I have had work done by Kerry and Michelle both, and it would take up volumes if I were to detail the things I love about this shop, so I'll try to make it as concise as possible. 1) Clean. Not on... Read More
I have had work done by Kerry and Michelle both, and it would take up volumes if I were to detail the things I love about this shop, so I'll try to make it as concise as possible. 1) Clean. Not only is it incredibly clean in the shop itself, it has a very warm and welcoming feel that is often difficult to find in many other parlors. I have been getting tattooed for 20+ years (Ouch! That hurts my age ego more than it does my skin!) and I have been in dozens of shops so this does come from a tremendous amount of personal experience. It is well lit and the decor itself makes it feel more like a welcoming shop than the dingy and dim bar feel that some shops can tend to exude. 2) The talent. I shopped around in several cities for a couple of years to find someone ideal for my sleeves. I saw so many wonderful artists in and around Seattle, but none of them were quite right for what I was looking for, until I saw Michelle. Her portfolio doesn't begin to do her talent justice and I say this because what is perfect for someone else isn't necessarily what is perfect for YOU, so that can only be a gauge. I spoke to Michelle for a bit and she understood what I wanted AND was able to offer suggestions. I am not an artist, so I only had a general idea of what I wanted and Michelle was able to put it all together for me in a way that worked for the shape of my arm, it made sense AND it was beautiful. I trust her and that is so vital. Kerry did a very emotional piece for me on my back dedicated to my ailing father and I still can barely write about it without brimming with tears because not only is she an unprecedented artist, she is sympathetic and understood how important this project was to me on a personal level.3) Cost. Their rates are standard and if you are looking for a cheap tattoo, you are going to get a cheap tattoo. If you want to spend 25.00 for something, go for it, but you'll eventually need to come to a good shop and have it covered up, so why not pay for what you want in the first place? If you are looking for a scratch piece stick figure, go to your cousin who just got out of prison, but if you are looking for quality artwork that will last a lifetime, go to ABT. The first review said some pretty horrid stuff and it simply wasn't true, so that is easily disregarded. Listen to the rest of us because the hourly rate only goes up every so often to match industry standard and inflation. They are worth ten times what they charge.4) Personality. Michelle and Kerry are funny, charming and upbeat ladies. I always have a laugh and feel right at home every single time I am there. They are simply likable people and that is incredibly vital when you are searching for someone you are going to spend a tremendous amount of time with if you choose to get a larger piece. They take it seriously and understand the lifetime commitment you are making whether it is a tiny little ankle butterfly or a full back piece, and you are treated with respect and excitement regardless of what you choose. They both love what they do and it comes across in the work and they share your enthusiasm right with you. Read Less