Mariana did beautiful work and her whole energy and vibe was very calming, especially considering how painful the many layers of color she had to apply for the watercolor style I requested! The pricing was very reasonable and the whole shop was very relaxed and inviting. Read Less

A friend and I stopped in a few weeks ago to try to get piercings done. We walked in and the place looked clean and well decorated. We waited in the lobby for about 10-15 minutes looking at the art and no one came to the reception desk. The was one artist tattooing who looked up when we walked in but said nothing. We waiting assuming that someone would come out to see us once they realized we walked in but no one ever did. We eventually left with no one ever speaking with us. It was overall an odd experience and we went somewhere else to get the piercings done. Read Less

This is the hands down DOPEST tattoo place I've ever experienced. This last Friday the 13th(2017) my sister, friend, & I waited to get tatts. We literally waited over 8 hours to get our tatts and the whole time the front desk lady was SO nice and making sure everyone was comfortable, getting to know us and telling us stories. Because the artists had been tattooing for like 24 hours or something due to the deal. When I got there (it was first come first serve) the placed was literally FILLED. Those artists tattood every single person waiting. This is the only reason we waited so long so don't take that as it's the norm there because they most likely have amazing wait times ... the artists were so nice and friendly and like one big happy family. After all those hours of working. It wasn't a fake nice and happy either it was genuine. God bless these artists and shop. Truly amazing people. I will be coming back for my next tattoo:) Read Less

My boyfriend and I decided to make a stop on our road trip here to get my first tattoo and his second. I was pretty nervous but that was quickly subsided when we talked to the guys upfront. Our tattoo artist, Catfish, was very attentive, flexible, and kind! It was a great experience for my first tattoo and we both love our new ink! The tools he used all came in separate packaging and the whole store looked well kept and clean. I definitely would recommend this shop to anyone looking to get a tattoo done. Read Less

Cicada Tattoo has a world class collection of some of the best artists in Seattle. Will Bodnar, the owner, is especially unique in style and quality. I have recommended friends to Cicada that now refuse to go elsewhere! We love Cicada! Read Less

Robert did an amazing job creating my left sleeve, he totally captured what I was looking for. I wanted heavy Japanese "flavor" and he delivered !!! He did my outline and I am constantly being stopped by strangers - all positive comments on the detail and artistry. So looking forward to the final product. Read Less

I was visiting a friend in Seattle for a week. With 5 days left I decided to get a small part of my sleeve filled in. I called 3 shops in the area including Cicada. They called me right back after they opened and told me to swing by the shop that day. The other shops got back to me after 2 days. I took the short trip to Aurora Ave where their shop is located. Walked in and after a quick chat my appointment was set for 2 days before I left Wasington. Afterwords I sent my ideas to their shop email. My artist of choice was Darryl Duncan, you can check out is work on their website. He was great dude! When I showed up for my appointment, a half an hour early i might add, he had the stencil drawn out already, exactly what I wanted. After some resizing, we got down to tattooing. Darryl was one of the quickest artists I have had but did fantastic work. Very detailed and great work with shadows and color. He was one of those artists that really loved to talk while working with for me is a huge bonus. It can be an uncomfortable and painful experience as I'm sure you are all aware. For me, a good conversation distracts me. I ended up paying a little more than expected but after a great experience overall it was well worth it. I highly recommend this shop. Seattle is full of great artists as well as shops, but pick Cicada Tattoo if you want a detailed and affordable tattoo on a tight schedule. Read Less

Will is amazing! It took me years to find someone who could do animals and drop shadows good enough for me to feel comfortable getting an octopus on my leg. Will and I discussed what I wanted and how to make it look as amazing as possible. Mission accomplished! I get people running after me in stores to ask to see it (especially in summer when I am wearing shorts and it's tentacles are showing) and so many comments on how great it looks! I love it! It was amazing watching Will Make it come to life with each session. I recommend him to any friends who are in the market for an artist! Read Less

My lady and I have come here several times for various peices (mainly from Robert who I would highly recommend) and have never been anything but stoked walking away from these guys. Great work, very little tattitude, and a chill space for it all. lady and I plan on returning soon! Read Less

