Got my 3 and 4th tattoo from Tai (Ty) today. He is an exceptional artist and is so talented beautiful clean lines , solid color. The shop uses top notch equipment and ink and is so clean and sterile with great lighting. I would recommend this place to anyone and most definitely this artist. Attached are photos of my tattoos done by Tai at skin abrasions read more

Skin Abrasions - Tattoo Near Me - Forest Park, Illinois

10/10 Service, Super clean, great vibes all around! Thank you Kaitlyn for the sick tattoos!

I've been coming to Skin Abrasions for a couple years now working with Ty on a black and white floral sleeve. The shop is always clean and tidy and everyone working there is welcoming and easy to work with to get exactly what you want. They are professional and all super talented and respectful. I definitely would recommend this shop to a friend and plan to keep going here myself! read more

Great Experience, thanks to Allyson M. , my tatoo artist! His approachable,professional,peaceful style was just what I wanted. Easy to talk to and collaborate with my final piece of body art is just what I wanted. Fellow artist and co owner Omar was a delightful as well and left me feeling like I just made friends for life. I'm hooked, their prices are definitely reasonable and scaled on amount of time and labor. I'm already planning tatoo #2! Thank you Skin Abrasions, God bless you with all the success you deserve read more

See all

After years of procrastinating, I decided I was finally ready to commit to a tattoo. Skin Abrasions is only a block away from me, and I'd often passed by and been impressed with the clean, art gallery style atmosphere. One night I stopped in, and met with Phil. I showed him some idea photos I had saved, and he said he'd draw up a design and get me an appointment two days later. I was nervous, but once I saw Phil's design, it turned into excitement. He had created exactly what I wanted! Once the tattoo process started, I was surprised how easy it was, and relatively painless. Marco and Ty were also there doing work, and listening to the 3 guys talking and joking around with each other really put me at ease and helped me relax. Ty was super nice, and even grabbed me a smoothie when he went on his lunch break. In the end, my tattoo turned out amazing! I couldn't be happier with the end result. It's exactly what I wanted. Phil is an awesome artist and great to work with. My tattoo is gorgeous! My takeaway - these guys are legit, hard working artists who take their work seriously. Don't roll in here drunk and expecting some cut-rate tattoo parlor, or they probably won't respect you. But if you know what you're looking for and are serious about getting a tattoo, this place is where you want to go. 100% recommended! read more

Skin Abrasions - My amazing tattoo by Phil! - Tattoo Near Me - Forest Park, Illinois

If you're looking for cookie cutter flash ink, this isn't the place for you. If you want an awesome original tattoo then you will definitely want to stop in here. I love how the shop has a gallery feel with art from the shop artists hanging all over. I accompanied a friend to watch him get a large shoulder tattoo and was really impressed with how Gifford worked. Great guy and great work! I've been wanting to get my first ever tattoo and I finally found the person I wanted to do it. I brought in my drawing, Gifford sketched, fine tuned it and I now I have a tattoo that I love! Thank you Skin Abrasions and Gifford. read more

Skin Abrasions - Work by Gifford. So happy! - Tattoo Near Me - Forest Park, Illinois

Skin Abrasions entire staff are great , tremendous artists and very friendly . A SPECIAL shout out to Ty Matsumoto.His work is amazing and I made my first appointment with him and had to cancel on my part last minute ....got no attitude or nothing just a friendly no problem when your ready just let me know and we schedule again .Did not loose deposit , will get that when I go in for work in future .....as far as communication AAA plus ......thanks again Ralph W. read more

Such an amazing experience. Phil did my tattoo and he did an awesome job. Always very friendly. There were several times I found myself laughing. It's very easy to tell that he is a perfectionist by looking at his artwork and now by getting tattooed by him. This was a great experience. Thanks Phil. read more

