I've had all four of my tattoos done at New Life and every time I've been over the moon happy with what they've done. My first tattoo was done by Lunchbox four years ago, I asked for a wind-up magpie, he took some of the images I showed him and made an original drawing for me based on components I liked out of the images I brought and also made it into an image that would hold up well over time. Second time was done by Kannon Ball (Dustin) who no longer works at New Life. Just a small sputnik behind my ear. I just walked in and he was able to do it quickly. Third was my massive back piece, an Alphonse Mucha painting, I originally went to Dustin for it, and requested it be on my side. He suggested I move it to my back so that the image wouldn't get distorted from the placement and having to resize it to fit. He worked on it for awhile before passing on the tall order to the shop owner, Tilt. I greatly appreciated his honesty in saying he was having trouble with the large piece and passing it on to someone with more experience under his belt. It took three and a half hours to do the outlining, and I still dont have it finished because Im still mentally preparing myself for the pain of more back tattooing and the blow to my wallet. But even with just the outline done I've received countless compliments on it, some even saying its the best work they've ever seen. My most recent was done by Michael T Hastings. I had been mulling over getting a shark for about a year, then shortly after breaking up with my boyfriend decided to channel my heart ache into a physical pain with some gain. I walked in ready for something new and he was able to sketch something out and tattoo me before my two hour parking ran out. I showed him two images that I liked and let him know what additional elements to the tattoo I wanted but ultimately was pretty flexible and let him take artistic liberty and add some original details to it. Every experience I've had has been so positive. All of their artists are knowledgable and give great educated, reasonable suggestions to make sure your tattoo looks its best and holds up over time. I always know the next time I want to get a tattoo that I can count on them because of their quality and professionalism. I know Im in good hands with them whenever I go there and that they'll get it done efficiently and beautifully. Anytime someone asks where to get tattooed I always point them in the direction of New Life. I can't wait to have them put another amazing piece of art on me. read more

See all

I loved my piercings and my piercer Lunchbox was so funny and sweet! I absolutely recommend this place to anyone looking for a piercing! read more

New Life Tattoos - Tattoo Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

I had a good experience when I got my tattoo from tilt but that all changed. You can see from the picture how messed up my tattoo ended up. It was like that when I got home and I thought it was just a bruise. I gave time for it to go away before I contacted him. I understand shit happens and was upset because this is a memorial tattoo for my granddaughters. He took no responsibility for the mess up and just told me nothing can be done after having me come in when I emailed him a picture. I would never recommend him for a tattoo after finding out he doesn't stand behind his work. Since he is the owner I would not recommend the shop either. read more

New Life Tattoos - End result of the tattoo I got from tilt. - Tattoo Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

Tilt is an amazing artist. I was so impressed by his skill and knowledge of the art. My tattoo is absolutely beautiful and I've gotten many compliments. I will definitely go back to New Life and Tilt for my next tattoo. read more

Amazing service and work! I had an appointment set up with Dustin for 12:30 one day. He was running late, but Lunchbox continued to offer me water and checked in to make sure I wasn't on a tight schedule. When I admit I had a class to get to at 2pm, he sketched out my design and fit me in despite having another appointment at 1:30. It was my first tattoo and he walked me through the process and checked in to make sure I was doing okay. The place is super clean and has a positive energy to it. I loved my experience and am hoping to go back with my mom to get our matching family tats! read more

New Life Tattoos - My tattoo! It's an evil eye :) and exactly what I wanted! Size, location, color, and design. Lunchbox did it perfectly!!! - Tattoo Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

See all

I just got my belly button piercing done by Lunchbox! I was a walk in and only waited about 10 minutes. I was very shaky and nervous during the placement lol but he was so kind and patient! It was a super quick and comfortable process with barely any pain. Would highly recommend!! read more

