Tattoo artist recommendations

Shattered Dreamer · 09-07-2013 1:36am

Just thought I'd share my experience of Dublin Ink from last week. Went in the first day and the staff were incredibly nice, showed them the design I wanted, they copied it, made suggestions, quoted me a price of about €450 for an upper arm, gave me an appointment to come back for a consultation. Got there a few days later for my consultation (Norbi was the tattoo artist) and jesus christ the tattoo artist couldn't have been a bigger A hole. Told me he didn't like my design idea and wanted to make a bunch of changes to it and was just incredibly rude and short.When I asked him about price he just said €110 an hour and that this would probably take 2 1/2 sessions to complete (each session is 4 hours so that's €1100 for the time he claimed he'd need). I was talking to friends of mine who have quiet a lot of larger upper arm, sleeve and full thigh tattoos and they said €110 an hour is extortionate. That guy would really want to work on his people skills especially considering how much money he charges. Kind of a shame really because I had a look at his portfolio and really liked his work. This will be my first tattoo and I think he just say a mug he thought he could bleed some euros out of.

Based on what I've read in this thread I think I'll give Wildcat and Skin City a look instead.

muffles6012 · 09-07-2013 8:50am

Its really shocking what a bad rep they have and they dont seem to be doing anything about it? Obviously still getting the business. I went to wildcat again recently and delighted with outcome!

Esoteric_ · 09-07-2013 9:22am

From what I know of Dublin Ink, the behaviour doesn't surprise me.

If you're not happy with an artist, it's always better to leave and find another one. Check out Snakebite, Wildcat, Skin City and Hydraulix.

innad · 09-07-2013 10:22am

Based on my past experiences with Dublin Ink, I wouldn't go back there, either. I found them really poor at keeping appointments, not only the time/date, but also the correct artist.. If I make an appointment with a certain artist, I don't think it's too much to expect that artist to be the person to do my tattoo on the day?!

I also found them quite unwilling to commit to any sort of price on a piece until after it was done (other than a rough estimate of "oh, it'll take about 2-4 hours. Roughly.", which, considering they didn't take cards at the time was pretty annoying as I had no idea how much cash to take with me. Even a "it definitely won't be more than €xx" would be appreciated!

They do get some great guest artists, and produce some good work, but their attitude and communication amongst staff could really do with an overhaul.

This is just my opinion btw, based on my own experience!

Dermighty · 09-07-2013 4:34pm

Shattered Dreamer wrote: »

Just thought I'd share my experience of Dublin Ink from last week. Went in the first day and the staff were incredibly nice, showed them the design I wanted, they copied it, made suggestions, quoted me a price of about €450 for an upper arm, gave me an appointment to come back for a consultation.

For reference I'm 6'3", 100kg and my entire outside upper arm (just above the elbow up to the collar bone) took 5 hours @ €100 an hour with Pawel in Skin City. €110 is the most I've ever seen anyone charge in Ireland (except Chris Crooks in Belfast but he is a different animal).

For that kind of money I'd rather wait 2 years and go to someone like victor Portugal where you wont pay much more than €100 an hour and you'll get something legendary.

Marty McFly · 09-07-2013 7:42pm

Dermighty wrote: »

For reference I'm 6'3", 100kg and my entire outside upper arm (just above the elbow up to the collar bone) took 5 hours @ €100 an hour with Pawel in Skin City. €110 is the most I've ever seen anyone charge in Ireland (except Chris Crooks in Belfast but he is a different animal).

For that kind of money I'd rather wait 2 years and go to someone like victor Portugal where you wont pay much more than €100 an hour and you'll get something legendary.

Remis in Ireland charges 150 an hour

.

On times and cost there is no set rule really it depends on the artists speed and the level of detail involved in the piece and whether it colour or black and grey there are so many variables it can be hard for an artist to give an exact price hence why most charge by the hour and will try give a rough estimate of time and cost but can't set it in stone.

Now Tomash B who I'm booked in with in September is the first I've encountered charging by piece not hour, he reckons it will take 5 to 6 hours.

innad · 09-07-2013 8:36pm

Marty McFly wrote: »

On times and cost there is no set rule really it depends on the artists speed and the level of detail involved in the piece and whether it colour or black and grey there are so many variables it can be hard for an artist to give an exact price hence why most charge by the hour and will try give a rough estimate of time and cost but can't set it in stone.

