I chose Gia for her fine line work and was not disappointed! She's very easy to communicate with and was patient with me as I figured out style/placement of simple custom tattoo. Pop in and check out her drawings. So many gorgeous botanicals, koi, antique vases, designs, etc. read more

Art Freek Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

I will never go back to this shop, or ever recommend it to anyone. I had a tattoo done by Brian a few years ago that came out well, but it was a simple line which wrapped around my calf, so nothing complicated at all. I went back a few months ago to get a finger tattoo. I emailed them the design I wanted, and that seemed to go over well. When he finally shut the fuck up and started actually tattooing (seriously the guy never stops talking), he was really heavy handed, and kept going over the same places again and again, which obviously was really painful. The tattoo scarred a lot, and it's extremely blown out now. Surprisingly, it came out better than my next two visits. I went back to get a quote on a full set of glyph finger tattoos. The guy, Don, told me it would be shop minimum, and that he could do it on the spot, but he had another appointment in 30 minutes (this really made me nervous knowing that he'd have to rush). I only wanted an estimate because I still wanted to make a legitimate design on the computer that would match what I had in my head.. I didn't want him to freehand it. He insisted that there was no point to having a design on such a small area. I took his advice regardless of the fact that I had used a stencil with the other finger tattoo. He barely laid the needle on my skin. After it took about two weeks to heal, I called Don and told him how angry and disappointed I was. He had me come in later that day to have it touched up. I was optimistic, but I really only went back because it would be free. It took another two weeks for the "touch up" to heal, and it looks only slightly better. The lines are completely uneven, different thicknesses, and just plain sloppy. If these tattoos weren't on my fingers, I wouldn't care to have them touched up again. But they seriously look like a five year old drew on me with a pen. Regardless, I won't go back there for a second touch up. read more

Art Freek Tattoo - First sitting- uneven, faded, only two weeks old - Tattoo Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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Art Freak ....specifically Mike L. is a true pro. I brought Mike a print out of the image I wanted on my back. In my first 3 hr sitting he completed the image lines with precision. Lots of compliments from tatted friends on his line work. 2nd sitting Mike explained what he had in mind for the shading since the original image I gave him did not have much. I let Mike follow his artistic inspiration. He did not disappoint. Very impressive finished product. I highly recommend Mike. Easy scheduling and reminder phone calls to confirm appointments. read more

Art Freek Tattoo - Minutes after completion...Viracocha lives!!! :-D - Tattoo Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

I came here today for my first tattoo and it was such a great experience. I had Gia as an artist and I was extremely comfortable the whole time and absolutely loved my time at the studio. Every artist I met while there was warm and welcoming with bug personalities and also comforting at the same time. I will without a doubt come here for my next tattoo. Everything was clean and professional, yet relaxed and homey enough to take the edge off any jitters. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND GIA. She was amazinggggg. Although I would definitely consider the other artists as well depending on what style piece I decide on. read more

Art Freek Tattoo - Ford Supersnake Emblem- {Don't mind the blood... lol this was right after I removed the bandaging.} - Tattoo Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Throughout the entire process of getting my ¾ Japanese sleeve, Mike was amazing. He knows the style so well that he was able to create something unique with the elements I wanted that fit my skinny arm. From every angle, the tattoo looks interesting - and I've received so many compliments on it. And, he's a great guy to hang out with and talk to, which is such a huge part of getting a big tattoo like this. I'm so happy with what I ended up with! read more

Art Freek Tattoo - 3/4 Japanese sleeve by Mike. - Tattoo Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

I had a tattoo of 3 small black letters I want to cover up. I went in and a soft spoken man whom I could barely hear greeted me. I showed him my current one and asked what options I have for covering it up. Oh we can't tell you that. You need to decide that for yourself. Get a few ideas and we'll tell you what will work and take it from there. Check out our website. I just said ok and left. 1 their website isn't working. 2 While I get what he was saying. I am not an artist nor a tattoo professional. How do I know what will cover it up. He could have at least give me something to go on. read more