PLEASE READ. The place itself deserves 5 stars, and I am giving 3 because I do not want to hurt them badly, especially during the pandemic. The other guys are amazing and genuinely care about the art and the medium. But if you will get a tattoo with them DO NOT go to Kelson. He is a very talented artist but is extremely hard to work with. No matter how much you tip him, he is rude, especially to his long-term clients. I was hearing reviews regarding this from his past clients but thought it couldn't be as bad as they make it out to be, and overall worth it for a great design. But I've never felt more disrespected in a tattoo shop. His ego is soul crashing and I really think he believes he is doing everyone a favor by tattooing them. Also, if you are a POC just don't even bother; he started spewing some very weird things about his racial views (unprompted). read more

Amazing tattoo shop! Lunchbox did my tattoo and was easily one of the most personable and caring tattoo artists I've ever worked with. 100% recommend going to him. His attention to detail and the care of your tattoo is top notch. Love this place. read more

After asking around about the local tattoo parlors, I finally decided to get a piercing done here at the recommendation of my more body-modified friends. I'm actually surprised about the bashing the guys at New Life are getting here as I felt that out of the parlors I checked out in Champaign, New Life's staff was the most friendly, helpful, and patient with my questions/concerns. In fact, my first experience went so well (Lunchbox did the piercing), that I went back again a few months later to get another piercing (this time done by Matt). The facility is very clean/sterile with interesting memorabilia hanging around (including Lunchbox's lunchbox collection =P) to gaze at while you're waiting. Price-wise, it's no different than what you would find at other parlors - tattoos included. Think about it - you'd pay the same price to get your ears pierced here as if you were to get them done at the mall by some minimum wage 15-year-old high school girl wielding with a piercing gun except these guys know what they're doing. The only reason I'm not giving them 5 stars is because I haven't actually been here to get a tattoo (yet) so I can't speak on their behalf in regards to that, but expect an update should the day come when I decide to finally get inked. read more

I can't recommend this place enough. I've been pierced at a couple of other local shops, and gotten one tattoo No Regrets (also in Champaign) and another tattoo in LA, but my other three (so far) and my industrial piercing are from here. And I've only strayed to the aforementioned places due to certain circumstances, I wouldn't dream of truly leaving New Life as my go-to place. Joel has done two of my tattoos, including my proudest one yet: a large koi on my upper arm/shoulder. My mom got the same one with slight differences in water design and color, and Joel took the time to negotiate on size and discuss color with us extensively. Once we'd all reached final designs, he took all afternoon/evening to first tattoo me and then to turn right around and do it all over again on my mom. The price was EXTREMELY fair, and I tipped him obscenely to compensate. Lunchbox is an awesome artist with a good sense of humor. He did my first tattoo ever, a swallow on my shoulder blade, and he recently did my industrial piercing. He's always professional and helpful, and never fails to provide an enjoyable experience. I love the atmosphere in here. They have great artwork and flash hanging around, and they're always playing good music. They're funny, laidback guys who keep you in a good mood the whole time. Their minimum price is pretty standard ($60) and in my experience with other shops in town, they're about as cheap as it gets. This in itself isn't a reason to go (permanently marking your body isn't a time to bargain hunt), but the fact that their work is so good for such a good price is what makes them the best place to go. As far as I've experienced (for myself or through friends) any other place is either snobby or standoffish or overpriced, or maybe even all three. And there is one place in town that's consistently cheaper, but that's because they're trashy and are known to make spelling errors in tattoos and have low standards as a shop. So really, there's nothing else to say. This is just the place to go. read more

Lunchbox is the GREATEST! He makes your experience a nice one and SO precise! Perfection all the way!! I will be back for sure the parlor is classic with all the old school tats! I'd give 6 stars if I could! read more

New Life Tattoos - EXACTLY a perfect match to what I brought in! Thanks Lunchbox!!! - Tattoo Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

