Cirque Du Rouge

In late November, I received my first tattoo from Victoria at Cirque Du Rouge. She guided me through a great experience. As a first timer, I was definitely nervous going in, but Victoria was incredibly approachable and friendly, and eager to make sure that I was comfortable with everything that was going on during the process. I am extremely grateful for her squeezing me into her busy schedule. I initially contacted her in September, went in for a consultation in mid-​October, and got my tattoo done just before Thanksgiving. It worked out perfectly because I was in a very transitional part of my life and it just felt like a perfect time for me to do something I had wanted to do for a few years now.
My tattoo was a fairly simple script and though it isn’t perfect, I was very satisfied with the end result. Make sure to read all of the information on their website and listen to your artists instructions!

Robie Sayan started working on my second (and biggest) tattoo. He was professional, down-​to-​earth, and a very personable artist… he was also able to roll gracefully with my delayed arrival and helped to make the sometimes painful process a lot easier with his friendly and attentive «bedside» manner. I am extremely happy with the work he did so far and can’t wait to come back to finish the rest of my tattoo. KUDOS!

This was my second tattoo at Cirque Du Rouge and with Allen. I had such a good experience with Allen for my first one that I knew I would go back to him when I wanted a second one. I knew what tattoo I wanted but was unsure about size/​placement but Allen talked me through everything. Clean, nice, focused on details, and was upfront with everything! Couldn’t have asked for a better experience and definitely recommend Cirque and Allen. My boyfriend also went to him for his second tattoo right after me and also had a great time. If I ever get a third, I know where I am going!

I went to Cirque for my first-​ever tattoo. It was a great experience.
I had contemplated a certain simple Sanskrit script design for some time, but had been putting it off due to my ignorance of the process, and some level of fear. A friend recommended Cirque and I could not be more satisfied.
Cirque’s team members are artists — this is no quickie in-​and-​out place — so read the website first. They do not accept walk-​ins, and require a consult before the actual tattooing appointment is made. I got to talk with my artist Cas about what I wanted, and she took me through the whole process. Everyone was very kind, and the space is beautiful and welcoming.
I had to postpone my appointment due to a family crisis, and Cas was very understanding. When I did have my session, Cas explained exactly what she would be doing, and was very sensitive to the fact that I was new at this. The session went smoothly.
What I had done was a very simple design that took less than an hour. But Cirque specializes in elaborate artwork, and each artist has her or his own expertise. I am sure you can find someone here who will suit your needs.

I’ve been going to Cirque Du Rouge for some time now. Cyn is an amazing artist. She recently completed the latest iteration and expansion of a rather large tattoo on my right arm — and I am so very pleased with it!
The studio spans several floors, and has an eclectic décor you won’t find elsewhere. It’s bizarrely cool! I won’t even try to describe it — you’ll experience it for yourself if you decide to get a tattoo with these fine folks!
Reading through the reviews on Unilocal for Cirque Du Rouge — it seems that the few dissatisfied customers are from folks who just don’t get it or want the house rules to be set aside for them. I’m always astonished by these folks.
When preparing to visit Cirque Du Rouge for your first consultation or tattoo:
DO
Do read the FAQs on their web site. Understand their «DO» list. Understand their «DO NOT» list. If you can’t abide by these rules — then go somewhere else. And don’t get your panties in a bunch over the rules and then post a dumb review about how you don’t like the rules. Be an adult please.
I can’t wait to go back for my next tattoo appointment!

I really liked this place. All the info is stated upfront on their website. No confusion, and you know the minimum charge, the rules about missing an appointment, etc. No surprises! So many other places want you in there to discuss everything to include minimum charge you end up going 2 or 3 times.
They also show each artist’s web site so you can see what they specialize in and pix of tats they have completed. I selected Jermaine as he does a lot of black ink/​graphic work, and I was getting a logo and one word. I sent him an email including my pic, we exchanged emails agreeing to a time and date. They are about 4 – 5 blocks behind Union Station. I called as I was a few minutes late due to a missing a turn (no street sign) and the office manager/​receptionist, Marquita, gave great directions and also informed Jermaine.
WOW, what a GREAT place; very eclectic, colorful, interesting and a great vibe! I went upstairs to meet Jermaine. He was ready for me. He looked at my pic, charged me the minimum and had enough time to do it before his next appointment. I really appreciated that! Did the paperwork, got the tat, aftercare instructions and ointment. It healed without a problem and I am very pleased with my new ink! Nice people, no mysteries, very clean. I recommend Cirque Du Rouge and believe all the artists are fully capable of providing excellent service. I will be back.

