I cannot say enough great things about Big Top Tattoo!! This is my fourth but first at Big Top, I'll never go anywhere else but here again. This tattoo was in memory of my mom-in-law who passed away two years ago, so it was very special to me. My niece had designed it and I brought in a print out. Davey James took her design and created a masterpiece on my arm. The detail is incredible and it's better than I expected! I LOVE it!! My niece went with me and had the same tattoo done, it was her first. Again Davey did an amazing job and was so great with her, leaving her with a great experience for her first tattoo. If you are looking for a great environment, this is the place. If you are looking for a tattoo artist with artistic talent, this is the place. If you are looking for a shop with great personality, this is the place. Thank you Big Top and especially Davey James!! read more

Big Top Tattoo - Amazing tattoo, by Davey James. - Tattoo Near Me - Utica, Michigan

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The service is always professional and the artists are friendly. The quality is top notch across all different styles. The shop is decorated in a very eccentric and cool manner, it's like walking into a museum. I highly recommend this shop. read more

Unless you want to talked down to like you are a child of single digits, then this is your place. Walked in on my birthday to get a wrist tattoo of a palm tree with three other friends. The guy in the center tattooing was condescending and rude. At one point he told us to be quiet as we talking amongst ourselves . WTF, am I in a library? Decided upon not to get the tattoo. RULE 1: if a place makes you uncomfortable, do not do it. Glad I stuck to my decision as my other two friends got theirs which was larger than they wanted and not the design they wanted as they were told "that has too much detail (on a palm tree..really?!) but we can do an outline of a palm tree". ummm, noooo. $60 dollars later for a permanent tattoo that they did not envisioned that was larger than the design they brought in. Worst. Place. Ever. If I could get this place in -5 I would. read more

Big Top Tattoo - Inside - Tattoo Near Me - Utica, Michigan

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I had wanted a tattoo for 3 years and finally decided to get it done, Joe was amazing, respectful, beyond accommodating and did an awesome job! I am so happy with how it turned out, it's exactly what I wanted, and I thought this was my last tattoo but after such a great experience it may not be! I can't recommend Joe enough, he made the experience so comfortable and I was relaxed the whole time, go check him out! read more

Big Top Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Utica, Michigan

You def wanna skip on this place. Very unprofessional. Dan (the owner) clearly has anger issues and shouldn't be tattooing. Over the past year I've been there I've noticed that everyone that has worked for him or just started to work for him, always end up leaving (big red flag). Watching him lash out on customers for just walking in and asking questions, and from him lashing out on me for asking for a minor adjustment on a tattoo. if you decide you want to get tattooed by this unstable person, good luck. read more

I wish that the person I was getting a tattoo by would have worked with me(was going to get a sleeve from him) even though I was arriving late he was still going to charge me by the hour as if I came in I canceled that day due to his professionalism he claimed that I could continue to come in or cancel either way he still had my 200$ deposit. I was trying to keep in contact with him throughout the whole process but he would barely return my texts and when I texted him about me receiving a tattoo he had not remembered nor cared about what I wanted on my body. I'm glad this experience has happened to me because I will not be coming back to this place ever again. That really left a bad taste in my mouth. You can't treat people like this and expect people to do business with you. read more

Davey James was amazing! My two friends and I were first-timers and he explained everything very well, made sure we knew exactly what we wanted, and made great recommendations. He was very easy going and listened to all our concerns and questions. He also did a beautiful, phenomenal job on all our tattoos, some of them had delicate line work and I was extremely impressed. I couldn't be happier. If I get another one, I know exactly where to go and who to go to! Thank you for making my first tattoo experience a great one! read more

Oh man, i love Big Top Tattoo!! Way out in Utica it's well worth the drive or even a day trip for any tattooing needs you got. I trust Mark Heggie and Dan Rick with any idea I have! Big Top is mostly a custom shop and as such you are best off going in and looking at books and talking about your ideas to pick the best artist for you. Appointments can book far out depending on what you want, but it is more than worth it. They do walk-ins and accomodate desired appointment dates when possible. Really talented artists with great feedback so you get things right (colors, placement, ideas, etc), great aftercare advice and a really clean shop - I am devoted. read more

I have nothing but fabulous things to say about Big Top Tattoo. The majority of my tattoos are by Josh but I also have been tattooed by Mark. Every artist here is never anything but professional and friendly. If you're having a bad day ask Mark to tell you a joke, you won't regret it. But really in all seriousness they all do wonderful work! Anytime I've had any concern about a tattoo they're on top of answering my questions. When asking about prospective tattoos you can tell they care because they will tell you what they think will look good and what won't. They're not just gonna slap a tattoo on you and call it good, they want it to look good and to last. read more