Skin Abrasions - Tattoo Near Me - Forest Park, Illinois

I got my first tattoo yesterday at Skin Abrasions. Ty was amazing throughout the whole process. I came to him with a rough sketch, and he gave me great ideas about placement and color. On the day of the tattoo, he took a lot of care to make sure it turned out perfectly. The shop is clean and has a professional but fun atmosphere. Judging by the art I saw in the other studios, everyone there is super talented. I'll be going back to Skin Abrasions for any future tattoos! read more

Skin Abrasions - My first tattoo, done by Ty at Skin Abrasions. - Tattoo Near Me - Forest Park, Illinois

I will never get touched by another shop again.. I've been getting tattooed here for over a year now and the amount of care that's put into the work here is unmatched by any shop I have been to. Every tattoo I have gotten so far has been from Gifford Kasen and damn can he draw. I have come to him with many ideas for tattoo's and he puts them on paper (and skin eventually) more detailed than I could ever imagine. This is a full custom shop so you won't see flash all over the wall's like you would in most other tattoo shops. The owner Marco is very personable and you can tell he really has a passion for what he does. read more

The shop is beautiful, the guys working there are fantastic, and the artwork they produce speaks for itself. I got work done by Gifford, and he was fast, and I can't wait to get more work from him! The prices are excellent especially considering the quality of work this shop puts out. Go here! Get tattooed! And side note, I met Michael's mom, and she's a sweetheart. So, you could say, Skin Abrasions is (big) kid tested, and mother approved. read more

Ty Matsumoto @ Skin Abrasions is simply outstanding. I cam in with a complex and detailed design with a ton of line work. Ty worked magic with it, and my ink looks better than the original design. Totally chill and collaborative and a guy who genuinely enjoys his work. Highest recommendation! Great place and great price. Another place in town quoted me 3x the cost and gave me a ton of attitude. Skin Abrasions spent an hour consulting with me and 4 hours working and was a pleasure to work with at all times. read more

I got the first tattoo of my life here from Kim. She did a GREAT job. I was so happy when I saw her sketch (which she sent via email after our correspondence and idea sharing), because it just looked a lot more detailed and well-drawn than the vast majority of tattoos I see. And it turned out really well. Lots of shading and a sort of "fuzzy" look that she was going for and that I really wanted. Since it was my first, I didn't know the tipping conventions, and didn't have enough cash (I do wish the shop took plastic). But she never got dismissive with me about it. She didn't have any cooler-than-thou attitude at all. I took in the rest of her tip later, and will definitely go back if I get another tattoo. It was more expensive than I expected, but I don't know that it was out of the ordinary for Chicago. Probably not. Anyhow, it's a permanent addition to my skin. It shouldn't be cheap! read more

I have had several tattoo sessions at Skin Abrasions and have always come out thoroughly satisfied. Phil is an amazing artist who is prompt, always verified his appointments, and did a spectacular job at compiling the sketch of my pieces. I simply gave him a general idea or reference and he was able to pull a beautiful piece of art and put it on my skin. He has a supremely amiable character and provides a comfortable atmosphere. He was caring and provided his professional input as to placement and coloring of the tattoo. Thank you, Phil, for your amazing work! The artists in the shop always make sure that the tattoo session goes smoothly and truly care about what the client wants...with a little humor and great anecdotes to boot. I love the place and will definitely return for future tattoo sessions!! read more

Love this place and the artists! Highly recommend going here for your next tattoo! The people here come with experience and knowledge for you to get the tattoo you want to keep for the rest of your life and not walk out disappointed. read more

Skin Abrasions - So happy with the way my tattoo turned out! Great people, great atmosphere! - Tattoo Near Me - Forest Park, Illinois

Really nice shop with an awesome staff. Allyson helped me get a tattoo I've wanted for years and I couldn't be happier.

