Jesse was amazing with my 11-year-old daughter getting her ears pierced for the first time. He was patient, gentle, and took the time to explain everything he was doing to her as he pierced her ears. I've had piercing done here as well, and I highly recommend this business! read more

The atmosphere was fine but, after looking closely at their portfolio and photo reviews, the technical skill just isn't there yet, there is someone there that knows what they are doing but many that have blown out lines and not great work. It seems like they need more training or experience before charging professional rates. Do your research and look at the photos before booking--you'll thank me later. read more

I've been here to have some earrings swapped out. They have a nice selection of both titanium and higher end jewelry. I've worked with Derek and Jesse and both couldn't be kinder!! It's nice to find a shop where their main concern is cleanliness and kindness with their customers. I always try to stop by here when I'm in the area! read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - Piercing Near Me - St Charles, Illinois

Luna gave me my mom and sister matching tattoos and was wonderful! Very professional and wonderful vibe! Would reccomend!!!

Absolutely steller place to go and get a tattoo. Jinx Is the man, he helped me design and make my idea come true with my most recent tattoo. Highly recommend checking this place out. Right off of Randall road. read more

years ago i had my helix pierced here, man i think i was 15 or 16!! i wanted my eyebrow pierced and my mom said no, so the helix was our compromise lol! derek pierced me and he did a fantastic job. he was super knowledgeable and helpful. it took a lot of convincing to get my mom to bring me to somewhere other than claire's, but after she watched me get pierced here, she was totally convinced sink or swim is the way to go! everyone who helped me was super nice and they have a great selection of high quality jewelry. i'm still wearing the piece i got from here. the decorations inside are super cool and the piercing rooms are clean and professional. i have recommended this place to friends. i know multiple people from high school who got pierced or tatted here. it has a good reputation. sink or swim you rock!! read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - helix by derek - Piercing Near Me - St Charles, Illinois

Sink or Swim is a professional outfit. Both of the staff members I talked to at length when I came in for my helix piercing today (as well as the one I overheard talking with a different customer about his plan for a coverup tattoo) took what they were doing seriously. Everybody was masked and the session questionnaire asked about possible COVID-19 symptoms/exposure, in addition to standard health questions about factors that might affect you either in-session or in your healing and aftercare. I want to give a special shout-out to my piercer, Jesse, who would have a great "bedside manner" if choosing to become a doctor. Jesse assuaged my nervousness (I let all my previous piercings close up about 20 years ago, so I was feeling a bit rusty), answered all my questions (many of them I didn't even realized I'd been wondering until after Jesse brought them up!) and just had the right gentle and calm tone. If any of my friends were to want to get a piercing, and I knew they had trauma in their history that might be a factor in their piercing experience, I would recommend they ask to work with Jesse. The facilities are great and the selection of jewelry to be inserted (titanium or gold are post options) was decent, though not as extensive as some might hope for, I suspect. But when it's time to get new jewelry (for example, I'm interested in switching out to an ear cuff eventually) you can rely on Sink or Swim to source and vet a wide set of options from 3 different companies. This is very important for people like me who have nickel sensitivity. If you just buy jewelry online, it can be hard to trust that the posts are made of what the seller says they are. Overall, I recommend Sink or Swim to you without reservation. My piercing was a great experience and I will probably be back for a tattoo before too long. read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - Helix piercing done 9/4/21 - Piercing Near Me - St Charles, Illinois

Jesse did my daughter's and my piercings this evening. He was caring, highly professional, and patient. Highly recommend!