The worst treatment I've EVER gotten in my LIFE! I went in at the beginning of the year to get a white tattoo. My first impression wasn't the best because the guy behind the counter was extremely rude right from the start. He told me i wouldn't be able to see it, but the tattoo i was getting was sentimental and it was for me not the rest of the world. Before the artist started I asked if the blue ink from the stencil would run into the white ink in my skin, the answer was no, it would only be in the top layer that scabbed off. A few days later i went back with my friend because she was getting one and the artist looked at it and said he could see the blue healing into my skin and it was no worries he would touch it up for free. Well my tattoo is healed and I'm extremely unhappy with the ugly blue/grey wings I now have on my wrist. I called to make an appointment to see the artist again and the guy behind the counter told me he had never heard of the blue getting caught in the white tattoo and that it would be $50 minimum to fix it up I asked if i could talk to the artist and he said no. I decided to take matters into my own hands and I drove into providence to see if the artist could take a look at it and when I went in he said the artist couldn't meet with me and that he had just sat down with someone. I showed him my tattoo and his response was I told you this would happen, a tone in which someone would scold their child....um no lets recap first he said I wouldn't be able to see it, then when I called on the phone he said he had never heard of this happening, and now he was telling me he told me this would happen?!?!?! I don't know if he's just extremely misogynistic and thinks he can push me around because I'm a younger girl, or the man is just trying to cover his own ass. This was my 3rd tattoo and I'm now traveling 2 hours to a different place where I got my second one at to touch this one up. I rather spend my money there because I honestly don't feel comfortable stepping foot in this parlor after being so mistreated. read more

Art Freek Tattoo is a clean, professional shop. I have been getting tattooed by Mike Lussier at Art Freek since 2000 and never had a bad experience. I try to recommend Art Freek whenever a passerby inquires about the work Mike has done on my sleeve. Art Freek is a great shop to talk tattoos, current happens, music and to listen to Howard Stern. Mike, Don, Steve, Brian, and Joe are all professional. Baba Booey read more

I second Dan! Artfreek is well worth the drive to Providence. I've only had one piece done there, but my trusty sidekick has had five, I think, and they're all brilliant! Total bad-ass dudes and real art. This is not the place for a tramp stamp of a fairy on your lower back. They have a really cool selection of art and design books as well, as opposed to just photo albums and ubiquitous flash on the walls. Go here. Update: Okay, I've now had another tattoo done by Steve and I can't recommend him highly enough. He is an amazing artist and a treasure trove of weird and interesting facts and anecdotes. So go here, and specifically go to Steve. read more

It's been a couple years since my experience at ArtFreak. I got my first tattoo at the old location (near RISD) and my second at this newer location... So here goes... Location: This place is on Wickenden St. and it's hard to find parking. The shop is set up with a reception desk and the actual studio is divided into parlor rooms. When no one is at the reception desk it's hard to get anyone's attention. Granted, they might be working, but I feel there should be someone to greet me. OK, I'm going to write the good stuff first: Brian Mullen rocks my socks! He's amazing with line and black/shading. He did my second ever tattoo, a small piece on my arm. He is super friendly and talkative and joy to get work from. I've also seen his work on other people and I am always very* impressed. Keep up the good work, Brian. Now... I docked stars because I did get a small piece added to my tattoo. Brian wasn't there so I went with one of the other guys. I was not very happy with his professionalism or artistry. In honesty, I don't even remember his name, but I remember he acted like I was a nuisance, and didn't really want my business. It was a huge turn off. I struggled with this guy to give me what I wanted. He insisted that a small part of the design had to be changed to a certain way. I finally gave in, but of all my tattoos, that section is the WORST. I hate* it and I will definitely get it covered up if I can. The tattoo overall wasn't very good, and when I went back to get it touched up, I felt very unwelcomed. Overall, I'd give this place 3 stars... And they're all for Brian. ::HEART:: read more

Didn't even go here. I called and ask about a service and the man who answered the phone was rude as all hell. And when I proceeded to tell him he was being rude he basically called me stupid for asking about that service during covid. Like bro, people are doing it im just looking for the best price. Don't gotta be a d*ck. Rude! read more

I have to agree with the other reviews that found the man at the front desk highly unwelcoming. A friend recommended Art Freek for my first tattoo, but an allergy test that showed me allergic to cobalt, which is said to be in tattoo ink, had kept me from getting one. I stopped in today to try to get more information from the experts rather than the internet. Much to my dismay, I was told by the man at the desk that they have no idea what is in their ink and that I would need to call the manufacturers. There was no referencing with the rest of the team, no suggestions as to who to call, nadda. He only seemed bothered by the interruption. Not only unhelpful, but didn't give me confidence in the shop when it comes to out of the ordinary or challenges. The artists may be amazing, but I will never know. read more

