I just got my most recent tattoo at Blu Gorilla and I could not be more thrilled. I worked with Ashley and holy crap - that girl blew my expectations out of the water. I have to admit I was a bit nervous after my consultation. I wasn't doing a great job of explaining what I wanted and I could tell she was a little confused (totally not her fault) on what I was looking for. I showed her a few pictures and did my best but wasn't sure what I was going to see at my appointment the next day. When I got there the following day she came out and showed me what she had come up with and it was even better than what I had in my head. It was so perfect that I actually got tears in my eyes (it's a bit of a sentimental tat)! Her attention to detail, her want to make sure that I was perfectly happy with the placement, layout etc was incredible. This girl knows her sh*t and she won't settle for less than perfection. She took the time to make sure every detail was right and was totally open to a couple of tweaks along the way including some additional shading - which she nailed with a lighter color fade (again, her idea). Not to mention she's ridiculously cool and we had a killer conversation about our shared NYC backgrounds and a few other hilarious things that are better left between us. Bottom line, I won't be going to any other artists in Charleston for as long as she's here. Overall the experience was awesome. My best friend who was in town from NY also got a tattoo and we both had great experiences with the staff at BG. If you want a tattoo look no further - these guys are the best! read more

Everytime I've come in I've have had nothing but the best experience at blu gorilla. Rex is always welcoming and makes what could be a nerve racking experience (maybe a first tattoo) a little easier. Then the wonderful tattoos I've gotten from Ashley have never disappointed, nothing but "oh wow that's awesome. Where did you get that?" Once again awesome shop awesome people and amazing tattoos read more

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First off!!! I am very cautious about how any artwork(tattoo) on my body looks! I did my research checked different websites so I decided on Blu Gorilla downtown on meeting st. Everyone was so friendly. Christina did my tattoo and she was AMAZINGGG it was everything i wanted and more. i am so ecstatic about my new tattoo and the tattoos to come people she now has a new regular because i will be back!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND BLU GORILLA DOWNTOWN! Prices are affordable i felt really at home and comfortable! read more

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Clean shop and great atmosphere. Got my first Tattoo done by Jimmy. He was quick and done an awesome job. Definitely a professional artist with tons of experience. Would highly recommend Jimmy to any of my friends. A+ overall experience. read more

I went to Blu Gorilla to get a family crest done. The staff is friendly and knows their stuff. I got my work done by Chuck. I would highly recommend him. He was an enjoyable artist to work with, and did great work. I was very happy with the outcome and the experience. I will definitely be returning here for my work as long as I am in Charleston, and will be recommending Blu Gorilla to my friends as well. read more

Blu Gorilla Tattoo - Family Crest - Tattoo Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Fantastic tattoo experience today! I rode along with my daughter, who was getting a tattoo her pet Rabbit, Roger, who recently passed away. We found the tattoo shop to be clean, well lit and well maintained, and Steve the tattoo artist (a.k.a. Red Beard) was patient, talented and very focused on ensuring that we had a wonderful experience. I can't say enough about both the talent of the artist and the quality of the tattoo, for a very reasonable price. Highly recommended! read more

I saw Raymond's work online and immediately liked his style. I've been looking for a nearby artist who would do the watercolor style tattoo I've been looking forward to getting. I didn't have much good advice on where to go But I'm happy with who I choose. Raymond was nice and really funny. We have another session left to do That I'm looking forward to. Between my intricate shading working and Raymond being slightly under the weather the tattoo was slow moving. The results? Beautiful. I love it. The prices were more than fair. I can't wait for it to finish and heal. Even half done I've received tons of compliments. I'll be back for a few! read more

Blu Gorilla Tattoo - Half done watercolor raven - Tattoo Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

If you're thinking about getting a tattoo you will def not regret setting up an appointment with Brad, he is amazing at what he does and makes the whole experience very easy! read more

