I was looking for a new ear piercing for a year or so and finally decided to do it during this trip to Chicago yesterday. After looking on Yelp, I decided that I liked the reviews here and happy to report they are accurate! Bob was super patient and helpful picking both the new placement and jewelry, which I would have never thought of myself since the stud with chain is typically used on the helix. He was also just super easy to chat with and while closing up, he even went the extra mile to send the antibacterial soap to my place since I wasn't checking in a bag. 10000% recommend Bob! read more

Insight Studios - Bob helpfully picked the placement and jewelry for my third piercing from the bottom! - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I took a preteen here to have their ears pierced. The piercer, Bob, was professional, knowledgeable, and helpful. The price of the piercings included piercing wash to use on the ears, detailed instructions, and a follow-up visit. I would definitely go back here. read more

My husband and I came in from out of town and had an amazing experience at Insight Studio. Bob made us feel so welcome with his friendly customer service, and Johnny and Cory blew us away with their creativity, kindness, and care. We couldn't be happier with our tattoos and the overall experience--definitely worth the trip! read more

Looking for a 5 star tattoo studio? Look no further! Insight Studios is located near the West Town - Wicker Park neighborhoods and next to Frontier Restaurant. Upon waking into Insight Studios you are welcomed by a hilarious stand up Mayor Lightfoot poster of the "rules". Next you see the modern, bright lit and immaculate studio. Each artist has his/her own large and spacious area that is separated by clear glass blocks which only adds to the modern look. Unfortunately I didn't get the name of the woman at the front receptionist-welcome area but she was welcoming and greeted all customers. She was friendly and caring. I will say I may not "look" like what a typical Tattoo customer might look like in appearance. Think more mom In the past I have felt a bit uncomfortable upon entering other tattoo studios whether for a tattoo or piercing. This was definitely not the case at Insight Studios. I was greeted warmly and even though I wanted a small tattoo it was personal and meant a lot for me. My request was handled as professionally as someone who wanted a much larger design. Marco was my tattoo artist and he was amazing. friendly , personable and explained the entire process along with follow up care. If you're looking for piercing, tattoos or both definitely give them a call. I will definitely be a repeat customer! read more

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Went to Bob to get my nipples pierced. I did a bunch of research and this place and Bob kept coming up as the best. I wasn't disappointed. Bob was professional and skilled and has an artistic eye. He marked the placement. Talked me through it, and did the piercing 123. The outside facade if the studio is a bit intimidating/ missable but when you go in it is a wonderland of artistic design and thoughtful craftsmanship. They have a photo booth and a yeti and really cool merchandise. Check this place out you won't regret it read more

This place is phenomenal. The tattoos are beautifully designed and recreated. The two artists and the studio owner Bob, went out of their way to make our visit everything we hoped for. They took the time to accommodate our small wacky group of tourists looking to commemorate our visit to Chicago. I can't express enough how wonderful the experience we had working with Insight Studios. read more

Piercings with Bob. Bob is flawless. A true professional who handles his clients with gentle ease, a calming, reassuring voice, and precise accuracy. One might say he is the "piercing whisperer." He has an eye for balance, an intuition for finding the right words, and made my three in a row piercings feel like a quick laugh with a friend. Generous with his time, patient with my nervousness, and soothing throughout the process. Highly recommend. Oh, and he's not really an asshole! ;) read more

Insight Studios is the only place in Chicago I've been for piercing, and it'll probably continue on that way. I've gotten my navel pierced here a few years ago (unfortunately, I've had it priced twice at two studios and can't get it to stick) and I've also had my tragus pierced here at the end of February this year. Unfortunately, COVID-19 reared it's ugly head a few weeks later so I haven't been able to return to get it sized down yet. I've worked with two piercers here and they've both been knowledgeable, quick, and professional. They've been willing to answer any questions I've had, be it about the piercing, aftercare, or additional jewelry and how to order. I went in one time to get my second earlobe piercing re-pierced; I have had it since I was 11 or so and they had closed up. Bob only charged me for jewelry; he didn't charge me for piercing because they just needed to be reopened. That's a cool move and I really appreciated it. Can't wait until the pandemic is a thing of the past and I can return to get my tragus piercing replaced, and maybe consider a forward helix or something. And maybe place an order to get a nice custom piece. read more