Another awesome review for Brian Mullen at Artfreek. I've had a few tattoos from other places but I don't think I'll go anywhere ever again, Brian was amazing. I went in for a pretty large (for me) tattoo and Brian was super nice about my slightly neurotic self, not so internally freaking out about the size of the tattoo. He made me very comfortable right from the start. We adjusted a few things about the tattoo then got started, As mentioned by other yelpers, Brian is a talker! He made me laugh the whole time, there were even times that I forgot I was getting jabbed with a needle over and over. I can't wait to go back to get this piece finished, and get more! I've found my man and I'm not switching anymore! read more

Got my first tattoo here and man let me tell you this place is amazing! Workers are friendly and great at what they do. I'm soo grateful I went to this place for my first. read more

I got something better than my non-artistic self could envision. What more can you ask for in a first tattoo experience? I'll tell you... They were professional, clean and friendly. I had a lot of questions and didn't really know what I was doing or how to properly convey what I wanted. Somehow they figured it out and I couldn't be more satisfied. Can't wait to get my second and third. Time to start picking up extra shifts to pay for all the work I want to have done! read more

Had a great experience there yesterday with Brian, called Friday afternoon and got a spot for the next day. I got some simple lettering, the vibe in there was great and I'll definitely be returning. Shop was clean and had an authentic feel. Glad I was able to find a new shop since I just moved here and had been looking. read more

Art Freek Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

I've been coming to see Mike for over ten years; his work is so clean, fresh and durable - I have a decade old sleeve that people still ask if its new. He's also so NOT into the bullshit quasi-rockstar manchild tattoo culture attitude that makes me want to puke. No ego, just a rad dude burning out rad tattoos. If Mike ever stopped tattooing, I probably wouldn't get any more myself. read more

Art Freek Tattoo - mike lussier gets it done - Tattoo Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Brian Mullen is basically the best. I got my first tattoo (ever!) from him five years ago and kept coming back since then. The conversations we have while being tattooed are worth just as much as the tattoos for how weird and entertaining they are. His style is pretty versatile -- every idea I've had we've been able to translate to my skin pretty successfully. The shop itself is clean, extremely professional, and caters a bevy of artists, all of which are god damn talented. The prices are honestly pretty reasonable too. Every time I go I bring a wad of cash because for the artwork I'm getting out of these dudes, I feel like I should be paying a lot more -- and every time I'm pleasantly surprised at how much I'm paying, especially for the results I get. So if you're looking for ink, I highly suggest you take a look at Brian's stuff. He's the bee's knees AND the cat's pajamas. read more

I was incredibly dissatisfied with this shop. I didn't get a tattoo from them, so I cannot speak on behalf of their artwork, but I went in to ask a few questions for a consultation (placement, price, design, etc.) and I got very snide and rude replies to all my questions. This man made me feel unimportant, stupid, and naive. I went to this shop looking for someone with expertise to help me answer the questions I had. I am severely disappointed and would advise people not to go there unless they feel like being mocked. read more

I've gotten a couple tattoos by Brian mullen, he is a talented and unique individual and I'm happy w all the work he has done. The establishment is clean and sterile and there seem to be lots of accomplished artists w lots of experience working there. read more

Love Art Freek. I moved here from New York City in late 2008, and started asking around on a good place to go. I heard time and time again that Art Freek was great, so I stopped in, compared what I wanted with the books, and chose Brian Mullen. Brian's work is absolutely incredible. I've had two pieces done by him now (a small bird of paradise and a phoenix that goes hip to armpit) - and both are beautiful and exactly what I wanted. As mentioned, he's a talker, which I always enjoy, and he's one of the smartest guys you'll meet so there's always great conversation. He listened to what I wanted out of my tattoos, where I wanted them to be and how I wanted them to look, and bore with me as I changed the tiniest of details. Both of my pieces I had in mind what I wanted, but my brother in law came from Salem, MA to get work done by Brian. All that was suggested was "an anatomical heart with stitches" and Brian created this beautiful, stunning piece of art that my brother in law wears on his ribs as a reminder of his son's open heart surgery. The piece encompasses everything my brother in law wanted - Brian's artistry was really impressive. Regarding the complaint about parking, I mean, really, it's Wickenden Street. There's never not a spot to park in. Park around the corner. Joe at the front desk is hilarious and wonderful - he says he's a grump but he's never been anything but wonderful to me! As far as the other artists go, I've never seen a piece done by someone who says they go to Art Freek that's been bad. A friend of mine goes to Steve and her work is all beautifully done, too. Everything about this shop is clean and professional, and there are great artists there. If you're anywhere near the Providence area and want a tattoo, I would strongly recommend going to Art Freek! read more