Robert is the best. He has done several of my tats. I took ideas to him and he always came up with an out of this world tattoo. I've followed his career for 16+ years and he just keeps getting better..... Thanks Robert and I'll be back. Read Less

I FINALLY got my first tattoo, and i got it here. My wife and i decided on getting the same tattoo, a dream catcher. We picked the design and it was drawn up. Placement for the tattoo was decided and away we went. We had 2 different artists, so even though we got the same design, we got 2 unique takes on the same design. I was initially prepared for the pain with a quick stroke of the needle, which was appreciated. I love my piece! I had a great first experience and even through the pain, i know it won't be my last. Read Less

I bought myself a birthday tattoo. These guys are absolutely amazing! I had Robert do mine. He drew up a picture as if he pulled it straight from my mind. My absolute favorite piece!! Very light handed man didn't hurt not one bit. I expected it to be horrible since it was a head tattoo. Very clean shop and friendly staff with amazing artists!! Thanks Robert I will be back for sure! Read Less

I went here to have my sleeve worked on, it is a hodgepodge of work by a few artists, being in the navy I moved astound a bit for a few years. Will was my artist and so far he's done an amazing job! Thanks Will! I will be back! Read Less

We called ahead and had a nice experience there with John LeRoux (he's at Studio Arcanum now!). Everything was clean, there weren't too many people around (pretty relaxing) and we love our tattoos :) Street parking is all around and makes it easy to come here with your car, as well as riding by bus.They accept card payment, but don't forget some cash to tip your artist! Read Less

Got my chest worked on by Eric yesterday and I was very impressed by his ability to freehand in addition to the weight of his hand and how he runs his machine. I'll definitely be back to have him continue my chest work and more. I Highly recommend this shop for professionalism, skill & the way everyone interacts with people. I felt very comfortable and welcomed from my first consultation and I'm proud to wear this artwork. Read Less

Great experience for my first tattoo. I'd done some research ( checked out the ylep reviews) as saw that Cicada were highly rated. And I liked the work that Alfredo does so booked up for a consultation which went great and lead to me booking my tattoo work with him. On the day, we discussed the design and Alfredo was great at making some subtle changes that I wanted and he even decided we should start again with a new image to ensure the lines were correct. His attention to detail was great. The work took 2 hours and he was a great conversationalist and made the time go by real fast. The rest of the guys at Cicada were great too and really helpful. Alfredo makes and uses his own tattoo equipment and ink so the quality is awesome. The finished piece of art was a amazing and I'm really pleased with it. Can't recommend Alfredo enough. Read Less

I walked in here, with somewhat of an idea but no artistic vision. I was told to come here by a few people, and after getting my tattoo done by Alfredo Matta I know why it's so highly recommended. I have the most bad ass tattoo-it turned out better than I could have ever imagined it. The colors I got are my favorites: teal and pink and were customized to match my skin tone-which I would have never thought to do. My tattoo was completed in only 2 sessions, which is really fast considering the detail in shading and line work I got. You can definitely trust coming in here wanting a design, and getting more than you were expecting for a reasonable price! Read Less

My best friend came to visit & we both really wanted tattoos that were rather small and simple. After trying several shops that wanted to charge us at least $120 for something so simple, we found Cicada. We went in just for a price estimate & to make appointments for a later date, they quoted us at $80 and were able to take us right away. I had Alfredo & she had Will, who were both very helpful as it was both of our first tattoos. Mine was done in no more than 15 minutes & hers shortly after, & they only charged us $70! I would definitely come back to them again, our tattoos look great & we're both very satisfied!! Such a kind and friendly staff, I would definitely recommend them! Read Less

John Le Roux is one of the best tattoo artist I've run across... He put a tiger on my forearm and people stop me everywhere I go to ask who did the work... I am so happy with my new tattoo!  There are a lot of talented tattoo artists in the area and he is definitely one of them.  There are some other great artists at cicada tattoo as well - go check out their portfolios in the really nice shop they have! Highly recommend John!!! Read Less