A rough estimate is all I've ever looked for.. DI weren't willing to give me even that! OK I'll stop bitching now, sorry

Marty McFly · 09-07-2013 8:46pm

innad wrote: »

A rough estimate is all I've ever looked for.. DI weren't willing to give me even that! OK I'll stop bitching now, sorry

Sorry that wasn't aimed at anyone in particular I was just making a general statement

. I wouldn't be the biggest fans of Dublin Ink myself trust me, although they have impressed me of late with some of there impressive guest spots they have gotten in, they've been pushing the boat out in that regard.

innad · 09-07-2013 8:56pm

Marty McFly wrote: »

Sorry that wasn't aimed at anyone in particular I was just making a general statement . I wouldn't be the biggest fans of Dublin Ink myself trust me, although they have impressed me of late with some of there impressive guest spots they have gotten in, they've been pushing the boat out in that regard.

Yeah some of their guest artists I'd be quite interested in, but based on past experience I just don't see myself going back there. Luckily we're not short of talented artists in Dublin

Dermighty · 09-07-2013 11:35pm

Marty McFly wrote: »

Remis in Ireland charges 150 an hour .

Now Tomash B who I'm booked in with in September is the first I've encountered charging by piece not hour, he reckons it will take 5 to 6 hours.

Yeah how could I forget about Remis :P

Well charging by the piece and then telling you how long it's going to take is the same as charging by the hour as far as I'm concerned.

When I was getting mine done I asked how much it would cost when I was half way through the tattoo (having been told already that it was 100 an hour) and I was told, 500, it took about five and a half hours.

Ms. Koi · 10-07-2013 1:39pm

Heading into Spilled Ink in September (hopefully!) to get a watercolour piece by Anto, can't wait. My sister has a piece by Paul and it's amazing. She's friends with the lads, but the work they've done on people I know etc is great. I'm really looking forward to it!

innad · 10-07-2013 6:15pm

kellief wrote: »

Heading into Spilled Ink in September (hopefully!) to get a watercolour piece by Anto, can't wait. My sister has a piece by Paul and it's amazing. She's friends with the lads, but the work they've done on people I know etc is great. I'm really looking forward to it!

I love Spilled Ink. Paul is working on my half sleeve at the moment

Marty McFly · 10-07-2013 11:09pm

Dermighty wrote: »

Well charging by the piece and then telling you how long it's going to take is the same as charging by the hour as far as I'm concerned.

He said roughly 5 to 6 hours could be longer, but if you want to break it down to an hour rate at 400 to 450 he is one of the best value for money artists around. Very few in Ireland can touch his level of work.

Marie.D · 11-07-2013 12:22pm

Hi ,

Can you help me to find a really good place to make a tatoo?

Thanks

Esoteric_ · 11-07-2013 3:56pm

Marie.D wrote: »

Hi ,

Can you help me to find a really good place to make a tatoo?

Thanks

What kind do you want? Style, colour or black and grey?
We can help you a lot more if we know what kind of idea you have

Marie.D · 12-07-2013 9:04am

Esoteric_ wrote: »

What kind do you want? Style, colour or black and grey?
We can help you a lot more if we know what kind of idea you have

Hi Esoteric !

I want just a black one. This tatoo will be a date like VII / IV / MMXI . And I want it on my wrist

That's my idea ..

Esoteric_ · 12-07-2013 9:30am

Marie.D wrote: »

Hi Esoteric !

I want just a black one. This tatoo will be a date like VII / IV / MMXI . And I want it on my wrist
That's my idea ..

Then I'd recommend skin city, snakebite, or hydraulix

Marie.D · 12-07-2013 2:47pm

Esoteric_ wrote: »

Then I'd recommend skin city, snakebite, or hydraulix

Thank you very much Esoteric !

jess.becks · 15-07-2013 11:52pm

Spilled ink are suppose to be one of the best and i got a fixed price today and a really good price

jess.becks · 15-07-2013 11:59pm

Totally understand how u feel i was bitchin like crazy today skin city wanted up to €1,500 for my tattoo i needent tell you what i said.got 2 other quotes one from spilled ink €400 and one from wildcat for €500 absolute madness for that kinda money wana be goin to miami ink haha!

