What an excellent experience!  Jen White is awesome! She listens intently,  makes professional suggestions and is an outstanding artist. I had a half sleeve done elsewhere and I was really disappointed with the end result. Jen evaluated the work and came up with a perfect finish that really brought the sleeve together. Not only is she a great artist but she has an awesome demeanor and a real concern for her customers. I will definitely be back for more! Read Less

I was looking to get a pair of tattoos done that represented both important people and places in my life. The staff at Marlowe Ink were truly professional.  Jen worked with me to identify what would (and wouldn't!) work and patiently answered my questions. Her work was exceptional and I love the results. Am already planning my next tattoo and will be going back to Marlowe Ink. Read Less

I just had an appointment with Anya. Not only is she an amazing artist and was very flexible with what I wanted, she was also very professional and incredibly fast. She was able to start and finish my piece in about 2.5 hours. And it looks amazing! Their studio is small but is jam packed with fantastic art. I'd highly recommend Marlowe Ink and hope to return in a year or two... once I forget the pain! Anya, thanks again for your artwork :] Read Less

My girlfriend wanted a gift card to this place for her birthday this past Sunday. They advertise that they’re open until 8pm on Sunday, and when I arrived at 7:45 this past Sunday (I don’t get off work unti 7:30 Sunday’s) and tried to open the door, it was locked and nobody answered the phone either. I couldn’t get the gift card for her and was left with a very upset lady who didn’t get her birthday present. I called later to make sure they were actually open until 8 on Sunday and they said yes. I even specified that if I arrived earlier than 8 on a Sunday that they would be open. Again, they said yes and they would. I had major damage control to do as a result of this. I recommend a place that adheres to their hours. Read Less

AMAZING experience!! Jen was top notch! She took my idea and made it better than I could have imagined. I was my first tattoo and she made the experience wonderful. DO NOT GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!!! This where you must get your next tattoo!! Thanks Jen!! Read Less

Went there for the first time today. It was super clean smelling which was great. Got my tattoo done by Phil. Everyone there was very nice and the atmosphere was amazing. I will definitely make this my home shop. Read Less

Jen White is a fabulous artist! So happy with my tattoo! Really clean studio and pleasant staff! Jen was awesome and made sure I was comfortable before starting my tattoo. This was my first tattoo but I'll definitely be back for another with Jen in the near future! Read Less

I never got a tattoo here but I had heard about it from tons of trustworthy, reliable, and well-inked friends. I decided to check it out on a whim one day for my first tattoo. Upon entering I felt unwelcome and unwanted. You could feel the vibes of the room and they were not so nice. I felt judged and disliked and everyone was looking at me with such attitude. The artist I spoke with (Danny) basically spent 30 minutes talking to me about why my idea was no good and he didn't recommend it because I wouldn't even be able to get a job at target if I got it. This guy is standing in front of a potential client and he is COVERED in tattoos, and he takes all that time talking me out of it? His various reasons were logical but he pretty much lost me as a customer. The shop wasn't friendly, didn't seem clean, and just wasn't good. It seems to me that Marlowe ink is a very clique-y shop. If you know someone or if you are someone then they treat you right but if you're just coming in off the street they look at you like you're trash. They also seem like the type to over price and over sell unnecessary care products. (All my tattoos and artists have been fine with aquaphor but I get the feeling Marlowe would say that's not okay and not good enough and you have to buy our products if you want the best healing). Again, I didn't get anything done here mostly because I was told by an artist not to do it. Makes no sense to me but that's what happened. Read Less

I saw Jen for my first tattoo, I actually did two in one sitting and I was terrified. She was awesome and had a really light touch and did not even make fun of the million questions I asked her. I gave her my ideas and she drew up exactly what I had in mind. We worked on sizing and placement and her ideas were awesome. I have sent several friends to her and they all love the work they have gotten. I highly recommend Jen if you are looking for an artist! Read Less

I got my first tattoo here and I was super nervous. I entered scared and I left feeling extremely happy. Jen White did my tattoo of a phrase on my wrist. I was told by so many people that getting a wrist tattoo would hurt so much and to bring something to bite on. It didn't hurt at all and Jen and I talked the entire time she was doing my tattoo and I was out in 15 minutes. Now after my tattoo has healed I have a beautiful tattoo and a wonderful experience. I want to get my next tattoo of a tree here when I have enough money to do so. Also I almost forgot to add- my tattoo was only 100 dollars. Wonderful deal for art that will be on me for the rest of my life Read Less