Recently went in for some prehistoric work on my left elbow and left very satisfied. Loving the new addition and looking forward to returning. Mike is the real deal. read more

Most of my work was done by Mike at Art Freek and I couldn't recommend him enough. Really, everyone that works there is great at what they do. I wouldn't go anywhere else to get tattooed. read more

Got my first tattoo today at Art Freek and it was a great experience! Made the drive to Providence from Boston and it was well worth it. I was a bit anxious but Brian made me feel completely at ease. He was patient with repositioning the stencil and making sure it was exactly as I wanted. "It's gonna be on your body forever, make sure you like it!" We chatted a lot which made the time pass faster and distracted me from the needle. I love the final result and had a great experience. If I get another tattoo I'll definitely go back, and would absolutely recommend it. read more

I've had over ten tattoos from Steve over the past 20 years and would recommend him, and have, to anyone looking for a solid, kick ass tattoo. I've always brought my own reference materials and always left with exactly what I wanted plus more. Excellent artwork and a clean studio. I have never been rushed and feel lucky that this shop is located close by in Providence. The wait time isn't too bad to get an appointment and their prices are quite reasonable. Again, I would recommend this shop for anyone looking for a quality custom piece of artwork that you can be proud of for years to come. read more

Had my first tattoo ever by Brian Mullen about 6 months ago and then got another one a few weeks ago. Brian is absolutely amazing and so talented. Everyone I show my tattoos to are blown away by the precision and detail. And his hilarious stories make the time pass. Not only do I get great work done but I also learn a lot about everything while there. I'll be going back for a lot more and highly recommend Brian to anyone looking for high quality, reasonably priced work!!! read more

Was in Providence hanging with my brother about three weeks ago. He wanted to get tattooed, and because I'm used to New York tattoo prices I decided I'd get a little guy myself. I know Providence has a rich history in tattoos due to them being illegal in MA for so long, and I have long been impressed with Mike Lussier's traditional work. Art Freek Tattoo it was. So we get there and are ignored for quite some time. There is hardly any flash on the walls, making it difficult to come up with ideas. Finally a heavy-set and very surly biker guy comes out. He was visibly annoyed, but hilarious so I'll give him a pass. It wasn't until I took my sweater off, exposing a lot of my tattoos, that anyone gave us the time of the day. Mike wasn't available, but Steve was. I was worried, I know it's stereotyping but usually the guy covered in tribal and celtic shit isn't the dude I'd be psyched to get tattooed by. I told him I wanted a Hannya on my right hip, small and hidden because I was unsure about this. I was right. The hannya has such a thin outline it looks like a pencil drawing. Also, all my tattoos have color. Before I knew it this guy was shading the tattoo brown, black and grey. I obviously would have preferred that he asked me what colors I was into. I'm sure Steve is a good tattooer when working in his style, but this seemed to be out of his area of expertise. Places in NYC like Smith St. are honest about what they are good at and what they aren't. The tattoo isn't awful and Steve seemed like a great guy, very low key and soft spoken. But, I will need to get this tat fixed up a bit by one of my dudes here in New York, thicker outline and some red thrown in there. It definitely stands out as not working with the rest of my tattoos. A good shop all and all, and I was impressed how cool they all remained when five children showed up with a mom asking for a tattoo, not to mention some pretty Chinese tourist girls all asking for the same boring scripture tattoo. My advice for this place would be more flash on the walls to give clients ideas, be less precious about custom work and more accommodating to walk-ins and to be honest about which artists are good at which type of tattoos. Would I go back? Yes, I'm sure Steve does nice scripture tattoos if I ever wanted that and I still want something from Mike. read more