Nic Rummel is a tattoo GENIUS!! I was really nervous because my tattoo has a lot of straight lines, so I needed to find someone REALLY good with a meticulous eye. Nic nailed the line work and made it look even BETTER than the picture! I trusted his judgement and not only did he give it depth and detail... he gave it LIFE!! I could not be more thrilled and am already working on my next tattoo that Nic will DEFINITELY be doing! HIGHLY Recommend Nic Rummel at the big Blu Gorilla tattoo shop on Meeting St!! read more

Simply put: Ashley has tattooed me three times, she is always enthusiastic about the work, and does a great job. I will likely never go see another artist. read more

Went in for a couple of quick little walk-in jobs, left in less than an hour! Ashley hooked us up!

I recently traveled to Charleston for some R&R and wanted to get a piece done to remember this gorgeous city. I decide to head over to Blu Gorilla after I saw many great reviews about the place. I met with Tattoo Artist Brent and explained what I wanted done. He took my suggestions down and came up with a great design. I was given a same day appointment by the very attentive and professional font desk staff. I would highly recommend this shop to anyone that wants a quality piece. read more

Blu Gorilla Tattoo - Brent at his best at Blu Gorilla tattoo shop. - Tattoo Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

My Son and I today both experienced Ashley's work and couldn't be happier. From the great receptionist to the final product. Excellent detail, no drama and wonderful conversationalist. Thank you Ashley M. Frank C. read more

I had a really great experience with Blu Gorilla. Everything went really smooth; signing in, they were on time, and my tattoo turned out great. I liked that they have premade tattoo care cards for those who dont know how to treat tattoos. My only recommendation is to make an appointment. I booked mine on a Tuesday for Saturday and when I walked in Saturday they were so full they couldn't accept anymore people. read more

We decided to get matching tattoos on a girls weekend and read the reviews for the shop. We had Ashley do our tattoo. She is awesome as it was my daughters first tattoo. Ashley helped her choose a location for the tattoo and dealt with her perfectly! Will be going back to see her to do another tattoo soon! Ashley did 3 matching tattoos. She is so awesome! read more

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We were in Charleston for a bachelorette party and made an appointment with Kourt. We all wanted an outline of a dinosaurs with the exception of a couple who wanted theirs in a simple origami style. We waited for an hour and a half and came out with huge pictures and said he couldn't make them any smaller. He was also super aggressive and rude about us questioning what he had drawn. He basically blamed us for not talking to him when he didn't try to communicate with us about anything. We ended up forfeiting the deposit and leaving because it was incredibly unprofessional. read more

Had a great experience today with Kenny-Wayne. He took my two ideas that I shared with him and came up with a small added touch that made my first tattoo extra special. Thanks Kenny-Wayne and Kort for being so gracious to us! read more

My sister and I were in CHS visiting for the weekend. We booked an appointment with Ashley B and sent her through some images of what we were looking to get done. She took into consideration each of our requests and FAR surpassed our expectations. Ashley, we LOVE our small little pieces. Would recommend her to anyone - we will definitely be back! read more

We went as a group of 4 siblings to get matching tattoos that we all agreed on for multiple symbolic reasons. However, we needed our tattoo small enough on our wrist that we could cover with jewelry or a watch at times. We were lectured and looked upon with disgust for our every request. We were told it needed to be larger and up our arms away from the wrinkle of our wrists for "sustainability." They insisted that the wrist would force the ink out and cause fading. However, that is where we wanted them. If they fade, we could always touch them up. It made no sense to me... what I WANT could fade and require touching up; so instead you want me to get what I DO NOT want cause it will last FOREVER. We suggested white ink instead so it would be easier to camouflage. By the looks we received, you'd think that we had just keyed their cars. She told us that wasn't the kind of artist she was. It was a very simple tattoo. 4 dots. We didn't go there because we were looking to purchase a piece of her art. We went because they were the "best." It wasn't my understanding that "the best," meant I needed their personal approval of my tastes. I thought the best meant professional, safe, and well done. So, if you want a Holly original on your body forever that she can be proud of, head to Blu Gorilla. If you want a design that means something to YOU on your body, in a location that works for YOU; hit another tattoo shop. Or- do what I did... skip the tattoo all together. I gave two stars instead of 1 because Tristan wasn't rude. The shop looked clean. Holly is obviously passionate about her craft. She is not kind and treated us like we were below her. I offered to pay for our reservation since we took up her time. She said that she couldn't charge us without giving us a tattoo and that she would just keep our deposit. Unfortunately, we never paid a deposit so I guess we got a full dose of angst and judgment for free. read more

