I'd like to start off by saying that I have 3 tattoos, although Alex and I are still working on finishing the third one. And, I have walked in and talked to artists at numerous studios to find artists who are both passionate about art, the art of tattooing and respectful. I actually met Alex while she and Steve worked at another Studio, and had gone in asking to be tattooed by someone else. I'm so glad that I spoke with Alex and gave her a chance. (This review is about to get long as hell, so get ready to sit back and read.) 1. Professionalism: Steve and Alex are top-tier professional. I remember thinking how much they respect me as a client. They use their knowledge of art, technical skills as tattooists, and passion to COLLABORATE and create a tattoo with which everyone is happy. They take the time to explain to you the risks of getting tattooed. If changes need to be made to size, placement, or details they will explain to you WHY the changes are necessary, and if you still ask for the image you want they respect that. They take tattooing and clients seriously, and it really shows in their work. 2. Passion: Alex and Steve are two of the most passionate artists I have met. Both of them create art outside of tattooing, and you can see those pieces (as well as art they have collected) on the walls of the studio. They appreciate art and put that passion into the designs they create for their clients. I feel that I walk away with a deeper understanding of art each time I talk to them. It's invigorating being treated as an intelligent artists, even though I can't draw and don't know the intricacies of flow. But, I am always pleasantly surprised by Alex and Steve and their willingness to explain the art of a tattoo, why a change in size, detail or location would work better. They are truly visionary collaborative artists. They are also extremely versatile in different styles of tattooing. 3. Atmosphere: Someone else already said this, but it truly does feel like you are walking into someone's house. This is partially because the studio is an old house converted from a dentist's office. It's mostly because the entry room is so open with a large couch, and Alex and Steve are laid back and welcoming. I feel relaxed and enthusiastic every time I walk in. I highly recommend them whether it's your first or hundreth tattoo. 4. Quality: Alex and Steve create quality work. You can find photos on their face book page, on their website and in their hard copy portfolios. They take art seriously, and they take the permanency of tattoos seriously. They will work with you to create a design YOU love and want. It's all about creating quality work and making sure the client is happy. It's great working with artists who stand behind their work - and whose work you are proud to wear. I'm always astounded by the quality, they truly grow and expand as artists with each tattoo. (I don't have any pictures b/c my first tattoo by Alex isn't finished yet. But I absolutely love it. And have to say this studio is worth any driving or other transportation money spent. Quality people and quality work.) read more

I heard about Steve Knight through a friend about 5 years ago when he was working out of different studio close to where I live. I had passed by the shop plenty of times but never stopped in, thinking that a small hidden tattoo shop in the suburbs was probably nothing special. After hearing his name from a few people and seeing some of his art work it caught my attention. I decided to go check him out and from the very first meeting I knew I had found the right artist. He took the time to sit down and talk about ideas and options. Keeping my ideas and wants first but putting his own twist and designs into the artwork I brought so they would all come together and flow perfectly. I've been to a handful of other big name shops in the Chicagoland before Starting with Steve. Working with Steve was a completely different experience then any other place I've been. He builds a relationship with his clients and puts everything else on hold when working with you. So you the client have all 100 percent of his dedication allowing him to give you his very best every time. When I heard he was opening his own shop ( Knight Studios ) I could only begin to imagine what he was going to put into it. Pulling up to the new shop on Addison I was already impressed. Looking up at the huge custom sign reading Knight Studios, I could already tell that the time Steve put into this place is more then I could ever imagine. Walking in the door I felt more like I was welcomed into his home rather then a tattoo shop. From the colors of the walls, the art work displayed in frames from not only his staff but other Chicagoland artists, large leather couches. The amount of detail that went into every room shows more about Steve and how passionate he is about his work. When it was time to sit down and start tattooing you get that feeling from Steve that tattooing is his passion not just a pay check. His vision for art is unmatched by any other artists I've been to. Everything from the clean line work to shading and blending colors makes anything he's working on a custom and personal piece. Steve has done roughly 30 hours on me over the years, every single time I'm more impressed then the last. If you are looking for a Custom Shop where they ( Steve Knight or Alexandra Winthrop ) take the time to sit down one on one and work with you to design and create works of art , Knight Studios is what you are looking for. Go check them out and get your custom artwork done by someone who will give you 100 percent every time. Make sure to check out Alexandra Winthrop , an amazing talented artist working side by side with Steve! Both will give you something you won't receive anywhere else. Best of luck to the both of you and can't wait to see what you two will accomplish at Knight Studios! read more