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Beyond amazing. I was looking for a specific piece of piercing jewelry. I called a local place, they told me to go see Bob Jones. I looked it up and it was a little bit of a drive. I called two more local spots and they both recommended Bob. I drove there, it was well worth it. The guy was super cool. He cares about his work and wants to help. If you need anything piercing related, go see Bob. read more

Okay, following up. Unfortunately, the earring fell out and I lost the backing of it :/ Really unfortunate knowing that this wasn't a $5 earring I would buy at like Claire's. Didn't even last 2 years :( read more

Coming out of Yelp dormancy to tell everyone this place is awesome and Bob was so nice and professional. I went with a group of friends and 3 of us got piercings (septum, nostril, flat). They got us set up with paperwork super fast, prepped the piercing station, and we each took our turn. It was quick but I never felt rushed - Bob explained the process, talked me through care and maintenance, and then gave me 3 lollipops (1 for me, 1 for each of my kids). It was so, so easy, I have zero pain or soreness a day later, and it looks amazing and "natural." He also saw us eyeing the photo booth, so he dug out a bunch of coins for us to take photos. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. read more

Great place to get pierced. Professional and make you feel very comfortable. Highly recommend and will return for any future piercings.

I went in on Sunday to get an industrial and conch piercing. I was super happy and excited at first. I thought it looked great! Until the intense swelling and pain started. Day 5 I had to go to a different studio at the advice of some others because for my industrial, I was not told it wouldn't work with my ear anatomy. The guy who pierced me (I can't remember his name, but the pictures of the cats in the room were his), pierced the industrial through the flat of my ear and jammed the bar through at an angle that didn't align with the first piercing. I had to abandon the industrial piercing. I was in so much pain that I came close to fainting on several occasions until I decided enough was enough and this wasn't normal pain. I tried to give them the benefit of the doubt and assume that the extra pain and swelling was due to my getting multiple piercings. I went to another studio that did a great job helping me out and alleviating the pain. The second this industrial was removed I felt significantly better. At no point during my visit to insight did they try and tell me my ear wouldn't work with an industrial nor did they offer alternatives to what I could do instead of an industrial. They asked do you want beads or a bar and I chose a bar. No further guidance by this "professional". I'm so upset and angered that I spent over $200 with tip for these piercings when I had to abandon one due to sloppy technique and poor communication and guidance. I do not recommend coming here. The only reason I'm giving two stars is because my conch so far has been fine, but I wouldn't be surprised if it also starts giving me issues. read more

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Probably the best experience at a tattoo shop I've ever had. I was very happy and highly recommend it. The shop was very very clean. My group of friends and I walked in and immediately were helped. Two of us were getting simple tattoos and the other was getting an ear piercing. I explained the design I had in mind and the guy at the counter paired me up with Chris. We talked about what I had in mind and he drew up exactly what I had invisioned. The tattoo took about twenty minutes. I was aw to confirm the design on my body with the stencil before starting (looked in a mirror, asked my friends, walked with it for a few mins just to make sure). Chris did an absolutely wonderful job and I would totally go get another tattoo with him. He made me feel really comfortable. read more

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Got a nose piercing done by Bob and I couldn't be happier. He is very professional and it definitely won't be my last time here. read more

Insight Studios - Nose piercing - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Bob is hands down one of the best piercers in town, got multiple piercings with him through out the past 3-4 years. I'm usually not dead set on a piercing so I appreciate his creative ideas and suggestions, never had an issue with a piercing I got here. All my piercings were walk-ins! Didn't leave my reviews in the past but here's a few of the piercings I got with him over the years. Industrial, helix, mid helix, tragus, double low helix, and double nose hoop. Some of them healed due to a job where I couldn't have jewelry in. I had some jewelry changed by him and brought my friends with to get industrials at the same time. read more