I'd been following John LeRoux's work for many years and I finally got around to making an appointment,  I couldn't be happier with what he's done so far. He's extremely talented in a variety of styles and as soon as time permits I'll be back.  Make an appointment, you won't regret it. Read Less

Highly recommend John LeRoux here at Cicada.  I've been going to John for 2 1/2 years. I had big plans for my second sleeve with another artist but he just disappeared so I had to start from scratch.  I met John and talked through what I wanted but I also wanted him to be the artist and have as much license as possible. John was super approachable and easy going. He was honest and pushed back when I was trying to cram too much into the tattoo, and he was completely right.  He also had to work in an old tattoo and make it look like it was all one.  I love my tattoo and get compliments from everyone who sees it.  I recommend him to everyone I talk to and am glad I found him. Read Less

I over the past several years, I have received three major tattoos from John Laroux.  He worked with me to create unique designs, and the execution of them was flawless.  In particlar, he captured the Japanese style I love so much.  He is an exceptional artist, and I highly recommend him to anyone. Read Less

A girlfriend and I walked in on a Saturday night hoping for a consult. After talking with John for several minutes we came up with a game plan for a cover up. To my surprise he was able to get me in right then! A good thing because I may have opted out later. Let me tell you I've had hours of tattoo work done by several artists. By far he was the most gentle and quick. I was almost dozing off. His equipment was extremely quiet . Even tho we didn't talk much ( that's just how I get in my zone) I felt extremely comfortable and had a connection with him. I will definitely be back for more. Honestly the best experience ever Read Less

I went to this shop initially because of a groupon type deal.  The shop is very clean and the artists are all very very nice.  Alfredo listened to what I wanted, a quote w/ japanese maple leaves in remembrance of my grandfather.  He embodied all the elements beautifully.  It was ten times better than what I had envisioned.  The other thing about Alfredo is he works quickly without compromising quality.  A few months later (or was it a year?) I went back to him to do a side piece.  I wanted a bird; sketch looking with subtly vibrant colors.  I had no idea what kind of bird I wanted and let Alfredo run with it.  At time of consultation, he had quoted me 4 -5 hours.  My mind raced, panic!  4-5 hours under the needle?  Time to find my big girl pants.I saw the sketch.  Alfredo had done a beautiful job.  I love my bird.  It was by far my most painful tattoo (I have 7).  Alfredo was so encouraging and has a great "bedside/tableside" manner that will keep you at ease the whole time.  I walked about after 2.5 hours.  Could not be happier with the way it turned out, it's beautiful and so is all his work.  This shop is close to my jiu jitsu gym and my coach sees Alfredo! Read Less

Cicada is a very clean shop with great artists.  I've seen Robert and saw him years ago for a cover up on my back years ago when he was at Slave to the Needle.  This time he did an hour on my wrists in all black.  He doesn't have a heavy hand, is quick and very talented.  My friend also got her half sleeve done here by another artist and it's gorgeous!Robert was able to fit me right into his schedule and even stayed late to finish my piece because that was a busy day for him.  I didn't mind him focusing on his clients and the consultations.  Seeing the way he and the staff treat people are a plus because it made for a good atmosphere in the shop.  They truly care about what they do, how they do it, that you're satisfied with your art and that your overall experience is high quality.  Even better, one of my favorite songs came on when he started on me.  What an experience to remember!!! Read Less

Note: While I'm always on Yelp, I never leave reviews. This is the first thing place I've ever reviewed, meaning it's 'omg so horrible never go there' or 'the best fucking thing ever'.Cicada Tattoo and Jason are the best fucking thing ever. The shop is clean, spacious, and everyone who I encountered was nice and pleasant. That in itself was a major change for me; I've been tattooed multiple times before and each time I've felt like I'm dealing with an ~artist and I should be ~humble to let them impart their art on my peasant skin. At Cicada I was treated exactly how I wanted and Jason listened to everything I wanted (I have a swallow on one shoulder and wanted it mirrored on the other with plumerias behind it) and told me what would and wouldn't work without the attitude I've received other places. I was so impressed with his work, I went back today to have him touch up my other swallow because his work is far superior to anyone I went to previously. And the rates? The most reasonable I've ever encountered.SADLY Jason is moving in a few months BUT he is moving to the town a close friend of mine lives in. Would I fly to Colorado for a tattoo from him? YES, because there is nothing better than finding a tattoo artist who understands and is able to do what you want.Random- I fell asleep the first time he tattooed me. Anyone who can stick needles into my skin and have me fall asleep must be a miracle worker. Read Less