I'll start by saying I did not get a tattoo, though, I attempted to get a tattoo by Danny. I first came to Marlow due to the reviews, with friends and what I ended up finding was an unprofessional artist who refused to acknowledge that he may have made a mistake. I requested two drawings for two different tattoos that I wanted completed. One was valued at 500 another 300. Danny offered to draw them up add color and then email me the drawings in the event I wanted to tweak it. He even went as far as to say be proactive and email me (which I did) and he'd get started immediately. Otherwise, an additional admission, he'd probably forget. Well, I emailed and called multiple times and received no response from Danny until the day before my tattoo.  This was only after I phoned the shop three times. After reaching Danny, he claimed to not have agreed to draw and transmit the tattoo via email. Said, he would never agree to such a thing. Eventually, he admitted if he had ever agreed to it he was truly sorry that this week he was slammed but typically he never agrees to such a request. I had visited the shop a month in advance with friends who also heard Danny agree to such terms. At this point, we all make mistakes, however I had been proactive I had contacted him multiple times. Therefore I requested based on the possibility of miscommunication and my multiple attempts of contact that my tattoo appointment be changed and my deposit not forfeited. He ultimately refused citing shop policy. Therefore, I decided it was best that I take my business elsewhere. The shop itself is nice, well lit and has great artwork. I would have liked to have seen a more cleanlier environment, it wasn't what I was used to. Danny also didn't even shave the arm hair off my friend who got a tattoo. Read Less

Danny was amazing! It was my first tattoo and I was super anxious. I had an idea in my head and needed help with someone bringing it to life and drawing it out, and he really understood what I was aiming for and helped me keep it realistic in terms of what does/does not work for a tattoo. We spent a whole session with me looking over his drawings and me making changes to it (seeing it drawn out gave me some new perspective about what I really wanted). I was really nervous a...bout getting it perfect, and it had some geometric shapes that had to be pretty exact. He was super calm and chill and cheerful about the whole thing, really interested in making sure that I was absolutely happy with it. He gave a lot of first time advice, which was very helpful, and made the whole process really comfortable for me. My tattoo is precisely what I wanted, I'm thrilled. I would absolutely recommend him. See More Read Less

I had my tattoo done with Danny, and he was great! Honestly I would come back here for my next tattoo, he was super informative on how to take care of the tattoo afterwards, and very friendly and relaxing during my tattooing. The prices here are very reasonable as well, I was quoted about $350 or so for my tattoo, based on the time he guessed it would take, but it took less time, so it ended up being about $250. Even still with the $350 price, I would have accepted it. He does phenomenal work! Read Less

Jen is a fantastic artist that takes incredible pride in her work. I’ve been seeing Jen for my tattoo needs for more than five years. There are multiple reasons I keep coming back, some of the reasons include: 1. Extremely easy to work with-such as presenting an idea and getting your tattoo idea started. 2. Talented-I know from working with other artists, before Jen of course, that other artists can be very “narrow” in what they can do. Jen has a very broad ability to tattoo ...across multiple areas of styles she can work with. Examples include, but not limited to, traditional, realism, neo traditional and blackwork. 3. Quality-You will get an extremely fantastic quality tattoo with the best quality ink. If you’re reading reviews of artists then you’re probably looking for an artist to work with. This is one of the best and you can’t go wrong! See More Read Less

Jen is a fantastic artist that takes incredible pride in her work. I’ve been seeing Jen for my tattoo needs for more than five years. There are multiple reasons I keep coming back, some of the reasons include: 1. Extremely easy to work with-such as presenting an idea and getting your tattoo idea started. 2. Talented-I know from working with other artists, before Jen of course, that other artists can be very “narrow” in what they can do. Jen has a very broad ability to tattoo across multiple areas of styles she can work with. Examples include, but not limited to, traditional, realism, neo traditional and blackwork. 3. Quality-You will get an extremely fantastic quality tattoo with the best quality ink. If you’re reading reviews of artists then you’re probably looking for an artist to work with. This is one of the best and you can’t go wrong! Read Less

