A reasonably substantial amount of my skin is covered in ink, and a substantial part of that is a…read morework (still!) in progress by Jo Harrison. I feel that qualifies me to both review MBA and also explain why I rate it as highly as I do. The salon itself is clean, bright, airy and easy to get to. They're brilliant with hygiene and cleanliness, and the area that tattooing happens in is shielded from the entrance and waiting area, so you don't ever feel like you're being gawped at when you get your bits out to be tattooed. They don't make any ridiculous claims about being 'pain free' - because as EVERYONE knows, of COURSE being tattooed hurts! It's a process of a needle repeatedly piercing your skin and embedding ink inside you forever. If it didn't sting a little, then they're unlikely to be doing it right. The majority of slots are booked in advance - particularly if you want work done by people like Jo. I waitied a year just to get on the waiting list, then another year and a half to be seen. Dedication, or what?! That said - I've still not managed to get my piece by Jo finished. She went off on a round the world trip midway through my work, and when she came back all her prices jumped up - even for works in progress. It does feel like a bit of a fight to try and make an appointment, and those two things combined knock off that extra point to make it to 5.

The most highly regarded ink shop in Birmingham. The two owners of this place are world famous…read moretattoo artists but they are often our at conventions so in their place are some of Birminghams other most talented artists. The waiting list here is long and the price is high but your paying for the best and its with you forever so it'll be totally worth it. If you pop in or search online they can see examples of the work coming out of this studio, if you had any doubts they will soon be done. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.

I decided to get a tattoo not so long back, I spent a large number of days researching what I…read morewanted an where it was going to be. I found a local tattoo studio in the Telford and Shropshire area Ministry of Ink Tattoo Studio Dawley. I contacted the studio to discuss my tattoo and was asked to visit them for a consultation. So I popped down and by the end of the consultation we had agreed on colour, size and the place that i was going to have my tattoo. Matthew and Deane were most helpful and inventive, with their experience I must say the tattoo design was excellent. As they did late Thursday nights and I had work commitments most that week we agreed to book me in and do it then, I was told to visit the chemist on the same street as the studio for some numbing cream 'which worked a treat, thanks to the guys for advising I used this'. As I wanted to feel what It was like I only used some of the cream and being honest having a tattoo is not all that bad, you get used to the sensation after a minute or so. Within the hour booking I was done, and WOW my tattoo looked great, better than imagined. Using Matt and Deane's advice to use Bepanthen cream it healed a treat. I would recommend Ministry of Ink Tattoo Studio Telford to anyone, my first tattoo is an example of how good they are and with artists like these I intend to return if I ever want more! Thanks both of you.

I had my girlfriends name tattooed on my stomach at Ministry-of-ink. The studio was clean,…read moreequipment was sterile and the staff polite and friendly. My tattoo was drawn up by a tattooist while I waited and with a few tweaks made to my liking. I recommend anyone looking for a qood price on a tattooist in the Telford / Shopshire are to pop in here and see what Ministry can offer you. Huge thanks to the staff for making me feel welcome and talking me through my tattoo colours and designs.

Simple story, this place butchered me…read more 2007, tattoo to the left of my stomach (sore area) an apprentice did the worst job you can imagine, but not only that he was dragging the needle across my skin causing me to bleed a lot more than need be. the tattoo its self had to be finished by someone else at another studio because i never wanted to step foot in there again, the back room where the tattooing was done was small and by far the worst studio i've ever been in. Though this was years ago and standards may of changed now (i really hope they have) i can't let that slide. JUST LIKE YOU LET THAT NEEDLE SLIDE ACROSS MY STOMCH. Amateur. Anyway i'm still hearing bad things about that studio even to this day si theres a million better places around so just avoid this one.

I think this place is one of the best locally simple because iv never had a problem with anything ,…read moreI mean I'm to young for tattoos but iv had 3 piercings from here and I haven't had a single problem my dad has has 4 tattoos from here and he wants more , he says he wouldn't go anywhere else my mom has had one and my grandad and they haven't had a problem, the lads there are nice , they are helpful and just genuine but I would recommend black art studios to anyone :) x

Staff are helpful and friendly.. More importantly the tatoo work is of the chain!! Highly…read morerecommended if u want quality work done

Absolutely awful. Went there to finish off my sleeve and was so disappointed after reading the…read morereviews on here. I found it a unprofessional and uncomfortable place to be in and the tattoo itself was terrible. I was so upset I am now looking to cover it up or add to it just to disguise it. Vile place, please don't go there!

