So while at the 2017 Chicago Villain Arts Tattoo Convention I walked around and browsed through…read moreartists. I normally go home, search their artwork through Instagram and if I like their work add them. Fast forward 2018. I was at the convention getting tattooed and picked up a very talented artists card..Emilio Saylor. I knew I'd never be able to afford this artists work. Fast forward to the summer...I decided to invest in a tattoo. I drove an hour and a half to chat with Emilio for a few minutes and give a deposit. Few months later I was all ready to get tatted. I had told him that I wanted my kneecap tattoo since no one seems to want to do it, he was up for the challenge and like the dark matter of the tattoo. Unfortunately, my knee isn't a good shape for the subject matter. I was bummed. He put the stencil on my knee to show what it would look like and he was correct..it looked bad. So he suggested the shin. I decided to go with it, not knowing how I felt about it but how I wanted an Emilio Saylor tattoo. Emilio works fast. And he is a PERFECTIONIST. I felt so comfortable. The music really relaxed me and the shop is spotless. Kerri the owner was a doll through getting me setup with my consultation and everything. When I was done I was FLOORED by how amazing the tattoo turned out! He charged me less than I thought it would be. He seemed to love it as well! He loves creating darker tattoos. It's awesome when you LOVE your tattoo and your artists actually enjoyed doing it. It is my FAVORITE tattoo and my friends and coworkers kept asking to see it. A few months ago I saw a piece on Instagram he wanted to rehome. I decided I wanted him to do another shin piece so both my shins would be done by him before I moved out of the Midwest. I emailed Kerri. Literally two or three short emails, sent her a deposit, and then walked in blindly yesterday to see my tattoo for the first time. BLOWN AWAY by the drawing! Emilio is on another level! He placed it perfectly on my other shin and now I can say I have some sexy ass shin tattoos all because of Emilio Saylor. He needs more recognition, his talented is out of this world. Seriously, I love the shop. I don't mind the drive for a kickass, top notch tattoo by an award winning artist. I can't thank Emilio Saylor and Ink or Swim Tattoo enough for the amazing work!!

If I could rate this place with more stars I absolutely would. We went in here to get 7 people…read moretattooed in one day with Emilio. Not only was the organization leading up to the appointment incredible, but Kerri answered everyone's questions and concerns (and there were a LOT). Once getting there, Emilio was incredibly patient and professional throughout the entire visit. We were there for 7 and a half hours and he walked each individual person through their tattoo and what would work best for them. At no point did I feel rushed or like anyone wasn't getting all of their questions or concerns answered. He was as enthusiastic and wonderful with the first person as he was with the last. We had a few first timers and he took such good care of each of them and was incredibly accommodating. Again, I can't speak highly enough about this experience. My family isn't the easiest or quietest group of people and he handled us in stride. This tattoo shop and the experience we had here made an already meaningful tattoo even more special.

This place is very unprofessional and could care less about what the customer wants. Was told to…read moresend a picture of tattoo I wanted before my appointment and when I got there he never even opened the email. I felt very rushed and he never went over details on how it would be finished. I asked to resize the image because it was too big and they said it's good. Now I'm left with a permanent image on my body that is not what I wanted.

THE BEST! I can say enough good things about the BG crew…read more I've had nothing but great times with these guys. There great artists... They take the time to make you feel comfortable, they'll explain everything from what there doing to how to take care of your new tattoo or piercing. THIS IS THE PLACE YOU WANT TO GO TO....

it really seems like they pick and choose, which tattoos they work hard on and which ones they kind…read moreof rushed through. The music in there was so loud I could hardly hear myself think. Although they were very nice, the artist was extremely heavy-handed rushed through it and ended up going so deep into my skin that it's scarred. I will not be returning here. I will literally go anywhere else.

I've been getting tattooed at Umbrella for a decade now. Kevin, the owner and operator, is peerless…read morein his ability. Every apprentice I've seen him take on has become an excellent tattooer in their own right, and Kevin only hosts other artists of great skill. If you're looking to get a tattoo in or around Valparaiso, they might as well be the only shop in town. Never once have I been disappointed in the finished product, which is saying something because I've come to Kevin with some pretty dumb ideas that he's turned into excellent art. I've tattoos that have been on my skin 10 years without fading a bit; as bold and bright as the day they were put there. I'm partial to American Traditional style tattoos, and have an arm sleeve with work primarily done by Kevin. Strong lines, bold color, lasting style. My finished right arm sleeve is full color American traditional, and am now working on my left sleeve of all black and gray. I could go on and on about this shop and the artists, but I'll leave it with this: good people doing great work. Get tattooed.

