Joe is one of the most creative individuals I've ever met. I'm honored to have three tattoos by this gentleman over the course of 15 years. His talent is endless no matter which medium he uses. His attention to detail comes naturally all while making sure you're comfortable with the piece. Joe showcases professionalism every step of the way. Starting with proper communication, leading the way in the design process and checking in on your state of mind throughout. The studio is an intimate gallery of original artworks from various artists. The space is breathtaking and inviting - alluding calmness upon entering. It was also very clean. I highly recommend! read more

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This is now the 3rd piece I've done with Joe, and he is an absolute legend. He is a perfectionist, does such beautiful fine line work, and is really a master of his craft. The studio is beautiful and peaceful. I honestly don't trust anyone but Joe to do this type of detail work. I read through the other comments on here, and regarding the 1-star reviews, this has never been my experience. All I can say is that Joe is wildly creative, he has a process and a vision. You go to Joe because of his style and his expertise in his style. You give him direction, but you trust that he knows best what's going to work. He has the vision you won't necessarily see or understand. I show him pics as inspiration, we talk about my like/dislikes, then I let him go and do his thing. That's what I'm paying him for! I'm not bringing in a design and asking him to copy it. You don't go to someone like Joe for that. You go to Joe bc you love his work and trust that you're going to get a design that is unique and specific to you. I've never been disappointed after 3 pieces, and I have plans to go back for 2 more. His current pricing at $250/hr is 100% worth it and reasonable. He's been tattooing for a long time and is a pro. read more

Awaken Tattoo & Gallery - Piece #3 Oct 2024. Gorgeous! - Art Galleries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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If you are looking for the cleanest line work in Chicago, Joseph is your artist. This is the ONLY shop for ornamental, tribal and sacred geometry. I am a firm believer that tattoos should hold and look good forever and he knows how to deliver. His 25+ years experience shows his work to be tried and true! I was referred by a good friend to go to his awesome studio and I was not disappointed. The studio had a peaceful vibe, relaxing music and the shop was filled with beautiful original art pieces by Joseph. I found the booking process to be simple and straightforward--pay $100 non-refundable deposit to secure the booking and he texted to confirm the day before. An artist of his caliber should expect a $100 deposit, as this is industry standard. I believe it is fair that the deposit is nonrefundable as the artist loses $$$ if the client cancels. Joseph is extremely professional. His years of experience shows because my tattoo was fast and pretty painless. Trust your ARTIST! I came in with the idea of a small tattoo on my forearm but he suggested a back piece. AND I LOVE IT!! He created an original design on the spot. Joseph doesn't talk much because his work requires a lot of focus. Who wants to sit in a chair for 4 hours, when it could take only 2. I plan to go back for more tattoos, especially for this level of precision. read more

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Joseph is the absolute best. I've been going to him over 10 years. Even when I was living in Seattle I would fly back for his incredible artistry and linework. He's done 6 large tattoos for me and more to come. Trust his vision. He does a mix of design and freehand that flows with the shapes of your body. An absolute master and really great/interesting person too. read more

Awaken Tattoo & Gallery - Tattoo - Art Galleries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Joseph does amazing work. He created a beautiful piece on my forearm from a mess of previous tattoos. Then we continued it all the way up arm. It has become a cohesive, rad tattoo. Now I truly love my artwork. I am so grateful I found Joseph, and that he was able to create something that I'm proud of! read more

Awaken Tattoo & Gallery - Tattoo - Art Galleries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Joseph is a true artist. I have gotten multiple tattoos from him over the past two years and he listens and then translates my vision in a way that seems magical. He is meticulous and his designs can be extremely intricate. He is focused when he's working and not chatty and that's probably part of why he can complete his designs in half the time it would take another artist. He's super fast and gentle and considerate about the pain of the process. Worth every penny! read more

Awaken Tattoo & Gallery - Art Galleries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I have received several tattoos from Joseph, and highly recommend him. His work is amazing, and he's very professional! I also really appreciate his studio, it's the coolest tattoo studio I've even been in. I've had 4 tattoos done by him in the past year, after not getting a new one since 2013. Fantastic experience! read more