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An incredible experience with my daughter! I had sole custody of my daughter, she's 21 now, and she's the best. NCAA athlete, 4.0 student, the best kid. She's been talking about she and I getting matching tattoos for years and when I came up to Chicago to visit her during her internship this summer, we decided this was the time. This was super important because it's about me and her, and, it was going to be her first and only tattoo. Bob and Marco and the people at Insight are PHENOMENAL! When you walk in, the place is immaculate and it's very cool the way it's decorated - immediate comfort level and excitement. The bathroom is cleaner than the bathroom in my own house, no sh*t, and I am a clean freak. Bob couldn't have been friendlier when we walked in and Marco, our artist, had to actually design my tattoo as it was slightly different. Marco SLAYED. Not only did he do this new one perfectly, I have 2 others right near this new one that are 12 and 30 years old and he suggested that he "touch them up" as they were pretty faded and this would crisp them back up and make all the colors match. THE BEST IDEA and he only charged me $30 to fix both! For the work he did, and the care, and for the great conversation which made the time pass, I would have paid him $1,000. And then when it was my daughter's turn, she was already so chill and ready because she got to watch Marco and me. After we were done, Bob gave us cash to go into his photo booth to commemorate the situation and it was just the perfect ending to an awesome experience. BRAVO to Insight and the whole crew, this is how a customer focused business should be handled. read more

Didn't seem like Bob Jones knew what a vertical labret was and had to create a new hole three times to get it done. For the first piercing the top ball was behind my lip so you couldn't even see it when I closed my mouth and it was extremely crooked. Even with doing it the last time it's STILL crooked. He gave me two lollipops and a pin as compensation, but thankfully he did not charge me because he knew he messed up. I had to wait over an hour to get this done which is fine, I understand places get busy. But if you are NOT comfortable with doing a piercing just reject the client before you even do anything and not waste their time and give them extra scarring for nothing. read more

Insight Studios - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I loved this place, I got my nipples pierced today by Bob he was very kind and unlike other tattoo and piercing places very welcoming. Both my cousin and I got our yelp discount as well as some afterward solution help. I've even convinced my sister to check out this place, very clean, and friendly people and well priced. read more

I came here for a double helix with my dad and I was nervous, Bob made me feel very comfortable. The piercing was mostly pain free and turned out exactly how I wanted. Would definitely recommend. read more

Bob and Santi are both excellent piercers! I have seen both of them periodically for the past 7 years for my ear piercing journey. They always have superior placement, finesse, and styling that sets them apart from anyone else in the profession. I wait for them for hours because they treat everyone with the time and care they deserve for body alterations. They are honest and will say when you shouldn't do a certain piercing, certain number at a time, or other issues that could come up in the healing process and they are always right. You can count on them to deliver quality work every time, I refuse to go to anyone else in Chicago because I know it will not live up to Bob & Santi's standards! read more

I have been coming to Insight Studios since 2013. My first tattoo here was a benefit where the shop donated to a shelter to help cats. This was back in the day when I got my lotus flower done by Johnny. I love how professional and clean the shop is. Everyone is very nice and respectful. I have most of my tattoos on my body from this shop even though some of the artists left over the years. In 2020, during the pandemic I went to them when they reopened and everyone followed the protocols to keep everyone safe while getting tattooed during this time. Recently, I got watercolor done by Ryan G. And all I can say is WOW. I was blown away. He is very skilled and made me feel comfortable while getting tattooed. I can't express enough how much I love this parlor. Thank you guys!! read more

Insight Studios - Watercolor tattoo done by Ryan G at Insight Studios - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I really enjoyed my experience here! I was a walk in and was tended to very quickly. The tattoo artist did a very good job on my tattoo and didn't speak much to me, but that is okay with me because I'm very introverted haha. The pricing was very reasonable for the size tattoo I got. As I was paying the owner offered my boyfriend, who didn't even get anything done, free T shirts! My boyfriend said how cool the shirts were when we first got there so it was a pleasant surprise to be gifted them. 10/10 recommend them! read more

Insight Studios - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I brought my family in to get tattoos and an unexpected piercing, and Bob, Dan, and Cory did a fantastic job. One tattoo was a pineapple for my youngest cousin that we all have from another studio, it matched exactly by Dan. Then, we got two flowers from Dan that were absolutely beautiful. Cory added on to a current tattoo and exceeded expectations/imaginations. Bob was great to communicate with and handled 7 girls coming in at once brilliantly. Lastly, bob comp'd my tattoo for bringing the family in. It was beautiful work, a clinically clean studio, excellent customer service. Thank you!! read more

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Bob is an artist, a total pro. Did my vertical industrial flawlessly, as well as my septum.

