Hitler could have been the greatest artist on the planet, but no one would know because no self…read morerespecting individual would hang that assholes work on their walls. The same perspective should go for tattoo work. If the artist is a dirtbag, don't display their work. Joe Beatty and his crew of beautiful artisans, are courageous and exquisite. Their professional and always on point. Creative and intuitive trades people of highest order.... And above all I not only trust them with my canvas, I'd trust them as a gift to their community.

Took my daughter in for a nose piercing before high school started. The entire experience was…read moreamazing. The woman piercing was outstanding, took her time, made my daughter feel at ease. Cannot say enough expect damn professional. The gentlemen checking us in awesome as well

My peircrining was done perfectly well one two and three and done I love the place Macus is amazing…read morefive stars all around

They did a great job on the tattoo my sister and I got! Everyone was friendly and kind.read more

We had an amazing experience with this shop. Madison was professional and accommodating. The…read moreatmosphere was clean and inviting. The whole staff was so friendly. If you are looking to have work done, I would highly recommend this business. Fair pricing. I will definitely be back to work with Madison again. Thank you Area51 tattoo!!!

Wanted a memorial piece to honor the two most important men in my life, and was referred here by my…read moreGF, who'd gotten more than a few pieces done by these cats. Dakota not only knocked it out of the park, he was the consummate professional, and demonstrated a profound understanding of how important his job is when it comes to deeply personal works of skin art. I've had work done from Germany to Joliet Penitentiary, and more than a few places in between, and this experience by far was the most sublimely pleasant. One of the many reasons I love Crystal Lake and life in the far suburbs, and one of the many reasons I'll have to make the drive back out here when I end up having to move back to the city in a few weeks.

My friend and I got our doubles pierced here and everything went smoothly! We just walked in and…read moreDan was very chill and knowledgeable with what he was doing. It was a long time since my friend and I have been pierced, and he put on some sick music that helped relax us and answered all of our questions so it was great. The price was $60 for doubles which included the jewelry, which was not bad at all when comparing other shops around Crystal Lake. Will definitely be returning in the future for my next one!

He is super nice!! My friend got her nose done and got a little nauseous and he was super cool…read moreabout it. I got my belly button done somewhere else and he cleaned it and took it out for me. He actually cares and wouldn't put in a new one bc it was so badly infected which is really good that he cares that it heals correctly. Super funny too we were both comfortable and everything. I have gotten many piercings and he was the best. I recommend him 100% for piercings!!

After calling around to a few tattoo and piercing shops in the Schaumburg area, I happened to call…read moreThe Piercery--and I'm so glad I did. Debbie answered the phone and immediately stood out. She took the time to thoroughly explain the Daith piercing to me, walking me through what to expect, how to prepare, and what aftercare would involve. Her patience and knowledge made me feel so comfortable and reassured that I decided to book with her right away. When I arrived, everything was just as she described--clean, professional, and welcoming. The entire experience exceeded my expectations. I'm already looking forward to coming back to get my other ear pierced. If you're considering a piercing and want someone who truly takes the time to educate and care for their clients, I highly recommend The Piercery. It's definitely a hidden gem in the area--totally worth the drive!

Debbie's piercings were perfection. She gave me great recommendations on jewelry, placement and…read moreaftercare and her experience piercing was evident throughout. I'll be back :).

Jonny Baker is a master artist. I'm a first timer and he took the time to understand my goal and to…read morefully explain each step of the the process. His detailed after care plan resulted inn zero irritation an a quick heal. I strongly recommend connecting with Jonny @The Thin Line.

My colleague recommended this place and we're happy we were able to book an appointment with them…read more My mother in law wanted to get a tattoo and we wanted to go with a location that would provide the best quality of service. We were not disappointed. We scheduled a time with Charlie, who listen to what my MIL wanted and was able to bring her vision to life. This is her first tattoo! She did not experience much pain and had overall a good experience. We will certainly be back for our turn! Thank you to the team and Charlie for making this happen!