My best friend and I came in on April 18th for some tattoo therapy.  I was extremely excited to…read morewalk in and be offered to be tattooed by their female artist since I had never been tattooed by a women.  The waitong area is comfortable and a great atmosphere to relax while you wait. Emily did an amazing job.  My best friend and I loved our tattoos so much we are already looking into our next tattoo with her.  She told us both all about keeping them nice looking, which we knew but I find it helpful to always be reminded after every tattoo.  Since mine is behind the ear she had a few instructions about keeping it away from shampoo and keeping my hair up to help it stay clean and get air. Thanks for a great experience

TJ did an excellent job on my brother's and my "Brothers Tattoo"! He had some great suggestions…read moreready when we arrived based on some ideas we had sent him and he worked with us to make sure that the tattoos looked exactly like what we were thinking before we got started. The shop was clean and inviting and TJ was great company while he was giving us our tattoos! I would definitely recommend the Conception Gallery to anyone thinking about getting their first or next tattoo!!!

Jordan at Bluebird I highly recommend! My husband, myself, my son and a couple friends have all…read moregotten tattoos from him, and not one of us were dissatisfied. Very friendly staff, clean shop and reasonable prices.

If you have not been to Bluebird Tattoo, you are missing out. I always feel incredibly welcomed and…read moresafe there, and I ALWAYS have a great time. I've been going to rainstormtats for a hot minute now and she does great work! The shop is clean and full of art. I count down the days until my next appointment.

Pete Escobedo (owner?) met with me twice today while I tried redeem a gift certificate my wife…read morepurchased on 04/18/2023 (see photo) as a birthday gift for me. Pete informed me that it was his policy that he will not honor this gift certificate-nor would he honor ANYONES' gift certificate, regardless of the amount, once a year from the purchase date has passed. He further informed my wife and I that this happens frequently and that "he cannot make an exception for anyone otherwise everyone would want an exception." After learning that state and federal consumer protection laws require a business to honor gift certificates for five years from the date of purchase of said certificate, I, out of respect for him, went back for a second visit and asked him if he would honor the gift certificate given the consumer protection laws. Pete responded by telling me I was threatening him and also told me I was being recorded on video. I was completely calm throughout the interaction, and also made a recording. He then told me that "he didn't have time for this" and asked me to leave the premises. He also stated I should never return. I would never purchase a gift certificate from this business nor this individual. His work appears to be great. It's unfortunate we could not come to some agreement, as I tried multiple times. He informed me that if I don't like his policy, I should sue him. Unfortunately his policy does not supersede state or federal law. During this interaction, Pete also moved into my personal space. I let him know that I had recorded the interaction as well. His physical presence made me uncomfortable as I was ordered off the premises for requesting the redemption of a gift certificate. The video and audio recording serves as verification of his words and actions as well as my calm approach despite him claiming I had threatened him. DO NOT BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES FROM THIS PLACE EVER!!! Did I mention he also said they are non-transferable to any other person? The business only accepts cash as well, and after 1 year, you can wipe yourself with for life's gifts certificates, so give cash instead!

Brandon and Claire are the best. Always doing quality work and making me feel comfortable! Only…read moreplace that does my tattoos anymore :))

My 16yro got a piercing for her b-day. It was the cleanest, easiest process. They were nice,…read moreprofessional, and did a great job on her piercing. 10/10

Some of the best tattoo work I've ever seen or received by Aaron Peters. He has a long waiting list…read morebut trust me it's worth the wait. His detail is incredible and his portrait work is extremely realistic. Very cool and friendly person to sit with for those long sessions. I've had 2 tattoos done by him so far. The rest of the staff is very friendly and professional and the shop is clean and comfortable.

I was looking for a new ear piercing for a year or so and finally decided to do it during this trip…read moreto 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!

I took a preteen here to have their ears pierced. The piercer, Bob, was professional,…read moreknowledgeable, 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.

John does some amazing work and keeps me coming back for more. Can't wait to see what he cooks up…read morenext.

While my brother was here recently, he wanted to get a tattoo to commemorate his visit. I highly…read morerecommended Deluxe Tattoo here in Chicago. He decided on the Chicago flag, which was interesting to me because as a child, Chicago wasn't his favorite place but as an adult, he had fallen in love with Chicago. I already have a Chicago flag tattoo, but when I saw the most beautiful rendition that Claudio at Deluxe created for my brother, I knew it was time to restate my love for this city and my brother with matching tattoos. I am on the left (my right outer wrist) and my brother on the right (his left forearm). Can't wait to see how these look when they are completely healed. My brother was a walk in, and he was fortunate enough to get Claudio and my tattoo was a follow up, scheduled appointment two days later. Claudio had my design ready to go when I walked in, no waiting. So kind, gentle and talented.

First time here yesterday., First thing I look for is cleanliness. A+ for that. Friendly. A+…read more Time waiting A+. Anna A+. Anna was quick with my eyebrows. Could hardly feel anything. Really impressed with Anna. I am going to go back in the near future to see her about piercing. I am so glad I went to Marvel

Anna was so amazing! Today wasn't tattoo day (pretty happy with what i have) but start the piercing…read morejourney by renewing some old ones i previously let go of. Cost was in line with what I expected. No oain at allllll! I was in and out quick too! Thank you!