As a healthcare provider and tattooed/pierced woman, I can speak on so many elements of Insights. First and foremost, the shop is welcoming, beautiful, and immaculately clean. I have been working with Ryan for the last 8 months on a gorgeous floral sleeve- Ryan is the kindest human and hands down the most talented artist I have worked with in the history of my dozen or so pieces (see photos!) Additionally, I have been pierced by Bob on 5 different occasions and his demeanor and work are no different- he has the lightest hand and unique ideas. Icing on the cake? Insights follows the strictest health and safety precautions which are of utmost importance- tattoos and piercings involve a variety of needles and body fluids after all. They also donate profits monthly to charity. Look no further for the quintessential shop- I know I won't. I refuse to go anywhere else- this is my permanent institution (pun intended) read more

Insight Studios - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I made an appointment for my daughter to get a piercing at 2:00 PM on a Saturday. We arrived 30 mins before, and completed all the paperwork early! We waited 1hour and 45 mins to be seen... If we weren't gonna get seen at our appointment time why schedule us? Why prioritize walk-ins?! No remedies were given... no deals, nothing for the two hour wait. I only stayed because my 16 y/o daughter wanted this so bad... Don't go here. They overbook and are extremely slow. read more

very welcoming! i called maybe 30 minutes ahead for a walk in and they took me as soon as i came in. everyone was super nice and very chill. read more

Insight Studios - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Came here for a double piercing, one on my nose and one on my cartilage. I came in right when they opened, so I didn't have to wait at all. Easy process, and friendly staff to guide me through the waiver and such. Santi did my piercings, and I was in and out of the shop in less than 20 minutes. Not gonna lie, but the first time I got my nose pierced by someone else, it hurt pretty bad, but he was so fast that the pain was totally tolerable this time around and I didn't even tear up this time. The cartilage hurt, but he was fast at piercing that one as well, so it was only about a 2 second pinch, and we were conversing all throughout, so I barely had time to even worry about the pain or the needles. I felt confident in my choice to come here after he told me how many years he had been doing piercings for, and I'd definitely come back for any others in the future! read more

Best asshole I ever met ;P Bob was very sweet and funny, made the whole experience fun! Definitely coming back! *clean *great atmosphere *reception sweet *fun jewelry *cat friendly (don't actually bring them in. read more

Insight Studios - Navel piercing - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great experience all the way around. We called ahead about a septum piercing and the woman on the phone was helpful and thorough. When we walked in, she also helped us -- she was fabulous! She got everyone checked in, kept the waiting area organized, and ooh-ed and aah-ed over everyone afterwards. The entire shop was clean and really organized. Bob did my daughter's piercing and he was so calm and reassuring. High points: great staff, super clean, well-organized. Recommend! read more

Extremely professional and friendly place :). Got a nostril piercing there, and they did an extremely good job! I felt very taken care of.

