Marlowe Ink

This is the cleanest and nicest tattoo shop, I’ve been in. I’ve been in many! I now will go only here. Jackson’s line work is perfect and the shading he is doing on my sleeve is immaculate. I would recommend this shop and especially Jackson as an artist to anyone looking for an amazing tattoo. You will my be disappointed.

ooh my first review! so exciting. except for the fact i get to post on the internet how this shop gave my daughter a bacterial infection in both of her ears from a standard lobe piercing. within 48 hours her ears swelling over the jewelry and became increasingly painful. after a trip to the doctor it was determined that it was NOT an allergic reaction to the cheap jewelry used (as we had hoped) but it was in fact bacterial from ‘dirty, unclean materials and procedures’… so. i do not recommend you coming to this shop.

I have been nothing but impressed by the staff and the shop itself. The shop is well-​organized, well-​managed, and clean. There is a large inviting waiting area for before you move back to your artist’s room.
Anya Gladin has been my go-​to tattoo artist for the last 4 years. While she was at another area shop, she completed a back piece. At Marlowe, she has done a small tattoo and is currently finishing a half sleeve for me. I’ve probably had a combined 20 hours tattoo time with her. She is incredibly professional and talented. I have always been more than pleased with the outcome. She is receptive to changes and suggestions to the designs. Anya is not heavy-​handed and is quicker than most. Tattoos have always healed up smooth and bright. Above all, she is punctual, polite, detail-​oriented, and sober (not a given for some).
You will likely meet Kim, who manages scheduling and the front desk paperwork, when entering the shop. She is friendly and professional. She is a friendly yet no-​nonsense person. She was especially helpful in squeezing in my friend and I at the last minute.
Definitely call for an appointment rather than walking in. If just walking in, it is unlikely that you will be able to talk to an artist directly. They are probably working with another client and you will be asked to schedule a consultation instead.

I really can’t say enough great things about Anya. Not only is her tattoo work skillful, beautiful and unique, but she is also super easy to work with. She is timely, polite, and a pretty fast Tattooer. Her pricing is super fair and she made me feel comfortable the whole time. I had no problems healing the large forearm tattoo I received from her and I can’t wait to get more work from her in the future. The environment at Marlowe was chill and friendly. I definitely recommend going to Anya x a million! She rules.

I am about ¾ of the way done with a large piece that Phil created for me and I could not be any happier with the results so far! I have been holding off on this review since I’m not technically done yet, but since Marlowe Ink is looking at expanding to Old Town Alexandria I figure now is as good of time as any to get my thoughts out there.
First of all, it’s a really nice space. It’s located in the heart of Fairfax City, across the street from what used to be TT’s (dating myself a little with that one, I know), next to Bellisimo, just up a steep staircase and through the magical door on the right. Once you reach it, the waiting room is vibrant and colorful and there is plenty to occupy yourself if you find yourself waiting for someone.
Second, and most importantly, they have some really great talent! I picked Phil for my piece since his flowers are some of the best I have ever seen, but I would be comfortable being tattooed by any of their very talented artists. Each artist has their own preferred style, so I would suggest checking out their portfolios (either online or in person) and booking with whom you feel suits you best.
Also fairly important, I think the entire process has been simple and straight forward so far. I have found interacting with Kim at the desk to be pleasant and professional; she’s actually been really helpful to me when booking appointments or at answering my random questions. Plus the overall vibe of the shop is everyone seems to like each other and are interested in what each other is doing.
I have about ten hours under my belt now on this project and feel very comfortable at Marlowe Ink. Sadly, you can’t always say that about a tattoo shop, but walking in the door here I always know I will be pleased with the results and my interactions with their staff.
Lastly, and I would be remiss for not mentioning this, I have to give props to Rob their piercer. I actually followed him here from another shop (yeah he’s that awesome) and he’s pretty much the reason I finally found an artist I could entrust with what I am working on.
A+ all around.
Fairfax is lucky to have them and Alexandria would be too!

Jaquie is awesome. Done a few pieces. She’s specializes in American Traditional tats as well as other work. Does great lettering too.

I see James and Danny. Danny is a good dude, he likes hip hop and laughing. Plus he is talented and really into doing what you want. James is the owner and not taking new clients so I feel elite because I can get work done with him. Kim holds it down at the front, has fresh flowers, and is great also. Rob will stick a needle in most places you want pierced. And artbot gallery is on the same floor. Go already!