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I've gotten three tattoos from Joseph this year and I can't say enough great things about him! I got a forearm tattoo by another artist in spring 2020 but I wasn't "wow'd" by it and how it healed. I knew I wanted a forearm sleeve, but I needed to go to a different artist. I asked around and two friends recommend Joseph to me. First off, the shop is super calming with beautiful art, tapestries, plants, incense burning, etc. all around. From the moment I first walked in, I felt comfortable and at ease. As an artist, Joseph is quiet when tattooing, which is fine with me, because I find making small talk difficult, especially when there's a needle involved! Joseph's work speaks for itself. His lines are clean, heal beautifully, and don't get blown out. I had a rough idea of what I wanted, but gave him mostly full creative control. The final tattoo he just did for me completed the forearm sleeve and he did it by free-hand instead of stencil. I was a little nervous, but it turned out beautifully. I'm so happy with how the tattoos turned out and to have such beautiful art on my body. I will definitely be back in the future and I recommend Joseph 1000% to anyone looking! Thank you so much, Joseph!! read more

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I will not go anywhere else to get tattooed. The older one below the new color one is also by Joe, over 10 years old. Held up soooo well. I am completely in love with this addition. read more

Awaken Tattoo & Gallery - Art Galleries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This place is amazing! Joe is the of the best in the city and he has amazing style. He can do various styles and will make whatever you want. He's also started the traditional tapping style (Batok) that's indigenous to the Philippines. Love this place read more

Awaken Tattoo & Gallery - Joe at work - Art Galleries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Joseph is truly an artist. For the past few years, I was interested in getting a sleeve done based on my Filipino heritage and came across Joseph and Awaken Tattoo during my research. From my experience, customers have to ask the questions they want answered and Joseph is a pretty straight shooter. We discussed the rate up front ($250/hour) and what my ideas were for my sleeve. He does ask for artistic freedom and you have to be okay with that, and trust him because he freehands his work. The process itself lasted slightly longer than expected, but because he didn't have another customer after me and wanted to not rush his work. He didn't charge me for any breaks he took and for the tattoo I have on me, I think the price was incredibly fair. It's not a piece I'd ever regret and I am incredibly thankful to have found an artist who connects with the Filipino culture as deeply as Joseph does. read more

I went I for a consultation with Joe, he was so kind. He asked me what I was looking for, I showed him a picture of an anotomically correct heart. We scheduled the appointment for a few weeks later. I showed up to the BEAUTIFUL space, excited for my first tattoo. Joe was incredible, he made me feel so at home, and comfortable. He showed me the design that he drew out for me, and I fell in love. More than I expected. I was a little nervous about the pain of the tattoo. He has such a gentile hand, and spirit, I fell asleep twice during the process. The final result of my Tattoo is more than I imagined, and was such a wonderful experience. I will be getting my sleeve soon with this brilliant artist. Thanks so much Joe! read more

Awaken Tattoo & Gallery - Incredible! - Art Galleries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The owner Joseph is outstanding. Easy to work with, patient, talented, and accommodating. Definitely my new permanent artist.

I got a Metatron's cube tattoo with the flower of life inside it yesterday by Joseph. He is very talented and I am very happy with the results. The combination of the linework, dotwork, and shading makes it intricate and beautiful. He was very thorough explaining the process and keeping me comfortable the entire time. The music and atmosphere is also very relaxing. read more

Awaken Tattoo & Gallery - Metatron's cube with the flower of life - Art Galleries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Joseph is an incredible tattoo artist and just a lovely human being. This was my first tattoo and I went with my friend who has been going to him for a while. The original appointment was just for her but he scheduled me in too and worked with me to create the number I envisioned. He was carful and made sure I was comfortable the whole time. Additionally, I let my ID at his shop and he personally delivered it back to my home. Honestly above and beyond. I know I'll go back when I decide my next tattoo and I have been recommending him to everyone! read more

Incredible artists. Just walk through the front door and you know you are in the right place. Best in Chicago. The ONLY place to get your work. Joseph has an original style like no other. read more