Jacob Caso at Blue Magic Tattoo (366 W Virginia St, Crystal Lake, IL 60014) is hands-down the best…read moretattoo artist I've ever worked with. I brought in an AI-generated design as a memorial tribute to my best friend and business partner who passed away at 40 from cancer--a hammer/pickaxe wrapped in a purple-and-green camouflage-patterned awareness ribbon with his initials "CP," set on a brick foundation. Jacob listened intently, understood the deep personal meaning, and treated the piece with genuine care and zero ego. He took my concept and elevated it 1,000 times better: flawless thick black outlines, exaggerated New School cartoon proportions, vibrant saturated colors in perfect flat blocks, and impeccable execution that makes the symbolism (tools "hammering" cancer) pop with uplifting energy. With over 15 tattoos from different shops, this one is superior in every way--crisp lines, rich color packing, beautiful healing, and unmatched detail. Jacob's passion for his craft is obvious, and his skill is elite. If you're looking for high-end, meaningful custom work, book with Jacob (Jake) at Blue Magic Tattoo--you won't find better. 10/10 recommend. Thank you, Jacob, for honoring my friend's memory so perfectly.

Hi Just came by to get my 3rd tattoo here at Blue Magic by…read moreFern. First of all my Tat came out amazing so vibrant and detailed!!! Just love the work and I already scheduled my next one with him. Not to mention the shop is extremely clean, welcoming and everyone is so friendly. Can't wait to come back

Greetings! What do…read moreyou know about the local legends in the Northwest Suburbs.? Today's installment features Bead World, an absolute gem and what I truly love about local small business owners. I first learned about Bead World when our daughter got her ears pierced for the first time. Bobby was everything this over protective father needed to allay any first piercing jitters that I had... Our daughter had her second piercings done at Bead World and suffice to say that Bobby is a consummate professional in the world of piercing. He explained the entire process, focused on sterilization techniques, and put our minds at ease in every way possible. He is truly gifted for this role. The shop is spotless and the piercing process took place with precision. Aside from the piercing aspect of Bead World, the namesake hobby of beading is well represented as far as this beading noob can discern. Theres something for everyone at Bead World...so you'll never know what you'll find. Last time I was there I bought a spectacular totem pole! Hats off to this family-run neighborhood gem! Until next time...tk

Sweetest family owned small business around for 30+ years! Bobby did a great job with our 6yo's ear…read morepiercing. Very thorough after care instructions. Felt great comfort coming here knowing their focused expertise and experience!!

Christian gave me my first (and only so far) tattoo. It was a very nonchalant experience, I told…read morehim what I was looking for, sent him a few pictures, he mocked the drawing up, I revised twice and he happily obliged with re-sketching them. I was surprised with how laid-back everything was, especially because I had to re-schedule my original appointment, showed up late and was indecisive (went with the 1st sketch he drew for me in the end) The tattoo I chose was a fox (pure coincidence the place was called fox valley tattoo). It is a full color tattoo, he tried to sway me from having a blue background and I now understand why however if I could go back and change something I would not dare. He asked me what I wanted to watch on TV but I let him decide as I wanted the guy doing the work to be more relaxed than I myself (makes sense, who want's a tattoo from someone who isn't in an artsy mood) The price was PERFECT, that's all i can say about cost. Go get an estimate and you will see. I will be returning form my next tattoo very soon.

Tattoo and piercing prices are affordable. Christian does amazing tattoos. Both him and Matt are…read morevery welcoming and informative. Definitely would recommend for anyone to get work done here.

I have been wanting to get my nose pierced for over 10 years, but never got up the courage to do…read moreit! I spent several hours looking for a trustworthy piercing shop in my area, and finally exhaled when I found Electric Tattoo Parlor! I scheduled an appointment online with Ian for about a week out. I arrived to my appointment on time and Ian was there to welcome me! It was very clean inside and I appreciated that piercings are done in a private room in the back. Ian walked me through the whole process and showed me how everything is sterilized before the piercing. He quickly put me at ease! Ian did a great job with my nose piercing and walked me through aftercare. I was able to get everything I needed for aftercare at the shop. He also has you come back 2-4 weeks after the piercing for a checkup and to swap out to a shorter post! The fact that they have you come back to ensure the piercing is healing well shows that they actually care about the quality of their work. I only had my piercing yesterday, but I LOVE it and I'm so happy with my experience and how it turned out. I have already recommended Electric Tattoo to several friends and will DEFINITELY go back whenever I want another piercing!

I have been here on several occasions. Nate and Skye have done work on me they are amazing. My…read moredaughter and Bestie have also gotten work from Emily as well. Al beautiful. Go here you wont be sorry!!