I had my cartilage pierced at this place with Rob, he wasn’t very friendly at first but when it came to the actual piercing he explained everything he was going to do, what he was going to use, and the product he recommended for aftercare. I wish I could’ve picked out different jewelry and I wish he wouldve told me that there was a possibility of me getting a cartilage bump. The overall experience was fine and it was probably one of the cheapest places (for piercings) in ths area.

What’s up with this place refusing to do tattoos on fingers? The explanation was something like:“It’s too open for everybody to see”. Never heard of such a ridiculous excuse to turn down a potential customer. When I asked if there’s any other tattoo parlour around, the girl responded in a non-​friendly manner:“I don’t know. You’ll have to look!” And what do you know, just 1 mile up the street I got the tattoo I wanted. I just refuse to believe that at Marlowe’s they’ve never heard of that other place. I understand they are competitors but it wasn’t my fault I had to go somewhere else.

I went to Marlowe for a belly button piercing about 2 years ago. I absolutely loved the piercing but the guy who did it was not friendly whatsoever. He didn’t speak to me really or tell me what was going on during the piercing. I figured he had a bad day so I went back a while later to get my nose done. I didn’t bring the right ID so I was turned away but he still didn’t seem to be very friendly. I now go to Comes A Time for my piercings and they are SO nice I will never go anywhere else.

Very professional, clean, and great customer service. I forgot to get the names of the two people that were up front helping everyone through out the chaos, but they were really patient and kind to everyone.
Came in for Friday the 13^th special and it was quick and painless.
Piercing by rob and tattoo by Danny…
Definitely will be going back again soon,
Totally recommend them, and I’ll be coming back very soon to get some more.
Thanks guys!

Awesome service!!! The people here are friendly and helpful, I got my stomach pierced here and they warned me properly about everything. I barely felt a thing! They also provided me with everything I would need to keep up with the healing process. Their prices aren’t bad either!

I have been coming to Marlowe Ink for 10 years now. I typically see James Marlowe but recently saw Corey Taylor for my finger tattoo. I have nothing to say but positive things about this business. They are so incredibly friendly and welcoming from the moment you step in. I have have Jaq (I am not going to attempt to spell her name and butcher it. She’s a piercer.) Change out my tragus piercing and she didn’t even charge. Every time I get tattooed here I feel comfortable and they do an amazing job of keeping up conversation so it’s not just odd and awkward laying/​sitting there. I recommend them to everyone. The remodel that they have done is also amazing.
Do not park in the small lot near the shop or else you will get towed (thankfully this has never happened to me before however there is a free parking lot at the top of the hill (gravel not pavement) and it’s a one block walk over. Ample parking there!
I’ve been seeing Misti Kilgore’s work on Facebook recently and Instagram and it is absolutely everything that I love. I am trying to figure out free time so I can go see her to get my next piece done! So excited!

Fooking awesome! Brand new place that i will be coming to often: D

WOW!!! My husband got work done today by Corey Taylor here @ Marlowe. He did stellar line work and outlining of a large piece coming over his right shoulder. It’s killer and bad a*s! In a few months he will get it shaded/​colored in. I myself have gotten 6 tattoos by him and let me just say «He’s the best, a truly gifted Artist and a must try!»
In addition the shop Marlowe was extremely clean, air conditioned, no parking issues and had a gnarly vibe. Def go to Marlowe if you live in/​or visit NOVA, DC, MD. It is a true gem filled with Stellar Talent!

I went to Marlowe Ink on Monday because my favorite tattoo artist, Jackson, started working there in September. I just have to say that both times I have been in the shop have been wonderful experiences. Every single staff member I had contact with was friendly and I enjoyed chatting with them. No one was rude or made me feel unwelcome in any way. I will definitely be back and will continue to refer my friends to the wonderful Jackson Eberlin.
I have to add that the shop minimum of $ 80 is not unreasonable or unheard of. I saw someone complaining about the cost. I’m a firm believer that you get what you pay for.