Awaken Tattoo & Gallery - Art Galleries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Had a tattoo done by Joseph last mth. I have gotten so many complements and inquiries, I just might ask Joe for a box of business cards! He takes attention to detail. I already know who will be doing my next piece of art as well. I have a few tats already, so I am confident to say this is a professional artist. Do yourself a favor & come here if you want an original & skillful work of art. read more

Awaken Tattoo & Gallery - Art Galleries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Joseph is very unattached to conversations with people. I tried a tattoo with him. I will post a picture for reference so that way if he would like to reply he knows my accusations and claims here are %100 legit. I have the conversation in my phone leading up to my tattoo. I don't know how I convinced myself to in the first place. Anyways.. I receive some work from him for his rate of $250 n hour when our conversation states $200 an hour. Because when our tattoo was finished.. it was payment time and I asked how much for the tattoo. He quoted me $250. Cool. Thought he was giving me a hour deal or break. So I pull out cash and it goes up to $600. Probably cause I have all hundreds and had brought $900 to be safe. And I get to thinking. How in the hell could he want $600 for this? So I tell him I'd pay $500 for the tattoo and tip you $100. Sure. Cause I wanted to establish some work with him. So I try to start discussing my next tattoo/venture with him and we pick a date. Dec 17th. He is less then responding at this point and have a $100 deposit with him on top of the $600 i paid for work he had done. So I ask for my deposit back cause I wanted to just move on and just go else where with myself. But he just blocked me and cut me off entirely. Poor work ethic and community all the way. I mean try it out. Be stuck writing some dumb story like me here! Hahahahah. Not a totally bad tattoo. He's just a shady person when it comes to money. I've seen it in his reviews elsewhere. Do your homework. read more

Awaken Tattoo & Gallery - Art Galleries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Well decorated and clean studio. Love that there is influence from different cultures and art displayed from the artists in the studio themselves. Makes the environment welcoming and shows the different personalities/styles of each individual artist. Joseph was my tattoo artist and he definitely did a great job turning my old tattoo, which I spontaneously got when I was much younger, into a work of art. He made sure I was comfortable throughout the whole process and asked if I needed breaks in between as my session was a few hours long. Joseph pays attention to the small details I would have never guessed could have made my tattoo more beautiful. His work should not go unnoticed!!! read more

My experience with this shop and specifically Joseph otherwise known as b.a.g.w.i.s was disappointedly horrible. I wish I could say kind words, but I'm left with coming on the internet and having to throw shade. The extremely poor communication I received from Joseph consisted of booking 2 appointments, paying a $100 deposit for my spot, and completely being ignored for months and having my appointments be lost. I have tried contacting via phone, text, email, and have had absolutely zero luck getting ahold of him. My first appointment I showed up to, and he booked someone else in my spot, didn't even look like he had a clue who I was. We even had a confirmed time, and he had me come back hours later when I live 40 minutes away. I made another appointment for another tattoo, because don't get me wrong, guy does great work, and leading up to the appointment I had no response when wanting to discuss my desired tattoo. I wish that this wasn't a negative review, I have been over excited to have something exquisite done by Joseph. But I am very displeased with how this whole situation has been handled. I truly hope this never happens to another client of his. I am down $100 that is non-refundable, and now searching for a RELIABLE, and kind caring tattoo artist. not to mention, my sentimental tattoo that was a flower representing my son, was done messily. I showed him a photo of exactly what I wanted. His skill is 100% lacking in my tattoo, and I am honestly disappointed every time I look down at it. I am heartbroken that after years of wanting a piece done by Jospeh, I am left with a rushed tattoo and could have had something done soo much better by literally any other artist out there. read more

My husband went to Joseph off of a referral from my cousin whose tattoos look amazing. As an artist he does really great work. We showed him what we wanted and he came back with something completely different and unexpected. He created pieces for us that were nearly double what we both wanted, but also very detailed, similar to what we showed but in his own style. Being that it was our first tattoos we were intimidated by how much bigger they were, but they also looked really good and we put our trust in his judgment. We were not disappointed!! They came out looking amazing and we couldn't be happier with them! Walking into the place and our whole experience was good too. He spent time to see what we wanted, put on some good reggae music, and took his time with us, offering to take breaks if we needed to. The place is spacious and clean, didn't feel uncomfortable lying down on a table there for a few hours lol. read more

