Best place to get a tattoo, if you're interested in any type of Japanese style. This place provides…read morea friendly atmosphere, as well as a Covid-19 facial coverage. Highly highly recommended. I have never been inside a real tattoo parlor before. I was blown away with how many types of tiger books there were. I happen to know someone who got their tattoo at this place. I fell in love with their tattoo ideas. So, I decided to come in to make an appointment for this tattoo that I wanted. I had the idea of a Koi fish and a dragon with the water in the background. But, this is what I ended up getting. But this isn't the finished look. The style of tattoo is very clean and I love everything about it.

Got my first professional tattoo here a few years ago. Harley did an amazing job with details,…read morecolor, and most importantly being patient with a fidgety 18 year old highly recommended this shop!

Walked in to get my septum pierced... Shawna was nice and informative from the start. She made me…read morevery comfortable but hyped me up and I barely felt it. I love the way it looks and she continued to be informative about after care too. I couldn't come up with any questions when she was done! Super pleased and will be back.

My belly button piercing is possibly infected, and I'm extremely disappointed. I specifically asked…read moremultiple times if I had the proper anatomy for a naval piercing, and she insisted that I did, but another piercer later told me I do not have the anatomy for it and that it likely should not have been done at all. Considering how expensive this shop is compared to others in the area, I expected much better professionalism and honesty.

I visited Smokin' Aces last year to get a very special memorial tattoo as a 50th birthday gift to…read moremyself. I chose Melanie based on recommendations from friends and the work for them that I saw with my very own eyes, as opposed to merely looking at potentially doctored photos on social media. Smokin' Aces & Melanie turned out to be the perfect combination for me! Since this was going to be a permanent memorial in a prominent place, I was being VERY picky--and emotional! Melanie was very understanding and supportive and patient with me. She also gave several recommendations with respect to the natural aging of the tattoo, which I hadn't considered. I am a registered nurse, so I am incredibly critical of cleanliness and aseptic technique. Melanie impressed me with both. I looked around the shop as she worked and I noticed it wasn't just her...the entire place was immaculate. I loved the outcome of my tattoo and a year later, it is still as beautiful with no feathering or bleeding or fading of the ink. My experience with Melanie and Smokin' Aces could not have been better, and I'm already planning for them to do my next tattoo--onceI figure out what I want! On a separate note...I absolutely love that Smokin Aces employs not just Melanie, but several female tattoo artists, all of whom are exceptionally talented! I spoke with two other female artists that day while they worked and saw for myself the quality of their artistry as it was in progress. This profession is not an easy one for women to thrive in or for women to get respect--and the women at Smokin' Aces more than deserve it!

I would recommend yo go to caitlin at the Normal/ campus Location for your tattoo needs! She is…read morethe best Artist I've encountered so far. She really cares about her clients. Takes her time and wont let you make a bad decision you'll regret. We need people that have a real passion and not just in it for the money or just to say their a tattoo artist. Caitlin will be the first person I go to for questions and future tattoos.

Chose a stellar/tribal back piece for my 4D birthday last year and was not disappointed. Thanks to…read moreRyan the FF and the rest of the staff. I will be back very soon. Gr8 quality v. cost comparison!!

I've been going to Jake for tattoos since i was 18. He's done over half of my tattoos (7/14) and I…read moredrive an hour to see him any time I want a great tattoo. I highly recommend him and his work

I love this place because my piercings always heal just perfectly! No keloids no bumps no nothing!…read moreMy ear piercings have rejected from so many places but nevr when i go here. I graduated from uofi now and moved back home but I'll always drive 1.5hrs to come back to no regrets for any piercings i need.

I got my daith pierced here. The place was clean and well taken care of. The lady was very nice and…read moreeverything went smoothly!

My 12 year old got their ears pierced today and the experience was wonderful. Everyone was so nice…read moreand the shop was clean and welcoming.

Phenomenal tattoo shop full of friendly, skilled folks and wonderful vibes. I initially went in to…read moreget my ears re-pierced and was so impressed I came back for a LOVELY tattoo!