It was quite some time since I had the tattoo done but I have never recommended them since. My…read moretattoo ended up being much larger than I wanted and that is because the artist said it would look better like that so he continued to do it in the size he wanted. It was late when I had this done but I was not expecting to be there for almost 5 hours. He was getting tired and kids were running in and out of the shop. I'm assuming they were his children. I think getting a tattoo completed at almost 11:00 at night is way too late. There was no indication that this tattoo would ever take that long. The worst part of it is that the tattoo ended up infected and when I went back to the shop I was told it's because I wore jeans and it rubbed against the tattoo. So all I could assume from that point on is that all the men that go in there and get tattoos on their legs must wear skirts? This was the second tattoo I got done there. I should have realized after the first one not to go back but they gave me a really good excuse about why the first one blew out. Knowing what I know now, many years later I realized it was because it was the tattoo artist mistake and not just because my skin doesn't accept red ink. I have since become established with an amazing artist and every one of the artists at the shop she works at laugh at the idea that he told me my body does not accept red ink and that's why it blew out. Lesson learned, unfortunately it is one that will be on my body forever. I guess I should say too that will be on my body forever. One of them is unseen because it is up by the nape of my neck but the other one is on my leg and since I am so unhappy with it I have never worn anything that would show it. I keep it hidden at all times.

Just got my first tat done by Taylor! Keeping my review as 5 star for the piercing and tats.read more

I've gotten a lot of ink here. I have always enjoyed the experience and my tattoos get compliments…read moreall the time.

I've never had a bad experience here! Bre is AMAZING! I'm getting a coverup right now and it looks…read moreso great! She's doing exactly what I wanted, I just let her take the reins on what she can do and it's totally worth it! I drive 2 hours for my tattoos with Bre and I will keep driving 2 hours for my tattoos with Bre. Thank you so much! I know it's not finished yet cause we're part way into a session but I already know I'm gonna love it!!!

I had my first tattoo by Slim. She was great. Very low key, listened to what I was looking for and…read morewas ready to roll when I walked in. I am so happy with her work I would not go anywhere else or with anyone else. The rest of the shop had a cool vibe. Lots of artist but everyone had space.

Came in from NJ with my family (our 7month old son's first trip to Maine!) and wanted to…read morecommemorate the trip with a tattoo of his footprints. This was a studio I'd been following and was hopeful for an appt. Was able to chat with Kara and we found time that worked. Everyone at the shop was smiling and friendly and Kara was so welcoming. We had a great time chatting while she worked (very efficiently at that!). Her creativity with the design was amazing and the tattoo exceeded my expectations. I love it! Kara is a gem and wonderful at her chosen profession. Check these guys out if you want a tattoo! Thanks, guys!

STEPH JUDGEMENT: Super-clean studio with talented, friendly artists…read more The hubby and I had made a pact during the pandemic with our two friends in Maine that someday we would get our second tattoos together. Not the same tattoo, just a second tattoo of our choosing, but at the same time. Lo, six years passed and we finally had our chance, but where to get these tattoos? Enter our friends' 20-something daughter's friend's recommendation for this place. I know that sounded totally sketch, but it turned out to be great. Located in downtown Portland on the second story of a professional building, it was surprisingly spacious, with a reception area, break room, and rest room. It had lots of cool art everywhere and great light from all the windows. There were two artists on hand to work on all five of us (our friends' daughter decided to join in on the fun). The hubby and I already had our designs, so we emailed it to them ahead of time and they had the transfers ready to go. The other three people sort of knew what they wanted but needed some artistic guidance, which the studio was able to provide. Since the tattoos varied in size and complexity, it ended up taking about 6 hours, but it was a fun hang with friends, and we took advantage of the studio's proximity to all manner of good food options nearby. We came away pleased with our tattoos and impressed by the artists' skills and professionalism, which included immaculate hygiene practices. If you're looking for a great tattoo studio in this area, it's worth a look.

I went to Brave Souls Tattoo Studio to inquire about pricing for a small tattoo I am thinking about…read moregetting. When I started to talk to the woman at the front desk, she informed me that the tattoo artists are gone for the day and that they will be back tomorrow. The sign on the front door states that people can get tattoos from 12-6p on Thursdays. If this is the case, why even stay open if the tattoo artists leave during tattoo hours and not come back. I am going to take my business to another tattoo studio. The only positive note was that the woman at the front desk was very nice and apologetic from the artists not being there. Personally, she should not have been placed in that spot.

I just got my first tattoo. I had a great experience. The tattoo artist was friendly, professional…read moreand super easy to work with. I would definitely recommend Brave Soul Studios.

I'm so happy that 'lo those many years ago the legendary Phuc Tran suggested I check out the…read moreequally legendary Chris Dingwell. The original reason I had sought PT out was that I had a tattoo that was only half finished and overly packed with gray ink when it was supposed to be in color. PT told me that the best person in Maine to fix it up and get it to where I wanted it to be was Dingwell. Dingwell and I met, and it was love right away (on my end anyway). Not only did he breathe new life into my tattoo, he made suggestions (and eventually changes to it when I realized he was soooooooooo right about those suggestions) that were both perfect for my individual body, and the shape, location, and sentiment of the tattoo itself. I wouldn't see anyone but Chris now. He's repaired tattoos, he's touched-up tattoos, he's done elaborate designs (we created together), he's done simpler designs (I brought in and he approved of), he's worked with me and never against me, and I feel like I have stunning, unique pieces that speak to my soul and tell my life story. I am proud to boast of his work when people ask me about my ink. His new location, Squirrel Cage Studios, is great. It's clean, spacious, welcoming, comfortable, brightly lit, and there's plenty of off-street parking (because who wants to get up halfway through their session to move their car?). Though Chris' personal work has a very specific look and falls under a very specific genre, he's a heck of an artist and really does always have his clients best intentions at heart.

I had an amazing experience here. The artists were all very friendly and welcoming. I tried another…read moreshop and the person didn't understand my concept. Bill was awesome he saw the vision and did an exceptional job. My husband and I will be back soon. So glad I reached out to them. Quality work and lines.

Went here for my mom's first piercing - the people were friendly, informative, and follow safety…read moreprocedures.

Quality work, decent prices. Great artists. What more could you want? Relaxed atmosphere. You got…read moreit!

This place is as good as it gets…read more A few friends and I found this place when another shop suggested we check them out, and we we thrilled. The shop is a small, and warm space both comfortable as well as clean and friendly. We had called with a very vague idea of what we wanted and within a matter of hours they had something drawn up that was better than any of us expected. We were all getting matching tattoos and not one of us had a single change to make to the drawing. It was exactly what we wanted but couldn't quite put into words, but these guys managed to sketch it out and it was spot on. The shop owner was really nice as was the other artist (Brad) who did my tattoo. Both worked fast and diligently with the friendly banter you'd expect from a barber shop. Brad, who tattooed me, had a light hand and did a great job with the colors. Start to finish the whole experience was exactly what you want in a tattoo shop. The prices are more than fair, the work is outstanding, the shop looks great, the artists are honest and dedicated. If there were 6 stars they would get them. If you are looking to get tattooed and you live anywhere near this place do yourself a favor and check them out. Myself and my friends who got tattooed there are thrilled and everything about this shop soared above our expectations.