INKLING FOR AN INKING Never in my life have I found myself booking with such overwhelming conviction. I'll get to the whole "omg wtf Eric got a tattoo, that is kuh-RAY-zeeee" story in a bit (hi mom!) but I would be remiss not to mention something unusual about Insight Studios: My mind figuratively -- almost literally -- exploded when I saw their IMMACULATE five star rating......across 750 reviews. I'd never come across anything like it before on Yelp, to be honest. Consider that 3.5* is "good", 4* is "great", 4.5* is "incredible" and 5* is "universal acclaim". You know how many flawless ratings I've seen on Yelp? One bike shop in Bucktown, that's it. Seeing Insight's stellar reputation instilled in me a sense of calm confidence that you just can't put a price on. Suffice it to say, whatever worries or concerns I had about the idea of getting my first inking -- a modest upper arm tat with direct ties to Star Wars (nerd alert!) -- were quickly whisked away. I walked in and immediately noticed the clean appearance of the studio. Uncluttered and not grungy in the slightest. Jason H was my artist, and shortly after I arrived he drew up a stencil and got the placement down. He told me what to expect in terms of pain/sensation and session duration. He had great bedside manner as it were, checking in occasionally to make sure I wasn't passed out or anything. An hour later, my rebel alliance symbol was finished and looking damn fine. I was given a small tube of healing lotion and care instructions, as well as a free T-shirt (hey that's neat!) Since I was *so* well-behaved and didn't cry (not even once!) I almost asked for a lollipop. Almost. *TL;DR* If tattoo places were movies, then Insight Studios would be the Shawshank Redemption, Forrest Gump, and Gone with the Wind all rolled into one. Award-winning, beloved by casual users and praised by seasoned critics, they're the best in the game. Period. Booking an appointment was a cinch, the employees were both helpful AND chill (which eased my apprehensions big time), and to top it all off, I was able to use my precious Discover card for the work that was done. I'm more than happy to contribute to Insight's perfect 5* rating, as they are well deserving of it. You'll be hard-pressed to find another piercing & tattoo parlor that conducts themselves with such poise and professionalism. I mean sh*t, even Kelsey Grammer got a tattoo done here. The Force will always be strong in me, thanks to the skills of Jason H and Insight Studios. Highly recommended, YASSS. read more

Insight Studios - Jason H did a great job with my rebel alliance symbol :) :) my first inking went off without a hitch! - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My friend and I were looking for tattoos very last minute a few weeks ago and insight was able to take us that day. Both our tattoos turned out great! The studio is cute, they have a little Photo Booth to take pictures with your new ink. They even gave us each a bottle of soap for cleaning, and a discount on our next visit! read more

I came in for my first tattoo and Ryan was my artist. He designed my dream tattoo and I'm so happy with how it turned out! He was thorough and quick and helped me relax before and during tattooing. While Ryan prepared for my tattoo, another staff member, Nicole, spoke with me and really put me at ease. She was very personable and helped calm my nerves with some good advice about what to expect. This staff is great and so talented. I was so impressed with how welcoming and kind everyone at Insight was. I would definitely recommend this studio for your tattoo! read more

Bob is the best of the best, I won't go anywhere else. He's incredibly talented and knows exactly what he's doing. His shop is gorgeous and extremely clean. He's done my nose, daith, and nips. Walked me through every step of each and didn't make me feel uncomfortable in any way what so ever. Very professional and polite. Everything was placed perfectly and looks great. Very happy with all of my piercings from him, highly recommend! read more

My 12-yo daughter was so nervous about finally getting her ears pierced but Bob was a calming voice during the whole thing. Highly recommend for anyone looking to get their child's ears pierced. I'll be back myself! read more

Got tattooed! I chose this wonderful studio because they had vegan ink and they donate to Charities! On my day, they donated the proceeds to Peace for Pits...when I realized I can get a vegan ink tattoo and they donate, I knew this was the place to go! Chris was great! He drew out the word "vegan" just like the photo I showed him...perfectly accurate! We changed the size once and he put on the draft on my arm...I checked in the mirror and gave him the ok. Very happy with my experience! read more

Insight Studios - Chris, my tattoo artist! - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Bob is truly a gem- humble, kind, patient and caring. I came in for a double helix cartilage piercing and right off the bat he could tell I was nervous. Bob took the time to answer all my questions regarding piercings, jewelry, aftercare and more. During the piercing, he went above and beyond in reassuring me that it was his job to make the piercing as painless and quick as possible. And that it was! He checked in with me several times during the piercing and told me to reach out afterwards if I had any concerns or additional questions. Afterwards, he even gave me an Insight Studio pin and t-shirt! Bob is not only exceptional at his job but he also genuinely cares about his customers. He made an effort to get to know me and more importantly put me at ease. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Thank you Bob! read more

Ryan did my tattoo and absolutely killed it. Exceeded what I imagined and this is my favorite piece so far. super clean studio, very nice staff, super fair prices. highly highly recommend. read more