Dermighty · 16-07-2013 8:43am

jess.becks wrote: »

Totally understand how u feel i was bitchin like crazy today skin city wanted up to €1,500 for my tattoo i needent tell you what i said.got 2 other quotes one from spilled ink €400 and one from wildcat for €500 absolute madness for that kinda money wana be goin to miami ink haha!

The tattoo you described in another thread is covering at least half your back, as I understand it. Without knowing how big a person you are all I can say is that a tattoo that covers half your back and your side isn't a small tattoo, nor does it take a short amount of time to do, if you want it done in colour it's more time consuming.

So when you get quoted €1,500 it's because it'll take anywhere around 15 hours, which is 3 to 4 sittings for Skin City, as they seem to like doing around 4-5 hours at a time usually, though I've witnessed them do 6 or 7 hours.

Personally if I wanted to get a tattoo of that magnitude, and got quoted €400 I'd be more inclined to run a mile than if I got quoted €1,500.

I've no experience with spilled ink.

EDIT: I'd also like to add that any place that'll do half your back and your side for €400 are either doing a **** job or doing a very basic tattoo

jess.becks · 17-07-2013 12:01am

I didn't say the tattoo was going to cover half of my back,it's a hard tattoo to describe i'll post a picture when its done.I want it on the left side of my back and as for prices I got 7 quotes and 4 were £400 to £500

Orim · 17-07-2013 12:15am

jess.becks wrote: »

I didn't say the tattoo was going to cover half of my back,it's a hard tattoo to describe i'll post a picture when its done.I want it on the left side of my back and as for prices I got 7 quotes and 4 were £400 to £500

Obviously you know best what your tattoo is but I'd be careful of writing off Skin City too fast based on price. They have a very good reputation, which is based on being a good place to go and for putting out some very high calibre work.

They charge ~100 euro an hour. So in essence at 1500 they are saying that it will be about 15 hours of work to produce a piece to their standard. Spilled Ink and Wildcat wouldn't be too far off that price, so they're saying it's a maybe to 6 to 7 hour job. It could be that the guys in Skin City are overestimating the complexity of the job or vice versa with the others underestimating. It could also be that Skin City will put in a lot more work.

I say this with no disrespect to the other studios. I especially like Spilled Ink but as always with tattoos, make sure you think about it carefully. Don't bail because of the high price tag.

Dermighty · 17-07-2013 3:00am

jess.becks wrote: »

I didn't say the tattoo was going to cover half of my back

jess.becks wrote: »

1 i want is large dwn 1 side of my back frm top 2 almost bottom of back

I must have misunderstood you then...

endacl · 17-07-2013 3:46am

Dermighty wrote: »

I must have misunderstood you then...

Txtspk. It happens...

jess.becks · 18-07-2013 1:44am

It's a pity you didn't get to wildcat ink they are very helpful and reply to emails very promtely.I too took a day out yesterday to go round town pricing my tattoo,found most of them very rude and generally disinterested in helping me.Rachael in wildcat stephens green gave me a really good price which was the lowest one so I'm going with her.I found the shop to be spotless and the girl at reception was so nice she even remembered my name from my email which I thought was nice.Overall a great place and great staff the cleanest tattoo shop ive ever seen.

Esoteric_ · 18-07-2013 1:49am

jess.becks wrote: »

It's a pity you didn't get to wildcat ink they are very helpful and reply to emails very promtely.I too took a day out yesterday to go round town pricing my tattoo,found most of them very rude and generally disinterested in helping me.Rachael in wildcat stephens green gave me a really good price which was the lowest one so I'm going with her.I found the shop to be spotless and the girl at reception was so nice she even remembered my name from my email which I thought was nice.Overall a great place and great staff the cleanest tattoo shop ive ever seen.

I love the work that comes out of Wildcat and have nothing but good to say about them, but if you're just going to go with the lowest price quotes you get, then one day (probably not with this tattoo, because Wildcat are top notch) you will end up with a shit tattoo. Price shouldn't even be a consideration until everything else, like the artist's style, their ability to do the style you want, their portfolio, the studio's gear and hygiene, certs for things like blood borne pathogen studies, etc have been looked at.

