Given the fact that tattoos are, ya know, permanent, I've always tried really hard to do my research ahead of time and find shops and artists that are skilled, professional, and pleasant to work with. I could've told you that Pain & Wonder is exactly that after my first tattoo with them but I loved my experience so much that I drove an hour and a half to get a second one done there. Both my tattoos were done with Christian who is incredibly talented, friendly, and just overall someone you trust with something that'll stay with you forever. While he may not be at the shop as often now because he's moved, if you get the chance to get a tat from him, do it! The other artists all seem to be very professional and talented as well. They all boast an impressive range in style so you're sure to find someone here who can create what you're envisioning. I would have no hesitations going to any one of them for my next tattoo. The shop is clean and comfortable. Appointments are easy to make. All in all, my experiences with Pain and Wonder have been very pleasant and I'd recommend them to anyone! read more

Pain & Wonder Tattoo Studio - My second tattoo done at Pain and Wonder - Tattoo Near Me - Athens, Georgia

Terrible customer service. They act as if we should be so happy to be in their presence. Like we are interrupting them begging to get a tattoo. Go to WALK THE LINE!!!! Complete opposite of this terrible place. read more

I had a conch piercing last week with Randy- he was very professional - gave clear instruction on what to expect and the procedure was almost painless! I was so scared after hearing how painful a conch could be- Randy assured me that I was overthinking the entire process! I am so thankful that I chose to have my piercing done by Randy! I highly recommend! read more

What a wonderful experience. MaryAnn helped design my photo I had. It was a spur Of a moment decision. fair price. The artist had mask on but as a customer it is your preference. read more

Pain & Wonder Tattoo Studio - Tattoo Near Me - Athens, Georgia

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Excellent job! Clean, professional, an all around class act. I was embarrassed to realize I had very poor flinch control in the position I needed to be in (I would recomend looking up expected positioning ahead of time) and was not at all made to feel poorly about it. Incredibly thrilled with my new piercing and beyond happy with the overall experience. read more

Seriously incredible place. I always return. I've had three piercings done by Bato & it's perfection every time.

I got a trampstamp a few months ago and have been trying to convince myself I like it for months. I had to get it retouched after just three months, I know I did the after care correctly so not sure what happened but I refused to go back here and went somewhere else for a touch up. Maryanne was not nice but definitely did not go the extra mile in any way. Zero small talk. I asked her to move my tattoo stencil up twice and then when I still didn't love it, she was visibly annoyed with me. I did not feel comfortable asking again and now I live with the fact that it is too low and will never see the light of day bc no matter how low rise my pants are, my tattoo cannot be seen. The letters are thick, she wasn't super nice, it was expensive, I hate the placement, and I had to get it retouched three months later. read more

Very neat and clean organization. Happy with the service, but the prices we paid were definite way over what they should have been. Two of the same tattoo. Less than an inch. Ten minutes each. $160!! So although I appreciate the service, I'm giving 3 stars because I wouldn't recommend anyone come here and get cheated. read more

Pain & Wonder Tattoo Studio - Tattoo Near Me - Athens, Georgia

Best place to get a piercing during a pandemic. All the staff were incredibly helpful and sanitary. As soon as I walked in, my belongings were sanitized and placed in a basket, my temperature was taken, and I was given hand sanitizer. After I picked my jewelry, that was sanitized as well. Randy talked me through the process and eased my concerns. Highly recommend! read more

Had an appointment with James Armstrong and walked before he started tattooing because of how arrogant and unprofessional he was. Never will understand this because he does mediocre to alright work at best. The first thing he told me as I walked in the door is that he could send me home and still make $1k that day. He then tried to squeeze some money out of me and do a tattoo 5x bigger than what I wanted. This dude is a walking red flag. Save your money and find a different artist, Jack has done all my others and is incredibly nice and does great work at a much better price. I'll be sticking with him. read more

I have had two tattoos done here and only had good expereices. It was clean, they had an A for a health score. My first tattoo was a couple of years ago and the artist was professional and gave me exactly what I wanted. I came back this past new years and had a piece drawn up and done. I am very pleased with it and absolutely loved the artist and the experience. Also, I have only had good customer service experiences. I think the "lady behind the counter" is great she remembered me after two years having only met twice for a few mins. I can't imagine anyone was actually told they don't have time to sketch, when that's what they do for a living. A lot of what they do is original work. My artist was Kim. Lastly, I think it's bullshit that some of these bad reviews are from people who didn't actually get tattoos there. read more

Pain & Wonder Tattoo Studio - Work I had done! - Tattoo Near Me - Athens, Georgia