I came in last Monday after the marathon to get a blue bird tattoo on my wrist. I had an idea of what I was looking for and Mike M drew up what I wanted. It took about an hour and he did an outstanding job. The colors are beautiful and the detail is pretty. It didn't get red like my past tattoos have and everyone remarks on the quality of it. I highly recommend this place and the work Mike does. Thanks guys. ps. loved the motown :) read more

I was tempted to add this place under the category "arts & entertainment". It is clear that the people who work here are artists--each having their own specialty and style, but the same medium. I'd never gotten a tattoo before coming here, but I'm lucky to have had my first experience here. I had a couple of meetings with an artist and saw a few sketches before the work was done (still being done, actually; we just finished the second sitting of three) and I was never made to feel stupid or pressured into something in which I wasn't completely in love. I expressed the idea and what was important to me about the image and he used his own expression to create something that works beautifully with my body. The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable. All instruments, razors and gloves were sterile or disposable. Ink was dispensed before being used and disposed of if it wasn't. The only reason for not giving SA the full five stars is that I simply don't have any previous experience for comparison. But I don't imagine that I ever will. With the service and support that you get from the guys here, there's no reason to go shopping around. read more

This place is friendly and in a great location. The artists are talented and professional. Ty gives great feedback and collaborated on the design on my tattoo. He's very clean and precise on how everything is applied. I loved my experience and recommend everyone to come here for their ink. read more

Skin Abrasions - Done by the artist Ty - Tattoo Near Me - Forest Park, Illinois

It took me several years to find Marco. Ran into a buddy who showed me Marco's work on his torso. I now have 3 larger tattoos completed by Marco/Skin Abrasions and will never use anyone else. Everyone at the shop is super chill. Conditions are clean, artists are very professional and the art they put out is outstanding. Bring quarters or download the parking meter app for parking out front. read more

Had an EXCELLENT quote tattoo yesterday. MICHAEL did it and he is THE BEST! The lettering is perfect and I am soooo impressed. TEN stars!! read more

The shop is very clean professional. Gifford did my tattoo and he did a GREAT job. It didn't take very long and it looks beautiful. He is a great artist. I didn't even have a picture of what I wanted and he just came up with something right on the spot. The price is reasonable for how well done the tattoos are. I will definitely go back and get my other tattoos done there. read more

I don't know what y'all are talking about; the guys here are super nice. I got my first and second tattoos here (working towards the 3rd) by Mike, who was recommended to me by my creative director--someone with an eye for aesthetic. First off, Mike is an absolute sweet peach; laid back, friendly, easy to talk to, and knowledgeable in his craft. Plus, I enjoy the benefit of contacting him personally at a whim whenever I'm Considering new ink. He's always excited about any of my ideas and thrilled to work with me. And he hasn't even told me that the cat memes I send him are getting annoying. Just kidding. Second, when I got my first tattoo, at least two or three other artists came into the room to chat. All were a really nice, welcome distraction from the needles. I'm a chatty gal, so I talked with most of the dudes. They're all rad. In conclusion, love the place, the guys are coo' & the work? Let's just say I'm a walking work of art. read more

Alright- people complain that they've received some rude dude treatment here. Although I hate to admit I got it at first as well- but DO NOT- I repeat- DO NOT- let it detour you. Ince you're in you'll realize that Skin Abrasions is all about great people, great vibes, great artists, and great tattoos. It's also also oh so clean and pristine. I love this place and will most certainly be back for more. Mike- you are the man! don't worry be happy read more

I wish I could give it 0 stars. I can tell you for a fact that this tattoo shop is clean. Everyone there is friendly and makes you feel at home. BUT..I worked with a tattoo artist on a half sleeve, his name is Omar Bates. He's a very very nice guy but very very unprofessional. Canceling appointments and having me wait for hours at a times.....Always had visitors come in to take away from ink time. I spent way over $1000 with tip to get 25% of a half sleeve done from him over a 2 month period. His work was good but he robbed me blind. I was fed up and had to finish my tattoo with another artist. I spent $600 (with tip) to get the rest (75%) done and it looks great. You can't tell that two different tattoo artist worked on my piece. I'm not telling you not to go to there, just don't work with Omar Bates. Go to Kev Kris at Stained in Pained!!! read more