Was able to get a walk in for 2 small tattoos for me and a larger one for a friend same day, which was awesome. Pinstripe did my Friends and it turned out awesome. Chris did mine and I love them. Professional, clean, good vibe and beautiful jewelry for piercings to choose from. Already wanting a traditional done by Chris! We will be back soon. read more

See all

Sink or Swim did a great job with my nose piercing. I'm a newbie and don't like needles. They did a fantastic job making sure I was comfortable, informed and didn't see anything. They were confident enough to change the placement from what I suggested (for good reason), and they provided education on keeping it clean, allowing it to fully heal etc. I'm updating my review to add that they were a huge help when I needed an MRI and the hole started closing. I drove straight there, they took me right away and repierced it. (Thankfully it was a slower day/time). Quick and easy, and I didn't have to anxiously wait for an appointment while the hole closed even more. They also realized why my first one kept snagging and got me a shorter post, which made an instant improvement. I'll be heading in for new jewelry sometime this summer. Highly recommend! read more

Derek pierced my daith after my Neurologist's office recommended it. I've not had a headache since.

Dapkus is my go to artist!! He's amazing, but everyone in sink or swim has uniqueness to their art. I highly recommend going there. Super clean. Everyone is super friendly. read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - Done last August Irises Words: From my heart For the Love of You - Piercing Near Me - St Charles, Illinois

See all

Brandon is the BEST!! I turned 18 in October and immediately went to go get my ears pierced! Had to go in alone because of covid guidelines. I was super nervous but the staff was amazing in creating a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Brandon did my doubles and left side cartilage! It was quick, place was clean, and he was amazing person! Definitely will be going back if i impulsively decide to do something again! read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - Piercing Near Me - St Charles, Illinois

Shortly after opening I came into sink or swim to purchase jewelry and despite finding the pieces I have been searching high and low for left empty handed. When I walked in I was not greeted by the counter person but instead had the misfortune of listening to her tell what seemed to be a potential client that she had no interest in helping them through the process of booking an appointment. When she finished with the phone client she turned to myself and my partner and gruffly asked what I wanted. When I began asking questions about a piece of jewelry I was wanting to purchase she turned away from me and began doing other things and seemed annoyed to answer questions like "what brand is this" "what gauge is this" and "what is the price." Despite wanting the jewelry she was so rude that my partner said he'd rather I purchase from anywhere but this business and I couldn't agree more. She was terrible and made what should have been a short and fun buying experience terrible. I don't want to spend $300 on jewelry to be treated like an inconvenience. In years previously I've received a tattoo and bought other jewelry from this location. It's sad to see it become so unwelcoming and disorganized. read more

I have waited to post my thoughts on this tattoo location because I was so upset with my experience. I was wanting to get a special quaint tattoo done in memory of the passing of my husband last November of 29 years. I was unfortunately assigned Jinx. First he contacted me asking if he could make my tattoo edgier, I said no, I wanted what I had picked out. I had an appointment, but then an hour before, he texted saying he was going to be 45 minutes longer because he was working on someone who obviously had a detailed tattoo, which could have been scheduling at a later time, as I had an appointment. Second, as he went to put the copy on my wrist, I noticed it wasn't centered, and one hoop of the heart was bigger. I pointed it out, and his reply was immediately pulling it off, and saying, "I knew you were going to be a pain in the ass." I was appalled! Here a special tattoo and he treats me like this! I then said, "If you don't want to do it, I could go elsewhere, which he then responded, "Well I don't need the money." Maybe I'm supposed to have a thick skin going to a tattoo parlor, and yes I am older, but I should have gotten up and walked out. No matter what service one works in, they should not let their egos get in the way, and treat customers like that. I would definitely go else where next time I want a tattoo. What was supposed to be a special moment will forever be remembered as a bad experience. read more

I have to start off by saying I used to be a die hard fan of another local tattoo shop. I honestly never thought I'd go anywhere else. After repeatedly having my artist blow off appointments, I went searching for a new place... And that's what brought me to Sink or Swim! I love, love, LOVE Renee. I can't say enough positive things about her. She takes my basic, uninspiring idea and turns them into a beautiful piece of art. Her technique is great and really has a strong understanding of complimentary colors. She's done two large pieces (including a cover-up) for me so far, and I've already received numerous compliments. I can't wait to get more work done by her! Clean, friendly shop and good prices. REMEMBER: A cheap tattoo isn't good. And a good tattoo isn't cheap. read more