Okay, I'm gonna give this place a 3 start rating. For personal experience, I'd give it a lower one, but for what they did on my bf, I'd give it a 5, so this seems like a good compromise. I went here to get an industrial piercing. The guy who did it was really nice. He did two single piercings, inserting rings because he said this way it heals better since you can rotate the rings during the healing process, which you can't do with a bar. Sounds good to me. Several months later I figured it was time to put the bar in. It was a little hard to do, but I loved it. A few days later, my boyfriend noticed that it was digging into my ear. I looked in the mirror and sure enough, the bar had cut a somewhat deep gash into my ear, so the skin of the ear was covering the bar! Gross, I know. I folded a bandaid and put it underneath the bar so that the bar rested on that instead of causing more damage. Since I was in Chicago, I went to another piercing place where they told me that part of my ear is raised too high, so an industrial piercing won't work on me. That was pretty disappointing to hear. I wish I had been told that to begin with because that just lost me $50 bucks (including tip). On top of that, the girl told me that even if I could have the piercing, the two holes weren't lined up correctly. She figured this out when she was going to give me two mini bars in each hole to give the illusion of a bar and realized that they wouldn't line up. It's a tough call on this place. My boyfriend had both of his industrials done here and they're great. He also has two tattoos that look really amazing. Looking at him, its hard to knock this place down and I really don't want to because the people here are really nice and know what they're talking about. I just didn't have the best experience. read more

Went in today to get my rook piercings switched out and get my tongue pierced. Lunchbox was awesome and nice, and apologized for the 30-45 minute wait while he did 2 small tattoos for people that came in before me. They are understaffed today, which is totally acceptable considering it's spring break. As for the piercing process--he was completely up front about everything he was doing, why he was doing it, and gave me some really good tips about helping the piercing heal up quickly and painlessly. I will totally be going back for any other piercings I want. read more

Lunchbox is awesome! Great piercer and very sanitary. He calms you down and walks you through every step of the process, especially if you get a cartilage piercing. Only thing that I even thought twice about was the price - piercing plus the sanitary salt spray (optional) was a bit expensive. Otherwise, loved the vibe of the place. Looked through the tattoos while there, very creative and inventive pieces. Definitely check this place out, a central part to campus culture. read more

Lunch box is the GO to guy! My friend amanda took me with her one day to get her tattoo touched up and he did an amazing job. I saw him do a tattoo on another friend. I got my tattoo fixed by him from a guy who fucked mine up during a touch up. My tattoo is great and im super happy with it! I like 3 hours away but its sooooooo worth the trip! I will definitely go back and get a tattoo done by him from scratch!!!! hes always friendly and funny as well! Very clean and over all a great experience! read more

New Life Tattoos - on the left... love LOGALTY hope Line work kind of crappy and colors faded. Right love loyalty hope. Colors look sharp n clean! - Tattoo Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

Lunch Box is amazing! I definitely recommend for all piercings. Very clean and professional. read more

So, I'm writing this review on behalf of a good friend who came in for his first tattoo. He was given a total piece of crap...It was one of the easiest designs an artist could ever been given, and they couldn't even place it right. The placement and the line work was absolutely horrible. What really stinks is that other artists and employees let that horrible display of a "professional" tattoo be seen. It looked like a tattoo that you get on some dude's couch that you paid for with a pack of menthols and a six pack of beer 30 while trashed at a party. Absolutely horrifying. read more

I went to New Life for my first tattoo based on the high reviews. I walked in, discussed my design, had it done, and was out the door within 30 minutes. Everyone was super kind and made sure the tattoo was exactly what I wanted before doing it. Lunchbox did mine, he's awesome. Super friendly! They have a minimum charge of $80, but I HIGHLY recommend them! read more