I honestly can't recommend this place enough. I've been to a few tattoo parlors in Chicago, but this one is by far my best experience. My experience started with a quick call to make sure they accept walk ins. Ty answered the phone and was SO friendly. I went over about 30 minutes later, gave him my idea, and he drew up my idea within minutes. He's really an extremely talented artist, as all of the artists are, from the work I saw online and in person. The prices are so so fair and the shop itself is extremely clean. They even have a fridge full of refreshments! I will definitely be returning for more work. read more

My story starts back in 2008 . I had 2 tattoos that I wanted to cover up. One on my wrist and one on my arm (beautiful black band that I thought was a good idea at the time) side note: don't drink whiskey and let ur friend tattoo u! I didn't know where to go and did not want to go to a chop shop studio where u pick an imagine off the wall. I just so happened to walk by here one day and decided to stop in. It was love at first sight. First thing I noticed was it looks like an art gallery - (no clip art hanging or crazy line up of people where u take a ticket and wait ur turn) Marco was amazing, I showed him the horror of the ink gone wrong and told him some ideas I had about covering it up. He was straight forward and explained my options. We could wait till I had some Lazor treatments or we could work around the area. I decided I wanted to start my new piecd right away! I brought some pictures of the flowers I wanted (half sleeve - each flower was significant to a family member) Marco took the imagines and created an amazing sketch. The half sleeve turned into a full sleeve. I had the black band lazored about 8 times . Until one day Marco said - ok no more Lazor. For any of you that have been lazored u know the joy that those words brought to me!! I can't say enough about how amazing Marco and his crew are. I now have a full sleeve and a breath taking back piece. (And appointments set up for my other sleeve. If you are looking for custom work by an artist that takes pride in everything he does than skin abrasions is the perfect place for you! It's such an important relationship and huge commitment. The thing tht impressed me the most about this studio is the fact that they are honest. They are not just looking to move people in and out and get paid. They create custom pieces of amazing art that will forever change you! Love you guys!! Jamie read more

This was my first tattoo and I was so nervous. Ty did an amazing job of keeping me calm & did a beautiful job with my tattoo. Very clean place! Would recommend to anyone. read more

Skin Abrasions - Tattoo Near Me - Forest Park, Illinois

Ty did an absolutely fantastic job with my first tattoo, as well as being an absolutely chill guy to talk to throughout the entire process. I completely love my tattoo and Ty did a fantastic job of explaining what to do for care afterwords, as well as providing multiple ways to stay in touch if I had any questions about my treatment or my tattoo. read more

Skin Abrasions - Tattoo Near Me - Forest Park, Illinois

I didn't expect my first tattoo experience to be so horrible that I would be leaving in tears. Not out of pain, and certainly not out of joy. On the positive side, location was clean, artists had a variety of talent in their respective feilds, and pricing seemed logical. Very push in trying to get you to come back for touch ups and additions. read more

I joined Yelp just so I could write this review. I honestly cannot say enough good things about this place. I love that it's also an art studio and doesn't look like your typical tattoo shop. You know what I mean...places when you walk in and you're immediately bombarded with artwork of naked ladies, devils, etc. There's nothing wrong with that, of course. But places like that can be extremely intimidating, especially if it's your first tattoo. This place is nothing like that. This was my second tattoo and the place where I got my first one was like what I described above... I had a good experience there but it was nowhere near as fun, comfortable, and relaxed as the experience I had at Skin Abrasions. My best friend and I decided to get tattoos together to commemorate 20 years of friendship. When we walked in we were greeted by Tai Matsumomo, who is quite possibly the nicest, most charming and personable person on this planet. We talked about what we wanted and he was very enthusiastic and supportive and he gave his input on designs and locations for them. He made us feel so relaxed and comfortable that we put down a deposit on an appointment with him for the following week (we weren't ready to get tattooed right then). A couple days later he texted us his sketches and we were sold. Last night we got the tattoos done. Tai designed both of them, and did mine. Phil Crespo was there and ended up doing my friend's tattoo so we could get them done at the same time (I didn't spend a lot of time with Phil but he seemed cool and my friend had lots of great things to say about him afterwards). All in all it was a really great, positive experience for us and our tattoos turned out beautifully. If/when I ever decide to get another one, I will definitely come back here, and ask for Tai again. read more