See all

Wonderful first experience at Sink or Swim! This was my first tattoo and Jinx did a wonderful job! I went all alone and was quite nervous but he set my nerves aside and it went by super fast and turned out wonderful! I highly recommend this place and Jinx! I have already recommend him to friends and family! read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - Piercing Near Me - St Charles, Illinois

I lost my nose ring and they were so easy to work with! Making the appointment online was so seamless and the quick communication to confirm the appointment was great! Derek was great and he seamless got me a new ring! If I plan on getting any further piercings, I'll definitely be coming back! read more

I went to Sink or Swim for the first time yesterday to get my septum done. Now I have 14 ear piercings and my nose is double pierced so I've definitely seen my share of tattoo parlors around the suburbs over the years. The thing that stuck out the most about Sink or Swim was the fact that they have you sign a book containing all of their piercing materials that they autoclave right before you get the piercing. Derek did my septum and walked me through exactly what to expect. Even before he even did any piercing he was stating exactly what he was doing while he was doing it, like using sterile gauze! Needless to say I was incredibly impressed with the cleanliness of the process. I will definitely be going back here to all of my piercing needs. Highly recommend! read more

By far the best piercer I have been to and I have 13 piercings. I was a tad scared of the pain of getting my septum done because of some of the horror stories I have heard. He acknowledged my fear, walked me through step by step and told me everything he was doing and preparing to do. Everything was very professional and clean. Sterile equipment and a very clean working space. I was acknowledged right when I walked in the door and he even remembered me from the phone call inquiry earlier. I will definitely come back to him for all my future piercings. Very happy and satisfied customer. So much I'm even wanting to go back the next day (today) and get my lip redone. Check this place out. read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - Absolutely amazing work. I couldn't be happier with something that meant so much to me. So professional and nice. - Piercing Near Me - St Charles, Illinois

I spent years thinking about my second tattoo and finally decided that I was ready. My fiance had been here years before for a rather large tattoo so I knew if his artist was available, I'd have to stop in while visiting up north. Ryan was wonderful and communicated with me even prior to my appointment. When I arrived, my tattoo idea was sized up and ready to go. The entire experience took about 45 minutes in all and the price was super reasonable. The staff was very friendly, the space very clean, and communication was great. I highly recommend everyone here at Sink or Swim. read more

They helped me with a bad piercing I got at another establishment. Grateful! They were kind and very patient.

I went for my first tattoo and it was a great experience from start to finish. Everyone was nice and answered any questions as well as it was super clean inside. I'll definitely be going back for my second. It's tiny, but it's exactly as I pictured and I love it. Thank you, Ryan! read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - Piercing Near Me - St Charles, Illinois

Let me start off by saying that the tattoo I received was great and the artist was very friendly and he did a good job. The tattoo is comprable to any of the other ones that I've received in the past at a different location. However I paid three times as much for the tattoo I received at this particular place. I will be gladly driving an hour for the same kind of work in order to save alot of money. Do not go here and if you do, ask what the total price is. read more

This place is amazing. They were so responsive and helpful via email and got us set up with artists to get our tattoos. They were helpful in design consult as well. They did amazing jobs and the work was very quality. read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - Piercing Near Me - St Charles, Illinois

See all

I got my second lobe done here and they are so uneven and low compared to my first I can't believe it. The guy said he was the owner so I was confident in his skills but never assume my friends. I don't recommend this shop for piercing. I look ridiculous when I wear an earring stack. My seconds are so droopy and obvious. read more

Awesome staff! They didn't make me feel nervous and my piercer was really nice! I am so bad with names so I forgot his name I am so sorry! But I had a great experience! I'm going back for my other piercings and a tattoo! Thank you so much! Definitely worth the drive and pricing! read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - Piercing Near Me - St Charles, Illinois