As far as tattoos go, do your research. Check out the shop and artist before making any decisions. I highly recommend a consultation to discuss your ideas beforehand. While Marlowe excepts walk-​ins, you’re guaranteed to get work done if you have an appointment.
Regarding all the other complaints, I completely disagree. I’ve always found the staff to be friendly and easy going. The parking is not that bad as there is plenty of free or cheap parking within a block.
I’ve been tattooed here twice and so has my husband. We’ve both been to Misty (she’s the BEST!), I’ve been to Link and my husband had work done by Steph D. I absolutely love Misty’s style and she’s great to work with. She’s fairly light handed which is also a huge plus in my book. I was so comfortable while she worked on the back of my shoulder I started falling asleep. Yep, she’s that good.
I definitely plan on returning as does my husband. Fun shop.

I originally went to Marlowe in the summer of 2011 to get a pin up girl tattoo on my inner right arm. I had a visiting artist do the work and loved it at first. As time went on I realized what a terrible job the dude did on it and was considering getting it removed. I absolutely loved the idea of the tattoo still so as soon as I got money I went back and told them what had happened and asked who could fix it for me. The girls at the front were super nice to me and immediately sent me to Misty. Misty took one look at my tattoo and knew exactly what to do. She did an absolute wonderful job on it and I show it off everyday now. Prior to Misty fixing it, a picture of my original tattoo was passed around to everyone and it was the general consensus that this dude did horrible work and was never allowed back.
Anyway, I am more than pleased with my tattoo now and Misty was so much fun and really knows her stuff. She is a fantastic artist and does impeccable work.
I read the other reviews talking about the attitudes of the artists and people who work at Marlowe and I have never once experienced anything close to rude. I live and go to school up the street from Marlowe and have never, not once, been treated badly or felt unwelcome. Everyone rocks.

Awkward location, horrible parking, small.
With that said… I do agree with some of the reviews about the people here not being exactly «friendly»…HOWEVER, they are also kind of rough around the edges but once you make conversation, they are friendly.
I have been here a few times either for myself or with a friend. My friend got a rather small, simple tattoo here and I was very impressed! She was to. I wish I could review about a tattoo experience!
I have gotten my tragus, rook and industrial bar done here… (also my tongue which I had in for 3 days)… and have been VERY impressed with the sterilization and the way they go about explaining everything before they do it. I wish I could remember the girls name who has helped me majority of the time but it’s been a little while… I think it was Jackie? If so, she was AWESOME. There has never been a ridiculous wait time and the lobby area is cool.
If you get a random craving for a peircing, I’d recommend you try Marlowes! As for tattoos, I can’t really say too much… YET! ;)

A friend of mine brought me here a few months ago for me to get a tattoo for my birthday (my fifth, I normally go to The Body Gallery in Sterling– highly recommend it!) and it was a remarkably painful experience, pun intended.
The attitude radiating off of all the people who work here is palpable from the moment one steps through the door. The judgmental glares don’t exactly scream «welcome» and almost seem to be an attempt to make those they deem not worthy run away in tears.
The place is clean and they showed me their cleaning and autoclave system upon my asking (AGAIN with the attitude, though), for which I will give them credit. But that is about all I wish to give.
I understand that in the tattoo world you «get what you pay for», especially since this is a decision you will, theoretically, live with for the rest of your life. I have never felt the need to complain about pricing, but this place is truly expensive. I was blown away! I came in with a very specific idea in mind (a phrase, nothing too complicated) and the initial design I was presented with was not to my liking. I told this to my tattoo artist (Steve?) and was met with severe attitude. He presented me with three more designs, the fourth of which was finally to my liking and he made a snide comment along the lines of, «finally made up your damn mind then?» I should have turned around and walked out, but my friend was paying for part of it, I had been looking forward to it for over a month, and I wanted my tattoo, dagnabit!
I already have a tattoo on one side of my ribcage and this tattoo was placed on the other side, so I was familiar with the pain/​discomfort I was to experience. I also knew that talking wasn’t much of an option. But the first thing my increasingly gruff tattoo artist said was «keep your mouth shut and don’t complain, I don’t care.» Talk about egomaniacal douchebag! The finished product was good, but I definitely feel that, had I gone to my normal place, I would have had a much better experience overall and I would probably have a tattoo I like even better.
Needless to say, he didn’t get a tip, I didn’t buy any of the useless cleaning products they tried to push on me, and I won’t be coming back.