I had such a good experience at Blu Gorilla yesterday! I had a large tattoo that I wanted covered up & was told it couldn't be done by another tattoo artist in Charleston. Nic came up with the perfect pattern & transformed my arm. You cannot tell at all that another tattoo had ever been there...I will definitely being going back to Nic for future tattoos!! read more

Awesome work done by Brad. I just wanted a simple under-breast tattoo done in black ink with a watercolor-style peony incorporated into the design (an expression in Farsi which I had on hand in the correct script). Brad immediately understood what I wanted and the entire process was quick and easy, and the results beautiful. I would definitely recommend a consultation with Brad at Blu Gorilla for your next piece of body art. read more

Went in to get appointments set up for my brother, myself and my wife. Wife ends up putting a $40 deposit on her appointment, Robin tells us to email him my brothers and my ideas. My wife tries to show up to her appointment, turns out he didn't want to show to work, luckily their brother store was able to get her in. My brother and I haven't heard anything back after 2 weeks and phone calls. Found a new tattoo shop over in Summerville, will be taking my business their along with my brothers. read more

Husband and I went here to get a tattoo from Jefferson. Made an appointment a couple days down the road. Showed up to see him high tail it out of the room after making eye contact. The guy at the front proceeded to tell us he had a medical issue. Jefferson was there and didnt even come to explain why. I wouldnt suggest getting a tattoo from someone with no integrity. In the long run, its a blessing we didnt. read more

Ashley is a kick ass tattoo artist! She is super personable and I will definitely be coming back for more tattoos from her!

I was visiting from out-of-state and made an appointment here to commemorate my travels. I booked a session with one of the artists two weeks ahead explaining what I wanted and was asked to provide reference photos. I also received two reminders about my appointment - a phone call and a text message. I arrived a few minutes early and was greeted by a friendly girl at the counter but felt completely ignored by the artist who stood only feet away from me. I had to restate what I was looking to have done and had to rummage through my emails to find the date I had sent the reference photos so the girl at the counter could find it in their inbox, as the photos were never looked at during the two weeks. It isn't terribly unusual for artists to mock something small up the day of, but I was called specifically to send these photos prior to my appointment, so I was a little surprised something hadn't been drawn up already. When I had called to make the appointment, I had clearly stated I was looking to have two small tattoos done. When I got to my appointment and filled out the proper forms, I described each tattoo and where they would be located. Once everything was set, I was called over to the booth area but still no introductions were made. The tattoo that was drawn up was placed. It wasn't in the greatest spot so it took a few minutes of adjustments. During this time, another artist was called over for thoughts, and I felt as though I was being mocked about both what I wanted and where I wanted it. Not exactly the greatest feeling. The second tattoo I wanted is traditionally drawn right on the skin, so I didn't think anything of it. The experience of getting the tattoo was pretty good. I chatted with the artist, who seemed a little less stand-offish once we were one-on-one. It was quick, it hardly felt it, and it came out perfectly. Once my first one was finished, though, I was quickly thanked and directed to the counter where I could pay. As I was sitting, the artist made two more appointments after mine. Seeing as they were both walk-ins and mine was actually scheduled, I figured my slot was set for the time it would take to finish both pieces, but my second request was blatantly ignored, and at that point, people were waiting, and I didn't want to make a big deal out of it. It would have been completely fine had it been acknowledged and I had just been told to choose between what I wanted. This was my overall experience, and it's really unfortunate because I chose to go to that shop for that artist and the work that artist does, because it's phenomenal, and my time and investment were brushed off for a what the artist felt was a more interesting thing to tattoo and to hang out with a friend. The artist went right back to very blank and generic responses as I was given aftercare instructions. The tattoo I have, I love and have received many compliments on, but the personal interactions were definitely lacking in this shop. :/ read more