Jen is a fantastic artist that takes incredible pride in her work. I've been seeing Jen for my tattoo needs for more than five years. There are multiple reasons I keep coming back, some of the reasons include:1. Extremely easy to work with-such as presenting an idea and getting your tattoo idea started.2. Talented-I know from working with other artists, before Jen of course, that other artists can be very "narrow" in what they can do. Jen has a very broad ability to tattoo across multiple areas of styles she can work with. Examples include, but not limited to, traditional, realism, neo traditional and blackwork.3. Quality-You will get an extremely fantastic quality tattoo with the best quality ink. If you're reading reviews of artists then you're probably looking for an artist to work with. This is one of the best and you can't go wrong! Read Less

I have been a customer of Marlowe Ink for years! My son turned 18 and wanted to get his first tattoo. I normally saw James but he was a stand up dude and said that he didn't feel that he was the best person to do the tattoo that my son wanted. So we booked with Jen White after looking through the albums. She did an AMAZING job with working with my son to ensure that he had exactly what he wanted. His tattoo ended up completely badass!!! Of course I couldn't let my son get in...k without getting something too. She has since done two of my latest tattoos and completed my son's first tattoo. Jen was (and is) so good with taking time to make sure that she had an understanding of what is wanted. She is so talented and artistic. Most of all...she is so easy going and sweet. We are scheduled to get more work done mid July and I am so super stoked!!! See More Read Less

I found Jen through instagram. Within a few minutes of meeting her and talking my idea over I knew she would tattoo me right. I loved her work so much I went back to her two more times for more. I sadly live out of state but I will for sure drop in when I am back in town. All around great artist and person!Read Less

Jen has been tattooing me for about 8 years. I have some great work from her. She listens to what you want and pays attention close to detail. I wouldn't let anyone else ever tattoo me besides her. She's the best in town! Read Less

Will be getting my second piece done with Jackson. First one that he did is incredible and aging really well. Consult for the second one was great as well, always nice working with him to figure out how to best translate my idea into a workable tattooRead Less

You can't go wrong with any artist here. They know their work and they know their skill set. If they feel someone else would do your request justice they let you know. They work with you listen and improve where needed (even if you didn't know it needed improvement) over all an awesome environment and experience. Read Less

I've always had issues with piercings. I have had my nose pierced 3 times, my belly button, my cartilage. Each time, they would get infected. Rob pierced my nose a couple weeks ago, and recommended I went with the titanium because it has no nickel. It's healing so beautifully. He was so helpful and explained things no other piercer had previously. I'm going back this week for another one:) Read Less

I just got a tattoo done by Jen White at the Alexandria location. I picked Jen because I wanted butterflies and I wanted realistic and delicate butterflies. Her portfolio jumped out at me and I knew she was the artist for me. She and I consulted about what I wanted and I felt we were both totally on the same page. I came in tonight for my design and she had the artwork ready. We discussed it and I was thrilled that she had created something that was exactly as I described. The placement was worked out and she did the work carefully. The results are stunning!!!! The details are incredible and the shading delicate. I am beyond thrilled with the work and can't wait for her to do the next phase of the design. So happy I picked her for my tattoo Read Less

I cannot say enough about how amazing this place is! Apart from my love for Jen, the shop and people are wonderful. Immaculate studio and all the folks were so nice! It was a pleasure meeting Kim and Danny as well! Can't wait to come back and get worked on! ❤ Read Less