Arawn · 18-07-2013 2:01am

Personally I couldn't give a **** what an artist is like personality wise, im not there to be buddy buddy, im there to get work done

dinorebel · 18-07-2013 2:35am

Arawn wrote: »

Personally I couldn't give a **** what an artist is like personality wise, im not there to be buddy buddy, im there to get work done

I get that but great work and good personality make the experience better IMO.

Orim · 18-07-2013 2:42am

dinorebel wrote: »

I get that but great work and good personality make the experience better IMO.

Depends on the personality of both parties. Some of us just want the best work and if that means sitting silently for a couple of hours then I'm cool with that. The best example is Remis, who I understand isn't the chattiest of blokes but his work speaks for itself.

Adiboo · 18-07-2013 5:41am

Orim wrote: »

Depends on the personality of both parties. Some of us just want the best work and if that means sitting silently for a couple of hours then I'm cool with that. The best example is Remis, who I understand isn't the chattiest of blokes but his work speaks for itself.

Remis chatted away to me. Must have liked me

Dermighty · 18-07-2013 8:42am

I heard that if he talks to you it's to distract you while he rubs cyanide on the needles...

Marty McFly · 18-07-2013 12:04pm

Adiboo wrote: »

Remis chatted away to me. Must have liked me

In fairness to Remis the first two sitting I had with him he barely said a word were in Zulu, the last three were in his house and he seemed much more at ease and comfortable and chatted away about everything from cars, bikes, conventions, artists, skin city etc had Marcin from Zulu over one day aswell to watch. He's a really nice bloke and has better manners than some artists I've dealt with ( I hate bad manners) and a top top artist. I hope eventually he does settle in Ireland when he comes back next year.

baron von something · 18-07-2013 12:56pm

Marty McFly wrote: »

In fairness to Remis the first two sitting I had with him he barely said a word were in Zulu, the last three were in his house and he seemed much more at ease and comfortable and chatted away about everything from cars, bikes, conventions, artists, skin city etc had Marcin from Zulu over one day aswell to watch. He's a really nice bloke and has better manners than some artists I've dealt with ( I hate bad manners) and a top top artist. I hope eventually he does settle in Ireland when he comes back next year.

any idea on his email response time marty?emailed about 6weeks ago and got no word back.looking for a slot next year

TheBellJar · 18-07-2013 1:00pm

baron von something wrote: »

any idea on his email response time marty?emailed about 6weeks ago and got no word back.looking for a slot next year

He's not back full-time til April next year and won't be taking bookings for then til Jan 2014.

Marty McFly · 18-07-2013 1:07pm

baron von something wrote: »

any idea on his email response time marty?emailed about 6weeks ago and got no word back.looking for a slot next year

To be honest im not to sure I know for my last three sitting his wife had taken over appointments and he was much better organised than before, but I do know this year he was hoping to work as little as possible doing the odd bit here and there and some conventions just to pay his way while he travels.

So he may not be the best at replying to e mails at the momment. No point in ringing him either he hates phone calls. I'd say if you dont hear from him email again in January when he may be starting to look at what work he will take on when he get's back to Ireland.

FoxyVixen · 18-07-2013 4:13pm

Ditto to what Marty said, I always had replies from him within a few days when I was setting up my piece with him. However he's more focused on travelling and having fun at the moment. Not taking any bookings, so maybe drop an email every few weeks just so he has you fresh in mind for when he opens his books again

Regarding Skin City's price, I think their protocol is to overestimate when pricing tattoos so they don't bite themselves in the foot. One person may sit fine for a large set of hours, another person may need longer for getting the same amount of work done. However, they won't overcharge when it comes to payment. Say it took 10hrs rather than 15hrs, they're not going to charge the amount they estimated at the beginning. It's a business thing

I hope that makes sense.

Virtual hi 5 · 04-11-2013 10:15pm

Hi guys,
I was wondering if any of you could help me to find the best possible artist for a tattoo like the photo except a smaller version. I would still like it wrapping around my arm and in black. I have smaller tattoos already (both from wildcat) in some intimate areas ;P but since this will be on my arm I would just like some advice on who the best artist for this would be. Oh if it helps I would like an artist that would possibly be able to continue onto a half sleeve with it.
Cheers guys.