I got my first tattoo done here by Cas 2 days ago. I could not be happier with my tattoo! It is more beautiful than I ever imagined. I had two meetings with her to discuss the design (because I had changed my mind a bit). She listened to me and really understood what I wanted. She also cared enough about my design to make recommendations on ink color, etc, to ensure I had a beautiful piece in the end. She is so professional but also friendly and down to earth. I immediately felt comfortable with her. When I arrived to be tattooed the day of, she talked me through every step. She let me play around with the placement, etc. The tattoo took about 3 hours to complete. We chatted and got to know each other a bit. Basically, working with Cas was a perfect first tattooing experience. I will absolutely get more work from her in the future!
Thank you Cas and everyone at Cirque du Rouge!

Professional atmosphere, clean work stations, understanding staff with warm personalities for a tattoo joint, nestled in an oddities style shop and ALL this on top of amazing talent! Thanks for the great art Charon! I will be back!

I was tattooed by Robie last week and it was a fantastic experience. It was a pretty long waiting process (about 5 – 6 months from when i made my first consultation appointment), and fairly expensive, but well worth it. During the consultation I gave him some reference pictures but was admittedly pretty vague, but he managed to come up with the most beautiful design. Robie is incredibly talented and friendly and professional. I could not be happier with my tattoo and would definitely recommend!
I have another appointment in October to get a cover-​up tattoo by Liaa and can’t wait! Definitely come to Cirque du Rouge if you are looking for a beautiful and unique custom piece.
EDIT: Liaa was amazing as well. I even came back one more time so that Robie could add a small portion to my tattoo and he was great. Very accommodating and did and awesome job as always.

After reviewing portfolios from artists all across DC, I came across Cas at Cirque du Rouge. I was immediately captured by her ability to bring life to her tattoos and her love for vibrant, ‘whimsical’ tattoos.
After sending my initial e-​mail for a consult with some ideas and reference materials, she responded in a timely manner and we hashed out a date.
I showed up to the consult and she had already been putting quite some thought in to it. Cas had some ideas to show me and walked me through the creative process. She made me feel very comfortable and listened to all I had to say while asking some questions for clarification and guidance. Once an idea was ready, we set a date and I place my Non-​refundable deposit. She was very clear about their practices and policies which I loved!
I did reschedule a few days later and asked to have my session moved up. She accommodated without hesitation!
On the day of, I went in and she showed me her idea. It captured my thoughts with her styles perfectly. I couldn’t wipe the grin off my face!
Once we were underway, we kept chatting. Everyone there interacted and kept me laughing. Cas continuously kept tabs on me to make sure I was handling the pain well (it was a five hour session for a first-​timer). As the session continued, the breaks were well spaces and gave me time to admire the process.
Five hours later, she finished up and explained the aftercare to me. It was a very smooth experience.
A note: BRING A SNACK. You will get hungry, and according to Cas and the website, it’s important for helping your body through the session.
Thank you Cas and everyone at Cirque du Rouge for helping me honor my dad through this piece. It means the world to me and I can’t praise you all enough!

By appt only. Rude front desk crew (I suppose being in the tattoo industry we are to expect that !!!). Should be posted on Unilocal

I have to say i absolutely love this shop. Everyone I came in contact with were extremely nice and professional. This might be the cleanest shop i have even been in. It took me 6 months to find a new tattooist that i thought would do my newest piece justice. Robie Sayan is simply a genius. We did 3.5 hours of a half sleeve that incorporated two animals i volunteered with while traveling, i cant wait to go back to finish it. The amount of work he was able to do and the attention to detail is unreal. He is also very sweet and made me feel comfortable right away.