The first time I was tattooed in Michigan I went to Signature Tattoo in Ferndale and saw Joey G. I followed this young man (he's 29) to Big Top to get my 2nd MI tattoo and was not disappointed. This guy has talent, he is an artist, and the best thing about Signature and Big Top is that they do not employ anyone that is not a true artist. Joey put a nice big scorpion on my hip but the thing is, he makes the tattoo fit your body. He designed and placed my scorpion in a way that just flows with me. I'll post a pic soon. I will not go anywhere else and I would recommend either and/or both shops to anyone. You will not be disappointed!!!!! read more

Just went and got a tattoo for my daughter with my sister and mother and couldn't be happier! Tessa was her tattoo artist and she was amazing! The cost was reasonable and the work was great! I showed Tessa the design I wanted but wanted to make it my own by changing it up some and she did such an amazing job and figuring out exactly what I wanted!! My daughter has down syndrome so we all went in for #TheLuckyFewTattoo. My daughter is also my rainbow baby so I had to incorporate a rainbow somehow! Tessa explained why what I was thinking wasn't going to work and made it even better! I will be going back here everyone was friendly and most of all the place was clean!!!!!! I even used the restroom and that was clean! I will definitely be recommending Big Top tattoos!! read more

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Between Big Top and Signaturetattoo in Ferndale, if you're looking for a tattoo either of these places are the best in the metro Detroit area. They have the best tattooers, their work is great, nicest people. Big Top and Signature are owned by the great partnership of Dan Rick and Mark Heggie and its like a family! I won't be going anywhere but these two places to get work done. Keep in mind that the tattooers in these shops know what they are doing. If they have suggestions, I'd listen to them, they've got decades of tattoo experience. Signature in Ferndale seems to be their street shop and Big top their appt shop but go to either and you'll be well taken care of. All the dudes love their work and you can tell. As I said earlier, I would not get tattoed anywhere else in the metro Detroit area. Big Top and Signature are far and above the best places to get tattooed. read more

Awesome shop. Everyone is friendly and made me feel at ease! Loaf did my tattoo and he was very talented and professional. Very reasonable pricing, I'll definitely head back there next time I want a tattoo. read more

Great place! All the artists are very nice. Lorne did mine and he was amazing. He talked me through everything and totally eliminated my nervousness. He was very helpful in working with my design. Ease of communication through texting was appreciated as well. My tattoo looks awesome!! Totally recommend read more

Came in as a walk in and was lucky enough to get in with Mark. Clean and cool environment. Mark is hilarious and seriously amazing at what he does. Wish I came here for my first tattoo! Already planning my next one. read more

Clean, sterile and great environment to get a tattoo. Great artists with fun personalities (I don't know what that first poster was talking about...). I have only 1 tattoo and it took me a lot of research and time before I went somewhere to get it done. I finally chose Big Top and I'm so happy I made that decision. Mark Heggie did my piece and I whole-heartedly recommend him to others. He was careful and diligent with creating my design and working with me to make it just how I wanted. He is a talented artist. Mark also works at a new location, Signature, in Ferndale. read more

This place is great! Loaf is the man and did a great job on my shoulder piece. Will definately be coming back for my next tattoo here.

First and last tattoo. I wanted something to stand out and Josh did an awesome job creating a realistic Eagle and script. I would recommend either Josh or any of the other artists if your doing your first or 20th tattoo. Clean, great place! read more

If you are looking for top notch work by friendly, creative artists in a clean, inviting shop - you want the guys at Big Top. (sorry for the rhyme.) Mark Heggie designed three beautiful roses - each unique but obviously related to the others - for me, my brother, and my dad (his first tattoo!) as a tribute to my mom. He was efficient, incredibly helpful in offering guidance on design and placement, and damn fun to work with. I love that every time I look over my shoulder, I'll see a truly lovely reminder of my amazing mom. And, I know that my brother and my dad feel the same way about their roses. I'll definitely be going back - workign with Heggie is totally worth the trip from Minneapolis! read more

Tessa is the bomb here! She did a great job on mine and my friends ink and even offered to touch up some ink I got from a different shop. She's easy to talk to, takes her time, and tries to understand your vision. read more

What a shit hole ive been once ill never go again got my 2nd tattoo ever from then a small piece price was very good for the location acrually got it cheaper then what it goes for that i liked but the attitude and atmosphere in this place is very uncomfortable the tattoo artists were all weird as hell dont think ill be going back read more

I had originally given a $100 deposit to Loaf for a tattoo. After I gave this deposit I found out I needed back surgery and had politely asked for my deposit back (especially since he had not drawn up anything yet.) He refused the refund. After my surgery I had once again called and asked for the money back because I was moving to California, once again he said no and told me we could schedule something once I come home for Christmas. Well now I sent him an email on September 29th and have still not heard anything about scheduling an appointment. What a scam. No drawing no nothing. Free Money for the man read more

I love Big Top Tattoo! Mark Heggie did a cover up on my back the other day and I love it! I could not be happier with the design, his work, or his ability to keep me calm through a very painful process. I highly recommend him if you are looking for someone to do a more serious piece for you. He is a true artist and I definitely plan on coming back for more! He is NOT cheap but worth every penny. He also books many months out, so plan ahead. read more

