Summary: I went to Cobalt for a large cover up tattoo on my back. They did a horrendous job in our first session. When I complained, Cameron (the owner) was dismissive and insulting. Several other tattoo artists in other shops have validated that this is unacceptable work. I am completing my project at a different shop and have been deeply distressed by this situation, since it's not going to be easy for another artist to fix Cobalt's malpractice. The full story: After seeing Cobalt's great reviews, I contacted Cameron with pictures and details of my cover-up project. He referred me to his apprentice, Belle, because her schedule was open and he was confident she could do the job. I met Belle for a quick consultation. She listened to my concerns, shared some ideas, and conveyed a lot of confidence. I left feeling excited to work with her. At my appointment, she showed me her design (a large mandala) and said the whole cover up would take 4-5 hours to complete. This was quicker than I expected and I was in no rush, but I trusted her judgement. After three hours, Belle said she had mostly completed the line work except for touch-ups to make the weights even throughout. She had made good progress on the coloring and shading. She estimated another 1-2 hours would be needed, and we scheduled a second appointment. Later, at home, I looked closely at photos of Belle's work and my heart sank. The line work is imprecise and lacks any symmetry. It looks rushed. I kept thinking, "this looks like a doodle." I could say more, but the photos speak for themselves. I looked again at the design and was shocked to notice strange glitches that suggest it was made with AI. It's clear where these glitches threw off Belle's line work. I raised my concerns with Belle over text. She claimed that she had planned on redrawing most of the lines, which is not what she told me at the end of our appointment. She insisted she was using a technique called "blood lining," but other artists tell me that blood lines are done either with no ink or very light grey ink, not black, and they should be drawn carefully, not as a sloppy first draft. Belle sent me a rendering of what my completed tattoo would look like, and it shows many of the errors fixed - but it also represents many hours of reworking what she had already drawn. She also denied using AI. I turned to Cameron over text, who offered to take over the project 6-7 months later but would not find time in his schedule sooner or refund me for Belle's time. He said, "If you don't trust Belle, and you're unwilling to wait patiently for me, then I can't help but feel this would have happened no matter which artist you'd chosen." Direct quote. I've since met in-person with a much more experienced tattoo artist who pointed out that, also, the bottom of the tattoo is off center by close to an inch, and the lines of my old tattoo will absolutely show through in areas where Belle said they would be hidden. This artist estimates 10-15 hours of work to make my back tattoo presentable. My take: Cameron was careless in assigning a large mandala cover-up to his apprentice. Belle does not have anywhere near the experience required to handle what I now know is an advanced project. Instead of owning up to his mistake, Cameron doubled down. This shop gets many five star reviews, so they are clearly capable of satisfactory work, but they are evidently not capable of accountability when they make serious mistakes. I feel vandalized and ripped off. Please reconsider trusting these people with your body. read more

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Many a tattoo by Chyenne, and I have never been more satisfied with an artist. She has also tattooed my brother and sister and everyone had been NOTHING but happy. Belle also pierced my son's ears and Cameron is an amazing owner. He makes all clients comfortable- whether he is tattooing them or not. This is my shop. Could not recommend more. read more

Cobalt Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Woodbridge, Virginia

Had a wonderful experience at Cobalt Tattoo. I wanted to update a tattoo with script and a bird, in memory of my father. Alexandra was more than happy to do it. She communicated very well on the design and throughout the process. I absolutely love how it looks! Studio was very well lit and clean. I would definitely come back! read more

Cobalt Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Woodbridge, Virginia

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Excellent experience from appt setting to first impression. Very clean. Professional. Interested and friendly staff. Customers let off a good vibe. Ella, artist. Was fantastic. Highly recommend read more

Cobalt is a great location. Clean and modern looking Chyenne is the artist that worked on me, had outstanding input and ideas as I am NOT an artist. Cameron was there as well working with a client, and everyone was very friendly and funny. This will be my tattoo home base from now on! I'll post a photo of the tattoo when it's finished! :) read more

Chyenne is one of the tattoo artists and she has been working on my sleeve for 3 sessions now, so needless to say she's great! Very light handed and very precise with placement. I recommend her and this tattoo shop for anyone interested in getting tattoos done :) read more

My husband and I promised our daughter she could get her ears pierced for her 13th birthday. We'd originally chosen a different studio, but every time we made an appointment something went catastrophically wrong. I went looking for an alternative and found Cobalt. From the moment we walked in I knew it was the right choice. The studio is clean, well-lit, and welcoming. The staff were friendly and helpful. Belle, their piercing artist, did a fantastic job with my daughter from picking her earrings (and mine, because I got a second earlobe piercing while we were there) to clean-up and aftercare instructions. I couldn't have asked for better. I'll definitely be coming here for any future piercings (for either of us), and I'll probably be having a conversation with one of their tattoo artists soon. read more

Phenomenal people. As soon as I walked in I was welcomed into their warm atmosphere. Cheyenne was my artist and her tattoos were some of the best I've seen, and the best done to me. read more

Took my son for his 18th birthday present and was amazed at how clean and professional Cameron was! We gave him an idea and he asked if he could put his own spin on it - looking at what we THOUGHT we wanted and what he designed made us so thankful that we trusted him as an artist to do his thing! We toured so many studios and as soon as we walked in and met with Cameron we knew this was the best option and would highly recommend it, especially if you are as picky as I am! read more

Cobalt Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Woodbridge, Virginia

Cameron and his staff at Cobalt are amazing! No only are they awesome tattoo artists but they create a positive atmosphere/experience. Cameron is as an amazing artist and his visions for the tattoo took it to another level. The design, shape, size, and color scheme were off the charts with me. He has done my first two tattoos now, and I will be going back for more. Cameron/Cobalt have my highest recommendation. Loved this place! Fantastic job Cameron! read more