makes being tattooed for so many hours a much more pleasant experience.Also, Melissa is super sweet. She was the one answering my emails while Pete was busy! Read Less

Pete is absolutely amazing! I'm working on finishing up my custom half sleeve of flowers. Pete is super creative and sees how to lay out the artwork so that it is a perfect fit for you body. The shop is beautiful, clean & you are surrounded by awesome works of art.  I would recommend anyone to Pete! Thank you so much for the best tattoo I've ever seen and I'm so glad it's mine! Read Less

Pete is an amazing artist! I came to him with a starting point and the end result was beyond my expectations. He was extremely professional, taking the time to be sure every aspect of the tattoo was as it should be prior to beginning his work. His creations are complete works of art and I would (and do) highly recommend him! Read Less

Pete is an incredibly talented tattoo artist! He has done two of my tattoos and I couldn't be more pleased with how they turned out! He is polite, professional and is completely dedicated to creating the vision you have for your tattoo. Getting tattooed by Pete is always a wonderful experience! Read Less