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I came here on a whim after seeing a friend get her nose pierced. I wanted two piercings on my cartilage. The customer service was amazing. I had Randy as my piercer. He was very patient with me and walked me through the entire process. He answered all my questions in detail and made me feel welcome. The piercings turned out beautiful. I am definitely coming back to get more done. read more

Super clean and professional atmosphere. You can tell they really care about their clients and about providing good service. There's a reason why they're the top tattoo parlor in athens and why people from hundreds of miles away will drive all the way to get their tattoos done here. If you're serious about tattoos and receiving only the best when it comes to permanent artwork on your body, come here read more

Unfortunately I had a horrible experience at this shop with James. Throughout my whole appointment James was being rude and snarky towards me, and the rest of my party. James kept making comments such as, "you're really trying to get on my nerves now" when one of us asked for an opinion. We weren't even going to be in the room together due shop policy (which is completely understandable), but James told our friend we could come in if we wanted. But then when we were trying ask each other questions about placement or getting opinions James would make comments like, "this is why I don't have friends come in." Let me emphasize again, we weren't going to come in before James mentioned we could, so these comments weren't adding up. James had told us "we will get what we want" and then in the next breath that we "can't go that small." When it was my turn to get my tattoo, after looking in the mirror and deciding the placement wasn't exactly where I wanted and explained to James the direction to place it next he looked at me like I asking him to do something out of his job description. I know from previous tattoo experiences that removing the stencil and placing it again is not a hard task, so his look really confused me. James then handed me the stencil and said "if you want it changed, do it yourself." Where I was having my tattoo placed I was unable to place it properly which is why I needed him to do it without me moving. I felt like this was the cherry on top of this horribly unprofessional experience we were having. Thankful I won't be stepping back into this shop again, and personally would recommend avoiding booking with James if you can. I know from others, and the reviews of this shop, the other tattoo artists at this shop are great. We were just dealt the rotten apple of the bunch, and I want to warn others. read more

RUDE. I am never EVER given them any business due to their lack of customer service and policy on tattoos. I went there with my friend who is interested in getting her first tattoo, and they are apparently unwilling to work with a new client. All she wanted to get was a sketch of a possible tattoo (a five-letter word, maybe 1" by 2") to get an idea of what 1) it would look like and 2) the artist was capable of doing. They were unwilling to even do such a sketch unless we made an appointment and put a $60 deposit down. They said they didn't want just random people coming off the street (we were not random, we were interested in tattoos) who are not serious about getting a tattoo (we were but wanted to shop around before picking the perfect place) just getting free sketches. I don't know about the rest of you, but I need to have confidence in an artist before I make any decision on who to go with. Just like a doctor or anyone else who does work on my body. Also, they said they were "too busy" (only one customer in the shop and there was one other woman working there not doing anything) Seriously, sketching this would probably take all of 2 minutes. It's not like it's a huge piece or anything. Why would anyone put a deposit down for a two minute sketch that we may ultimate dislike? They are clearly unwilling to work for our business. I understand this policy is to ensure business, but they are really shutting out first time tattoo-ees who are more timid about the process than their regular customers may be. read more

Holy $hi+ this place sucks. Just went in for a piercing consult and I was so underwhelmed and disgusted by the piercers attitude. I preface this by saying I have been pierced many times, in many places... Other than my ears. I simply wanted a nostril piercing. Furthermore, I have an entire back piece that I have added to over the past few years that is very large. I have been to many tattoo studios. This place, from the get go, was a let down. Save your cash, apparently, the artists here don't need it. The out of date too cool for school persona reigns supreme here. I suggest that you go elsewhere. An hour later: I went in to Walk the Line tattoo and this place was approachable and I had a great conversation with John Collins. I didn't get work today, but I'd suggest this place over my earlier review any day. read more

I booked a appointment and was only a few minutes late. The piercer didn't seem busy at all. And also wouldn't let me book another appointment. He walked away as if I wasn't important. Besides that the jewelry is overpriced. And the service is horrible. There are multiple jewelry places better. read more

I got a simple B&W tattoo by Jack Nixon that I absolutely love. The shop is taking every possible precaution for COVID by being appointment only, taking temp and offering sanitizer, and not allowing any guests in the studio. I felt very comfortable getting tattooed and love the result. read more

So, it's 3 months later and I am still heading over to P&W to get work done. I don't ever want to stop =) They really are super great and I HIGHLY recommend Graham. Plus while you're in there you get to rock out to killer tunes. read more

