Skinquake

I have 11 tattoo’s and the only two Matt did not do I have been in the long process of removing (laser removal, takes 8 sessions normally depending on size and color). Let me just stress that– sure, anyone can tattoo you. But it takes a true artist to fill in your canvas with something that’s worth having for the rest of you’re life. Matt is not just a tattoo artist but an artist in real life as well. He draws, paints, truly has talent and has been actively tattooing for 20+ years. Every time I’ve brought in my pieces for him to look over before tattooing he has always given me advice. Sizing, color, positioning, personal edits and they have all turned out PERFECT. If you want some legit ink he’s the one to see. He was talking about moving to Florida sometime this year– I hope not but if he has I will make the trip just for him when my next pieces are ready.

Getting a tattoo for the first time, I was extremely nervous! Kari did an awesome job and I absolutely love my new tattoo. I would recommend her to anyone! Super friendly, clean shop and great price! Want to go back for more!

Ok here goes. I’m 60 years old and have never had a tattoo, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t wanted one. For several years I have talked about getting a tattoo of a very famous fairy (why? I’m not sure. Probably has something to do with my dysfunctional upbringing, or just crazy about the Mouse.). I finally had a few extra bucks in my pocket and thought I would finally take the plunge. Why Skinquake? I’ve had opportunities in other towns and in other states, but I finally chose Skinquake. They were not in a bad location, they are in a very nice strip mall. They did not have tinted, or no, windows, they are wide open. And they had an artist named Kari (my first name, just spelled differently). So I walk in, not accosted by blaring music (also not classical, that would be too strange). Not overwhelmed by drawings of skulls and crossbones (yes there are drawings on the wall, duh!). But a very good, efficient tattoo shop. They greet me (sure the guys there have tattoos, it is a tattoo parlor after all), and when I tell them what I want they don’t blink an eye and they don’t comment, they quote me a price, I accept and make an appointment for the next day.
Next day, I’m a bit nervous when my appointment time comes. I meet Kari, show her a photo of what I want, tell her where I want it and she takes my photo goes to a machine, where the magic begins, makes a stencil and it begins. I’m shaved, the stencil is applied and I’m settled into a chair (it’s sort of like a barber shop with the open windows and the chairs, nothing hidden). Then the point of no return, I suppose I could have just stopped when I first felt the needle hit the skin and just had another freckle on my leg, but it was not as bad as I had anticipated, more annoying. They patter of conversations between the two Karis (Carey) was also very reminiscent of a barber shop, do you have any children? How long have you lived here? And does you wife know you’re getting a tattoo (oh at this point I should point out that, even at 60, they wanted to see my driver’s license, which I thought was very professional). Kari was very efficient, explaining to me the process as she applied the ink, and even accommodated me when I wanted to send a photo of the process to my wife. I felt the whole process was handled in a very professional manner, very courteous, and very efficient.
Within about an hour, my very famous fairy was completed, I was given after care instructions and she looked wonderful. I paid, I tipped (very important) and I walked out a very happy customer. Will I go to them again? Not very likely (I probably will never get another tattoo). Will I recommend Skinquake? I think by now, dear reader, you have that answer. Being a tech savvy 60 year old I couldn’t wait to get home to post this on Facebook, but first I had to show it to my wife (who helped me find the right pixie pose), and I had to tell the kids and Grandkids. Did it make it to Facebook? Oh yeah! It is as indelibly posted on the internet just as it is on my skin.

Nice clean professional studio you should definitely check it out!

For starters, know that I’m not a tattoo person and I can’t tell you whether their prices were competitive or not. But, my husband had been wanting a celtic cross tattoo for years. We were going to go to a tattoo salon a few minutes down the road, but turns out, their hours were a bit wonky and they were never open when we’d stop by. So we took a chance on Skinquake. My husband ended up with the exact tattoo he wanted and was really pleased with the artist. He’d definitely recommend Skinquake to anyone, and if he’s happy, I’m happy.