So I already wrote one review about Alex but wanted to add to that. I have sat with Alex for over 100 hours of tattooing at this point. She started with my left sleeve in the style of Edward Gorey, and she nailed it. Everything I ever wanted and more. She does what you want and if you are lacking in ideas, there is no shortage of inspiration from her. I moved on to my right arm. It is an homage to Edgar Allan Poe. She asked me what style I wanted it in and since I was so happy with her first work, I gave her the reins and said "you choose." Let me tell you - any rookie newbie tattoo artist can hit traditional tattoos out of the ballpark but it takes a special kind of artist to effectively create a hyper-realistic tattoo with finesse. She made my artwork jump off my arm. Portraits? She knocks them out with ease. Buildings, plants, insects??? Everything. She can do it all. She seamlessly blends the primary images with appropriate filler and my sleeve is complete. I constantly get stopped by strangers asking about my artwork. I wasn't planning on tattooing my legs but - let me tell you - this girl lives for art. When she's not tattooing, she is drawing. I saw some portraits she did just for fun and had to have them on my body. She is a whiz at translating her pencil drawings to tattoos. Her skill level is through the roof. In terms of the studio - it is immaculate. They abide by all necessary health, safety and legal protocol. Fresh needles? Check. Repeated glove changes? Check. Sanitizers, armor gel, after care instructions? Check. In terms of the artist as a person? Alex is seriously laid back and non-judgmental. Birth defects, body issues, scars? She's seen it all and doesn't care. All she wants is to give you a good tattoo, which you will get and have some fun conversation while you're getting it. She lets you take breaks as necessary and checks on you during the process to see how your pain levels are. She is absolutely professional and first rate. I cannot recommend this studio more! I didn't have any pics readily available on my desktop computer but I have pics on my instagram account under @mer.espo if you want to check it out. :) read more

By far one of the greatest tattoo shop's in the world. The owner Stephen is very personable, professional, patient, and always enthusiastic with any piece. Stephen is very knowledgeable on every style of tattoo and very easy to work with. You are never rushed and he takes a genuine interest in his clients to give you the most creative and truly beautiful tattoo possible. There are a lot of shops that will do the bare minimum just to have you in the chair but Stephen makes sure that you are truly happy with everything before it's on you for good. For me he has re-done previous artists work and made it near flawless. When I came up with an idea that unfortunately wouldn't fit instead of being a "yes man" and still doing it. He gave me he honest opinion and took the time to know MY story behind the tattoo and he was able to come up with something that has carried the meaning behind it further than I had ever imagined. He has even suggested pieces to add to tell my story. Rather it is fixing old tattoo's or working on new ones every time I am in his shop I feel secure knowing he will put 150% effort into my tattoo and that I am in good hands. I know for the rest of any tattoo's to be done I am only trusting in him. read more

Knight Studios is the most unique tattoo establishment I've ever been to. They're not selling a product, they're creating art. The atmosphere is so comfortable. You feel like you're at home vs. being is some rough neck typical tattoo parlor. There is no flash art available, everything is custom. I had a concept of the tattoo I wanted and brought some pictures for reference and Stephen Knight took my idea and made into something so much more than I ever dreamed. The rooms are private and very comfortable. In most places you're getting a tattoo in a small space where each artist only has a half wall dividing you from others. Not here! Stephen really took the time during our one-on-one consultation to understand what I was really looking for, made me think about it in ways I hadn't before. That's the 'Custom' tattoo concept. Stephen even worked with me to make sure we placed my tattoo on the part of my body where it would look and fit the best. I've had a lot of work done in the past but this was a completely different experience. I LOVE my tattoo!!! The quality and colors are amazing, during and after the healing process. After this experience I wouldn't go anywhere else. read more

My wife and I met with Stephen to talk about our tattoo ideas. In that meeting Stephen really took time to understand what we were both looking for, what was important to us about the tattoo and what he had to work with. We went back and forth many times to make sure that sizing, placement and overall design were right and at no point during this process did either of us feel rushed. Stephen was very enthused with the design I chose and that showed as we met for our first sitting. He is very meticulous and this comes through as he works to apply the ink. Once our session ended, he took time to discuss the healing process and the care that should be taken to make sure the tattoo looks it's best. Stephen's shop is very clean and comfortable. He is very easy going and personable, this makes the time fly by. If you are looking for someone that takes pride in their work and wants to do everything possible to make sure you are happy with the final product, Stephen is the right person for the job! read more

I've been getting work done by Stephen Knight for 2 years. Happy that Stephen finally opened his own shop. He now has been able to bring his personality into the entire studio atmosphere. Stephen is laid back and open for any ideas. I have been throwing my thoughts at him for my sleeve and he's been able to draw up exactly what I had imagined. Knights Studio is like being at home, chill and super laid back. Seeing Stephen in his own environment has allowed him to take the time he needs with his clients. Stephen is very thorough with his tattooing, takes time allowing for the best healing process. All my tattoos look like they did the day I got them done. New shop is super clean and Stephen is very big on avoiding any type of infection at home. I will always go to Stephen for my work. He is super trust worthy and has always worked with my schedule. I highly recommend him for anyone that is looking for quality work. read more

Steve did my first tattoo and he's been my go to tattoo artist ever since. He'll take your concept for a tattoo idea and make it look exactly how you want it to. Give him artistic freedom with it, and it will look even better. His artwork is amazing in general and his tattoos are incredible. He'll work with you in the consultations and give you his honest opinions, which ultimately just leads to a better finished tattoo. I get compliments on my tattoos from Steve all of the time and am always proud to share where I go to get the work done. Not to sound cliche, but he really does view your skin as his canvas, and the end result of that outlook combined with his incredible tattoo skills is a perfect tattoo. I highly recommend Knight Studios to anyone interested in getting any ink. read more

