I’m very impressed with this shop. After quite a bit of research into piercings and local businesses, I fell upon them for a few reasons. They had a lot of good reviews. They responded quickly when I contacted them on Facebook. The final deciding factor was all of the positive reviews for Dawn, their piercing specialist. The reviews described her as “concerned and takes her time”, “understanding”, “very sweet” and “patient”. I figured if I was letting anyone put me through as much pain as I suspected it would be, she’d be the one. I made a good choice. She kept talking to me the entire time. I nearly passed out afterwards. She got me a cold, wet cloth and fanned cool air on me stating that she wouldn’t stop fanning until I told her to. After a few minutes the queasiness passed and I was good to go. They’ve got my future business and I will highly recommend them to others. Read Less

So, for starters...I created a google account (because I have no social media) just so I could leave these guys a review! As I am not a tattoo concur, I have been to other tattoo shops were my experiences were not worthy of reviews. I first called Alter Ego to see if walk-ins were welcome and this was where the excellent customer service began . Alex, the owner, was who I spoke with and as he didn't guarantee anyone else would show up before I made it into the shop, he made me feel like even if someone did, I would be taken care of one way or another. Once I showed up, Alex was on the phone, YET STILL GREETED ME! How many times have you walked into an establishment where nothing is going on and are blatantly ignore. Here, even though Alex was preoccupied, he still acknowledged me!!! I went with the intentions of getting finger tats (which I did) but Alex was very upfront with the pricing and indicated because of the fading, touch ups, extra maintenance, etc. the minimum price was pretty steep, but if that was really want I wanted they would be willing to work with me on pricing...and boy did they! I walked out with 5 small tats paying less then if I had of only gotten 2 finger tats. BUT WAIT, THERES MORE! The artist that completed my work was AMAZING! Her name is slipping my mind at the moment but she is here from Russia and she did a GREAT job. She did exactly what I wanted and even helped me when I needed suggestions. She worked quickly but was in no way sloppy of inattentive. She was focused, super clean, and friendly. I recommend Alter Ego to EVERYONE even thinking about tattoos, body piercing, or consultations on the next steps.. Not only is the staff exceptional the tattoos are great and they make each customer feel like they ARE their number one priority. Thanks so much guys! Read Less

I went in to get my nose peirced, and some jewelry on my ear changed. My peircer was very informative about the whole procedure. She answered all of my questions. She was very nice, and she did the peircing quick. The place looks very profesional and clean. I would go there again, and I would recommend anyone else to go as well. Read Less

The best tattoo experience I have ever had. The staff are very friendly and welcoming. Iggy did my tattoo/ cover-up. He was more than willing to work with me on my ideas; I never felt like he was pushing his own ideas on me. He made sure I was comfortable with every aspect of my tattoo and the process. Read Less

Loved my experience here! They were very clean, courteous and professional. Iggy is an amazing artist, asked lots of questions and did an excellent job. This was my first tattoo and I'm already looking to jump back in a chair at Alter Ego! Thanks for an incredible experience! Read Less

I got my helix pierced here, and I’ll just say, it was a great place to get it done! My piercer was really supportive and told me the whole process of the piercing; she made me feel like she knew what she was doing and that I was going to be fine. Really recommend this place for any tattoo or piercing! The price is great as well X3 Read Less

Alter Ego started an awesome new deal where you get a tattoo for $60 by putting two quarters in a gum ball vending machine and they’ve got lots of different designs that could pop out. Don’t like the first choice? Pop two more quarters in the machine. Don’t like the second choice? There’s probably something wrong with you cause the designs are awesome (but keep adding quarters till you get one you like). This is a super fun way to get a new tattoo and of course, it’s always a great experience at Alter Ego! The studio is always super clean and the staff welcomes you like you’re part of the family. They’re definitely one of the top studios in Knoxville! Read Less

100% satisfied with my tattoo and my experience. First of all, the shop is the cleanest I've ever been in. It's like a surgical suite in there. (So clean, and so well lit! Half the tattoo parlors you walk in and can't imagine how the artists can even see well enough to work!) Isaac is not just a great artist, but he was wonderful to work with. He listened intently to me, and explained things simply but without condescension. I brought in a mood board to describe what I wanted, and he took all that inspiration and turned it into a beautiful, intricate design that was exactly what I wanted. He was very careful and competent during the actual tattooing, and the result was amazing. My tattoo is honestly so much more than I had even dreamed was possible. He is creative and dedicated and a consummate professional. I would recommend Alter Ego to anyone. Read Less

I regret that I did not make this review sooner in fears that Isaac royally messed up someone else's tattoo in the mean time. I don't usually write reviews but I knew I had to get this out eventually. I got a very simple lettering on my forearm about 3 years ago and after about a week I knew something was wrong. Many spots scabbed (none of my other tattoos ever had this issue) because he did it too harshly and it healed with holes in the ink. It looks terrible. After going in and showing him the horrible job he did he told me "I am going through a divorcee and I shouldn't have been tattooing that day" ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? He also said he ran out of good tattooing needles that he gets online and had to run over to the mall to grab some "lesser quality" ones. SUPER UNPROFESSIONAL. They refused to give me a refund even after I told the owner/manager of the shop what he said to me. It was ridiculous and I don't recommend anyone go there. Especially if Isaac is still there. Read Less

I got my belly button pierced Here and it was done wrong. On top of that it was in infected the next day went back and they said it was fine. I had to take it out and have it redone somewhere else. Will not recommend them to anyone. Read Less

I went to Alter Ego to get my nose pierced. I walked in very nervous, but they were all friendly and very helpful. I had my nose pierced by Braxton, who was very nice and got me in and out in maybe 10 minutes or so. Everything was done nicely, sterile and I was given clear and concise instructions on how to care for the piercing. If I ever decide to get anything else done, I will definitely come back. Read Less