THIS PLACES IS AMAZING !!! Everyone there is so nice, and friendly. The front desk lady is so sweet and will hold your hand if you need it ! I got my tattoo done by pinstripe and he is great ! He makes sure that if you need to stop you can, and he makes sure you are comfortable. The lady tattoo artist (I don't know her name) was super sweet as well. She could see I was in a lot of pain and she supported me when she finished her tattoo. I'm not done with the tattoo but can't wait to finish !!! read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - Piercing Near Me - St Charles, Illinois

Well, I have to rewrite my review. I would not recommend this place to anyone. Staff does not take appointments seriously, no customer service, and very unprofessional. If you are looking for a great experience, this is not the place for you. read more

This place is the best shop I've ever been to. Luis did matching tattoos on my sister and I. We absolutely love them!! It was exactly what we were looking for. The environment is great and really fun. They are very welcoming and make you feel very comfortable! I can't wait to go back for my next tattoo! read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - Piercing Near Me - St Charles, Illinois

First tattoo, very glad i picked this place they somehow got the right font on the first try and were very safe and professional, 10/10 would recommend. The artist jinx made it look like it was copy and pasted off the computer read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - tattoo - Piercing Near Me - St Charles, Illinois

Showed Jinx a photo and he did his thing. I had made an appointment the day before and was in and out so quickly for my appmt. Was all around a good experience read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - Piercing Near Me - St Charles, Illinois

Went here on a whim Since I wanted to get a tattoo. It just so happened that Pinto was free that day and gave me an amazing tattoo! Everyone in the shop is hilarious and fun to talk to. I am definitely going to go back and get more ink. I highly suggest to go to this place! read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - By Pinto Got one of his drawings and it was perfect. I had an idea similar to this, but his is way better than what I imagined! - Piercing Near Me - St Charles, Illinois

Great shop with a good variety of different artists with different skill sets. They have a clean,and friendly environment. I have got more then 10 tattoos there from several different artists there. My wife and her sister have got piercings there too and where very happy with the pricing as well as the service! Highly recommend this place. read more

Love this place. After years of getting my ears done at Claire's, the professionalism of an actual licensed piercer was A M A Z I N G. I've gotten 7 piercings at Sink or Swim and I see more in my future. Rylie is probably one of my favorite people ever! Could not recommend this place enough! read more

This grandma's ear piercing completely healed during Covid isolation and needed to be redone. Though this business generally has a much younger clientele, I felt completely comfortable here. Both Covid precautions and general sanitary procedures are thorough. Derek was excellent, being far more concerned with my comfort level than I was. When I had a minor complication with healing, due I believe to my sleeping position, Derek quickly saw me again to resolve the problem at no additional cost. I recommend Derek and this business for piercing for someone of any age. read more

I recently went here to get my nose pierced and my experience was great! The guy who pierced my nose was named Derek and he was really good at explaining everything and when he pierced my nose it was almost painless. I'm so glad I went here for my first body piercing other than my 2 ear piercings! I would recommend anyone to go here they were really hygienic which I appreciate. read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - Piercing Near Me - St Charles, Illinois

See all

Got 2 TINY tattoos for my girl friend. Guy literally says "finger tattoos are the most expensive, so I have to charge accordingly" - proceeds to charge us $140..... FOR 2 TINY SQUARE INCH TATTOOS!!! Then when I complained he says "this is how I eat man sorry" .....you'd have alot more money to eat if you charged prices that made people WANT to come back. F*CK this place. read more

Thanks for being awesome, Derek and Riley! My girlfriend and I came in to change some of our piercing jewelry, and they both were informative, helpful, and ultimately bad ass! Derek was very adamant on making sure I was comfortable; I never felt a thing because he's so gentle. In addition, Riley was very welcoming and sweet (and even showed us the process of coloring nose rings!) What a great first experience for both of us--we'll definitely be back in the future! read more

My sister and I went in for piercings and had a great experience. They were accommodating with our time slots and when we got there walked us through jewelry selection and procedures. Brandon pierced my sister's nostril and Derek pierced my tragus. Both were super friendly and professional and did a great job. We got thorough after care instructions and we are both very happy. Would recommend and will be going back. read more