I have a 3/4 sleeve and chest done by Bryan, and it is awesome.  Besides doing great work, he's an extremely nice guy.   The shop is clean and neat, and everyone there is so friendly, and they all seem interested in what the artists are doing.  It's easy to sense the high level of respect they all have for each other.  Of course, this is my only experience with a tattoo shop, but after 20+ hours of work, I have a good sense of the place.  One thing that may surprise some people about Bryan is that he wears a shirt and tie to work.  Definitely not what one with no tattoo experience would expect.A big plus is that he's a non-smoker, no stale ashtray smell while trying to catch my breath after tattoo sensitive areas.  Great shop of artists, and nice people to boot! Read Less

Me, my sister, and her boyfriend all had tattoos scheduled for Saturday to celebrate my sister's 18th birthday. I scheduled them on Thursday or Friday and our appointments were cancelled without them notifying me. The only reason we found out was because my sister was checking how long it would take since we had booked 2:30-6pm for the 3 of us since my sister had a nail appointment at 3:30. They responded to her saying the artist was sick and our appointments were cancelled.Customer Service 101: If you can't meet an obligation, notify your customer punctually.I was impressed by their art but not their level of customer service. I may take my business elsewhere, we still want our ink done soon. Read Less

I've had a really great experience with these guys so far. I specifically came here seeking out Bryan Kachel, who I knew from Emerald City Tattoo in his previous life. First of all, let me talk about the actual shop. I really like the space. Cool waiting area with lots of flashes and art to look at. Very welcoming and out of the way of the artists at work. I used to hate getting tatted at Emerald City Tattoo and people would open the door from the street and be right up in your face watching you like you were a zoo animal or something. Each artist has their own spacious work area with their equipment and art. Also, parking is abundant and the place is easy to find. Now on to Bryan....  Personally, It's important for me to go to artists who I can vibe with and who are cool people as well as amazing artists. Bryan is the definition of a cool and easy going dude. His artistic skills are top notch and he really kills it when it comes to Japanese and Japanese-inspired work. I would highly recommend him especially for anyone looking to get traditional Japanese work. He is still wrapping up my new 3/4 sleeve and his lines are so clean and detailed. Even though some parts really sucked, it was better cause I was able to chop it up talking about whatever to get my mind off the pain. To illustrate my point further he got at least 2 calls to the shop from new people while I was getting tatted to set up appointments with him. (Answered by the guys up front). The shop's hourly rate is $140, and that's a bargain for sure. This place is should be on the list if you are out doing some recon on where to get tatted in Seattle. Read Less

I got a tattoo from Will last night and could not be happier. I had a consultation with him about a month prior and was really open to his input since he is a fantastic artist. Fast forward to yesterday. I came in and Will showed me what he had drawn up and it was bigger than I had anticipated at first, but I thought, sure why not. I am so glad I did because I think that it looks amazing. Will was very patient when I needed to stop and catch my breath from all the pain with the shading. Every time I thought he was done, he would take a step back and make sure that it was perfect. He is a perfectionist which is a wonderful thing when someone is putting art on your body for life. I will be coming back to Will to get more work done. In fact he said after it is healed up in about a month to stop by so that he can check the line work and make sure that it is perfect and add a little white to it to give it more pizazz. Perfect work Will, thank you so much. Read Less