I was impressed from the moment I walked in.  The front staff were more than helpful and friendly!  The atmosphere is laid back - kinda chill.  I was introduced to Ashlee.  Ashlee is the coolest, really made me feel at home.  All of the staff are that way.  I am terrible with names or I would drop a few.  I believe I have been working with the owner as well, I am not sure .. Anyways, these folks are artists.  They are not some chop shop slinging ink.  They truly care about their craft and it shows from their awesome personalities, sheer talent, and pride they show in their facility (it was VERY clean -- this is important).  Artists have their own stations that do not co mingle with other clientele so your experience is more of a one on one personal experience with your artist.  I can't say enough.  I really can't.  Check them out if you are thinking about inking!  No disappointments here. Read Less

Changes are everywhere! Including here @Alter Ego! Our crew of artists have changed over the years, some good some bad but with all change comes good we have a highly experienced group of artists on staff right now with over 60 years of combined experience, they can satisfy all of your tattoo and piercing needs! So stop in and check out their portfolio's, Isaac Ortiz-Riendeau (tattoo artist/piercer), Lonnie Scoggins (tattoo artist), Ashlee Hooks (tattoo artist) and Dawn (piercer) Read Less

I've been in a couple of times and I had mixed feelings about this shop. Most of the employees are professional in presentation and seem to know what they're doing. Nevertheless I had a few negative reactions to the attitude of the owner who seemed very concerned with keeping up a certain persona. I heard him bash other artists and shops when there were complaints of tattoos or piercings that were done elsewhere.They honestly didn't seem very welcoming to our business. Another time I walked into a completely dead shop with one employee who greeted me from the coach, while another employee was eating. I felt like I was taking up their time rather than paying them for a service. Not to mention the worn out counters and out dated magazines and haphazard jewelry display. I know of other shops who could easily fulfill my tattoo and piercing needs in a much more welcoming and professional manner. Don't waste your time here. Read Less

My wife and I stopped by the shop on Saturday to discuss a half sleeve for myself. We were so impressed by the artists knowledge and the conditions of the shop. All of the staff present on Saturday were amazing. Friendly, knowledgeable and more than willing to help. My wife ended up getting pierced while we were there. The young lady who did the piercing was great, and helped to keep my wife at ease while they did the pierce. On Sunday we went back to the shop and met with Isaac about doing a couple new tattoos for us. He was awesome. I have to say his fine line work is just amazing. Both tattoos we got that day look great! Seriously check him out, his work is impressive. We will be seeing the folks at Alter Ego again soon I'm sure! Read Less

This place was great a few years ago and I used to recommend it to people;however, it seems that this place has gone downhill. I've been pierced here a number of times over the years, and the last time I was pierced was a nightmare. My piercing was beyond crooked and the piercer was very unprofessional. The same piercer, it turned pit, botched friend's navel piercing. Apparently, the staff has changed over the years (they used to be great). I also went in there to buy some jewellery recently and they sold me the wrong size and type. The place seems like a mess nowadays. Read Less

I would defintley recommend Alter Ego. I got my nose pierced here 3 weeks ago with absolutley no problems. The employees treated me well and made me laugh. I was also a little nervous, seeing as this was my first piercing and my piercer reasssured me it was nothing, he finished with good time too! I am defintley going back for my next piercing! Read Less

The night before getting my tattoo, I decided to go here because last experience with them a year ago was amazing. I looked at there website making sure all was good.  My friend and I got together and drive there only to be told they were appointment only even though 3 of their artist were sitting on the sofa talking. Tried to make an appointment, but the guy at the desk didn't appear to care if we came in or not. Tried to make an appointment for the next day, but didn't have an opening. Same for the next 2 days as well.  Finally just said we would call later in the week and went somewhere else. Awful experience and wouldn't recommend this place to anyone. Read Less

I do not recommend this tattoo shop to anyone! I went in to get a quote on a piercing and the guy told me $120. I went ahead and booked an appointment for 2 weeks later and when I showed up to my appointment I was the only client in the shop with 3 employees. One of the employees was sitting on the couch and the other employee was tattooing the other guy that also worked there. I walked in and said hey I'm here for my appointment, and right as I said that the guy that I had made my appointment with said, G*& D&^%^t Mother F@#$#, I can't believe I have an F$%^& appointment right now. I was very overwhelmed and should have walked out right then but I proceeded with my piercing. When I was finished I asked the guy how much I owed him and he said $87! I was thrilled, but not 2 seconds later this other dude was like no it's going to be $107. He said we have done three of those this week so that's the new price. That was very sketchy but it was still cheaper than what I was quoted. I left and my ear was gushing blood so I walked back in and the guy who pierced my ear told me just to get a paper towel out of the bathroom and leave. I was so frustrated with the service I just left. Six weeks later I went back to get different jewelry for the piercing (I know I should have never set foot back in there, but I didn't know of any other place to get the jewelry I needed.) So the guy tried to sell me 3 different sizes that weren't even meant for my kind of piercing. He wanted to sell me a lip ring for a helix piercing...I'm no tattoo artist but I do know that isn't the correct jewelry. I told the guy I wasn't interested and he then proceeded to cuss me out because I had wasted his time. I left and I will not ever return there again. Please take my advise and don't go there because they have rude service and unclean tools. Read Less

I have been going to Alter Ego for more than a year now. In that time I've gotten nine piercings and two tattoos, and I've had a great experience every time. The owner is very friendly and knowledgable regarding all kinds of piercings and tats. Josh has done most of my work, and he is very talented and professional. The shop is very clean and sanitary, and their prices are very reasonable. I will definitely continue to give them my business! Read Less