I only have 1 small tattoo but I got it done at Big Top and they were awesome. I actually went to Eternal first based off of a recommendation but when I walked in, the guy wouldnt put my tattoo where I wanted it and even though it would only take 10 minutes, he told me he didnt have time to do it because he had a customer coming in 45 minutes and scheduled me for 3 weeks later... I wanted it done that day so I went to Big Top because a friend of mine has gotten 4 tattoos done there. I walked in, told them what I wanted, asked if they could do it and he said "hop up on the table". He had it drawn up and stenciled on my ankle in 5 minutes. The tattoo only took 10 minutes and I love it. So a big plus to them for taking me on a walk in! I was super nervous since it was my first tattoo but Josh was talking to me and trying to distract me. Other guys were joking and talking with me too. All around a great and fun experience (minus the pain) read more

If I could give negative stars, I would. When I walked into the place to make an appointment and to talk about the tattoo I wanted, the guy I was talking to wanted to upsell me and make the tattoo I wanted 10x bigger than I told him I would want it. Also, he did not really listen to the style I wanted, at all. We set an appointment for me to come in and see one of the other artists and I agreed, based on being able to talk to the other artist about my actual wish. Two hours before my appointment I get a call from the guy who I was supposed to meet with and he tells me that he didn't know if I was still coming in so he had another appointment scheduled a half hour before mine. Knowing that he would not be able to fit me in the time slot that I managed to keep free in my schedule. When I said that it upsets me to just be scheduled over and that it was not easy to carve out this time slot, he told me to calm down and almost yelled at me. Seriously, being clearly treated as a second class citizen of lower importance than someone else and called 2 hours before the appointment and not a day or two ahead is absolutely unacceptable! And being told to calm down when saying in a calm manner that it really is not appropriate to tell me two hours before my appointment that I would not be able to fit in, is absolutely unprofessional. Waste of my time!!! read more

Lorne did a great job on a large rib tattoo. Professional and talented. Only my second ink, but I highly recommend Big Top. True artists read more

Big Top Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Utica, Michigan

Awesome place for a tattoo! The people working there are incredible artists fun and very professional.

When I first came in I showed the artist the design I wanted and where I wanted it. He was working on somebody else but gave me a quote and then told me to come back in 45 minutes. Which was nice to know instead of waiting around. When I got back he asked me the particulars about the design and was quite helpful. It was only a small design on my back so it took only a half hour at most. It's been a couple months now and I am still happy with the tattoo. Just an FYI though they only take cash which kind of sucks because I had to go to the bank to pay instead of just using my debit/credit card. read more

Big Top is everything you want in a tattoo shop. The shop is very clean and they keep to an extremely safe standard of hygiene. All the artists at Big Top are incredible at their work. Heggie does all my tattoos and I love everything he does! I've seen work done by all of the guys and I'm continually blown away by the level of their talent. And on top of all of that, everyone in the shop is super cool to talk with. Really nice guys. Big Top and Signature are the only shops I go to. You should do the same. read more

I have several tattoos and have been to many tattoo shops over the past two decades. Big Top Tattoo has the feel of a true tattoo shop. The artists are top notch, funny and make you feel at hope. You have to be able to dish it out as well as take it here, but to most, that's the fun at this shop. I agree that they are a custom shop. They do handle walk-ins, but the majority of their business is custom work by appointment. I've had tattoos done by Josh Fallon and am starting work on one with Dan Ricks int he near future. They both do great work and I get lots of compliments on my ink from Big Top. Many of my friends have gotten work done there...all have good feedback. If I'm lucky, one day I'll get a Mark Heggie tattoo, as well. read more

effing wow! lorne worked on me and i left with my new favorite tattoo. i have several tats but never felt the urge to commit to any of those artists. I'm happy to say I've found my guy! cool guy, great lines, can't wait to go back for more! read more

I had a great experience at Big Top Tattoo. Everyone of the staff members was very friendly and welcoming. After explaining my idea and draft I was suggested Loaf being the right person for what I wanted. He was very focused on his work, made me comfortable during the tattooing and worked with me on the changes I wanted trying to micromanage every detail :) read more

Went to Big Top tattoo after deciding I wanted one that showed the three things that helped me during my fight with breast cancer. Hope, Faith, Love. I was a walk in and showed Loaf what I wanted. He drew it up and did a great job!! I was a little nervous but he made me feel at ease and did an amazing job!! I would highly recommend this place. Friendly, professional and clean. read more

I got a pretty decent sized tattoo on my back and for pretty resonably priced. They did amazing work! Now for the bad news. I just went in to get my dog's paw print and they wanted to charge me the same price as my other tattoo. Thing is the paw print would've been a lot less shading, a lot less time consuming, and a lot smaller. To top off big top, my friend got her dog's print there for $60 and wanted me to pay $140. Apparently they thought I was stupid, but seriously the guys are complete jerks there!! read more