New Life Tattoos - Tattoo Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

I've had both a piercing and a tattoo here, and I love this place. I can only really speak for Lunchbox, since he did all of my work, but I know that the other guys are just as nice and professional. I went in with a basic design and Lunchbox really helped me make it perfect while sticking to what I wanted. He is very creative but he doesn't force you to do something different than what you want. I also appreciate his honesty. He was honest about what would make my tattoo look bad and about how much an industrial might hurt. He doesn't sugar coat anything, which is a trait I really appreciate. I've always felt so welcome here, and I highly recommend it. I'm sorry that anyone had a bad experience, but since I've had a couple that have been great, I'm sure any bad experiences are not the norm. read more

I have gotten all my tattoos and piercings done here. Very clean and very professional. Will give their honest opinion about what you want done, will give suggestions on what might look better. They are experts, listen to them! From other reviews I read it seems people are thrown off by their demeanor, they are tattoo artists not stock brokers, they like to have fun and be different. I wish Jen still worked there because I really love the work she did on my calf tattoo. Even though I don't go to school down there anymore, I will still probably go back to them for future my future tattoos. read more

New life was recommended by a friend, and today I went and got my first tattoo. Dustin took care of us. He was friendly and did an awesome job on my friend and me. The shop was very clean, had good music playing and all the staff was friendly. I will certainly go back. read more

My husband & I did a walk in. Lunchbox was very cool and courteous, wasn't busy at all he got us in very quickly. It was my very first tattoo, he was not pressuring at all. He walked me through the steps. The place itself is very interesting. Art all over the walls and on the ceiling. It was very very cool. The minimum is $80 which is great considering they are right on campus. We would definitely return. Thanks again for the awesome service & tattoo. read more

New Life Tattoos - Tattoo Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

See all

I got my first tattoo here by Dustin. It is even better than I imagined! He was very helpful for a first-timer and made sure I was 100% happy with size/placement before tattooing me. The tattoo is perfect and I am very glad I went here. read more

I've seen Dustin for all 3 of my tattoos and Lunchbox for my piercing and they are awesome! They're super accommodating and talented at what they do. They both made me feel really comfortable and Dustin was so helpful with my first tattoo and every one after that! Highly recommend! read more

These guys are great, I've gone in for two tattoos so far; one was scheduled and the other was a walk-in. Lunchbox did my first, I wanted to get the color redone on a floral tattoo on my thigh. Vince did my second, which was another flower tattoo, but on sternum/underbreast area. They were both really good about checking to make sure I was doing good, and even before that they took the time to make sure that I was getting what I wanted in the tattoos. The prices in my opinion were very fair for what I got done. The shop is very clean, and the artists take care to keep everything that way during the tattoo process. I would recommend New Life to any of my friends. read more

I was very eager to get my first tattoo and although I have no regrets about the artwork itself, I'm very sad about the establishment I had it done at. With the exception of "Lunchbox," these are the absolutely rudest and most pretentious tattoo artists I've ever met. One of the artists, whose name is Adam if I'm not mistaken, told me that I would "regress his portfolio." "Lunchbox" ended up doing the tattoo and he was very nice about it and did a perfect job based on what I wanted, but in retrospect, because of the overall experience I would like one of my friends to re-tattoo it to renew and bring it back to life. I think it's pretty sad about how it came to be on my arm. read more

Looked clean, but my friend and I ended up walking out because the guy at the counter pretty much refused to tattoo the text my friend wanted. Not because it was obscene or anything, but because "Words are just words, but a picture really SAYS something." Seriously? read more

I go to school at U of I, so New Life is the most convenient tattoo shop to go to, since it's located right on Green St. The tattoo shop has a really cool, retro setup, so I was optimistic about getting work done there. I went with my roommate the first time while she got her nose pierced, and planned to go back later in the week to get a tattoo done. First of all, the whole time we were in there, the guy at the counter with the handlebar mustache leered at us like a sex offender. While I was waiting for my roommate to get her nose pierced, he repeatedly told me that he'd be glad to pierce my nipple for free. After my roommate got home, and had a chance to really check out her nose, she realized that he had pierced it at an angle, not perpendicularly like it's supposed to be. We went in the next day to tell him about it. Although the piercer was very nice the next day (and was much more professional than handlebar musctache), he repeatedly denied that the piercing was done wrong, but said he could re-pierce it for free, but couldn't give us our money back. Despite what the clean interior may suggest, this is definitely one of the skeeziest shops I've been to. If you need to buy jewelry, don't go in New Life, go next door to the smoke shack, where you can buy body jewelry for a fraction of the price, have more selection, and not feel like you're going to get molested. read more

