Shaun did my first tattoo 14 years ago. It is a beautiful mermaid on my left forearm. I now live on the west cost and will not be traveling east for quite some time (id ever), but I felt that my mermaid needed a refresh after all of these years. I went to the TOP tattoo parlor in San Diego for the refresh and the highly experienced tattoo artist that did the work could not get over what a great job Shaun had done and how well it had stayed. Other tattoo artists at the studio kept dropping in and marveling at it. These are people with ten to twenty years experience. Shaun was great from my first inquiry right through the final session and I HIGHLY recommend him for any work you want or need. read more

Hot Rod Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Blacksburg, Virginia

Shaun did a great job on some work for my wife and I. Not only did he draw up our designs for us, but the dude was super friendly and it was a really great experience. I was very impressed with the shading, and thoroughly enjoyed the conversations we had while getting worked on. He worked really fast as well! Very friendly staff, and for me it was more than just getting a tattoo, it was an experience I will never forget. read more

Hot Rod Tattoo - Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Blacksburg, Virginia

Artists are super nice and helpful. I was scared at first considering it was my first tattoo but they were great. Even gave me free stickers and a bar of soap!! read more

Shaun did my husband and my Celtic knot tattoos today. We came in town for a graduation and wanted to treat ourselves to matching tattoos. Him and his wife are incredible! Gave us recommendations for hiking spots and lots of great conversation during the tattoos! We will be back, HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!! Thanks guys for making our experience top notch. read more

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Got a small tattoo on my finger and the marks are all extremely uneven and the ink is seen to have visibly bled. For that being my first tattoo, I will not be coming back for more ever. read more

Okay, I'll admit, my experience with tattoo shops equals all of one. But based on recommendations from friends who have spent small fortunes on tattoos, I decided to give Hot Rod a shot, and I'm glad I did. From the moment I stepped in to set the appointment to the scheduled day, they were nothing but helpful. Since I'd never gotten a tattoo before they explained everything, throughout the process, and Graham did a great job. Very thorough, and reassuring - I'll admit to having some nerves. Even after just having it done, people are commenting at how well it's healing, and I have to think that's due in large part to the quality work done at the shop. Before the first one I already had ideas for a few others - after this experience, there's no other place I'll go. read more

Called around to all of the tattoo places in Blacksburg, Hot Rod told me they could do my tattoo for the least amount. It was my first tattoo and I am really glad I went here. Graham was super nice, reassuring and informative! Definitely good experience overall! read more

Hot Rod Tattoo - paw print behind the ear - Tattoo Near Me - Blacksburg, Virginia

shaun is one of the best artists In the town, maybe even Va. but Graham isnt on par. i have 2 stellar older pieces from Shaun from 10-15 years ago and wanted him to do my sleeve 5 years ago. i called and made an appointment with Shaun and drove 2 hours to see him, Graham greeted me. told me he'd do my sleeve. i told him I appreciated it but I wanted Shaun. he said I couldn't book Shaun even when I said I'm ok with waiting years to get my dream sleeve. he refused to let me schedule and I still don't know why. i tried talking to him about my idea and he called it stupid and said it wouldn't fit. I'm not an expert but I am an artist with a history of body mod art and tattoo design. he wouldn't and couldn't do it but that doesn't make it not attainable by another artist. i took my business elsewhere and never went back. read more

I got a single line heart on my pinky finger. Plain black ink. No color filling or anything. Charged me $90. It wasn't even tattooed symmetrical, and I had a stencil applied. The lines aren't complete. Took less than one minute to complete. I would not come here again. read more

I have never gotten a tattoo before now and I am so glad I decided to get my first tattoo at Hod Rod!! Graham Fisher is AMAZING!!! I asked for a portrait of my deceased dog and he captured her spirit, kindness, and beauty in the drawing and in the tattoo. He was very kind and reassuring and I was able to ask any and all questions that came to mind. The tattoo was on the pricey side, but the tattoo and the experience are worth three times the price! Not going to lie, the tattoo was a painful experience, but it was not as bad as I expected. Graham was incredibly patient and he reassured all of my worries and was very obliging when I needed a breather. Long story short: Hot Rod is a fantastic shop; the artists are talented, friendly, and patient, it's well worth the price, and if I decide to get another tattoo I won't go anywhere that isn't Hot Rod. read more

I've received two tattoos from Graham, and have since had one of them covered up by another local artist. The first one was alright, my first tattoo ever. He was patient and I had no issues with healing (either time). The second one, when I arrived at the shop, he had not done the research on the two birthstone colors I wanted incorporated. He said "I don't know anything about that stuff", so I had to guide him while he mixed the colors, even after giving him a month to prepare, fully knowing what I wanted. The line work was very "unforgiving", as stated by my new artist and most everyone else. The tattoo was just not executed well. Him and I were simply not compatible. I know he does decent work on other people. I'm sad that I didn't receive the same. read more