Jose did an amazing job to meet my high expectations! He made me feel comfortable and kept me laughing during the whole process. I gave him an idea and he knew exactly how to work with what I wanted in a way that complimented my arm perfectly. He's creative and a true artist! I'll be back!! read more

Ashley is the best. This tattoo shop is professional and clean!! Never going anywhere else again. They take their time to make sure you are happy with your tatt, are comfortable and the artists are extremely talented!! read more

My friend and I got tattoos here a few months ago and I forgot to post a review earlier. I am not even sure what the name of our tattoo artist was, but I do remember that he smelled like cigarette smoke because he went out for a break and when he came back in, the smell was very strong. I had roman numerals on my left shoulder blade and my friend had roman numerals on her foot. We stopped in earlier in the day and made an appointment for 7 pm, when we made the appointment they suggested that we come earlier because they wouldn't be busy during that time because the artist had a quick appointment before ours. We arrived at 630 and was told to come back at 7, we went to the brewery next door, came back at 730 and was told they still weren't ready, came back again at 8 and were finally seen at 830 for our 7 pm appointment. Our artist made sure to let us know that he would be missing out on a date that evening since he was working late, not our fault though. We were given verbal directions for our tattoos but had to look it up again on the website to make sure we were taking care of it correctly. My tattoo looks pretty good (8/10) but you can tell that some of the numbers are darker than others. My friends tattoo took a long time to heal (which we were told) but it definitely needs a touch-up. We live in Atlanta, so the next time we are in town she is going to come in to have it touched up. read more

A few months ago, my husband and I travelled home from Afghanistan. We wanted to get tattoos and unfortunately, didn't look for an artist/shop until the last minute. We went to the Goose Creek location, but they were booked and referred us to the Downtown location. We were able to get appointments with Jose later in the week. Jose tattooed a tribal pattern on my husbands arms and a black and white koi fish on my side. He was very professional and paused when needed. I wasn't sure whether or not I wanted a cover up or to add onto my tattoo, but he made the decision easy! I couldn't have asked for a better cover up - it looks so much better than I thought! He drew out the koi fish and ended up free-handing parts of it. All I have to do now is schedule my second session to do the background!! I'm not sure about any of the other artists, but I definitely recommend Jose!! read more

Ashely was an awesome artist. She did exactly what I was looking for and when some kids started making a ruckus, she put a stop to it, which I appreciated. Would definitely recommend them. read more

Third tattoo I've gotten from these guys (second visit) and still have zero complaints. Very cool and clean shop, nice and talented artists. First two tattoos were by Tim, third was done by Chad, but I would trust everyone read more

Brent was great! Very professional and fast. In an out of the way area, but worth checking out. We were walk ins and done in about an hour.

Artist took advantage of my naivety and overcharged me for a very very very poorly done tattoo. Couldn't keep a straight line and wasn't polite, creative, or helpful. Definitely made my first tattoo a regrettable, unenjoyable experience. I don not recommend this place unless you want a mediocre at best tattoo for a ridiculously high price. read more

Had been wanting a new tattoo for a long while, turning 50 in a week & thought "what better time" right ? I called them about 8:00 pm and spoke to a young lady who said to come on to the shop & there would be someone who could accommodate me .. Anyhow got there, met with Brent & explained what I wanted, he went right to work getting everything ready. Alex was very cool & got me all set up with my paperwork . They both were awesome, everything was really clean and I love My new tattoo!! I would recommend them to anybody looking for some new ink ... Thanks again guys, U Rock read more