I have been going to Art Freek since they were at the old shop. How do i know Mike is the best around? Every where I go I constantly get stopped and questioned about my sleeve... nuff said. Not only is Mike a killer artist, Mike Lussier is the coolest mofo around. If you're concerned about price just go to some cookie cutter tattoo shop. If you want the highest quality art work go talk to Mike. read more

This is the only place to get tattooed in New England in my opinion.I've had all my work done by Mike Lussier at Art Freak I get stopped all the time by people on the street asking "where I get my work done" and "who my artist is? " it almost gets annoying but people know good work when they see it and my artist is top notch. read more

I have mixed feelings after two visits at the shop. I stopped in the shop for the first time about six months ago for some lettering on my foot and went in again this week to have it touched up. The guy at the front desk isn't very friendly, but the artist Don was very friendly and welcoming. After I left my touch up appointment, I realized that my skin was never cleaned before the touch up was done. I feel like this was a super amateur move--I came in with flip flops so clearly my foot wasn't very clean and could have easily resulted in an infection. read more

Went to art freak tattoo today ! Got my dads name redone by Brian he did an absolutely great job ! He honesty is such a great artist and is super friendly I enjoyed every minute ! Highly recommend going there for your tattoos read more

Now that my tattoos are healed fully and I can make an honest review on here, I am beyond disappointed with the way my tattoos came out. AND THEY ARE ON MY HANDS. I went for a cover up and Don seemed to have had a great understanding of what I wanted. Mickey Mouse was first and done on my left hand. Came out pretty good. Then forget it. He did Minnie Mouse on my right hand and he made her look like she had a goatee. I immediately said something and he told me "as his artistic view it looks great". I asked him how he could fix it and he said he didn't know how because he thought it looked great and didn't need fixing. Very disappointed and not pleased. I walked out with a frown when I should have walked out relieved since I needed a cover up done. But I didn't. He told me if I go back after it's done healing that I can get it touched up for free. But why on Earth would I go back to someone that can't even do what I ask or even have the artistic/career/experience know how to fix what I wanted fixed? Never. I will never recommend anyone going here. If anyone is pleased with their tattoos from Don at Tattoo freak, congrats because I for one, Am certainly not. read more

The only place worth getting tattooed at in RI in my opinion, perhaps New England. Commenting only on the artists that I have dealt with personally, I can say without hesitation that both Steve and Mike are exceptionally talented, as well as incredibly accommodating. I have never received a tattoo from either that hasn't been spot-on perfect. Highly recommended. read more

This place is amazing. So far I can only vouch for Steve personally but he's great. Great artist and just a really nice, interesting guy. Art Freek has been my best tattoo experience thus far. They're also very reasonably priced. Won't be going anywhere else. read more

Walked in to talk about my first tattoo and the guy at the front was an ass. He was negative and told me the artist wouldn't be able to combine letters to make a word from a birthday card from my mom handwriting. He seemed to have no interest in having a new customer. I immediately detected his attitude and left. Went to three other tattoo parlors and they all easily offered to build my tattoo design. I'll never go back and tell everyone not to go there. To bad because if the guy was nicer I'd be more apt to stay. read more

I have been getting tattooed for 36 years and I must say Mike is not only a very good tattoo artist -but more importantly is a really nice guy who is creating awesome tattoos with no pretentious or rockstar bullshit that many of the tattooist's today display. read more

Just got a small lower back tattoo done on a whim. This is not my first tattoo and I was very pleased with the results the tattoo came out great! The place was clean and easy to find. No great parking since it was all on street parking. The guy at the front desk was nice enough not exactly enthusiastic about things but polite. I got my tattoo done by Steve who was polite and did a wonderful job. Not exactly Mr. Personality but I don't care about that since the quality of the work is what matters.!! I would give 5 stars but since it was only my first time there and it was a small simple tattoo 4 stars seemed good. I will definitely go back again for future tattoos. read more

not a knock on the artists, but your apprentice needs some phone training. i tried to give you guys my money and i was treated like a total piece of garbage. the dude literally swore at me over my voicemail because he hadnt realized he didnt hang up yet and he called me a f&&&ing moron. so yeah like i said, i tried to give you my money, i was treated like i was really putting this guy out, hung up on a few times, and then swore at, so no business for you. i give you one star because you're stupid enough to let this moron deal with customers. read more