Went here to finish off my triple helix piercing. I got one of the piercings done a year ago at No Regrets in downtown Champaign. When Lunchbox looked at the piercing he seemed like he did not appreciate that I already had one but told me that he would be able to do it. He pressured me into getting the jewelry that he normally sells for the triple helix because otherwise it would "just not look right" (normally charges $125 for the full, but was going to charge me $100 for two... how the math works out on that... I'm not sure). I had been waiting a while to do this, and with him boasting about his 10 years experience, I say... what the hell. He marks my ears. The marks are not exactly where I want and my friends tell this to him. Regardless of the criticism, he backs himself up and assures me that it will look great. I go through with it. One of the piercings is poking out of the top (superior) of my helix. Looked weird and would have been a pain in the ass to take care of. He redid that one and was NOT understanding where I actually wanted the piercing. We showed him pictures but he was acting very frustrated and kind of pissed at me and my friends. One of my friends marked on my ear where it should go, he remarked it it a little lower and pierced it. By this time I was done. I was in pain, I just wanted to the the heck out of there. I was swollen and said it was ok and that I just wanted to go. Well, it's the next day and it looks like garbage. I've been trying to contact him all day to ask for at least a partial refund (I gave him a $20 tip... because I felt bad for chipping away at his ego... so in total spent $125... $5 charge for credit cards). I haven't heard anything back. There is no way that I can go to work with this. I work in a professional environment and this looks like I had my friend pierce my ear... looks totally botched. If I do end up getting a refund, I'll update this. As for now, I'm beyond upset with the quality and attitude given to me and my friends at the shop by Lunchbox. I will never go back here. I'll stick with No Regrets. UPDATE: Went back and got them redone. He actually wanted for me to pay for the equipment he would have to use to repierce my ears (can I give this place 0 stars?). I told him hell no and said he can use my tip money to pay for it. The guy was still awkward and bitched about how he was 5 seconds away from kicking my friends out. What a douche bag. Currently, both of the piercings he did have keloids and the backs are so tight on the earrings I can't unscrew them. Probably going to take them out if they don't completely heal by January. I'll go to No Regrets this time. I've never had keloids... Ever and he probably should have not even repierced them (due to the build up of scar tissue)... But that dude is beyond proud/stubborn. Avoid this dude at all costs. read more

I'm also surprised by some of the negative reviews posted for New Life. I thought that everybody was really cool and professional. They helped me come up with some viable options for my ideas that ended up looking way better than my original thoughts ever could have. People need to realize that tattoo artists are professionals and are far more informed on what will and won't work in body art than the average customer. From my experiences at the shop, I find it hard to believe that the guys that work there would give any attitude to anyone that wasn't asking for it. read more

Got a nose piercing here a few months ago and the stud turned green after a few days! It then got infected and I went to topnotch in Elgin and they fixed it for me right away and put better quality jewelry in. Never going here again read more

I got a couple tattoos by tilt and the work is good but he was a major creep. I went with 2 of my female friends, and he wouldn't even acknowledge them. They walked out and left because they were so pissed, but I was already getting tattooed. After they left, he kept referring to them as "hoes", and asking if I'd dated them. It was not a good experience read more

We ended up at New Life Tattoos after walking out of No Regrets because they were incredibly rude jerks and said my idea was dumb- we were getting memorial tattoos for my triplet miscarriage. Lunchbox could not have been nicer to me, my mom and mother in law. We didn't know exactly what we wanted and were very anxious about getting our tattoos. He was so patient and kind, walked us through everything from start to finish and made the experience exactly what we wanted it to be. He was also super nice to every customer that came in the door while we were there. Super clean and professional, I would tell anyone to go see Lunchbox!!! We all love our tattoos!! read more