Sorry guys wasn't clear on what I meant :P I want the same sort of tattoo that the girl has not one of the girl herself

A V A · 06-11-2013 1:24pm

for me personally it would be classic ink or spilled ink for classic pin up style tattoes and colour works for japanese stuff by darren and rob has stuff thats amazing too

Panthro · 06-11-2013 8:07pm

Hello all,
complete noob here, just wondering (roughly) how long would it take/how much would it cost to get something like this done?
Minus the Spiderman bit, I was thinking a flag or something representative of Ireland in there instead. (That sounds terribly cheesey!)

Marty McFly · 06-11-2013 8:36pm

Panthro wrote: »

Hello all,
complete noob here, just wondering (roughly) how long would it take/how much would it cost to get something like this done?
Minus the Spiderman bit, I was thinking a flag or something representative of Ireland in there instead. (That sounds terribly cheesey!)

Very roughly given the size,I'd say 5 to 6 hours but that all depends on the artist you choose and there own speed.

As for price again varies but most decent artists charge about 80 to 100 upwards an hour.

Marsyas · 22-11-2013 5:46pm

Hola folks, another newbie here.

I've been looking at getting a first tattoo for a fair while now. I'll be moving to Dublin in the next few weeks and, with so many studios, figure this would be a great time.

I've read through all the thread, had a look at many of the sites and galleries suggested, and have a good idea of what I'm looking for. Basically something similar to:

http://www.busbones.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/tribal-wolf-tattoo-on-shoulder.jpg

though a little less stylised. If you have any thoughts on studios and artists that do good work in this sort of style, I'd appreciate them

Arawn · 22-11-2013 5:56pm

how longs a few weeks, most places will have a waiting list of nearly 2 months at best

Marsyas · 22-11-2013 6:09pm

I should've been more specific

In a few weeks, to then live permanently. There's no rush, would just like to get it in motion.

Arawn · 22-11-2013 6:27pm

Marsyas wrote: »

I should've been more specific In a few weeks, to then live permanently. There's no rush, would just like to get it in motion.

my bad, read it wrong!

hmmm anyone really since it's tribal, So wildcat, snakebite, reinkarnated, eh there is loads

Marsyas · 24-11-2013 2:19pm

Arawn wrote: »

hmmm anyone really since it's tribal, So wildcat, snakebite, reinkarnated, eh there is loads

Aye guess it's not a too complicated one

Cheers for that, I'll start contacting the studios.

Brodders · 26-11-2013 12:22am

Hey guys i'm looking to get a tattoo similar to this on my forearm in the next couple of weeks hopefully and was just wondering whereabouts in Dublin do you guys recommend? This will be my first tattoo so don't have much knowledge about the studios around Dublin. Cheers.

Marty McFly · 26-11-2013 12:24am

Considering it's done by Remis maybe email Remis himself? As far I know he is back in Dublin around March.

charlietheminxx · 27-11-2013 11:15pm

Can anyone recommend a tattoo place in Dublin that's particularly good for nervous clients? I have one tattoo but getting it wasn't a great experience, to the point where it's taken me 6 years to work my nerve back up! I absolutely love body art and have planned a new small tattoo for a while.

I have seen similar styles done well in Wildcat, but as far as I remember when going with a friend the studio is fairly open plan and being nervous, I would rather be somewhere where people aren't watching!

I can't explain the nerves I'm feeling, I've had plenty of piercings and no fear of needles but if anyone could help, I'd be grateful. I want to get past the fear!

innad · 28-11-2013 12:22am

Based on personal experience, I would say Snakebite or Spilled Ink. Both studios are really friendly, with separate rooms so no one at reception will be watching. Spilled Ink have completely private rooms (one per artist), I think Snakebite have a couple of stations in their rooms? But it's been a while since I've been there so I'm not sure. I would say just visit a few places and see where you feel the most comfortable, and obviously have a look at artists' portfolios. Even the more open plan studios should be able to provide screens/room dividers for added privacy. If you're worried about people watching, maybe try booking in for a weekday morning when it's quieter, rather than a Saturday afternoon

good luck!

Tattoo artist recommendations

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