I absolutely love this tattoo studio. I got one of my tattoos here and it was an extremely pleasant experience. The staff is incredibly friendly but my favorite artist here is Mike Groves he is very nice and put me at ease about the three birds I was getting tattooed on my left ribcage because I was a bit nervous. He did a great job and has a killer personality! If you're in Athens and thinking about getting a tattoo definitely check this place out! read more

I had my nose pierced here a few years back and was very pleased with them. As it was my first non-ear piercing, I was pretty nervous, but the woman who worked with me was very patient and reassuring. The shop is very clean and bright, and the instruments they use are sterile and very safe. I called back a few weeks afterwards because I was worried about a small bump that had appeared by my piercing. She talked me through it and explained that it was something called a keloid, which is a pretty common type of scarring that occurs with piercings, and that it would most likely go away on its own, but offered a few suggestions on how to deal with it. Overall, I was very impressed with this place! read more

It's been almost a year since I got my first tattoo ever. I regret nothing in choosing to have it done at Pain & Wonder. Even from outside the studio, I could tell the shop was clean, well lit, friendly, everything you could ask for whether you're getting your 1st tattoo or your 100th. I worked with Mike Groves for a few weeks on what exactly I wanted. He put in time at the studio and at home, emailing pictures to me, coming up with multiple sketches and dealing with my picky, perfectionist approach to my first piece. Now, almost a year later, I have a Mike Groves original piece that you can't find on anyone else anywhere in the world, and I grow more and more fond of it every time I look at it. It's perfect. I've been spoiled from my first experience. I will not go anywhere else for a tattoo from now on. Each artist doesn't just sport his or her own unique style, but lends their soul to each piece they create. It's not their job, it's their passion. You can get a tattoo anywhere, but if you want something unique and special, something more than the typical tattoo you'll find at any seedy biker bar, Pain & Wonder is the only choice to make. read more

Great shop in a great city. I've been getting tattooed by Chris P. since the late 90s. Fantastic traditional tattoo work. Pain and Wonder has a great vibe. No stuck up, cooler-than-you types. Just good people who do good work. read more

I traveled from Orlando, FL to get my first tattoo here with Mike Groves...and I am so happy I did. The shop is clean and Scott running the front was super nice and helpful! Mike is absolutely amazing. Not only is he one of the nicest guys, but an incredible artist. My tattoo turned out better than I ever expected, and the process was smooth and comfortable. I will definitely be coming back in the future for my next tattoo. read more

I have done one tattoo and one piercing here before. Both times I felt very welcomed. The tattoo artist that took care of me was honest and sincere about his concerns and opinions with my exiting tattoos and future tattoo ideas. He made it very clear that he didn't want to do a certain design on me that I had requested, but suggested something even better. I was very pleased with my results! It's one of my favorite tattoos yet! - The gentleman that did my septum piercing was amazing! I was in and out in less than 10 mins. He made me feel very relaxed and comfortable through out the service. I highly recommend this place!!! Thanks !!! read more

Pain & Wonder Tattoo Studio - Tattoo Near Me - Athens, Georgia

Randy did both my nose and my tragus piercing. I was very satisfied with how professional he was and how comfortable he made me feel during the process. I was very impressed with the shop and the vibe it gave off. I'll be returning for all my piercings and maybe one day a tatoo! read more

Pain & Wonder Tattoo Studio - Nose piercing - Tattoo Near Me - Athens, Georgia

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The actual studio was clean, professional, and I felt comfortable there. However.. my tattoo artist Christian did NOT do a good job! Would not recommend. First of all, he seemed annoyed that I was making adjustments to the design before getting started. Sorry I want the ink on my body to look a certain way? Second, he seemed to understand that I was going for a thin dainty look, yet the needle he used made my tattoo look thick, almost like a sharpie. Last, I did everything he said yet it's still raised months later. I'm mostly annoyed because the tattoo is SO simple and minimalistic that any good tattoo artist should have been able to do it in their sleep. Yet it came out the wrong way. He's lucky the content of the tattoo meant a lot to me.. because it's the only reason I like it. read more

Bethrah was very informative. I went to get a triangle piercing, but she advised me against it because of my anatomy and gave me the vch piercing instead. She let me know everything that was going to take place along with the care Instructions after. I will definitely return if I'm in need of any more piercings or tattoos. read more

I have gotten one tattoo (from Matty Goldstein) and two piercings (from Randy Smyre) from Pain and Wonder. Overall, everyone here has been very kind. I truly believe that they value client happiness over just making money, and are willing to work with you on placement and jewelry to make sure that you are truly happy with what you're looking for. I have been very please each time I've gone, including a couple times where they told me an idea I had would not look good, or would not be recommended for long-lasting, good looking tattoos or piercings. read more