Don't be fooled by their claims of doing good work. This shop may have a few good artists, and I WISH I could remember the name of the "artist" who did mine in November of 2008. The tattoo has a whole is just complete crap. I took care of it exactly as instructed and didn't notice any extreme flaking during the healing process. After healed the outline wasn't straight and looked almost polka-dotted as if his hand wasn't steady. The so called "shading" is piss poor and to be honest just talking about it makes me angry! EXTREMELY over priced, BAD tattoos.. and parking is crap too. I will definitely NEVER return and do NOT recommend this shop to ANYONE. Do yourself a favor and give your money to someone with talent!!! read more

Blue Gorilla is cheap tattoos for college kids who don't know what a quality piece looks like. Everything at Blue Gorilla was rushed. I was not put with the artist I was told I would have and nothing was drawn up beforehand. Spend the extra money and go to Iron Lotus. read more

Blu Gorilla Tattoo - Left is Blu Gorilla, right is cover up by Iron Lotus. They both used the same photo. Judge for yourself. - Tattoo Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Zero stars. Incompetent staff cannot work a calendar, lost the printouts of the tattoo I almost got, and acted like they didn't recognize me when I showed up for the appointment they claimed I didn't have. This is not the place to go to for a real tattoo, this is where hipster douchebags go to get flash art out of a book. At least Charleston still has other, better tattoo places. Zero stars. read more

Have to give 1 star for the sheer inability of the booking staff to manage appointments. Went in yesterday as a walk-in with two friends to get small tattoos, were told we needed to make an appt for today and we did. Showed up for the appt today and were told we would have to reschedule because of a walk-in that took longer than expected (?!?). So yesterday, no time for walk-ins because of too many appts, today no time for appts because of too many walk-ins?? Very backwards and unprofessional. We never got a call saying we needed to reschedule and we were coming all the way from Summerville. Went to Roses and Ruins instead and were very happy with the tattoo and the quality of the service. Will not be going back to Blu Gorilla. Zero stars for customer service. read more

kenny our tattoo specialist was amazing! thank you for making us so comfortable! #theohiosisters

After getting ridiculous price quotes for a "simple" armband from surrounding Charleston tattoo parlors (and as I'm just about ready to say f**k Charleston rates- I'll just get the thing in Chicago [where I live]), I stopped into Blu Gorilla and asked a tattooed fella if he worked there. His name: Chuck (of Chucktown)! I took this as a good sign. He quoted me a flat rate that was considerably less than the competition. The staff was very friendly. I was quickly scheduled for my desired slot for my last day of vacation. I felt good that my previous month of obsessing over my armband that I was to get on vacation was again becoming a reality. Fast forward to the day of- Upon further inspection of my design, Chuck was not impressed with the discontinuity of the tribal-thorn weavings. We had spent close to 1/2 hour looking at other designs because Chuck, being the tattoo perfectionist that I perceive him to be, was determined to get me to see things his way. Also he had quizzed a fellow artist in the shop who saw the same error that Chuck did. Apparently my tattoo sucked! Well, I took their statements as encouragement that they ARE great at what they do, and that they DO care about the people that come in there. I did not budge on the tattoo. As I said, I had been obsessing over it! All other ones that I saw looked weak compared to mine. To change my mind at that point would've meant to NOT get a tattoo while on this vacation...and that wasn't happening. I had insisted to him that perhaps he was projecting his matrix-like ability to spot flaws in the continuity of my tribal pattern onto the other 99.9% of society. He was able to set his ego aside and proceed with my request at the very reasonable price that was agreed upon a few days earlier. (I realized after the fact that he never took a pic of my tattoo...he must have REALLY not liked it, lol) The conversations had during the tattooing process were engaging, and I walked away with a kick-ass piece of work around my bicep! Sidenote: The idiots that claim that Blu Gorilla waters down their ink are probably inbred. They are either lying, or they used Neosporin like the group of sissies that they probably are. My tattoo healed nicely, and it is blacker than Michael Jackson in his prime. I am a very satisfied customer! read more