I Had Originally scheduled to have some work (Half sleeves ) done by Chani Murat as i think her talent is amazing. Though We Met once for a consultation about a week before we were to start working on my sleeves i had some questions and changes i wanted to make to the original concept so i called her & left a message....I Received No Response. Than i Messaged her on FB asking her to respond and still i received No response. Than i messaged her again Only this time i got a short message that did not answer my questions ?!? :/ SO i just emailed her the changes i wanted to make and asked her to respond with an answer to my questions or to at least let me know she was getting the messages... And guess what... we were back to the NO RESPONSE Game again. Now in my 20 years of receiving large piece tattoo's and having worked with some of the best artist in the industry i would have say that all of this messaging was far too excessive and completely unnessary... Though Considering that i had already sent her several referals who have receved tattoos from her and As i was planning on probably dropping at least 1500$ to 2K on this artist and i was making some last minut changes, I Expected At the very least a returned message! Anyway In the end i took it all as a sign that she was not the artist for me and i canceled our existing appointment's. Now the irony came when i messaged her my cancellation She immediately Responded with not only 4 text messages but two FB Messages and an email all Rambling on about how she had been responding and apparently ""i just hadn't received any of the messages""...mmmmmmm awesome BS response too bad she had also told someone i know that she in fact had not responded to me after all but had actually been avoiding getting back to me because she felt i was just coming on to strong... In short id say go see her if you have all the time in the world to screw around with tattoos that dont mean Much to you and don't care if the treatment you receive in the end is through childish head games ! Read Less

Discovered this shop at the Jet City Tattoo expo a few months back.  Looked at the portfolios they had on display and watched someone there get tatted. The artwork was amazing.  So, I decided the next tattoo I got I would give them a try.Called in on Saturday in the early afternoon to see if they had time for my design.  When I explained what I wanted, the guy on the phone said that "Chani is sitting here smiling, I think she likes the idea.  Here she is."  So I told her what I wanted and she said if I could be there by 2 she would have enough time.  When I got there she already had it drawn up and took my changes gracefully.It is a relatively large tattoo on my inner forearm, in color, of a doe (female deer).  It only took her an hour and a half, and she did AMAZINGLY well.  Seriously, from the stencil she applied, to the artwork that was the finished result, I was really surprised.  She also told me she had tons of fun on the tattoo and called it a "tattoo treat."  It made me smile.  I'll post a pic of it on here too.  Anyways, I had a really great experience there and would highly recommend everyone to go here.  I plan to. :-) Read Less

When you first come in you are welcomed by a friendly staff. The area is large,clean and well organized. I looked through the artist portfolios and was impressed by all of the artist. I did deside on one of the artist there after a year long search for the perfect artist. Will Bodner has done an amazing job with my sleeve.( work still in progress) He is a well rounded individual with a killer since of humor. A great artist that claims he is not superman.... he has the potential... Just come in,you will be pleased. Read Less

I hate making decisions. Thank goodness for reusable shopping bags, since even the question "paper or plastic?" always made me scratch my head. So it goes without saying, my decision to get a tattoo was not made lightly. I mulled over the decision to put permanent ink on my body for six, long years. I thought about future job interviews, wedding pictures, and my mom's reaction and at the end of the six years, I still wanted my tattoo. My decision to go to Miah at Cicada Tattoo was also not based on a whim. After years of thinking about my design, I wanted to make sure that the piece that ended up on my forearm looked exactly like what I had in my mind. After looking through Miah's portfolio, I was struck by his amazing artistic talent. I knew I could trust him to perfect the design and permanently put it on my body. And by Jove, I was right. Miah exceeded my expectations from the get go. Not only did he listen to my idea and make it happen exactly how I wanted, but he was a totally nice guy and I didn't feel like I needed to justify or explain my tattoo. He was laid back and made me feel at ease in the chair. So at ease, that I can't wait to come back and get more! As for the shop, don't be scared away by it's location. Sure, it's on Aurora. Sure, you may see a hooker or two walk by. And yes, it's across the street from a XXX movie store. I repeat, do not be scared away by Cicada's location. As soon as you walk through the door, you'll find a well lit, very clean tattoo shop complete with a koi pond and patio out back and friendly, talented artists at work inside. I couldn't have had a better experience with Miah at Cicada. I'd recommend him highly. No more grueling tattoo related decisions for me. My mind is made up, I'll be back! Read Less