Awaken Tattoo & Gallery - Joseph did great work!! Took a picture of what I wanted and put his own spin on it. - Art Galleries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

If you're looking for a place to get art on your body, this is it. I got a piece of medium-size done here and it was a wonderful experience. Joseph is extremely talented and has the best line-work and attention to detail I've seen so far. If I go back to Chicago I will definitely be making another appointment here. Appointment only. Flexible scheduling. Friendly staff. Cash preferred. read more

I've been really disappointed with my experience here. The owner has rescheduled with me 3 different times last minute (one time not until I got there and he straight up forgot and I live over an hour away) and now he's ignoring my messages when I've been nothing but patient with him. The sleeve I was supposed to get isn't even close to done. This is the last place I'd recommend someone to get a tattoo read more

Joseph is quite possibly the most talented Tattoo artist in the city. His work is well crafted and he truly does care about having customers leave happier than they came in. A true artist and visionary. I would reccomend him to anyone looking for unqiue and intricate pieces. read more

If I could give zero stars I would. I got in contact with Joseph on April 20, 2021. I made an appointment with him and gave a deposit of $100 for July 16 2021. He texts me a day before my appointment letting me know he had an emergency and will not be able to make my appointment. I'm a very understanding person and I'm okay with pushing my date back. So he gives me a new date which is July 29 2021 and he cancels on me again a few days before. At this point I'm frustrated and annoyed because I have had ZERO contact with him after voicing that the new date he is trying to give me does not work for me. I have called the shop, no one answers, I have texted him, emailed him about getting my deposit refunded and still nothing. This is so unprofessional especially for someone who is the owner. I had to take days off of work to only get cancelled on the very last minute each time. It's pretty unbelievable that people like this still have a large clientele. Don't waste your time. You can definitely find someone that values your time as much as they value theirs. read more

Absolutely love joes work. He's amazing with detail and takes your ideas and turns them into beautiful work. He pays close attention to details and his lines are phenomenal. He's done 5 of my tattoos and I love each and every one of them. Clean and soothing environment. read more

the owner was late. i waited two hours for him to come into the store, when i called earlier and he said he would be around. tattoo day comes and he's working. then does a consultation with another person while he gets paid by the hour doing me... then puts on instagram my tattoo but totally with the wrong meaning behind it. such bs. read more

So today I decided to get a tattoo. So I yelped a couple of places close to my job and I came across Awaken Tattoo and Gallery because most places I looked up were appointment only. I went in and they told me that they were appointment when clearly on their yelp page it's says walk in's are welcome. They could've taken me in today. I just wanted a simple date tattoo. read more

A friend had a tattoo done here and the artist kept leaving to smoke every 30mins. Took forever, never finished, and charged an insane amount. Watched the whole thing and what little was done during half the day being there looked so bad to top it all off. read more

Joseph literally did an unreal job on my tattoo. I called one day and got an appointment immediately for that afternoon. He helped me to piece together the exact thing that I wanted on photoshop and because he wanted the placement to be perfect, patiently replaced, re-wiped, and replaced the stencil on again and again until he was sure it would be perfectly straight once he set the ink in. I honestly felt like I was taking a risk getting a difficult tattoo like the one I got at a new shop with someone whom I had just decided to try out. He free handed the most difficult part, and when I looked at my arm at the end of the session (I was too scared to watch because I didn't know how it would turn out) it was literally so beautiful and even beyond what I thought could have been made possible. It's truly a one of a kind tattoo with a lot of meaning that turned out amazing. I get so many compliments from strangers and friends who also ask "how did he even do the colors like that?!" Will definitely go back in the future and have seen pictures of other work on different people that look absolutely amazing as well. Pricing was fair, and I felt like I got the most out of every dollar that I spent there. Even though it's a new shop, I can tell that he knows what he's doing and has proper experience! read more