Consummate professionals and well known in the business, I'd have a hard time recommending another group to go to for tattoo work. If you are searching for serious tattoo work to be completed by creative professionals, this is the place to go. If you are looking for heinous collegiate shit to get tattooed on your ankle then expect to get razzed a bit because ... well, you'll eventually figure it out. read more

I got my first tattoo here a few weeks ago. Everyone I talked to in the place were nice. If anyone spoke to an unfriendly person, maybe they're no longer working there. A friend came with me when I got my tattoo, and she was a little disappointed with the customer service/professionalism. But it didn't bother me. I thought that it was fine. Besides, what are you expecting to get from a tattoo parlor? Their style will be different than customer service people who get paid based on commission. Lunchbox did my tattoo. He was really nice about it, even though I kept coming in an altering the design. I felt bad about it and tipped extra for it, but he didn't seem to mind my indecisiveness...at least he didn't show it. I talked to Tilt a couple of times. Once I asked him what it felt like to get a tattoo. One part of the conversation went something like this: Tilt: "it's like sex. The first time you do it, it hurts. Then it gets a little better. Then once you're done, you want to do it again." Me: "okay..." Tilt: "do you like sex?" Me: a moment of silence; some awkward response, then left store Anyway, if you're looking for excellent customer service, professionalism, and "by the book" artists, then go elsewhere. But if you want creativity, casual, and in my opinion friendly workers, this is a great place. I'm giving this place a 4 because when my friend looked through some of the tattoo books, there were things like Nazi symbols in there. If I saw this before I got my tattoo here, I may not have gotten it here out of principle. It's one thing to be willing to tattoo whatever a customer wants, but another thing to "showcase" it. But other than that, the rest of my review still holds. read more

If you're looking for a quality tattoo then just do yourself a favor and don't go here. The staff is rude (and creeps as other reviewers pointed out), their lines are messy, and there are plenty of other better shops in town..shout out to No Regrets! read more

I've gotten my two tattoos and about five piercings here. The guys are great and they are tough on your ideas about a tattoo. I initially went in and wanted to get two 4 pointed stars on my wrist but Joel talked with me and told me that the tattoo would not look how I expected. He helped me figure out two other symbols from the story. I am by far happier with these. I've had friends been told by the guys that they will not tattoo what they've requested BUT they had good reasons. If the guys don't think they can make the tattoo look good for you they wont do it. They work with a living breathing canvas and they know how things will look and age where the people who get tattooed can't necessarily see that far in to their new artwork's future. Lunchbox is a rockstar and did all of my piercings. clean, thorough, and he knows what looks good. If you want good clean work with some flavor New Life is the shop for you. read more

My husband and I had work done here by Tilt and Lunch Box. So meticulous and talented! We are on our way to full sleeves now and couldn't be happier. I highly recommend this place. read more

I have to start off by saying that New Life Tattoos, is not only the best shop in Central Illinois, but one of the better shops in the country.There is a reason why they have stuck around, while others have come and gone. I have a multitude of tattoos from the shop, and two 3/4 sleeves from Tilt, the owner. I currently live in Austin, TX, a tattoo heaven, and I am complimented almost everyday on the quality and craftsmanship of the work. I also make it a point to see the guys from the shop when they come to town. They are good people, great artist, and when approached with and open mind and attitude, amazing professionals. Cheers Gents! read more

The guys are awesome and make sure you have a good time while getting your tattoo, I've gotten 2 from here and I love both of them...I made a HUGE mistake and went to No Regrets for a tattoo and I REGRET not waiting for New Life Tattoos to be open the day I had it done...Make the right choice and go to New Life, you won't have any regrets..... read more