I went here with a very complex design and was not disappointed! Kirstyn is an amazing artist and I…read morereally couldn't be happier with the job she did, would highly recommend :)

It seems that you're unique if you DON'T have a tattoo - at least that's what Ozzy Osborne thinks!…read moreI was intrigued to join the body graffiti club and was recommended to get it done from Steve. His shop is a typical tattoo joint - dark with a punk-rock feel to the decor. They have literally thousands of tattoo ideas to choose from, which got me so confused. But you could also take your own design or use a mixture of a few that they can create into one. I was made to feel at ease while I was there. I guess they have an inkling of newbies to the routine! The process was a lot quicker than I thought it would be and I was relieved that they didn't take hygiene lightly. I wouldn't describe getting a tattoo as painful but it is an uncomfortable feeling. However, Steve was chatting away with music playing in the background so my mind was diverted.

Fantastic place to go for a Tattoo, I had to book in advance but…read moreby doing that the artist spent a little time getting to work on my ideas and create some custom art just for me. I haven't got a great deal of tattoos but I feel that I have an eye for what is good and what is not. Matthew and Haley at Credible are very professional and I found myself welcome every time I visited until my tattoo was complete. A* Professional Tattoo studio offering a decent price for the work they do.

I have been meaning to write this review since 20th April 2024!…read more Really wanted my first tattoo to be meaningful and had the perfect idea. Sent through enquires around with different prices but Vivid Ink Birmingham was always my ideal place to look into. I received a speedy response from Laura and we discussed measurements and prices. Laura was so helpful on any questions I have (And there were a lot) After a lengthy weekend of consideration. I decided to go for it. Again with Laura's help and guidance, deposit paid, date booked. I also had a call a day before to confirm the appointment, thought that was a nice touch. I went into vivid ink Birmingham a bag of nerves and was shortly introduced to Denise and we sat down and discussed other options of designs but we both agreed the original design was the best (No pressure at all from Denise, just a helpful guidance on other designs which did look amazing also) We went downstairs and the artwork was commencing, another nice touch. Denise offered me a drink and a lollipop, assume to distract from the pain but none the less, still very grateful. After 2.5 Hours or so, The tattoo was complete and I'm still in shock on how well it looks and ever so grateful to Denise for completing this for me in such a way that I almost cried with Joy. If considering your first or next tattoo I would highly recommend Vivid Ink Birmingham as a go to place. I'm already considering my next one with them!

My Niece, 2 girlfriends and I traveled to Birmingham UK from Seattle USA. I was bringing my Niexe…read morehere to see where all her family on both her grandparents side came from. I contacted vivid ink on Queensway as we wanted to get tattoos of the Birmingham Bull as a symbol of our heritage and trip. Although they are always busy they kindly fit us in at short notice. They couldn't have been more welcoming and Dorean did an amazing job. The detail is amazing. Every member of staff that day proved how much they love what they do and who they work with. The shop is extremely clean and beautiful. Thank you for your awesome service. Heather Danielle Sonja and Tami Seattle,WA

Dragon Fashions Tattoo 'N' Piercing I am a big fan of…read moretattoos; I have a few already and firmly plan on extending my collection, much to the dismay of my parents. As a result of my passion for ink I have checked out various tattoo parlours all over Birmingham and beyond. Some places are slick and modern with an uber cool feel, whilst others are almost dirty looking and instil you with no great deal of confidence. Dragon Fashions falls into neither of these categories; it is a good quality establishment with more than a hint of old school about it. One need only look at the exterior to realise that this establishment is all about traditional tattooing. One thing that did impress me was that they offer a laser removal service; this is not unique but an old school parlour such as this would not usually offer the customer the chance to remove ink. As such, I have a great deal of respect for Dragon Fashions and will keep it in mind when deciding upon where to get my next piece of body artwork.

It's been obvious to even the casual observer that tattooing has undergone some what of an arty…read morefarty make over in the last few years, what with reality tv shows like Miami Ink and studios opening that would appeal to your mother rather beer hungry metal heads. Dragon's Fashion Tattoo has managed to avoid this image change - even from the shops' exterior it is obvious that it remains firmly rooted in what may eventually become known as the biker era of tattooing. However, being old school is not necessarily a bad thing, depending on you tastes. If you want a football crest, some script or some stars tattooed, Dragon Fashions is a good place to come, and they have been building a solid reputation in Selly Oak since 1984. Minimum pricing for a tattoo starts at thirty pound, after that it depends on what you want. A quick look at the facebook page will familiarise you with the kind of styles they do. Laser treatment is also available for those who want to get rid of ink rather than add to their skin.