I Walked in with some questions and was treated like I had no idea how tattoo shops worked. The gentleman at the shop rudely let me know the minimum was 90.00 and if I wanted to make an appointment for the following day I had to do so at that moment. I've had tattoos done before! Small and large. I just went in with a simple question and instead of being referred to tattoo shop more suitable for what I was looking for, I left with a poor impression of the place and the worst customer service imaginable. read more

Ok so I got my first tattoo today from this place, and everything went very smoothly. I really liked that the place doesn't look like a typical tattoo place. It's very clean and airy. It actually looks like a art studio. My artist was very professional and chill. He was very mellow and had me at ease. When I showed him the design I wanted he ran with it and customised it for me. The result is a beautiful tat that I'm very proud of. I don't think it was costly. If it was oh well, I don't mind. I got what I paid for and I'm happy about it. read more

Tai did an awesome job on my cover up on my stomach which I had done over 20 years ago. I love the way he does his lines and color work. He's very friendly and made sure I was comfortable. The place is very clean! read more

I fly all the way from San Francisco, just to see Omar. He's one of the best! I've been going to him for 10 years now. Skin Abrasions has a lot of great talent. They give you want you want, but they are also really straight forward with you if they think they can improve on your idea. I highly recommend coming here for your first tattoo or just to add to work that you already have. read more

Okay, so this was my second tattoo. The first being just a tiny thing on my ankle. I originally went into the shop with a sketch that my daughter had drawn with a quote. I wanted to have this done somewhere on my body that would be visible to me. Omar talked me through his ideas of where it might be best placed. I appreciated his feedback. Mike was awesome at the tattoo and actually warned me that the orange might not show up well with my complexion. About a month after the original tattoo I returned, he did the "touch up" and added a couple of flowers to the tattoo. I really like the finished product. What I wish for....I do wish that Mike and Omar had spent a little more time with me and the original design talking about the ideas and any modifications that might make the tattoo look better. I am a newbie and a little on the spontaneous side. I could have used their advice...maybe them taking the idea into their own hands a bit more than they did. Not saying I am not pleased, but I believe I would have benefited from their artistic input more than a simple, "let's put it here" and "that's up to you". They are the experts....I'm just a mom! read more

I love this place!! My artist is Gifford and he is AMAZING! His work is awesome and detailed. He is a real chill guy and makes you feel at ease.I totally recommend him even if there may be a wait to get in to see him. read more

Great shop. I'm in the process of getting a 1/2 sleeve by Marco, who is one of the pre-eminent biomech/sci-fi tattooers in the country. Despite almost otherworldly talent, he's a very friendly guy who clearly loves what he's doing. The rest of the artists from the shop that I met are also friendly and very in to what they do. I travelled from NYC to go to this shop, if that says anything! read more

I was itching to get my 4th tattoo. It was a design drawn by my sister and a tribute to my faith, love and family. Because is had special meaning, I wanted to make sure it was treated with care. I love supporting small local businesses and as an Oak Parker, Skin Abrasions was my choice. I walked in and spoke with Phil. He was cool and understood the sentiment of the design and I felt that. Also, the shop is clean and neat, which is important. After several texts back and forth, finally got my ink 11/24/15. LOVE IT!!! Phil did and does great work! He's precise and very talented. Thanks Phil! If I get the urge for a 5th tat, I will be returning. read more

Great guys. Ty is awesome. My tattoos have both turned out great and I want to go back and get more. I went to another place in oak park but skin abrasions is way better. They guys are cool and willing to work with their clients. read more

Skin Abrasions - Love the dopamine tattoo Ty did for me - Tattoo Near Me - Forest Park, Illinois