My tattoo artist of a dozen years was on the verge of retiring and I was hemming and hawing about where to turn. I was participating in a benefit at O'Hare when I noticed an amazing horror tattoo on one of the attendees. It was layered and detailed and everything I look for in a tattoo. He told me a talented artist named Alex Winthrop at Knight Studios did the tattoo. Shortly thereafter, I booked a consult with Alex. She's a professional with a steady hand and an eye for detail. Seeing her work on display is what brought me to their studio. After getting one tattoo from Alex at the beginning of this year, I'm in the midst of getting my second. I highly recommend the shop. They're true artists. read more

Just got my second tattoo from Stephen, needless to say he is AMAZING! Not only is he an incredible artist he has a great personality. He really made me feel comfortable and relaxed. His studio is super comfy I felt right at home. I have a rather large tattoo and it is absolutely gorgeous better then what I ever imagined. It's like he took the image from my brain and made it 10x better. I would recommend him to any of my tatted friends and everyone else. My boyfriend joined me (he has zero tattoos) as we were leaving he said "if I ever get one Stephens doing it." He also thinks it's beautiful. I'm beyond happy with this work and my experience at knight studios!! 5 out of 5 stars without hesitation. read more

I chose Stephen Knight by searching the internet ~ at no ones recommendation. I liked his work and liked what I read. What a find! This was my first tattoo. I had a design in mind and a list of dos and don'ts. He "listened" to what I wanted and understood how personal it was to me. After our first meeting, I felt extremely comfortable in having him take my idea and make it beautiful. When I went back to see the finished artwork it took my breath away! Simply stunning! I receive compliments on it all the time. I would not hesitate to have Stephen create a stunning piece of artwork for you too. He is AMAZING! Thank you Stephen, you're the best! read more

Alex is the BEST! I am in the process of my second tatt with her. The first one was an exact copy I wanted. This one I gave her a general idea and she designed it. It's so AWESOME! I can't wait till it's finished. :-) Like Brigitte said, she does her research, and is SO thorough!!! I can't say enough good things about her. AND she puts up with my non-stop rambling during each 3 hour session. That alone should get her an award! :-) But seriously, she is very creative and I am VERY happy with her work. DEFINITELY go to Alex if you are looking for a real artist! Very happy for she and Steve that they opened up their own studio! Lisa S. read more

So excited for Knight Studios. Stephen is an artistic genius. Give him an idea of what you want, and he will what you imagined. He has created 7 masterpieces for me over the years. I have given him 4 pictures and told him what I liked from each of them and asked him to design a piece that incorporated it all, and my tattoos are beyond my wildest dreams. He takes time to look up specific details to make sure the design is accurate. If you are looking for a studio and artist that is talented and dedicated to their craft, Stephen and Alex are the artist for you. Can't wait for the tattoo. read more

A few years back, my husband wanted a piece of artwork, and did some research to find the right artist. He found Stephen, and before the work was even done, knew he'd be back for more artwork. This was my turn. We did the artwork consultation and took my request to cover old work in stride. The studio is inviting, comfortable, and clean. Lots of cool framed artwork on display/for sale. Stephen is easy to talk to and very professional. I will be back for more and know I won't go anywhere else to get new ink! read more

Anyone who wants a tattoo in the Chicago land area needs to go here. Could not have had a better experience or gotten a better piece of artwork on my body. Stephen is a real artist. He listens to what you want and then suggests things based on his experience that will make your tattoo a real piece of art. He goes through the whole process from start to finish so you understand everything and is a real professional. My tattoo turned out better than I even imagined. Could not be happier, thank you Stephen. read more

The first time I walked into Knight Studios I was more than impressed. This isn't your typical tattoo "shop". The atmosphere is welcoming and quite comfortable. Stephen Knight and Alexandra Winthrop are fantastic artists. They are not your typical flash art get whatever artists. They actually display there own work on the walls! I have been getting artwork done for quite some time now and only get custom artwork done. They are very personal and private. I have now found my new place! read more

I had an old dragon tattoo redone by Alex at Knight studio. Her specialty is "realism". My favorite style is "traditional " and "Japanese" , mostly traditional though. I was a little nervous about how it would come out because I didn't see much if any tattoo flash on the walls and couldn't really gage her talent on the styles I like. I put my trust in Alex and she absolutely nailed it. Reasonable price for the quality of work, very happy. I would definitely go back to this shop. read more

Stephen is one of the best artists in Chicagoland. I have been going to him for many years now, and I have many tattoos from him. I was excited to here that he has his own shop now. I have already started my next tattoo with him. He really takes his time and creates amazing work. I generally come in with a basic idea, which he transforms into a masterpiece. I highly recommend him as an artist. He knows his stuff, so check out his portfolio. read more

I highly recommend Knight Studios! I have been seeing Steve for a few years now and have sat through multiple sessions with him in that time and I couldn't be happier with his work. Unbelievable talent and top shelf equipment, all of my work looks impeccable and it heals fast! Never scabs. Very professional and personable environment, Steve and Alex are both great! The shop is new and immaculate, very clean. Good vibes through and through! read more