Warning: lengthy and gushy review ahead. Marl{owe}? More like Marl{oh-em-gee}!This place is AMAZING. There is no other way to put it. I kind of stumbled upon Marlowe to get my nose pierced one weekend in a fit of impulsiveness, and immediately felt at ease - Rob was so quick and did an utterly perfect job! - and I knew that I would be comfortable getting inked here (for the first time) as well. Little did I know how much more I was going to love it once I met my tattoo artist! (Also, I am kind of obsessed with the smell of this place - it is incredibly immaculate, for one thing! Smells - and looks and feels - very, very clean. Take this from the most OCD person on the planet). One of the front desk ladies booked me with Hayden for a consultation a few days later (post piercing), and everything went as smooth as could be expected. First things first: Hayden is without a doubt the cutest, funniest, and most down-to-earth (and easy to talk to) gal I think I have ever met! I was so nervous bringing in my design (because I wanted it to be perfect and also didn't know what to expect, having never sat down with a tattoo artist before) - and nervous about the process - and she made it a total BREEZE. She is just an absolute doll; don't take my word for it, go see for yourself!Hayden was able to squeeze me in the day after my consultation, since she had had a cancellation, which was perfect. The actual appointment went SO well: she talked me through everything, and kept me distracted while she was inking. She was so quick and yet also so thorough; why can't the rest of our adult lives run as smoothly?! Riddle me that. The tattoo itself brings tears to my eyes every time I look at it - it is in memory of 2 of my favorite people - both whom I lost this year: my grandpa and my college best friend. Hayden took my design and brought it to life; in the process, she also assuaged my fears (mainly about perceived pain - it was no worse than getting blood drawn at the doctor's) and made it the most seamless and wonderful experience. I will absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt, turn to Hayden and Marlowe Ink should I decide to get another tattoo (which, I will admit, is probably inevitable!) In conclusion, I cannot recommend Marlowe Ink (and Hayden Abernathy) enough! They are professional, thorough, clean (fastidious even!); from what I can deduce, one of the BETTER and more sought-after tattoo/piercing establishments in the area. Hayden is a gem, and if you can get an appointment with her, you won't regret it! Read Less

I am about 3/4 of the way done with a large piece that Phil created for me and I could not be any happier with the results so far!  I have been holding off on this review since I'm not technically done yet, but since Marlowe Ink is looking at expanding to Old Town Alexandria I figure now is as good of time as any to get my thoughts out there. First of all, it's a really nice space. It's located in the heart of Fairfax City, across the street from what used to be TT's (dating myself a little with that one, I know), next to Bellisimo, just up a steep staircase and through the magical door on the right. Once you reach it, the waiting room is vibrant and colorful and there is plenty to occupy yourself if you find yourself waiting for someone. Second, and most importantly, they have some really great talent! I picked Phil for my piece since his flowers are some of the best I have ever seen, but I would be comfortable being tattooed by any of their very talented artists.  Each artist has their own preferred style, so I would suggest checking out their portfolios (either online or in person) and booking with whom you feel suits you best.Also fairly important, I think the entire process has been simple and straight forward so far.  I have found interacting with Kim at the desk to be pleasant and professional; she's actually been really helpful to me when booking appointments or at answering my random questions. Plus the overall vibe of the shop is everyone seems to like each other and are interested in what each other is doing.  I have about ten hours under my belt now on this project and feel very comfortable at Marlowe Ink.  Sadly, you can't always say that about a tattoo shop, but walking in the door here I always know I will be pleased with the results and my interactions with their staff.Lastly, and I would be remiss for not mentioning this, I have to give props to Rob their piercer. I actually followed him here from another shop (yeah he's that awesome) and he's pretty much the reason I finally found an artist I could entrust with what I am working on.A+ all around. Fairfax is lucky to have them and Alexandria would be too! Read Less

This is a great shop. I am new to the area and was looking for a quality shop. When i walked in everyone was friendly and the shop was very professional. I am very happy with what the tattoo i had done there. It was done by David and he did a great job, but all the artist are very qualified. I dont know why this shop got some bad reviews but they are all wrong. Read Less

the people here aren't exactly focused on customer service. they just want your money and want to do their job quickly, in my opinion. my cousin, friend, and i have gotten our navels pierced there, and it seems like me and my friend's piercings are thinning (not enough skin pierced for the ring), also my cousins completely fell out (the body pushes the piercing out.). so she wasted her money basically Read Less

I'm so glad I just got a small piece done because that grabage studio couldn't even get that right. I know that tattoo artists can be really condescending, but the slob sitting in the front office made me feel so uncomfortable. He wouldn't even look at me because he was to busy playing Solitare on the computer. The employees where rude and my 10 year old cousin can do better work than what I got done at this place. I wouldn't recommend this place to my worse enemy. Really. Don't ever go there. Read Less