I went there to get a tattoo and nipple piercings and the customer service was amazing and the prices were extremely affordable. The tattoo turned out amazing and the piercing are really good. Alan Mason did my tattoo and piercings and he was really professional and awesome and I would highly suggest going here. read more

I would highly recommend this tattoo place and the tattoo artist Eros. The facility was very clean (has a 100 A from the Health Department), the staff was very friendly and helpful, and the tattoo artist was incredible. I came in with my two friends, and my one friend and I were from out of town, and the staff treated us with the same respect and regard as any local. Eros was very patient and gave genuine advice on tattoo placement, size and design. He was very down to earth and super friendly. If you are ever in Athens, GA, I HIGHLY recommend this place and Eros to do your next tattoo. read more

Great tattoos! People not so much, the lady that sits behind the counter is a complete B*** she was very rude and hateful, honestly it disgusted me to the point I walked out and would not get anything done there. Not only that everyone in there acted as if they were to cool to help me. I wouldn't suggest this place to my worst enemy. read more

this review is really more for the piercing studio--virtue and vice--that is inside pain and wonder. I really like this piercing studio. the facilities are hospital-clean. randy is very experienced and good at what he does. he even stayed after hours one day when i had an ear piercing swell and i badly needed a longer post. he is great about explaining care of your piercing and how he protects you in the sterile environment. this is not your run of the mill piercing studio--these are true professionals and they are educators in the piercing community as well. especially good in a college town where students don't really always know what they're doing. trust your body to these folks! they are somewhat pricey on the piercing but pretty reasonable on the jewelry. just remember, you get what you pay for when it comes to piercing. read more

For the love of god do not go to this place! I went with my friend to get her nose pierced and the lady was SO RUDE to us (and the people behind us). We ended up walking out and going somewhere else in Athens that was much nicer. I have honestly never been treated like that in my life. I don't care how laid back of a business it is, no company should allow their employees to treat paying customers the way we were treated. If you value your time and money take my advice and GO SOMEWHERE ELSE! You can get the same (or likely better) services and be treated like a normal human being. read more

I got my nose pierced here. I chose them because I heard really good things from other Athenians. Very clean, good prices, and friendly staff! Highly recommend! read more

Wow!!! Another bad tattoo place in Athens!! Don't go here because they can't guarantee good ink for a lifetime. I think they think their tattoo gun is going to wander off the lines that they draw on peoples skin read more

assholes don't go here, I left Bc they were rude and acted like I didn't have enough money to pay

I've gotten two tattoos here, both done by JP. Pain & Wonder is a very professional and clean studio. JP is phenomenal, as are the other artists here. I'll continue to make the drive from Atlanta for the great experience I have every time. read more

Had an appointment scheduled for a month and sent plenty of reference ideas and sketches. The artist simply traced my crappy sketch and called it a day then made me feel stupid & ashamed for wanting to change it (it looked awful and half assed). I had another reference image that I sent the shop and asked for it to be more like that image...I guess the artist never received it because I was asked to resend it. Again I expected these to be a reference point and for the artist to use their skills in basic composition to refine the idea, and nope. It looked like MS Paint. I was sensing the irritation and impatience from my artist even though there was literally no other customers and he had no other appointments. 10 minutes had gone by at this point. Other artists in the shop started teasing him about the bad reviews he received on yelp which made me feel like throwing up. I was nervous enough as it was and that didn't help matters. I ended up passing on the tattoo and throwing my deposit down the drain. I would not recommend this place to anyone getting their first tattoo. The vibe is tailored more toward regulars and doesn't feel very friendly toward first timers. Put some education on your website for people that have no idea what to expect and maybe work more with your first time customers. I'm an artist and do it all the time and it's just part of the job. I make countless changes and these people aren't even getting it on their body. Getting something on your body is a big deal to some people. Work with them! That's part of the art. read more

I did a lot of research finding Pain and Wonder. The work they put out is so unique and beautiful. This truly is a hidden gem and was well worth the trek through quite treacherous weather. My artist, Christian Clay, is extremely talented. His art is so sincere and refreshing. I know those are odd words to describe a tattoo, but that's how I feel. I am honestly tearing up at how he perfectly executed my idea unto my flesh. A true artist and bright soul. I could harp on, but the level of talent in this shop is astounding. I live in Brooklyn but I'll make the trip down to this shop. Yeah...it's that worth it. After I had my lovely, surprisingly quick, session I popped next door for a drink. Awesome experience. Get your tattoo done here and don't forget to tip your artist! read more