Cirque du tattoo nice play to be tattooed. The house is nicely decorated and in the theme. I had my appointment scheduled with Jermaine Taylor. The next day I had my tattoo done. I invite you to visit the page of the different artists, all have their own style. Jermaine had the graphic touch I wanted, and the size of my piece (small) make him more confortable. It took less than one hour and you leave with a ointment for free. Also the ink used is Eternal Ink, for those who are interested in this.
I’ll go back there.

I found Liaa after a friend of mine got her first from her at Cirque du Rouge. I loved her portfolio and decided to book a consultation. It was a long wait, but I believe it was worth it. Liaa is so talented and professional. She believes in providing a quality tattoo and will not steer you wrong in terms of design and placement. She’s very open to feedback and will honestly tell you when she thinks something will or won’t work.
I recently received a cover up tattoo from her and really love the work that she put in. The design is beautiful and I love how the placement follows the curves of my body. It wasn’t a small piece and she was very understanding of the times that I needed a break from the pain. She took the time to remind me how to care for the new tattoo and told me that, if the old tattoo was showing beneath the cover up, that I had a free touch up session that I could book with her. I would definitely go back for any future tattoos. Great experience!

Getting ink is something that should be taken seriously and done with a professional establishment. Cirque Du Rouge is this place. My artist is Liaa. I have many friends that have used them and a variety of artist as well. They have all been very happy. Liaa is awesome. If I can help it, I will never have any other artist tattoo me. She has done 2 big pieces for me so far and I am 100% happy with her, her work and the outcome. I have always experienced nothing, but professionalism with them. I love their location as well. The shop is everything you want in a tattoo shop. It is edgy, eclectic, raw and artistic.

My tattoo artist Robie Sayan is a truly gifted designer and artisan. I get compliments all the time on the tattoo he did for me. I brought in an obscure, ancient image from the Book of Kells; asked him to design a sleeve for me, and he created such a beautiful, colorful and detailed piece that I have never even once regretted getting it (this is my first one). Everyone there is super nice, especially Shannon; and professional. The setting is funky, fashionable, urban and there’s tons of unusual bric a brac to catch the eye.
Robie is truly dedicated to his art. He takes great pride in his work, and it shows; so much so that I feel like I’m wearing a priceless museum piece on my right arm. Everyone there is great (just take a look at all the artists’ portfolios) but Robie is a master.

Loved the atmosphere, loved my artist, love my tattoo.
I came in with an idea for a tattoo (a portion of an Alphonse Mucha Art Nouveau work), and over two very efficient sessions, it was completed. I had a great time with Kim (who did my tattoo) and Liaa (Kim’s neighboring artist) and felt like I was having a good time with friends while also receiving a lifetime of beautiful art. Whatever the term is for «bedside manner» in the tattoo world, Kim excelled at it.
I went in with an intricate idea, very high expectations, and Kim somehow exceeded them all. I will go nowhere else in DC for my next works. Every person who has asked to see/​commented on my tattoo remarks on how gorgeous the work is and how talented the artist is. I’m very proud to wear this one around.

Beauty may fade, but a beautiful tattoo will last (nearly) forever. So if you are going to get inked, you may as well do it right. And by do it right, I mean spend the money and the time to find that perfect artist who will help shape your vision into something beautiful.
I have been planning a complex half sleeve for a few years and visited bunch of the high-​end tattoo shops in the greater DC metro area looking for the right artist. It didn’t take long before I came across Cynthia Rudzis’s work and immediately knew that she was the artist for me. As is common with a lot of the top, in-​demand artists, I had to wait a few months before getting my consult. While apparently the shop does some walk-​in work, most of the clientele is by appointment only. So my experience was not unusual. The wait however has been worth it.
The shop itself is a short walk away from Union Station. Not sure how to describe the décor. Maybe New Orleans circus goth? It’s cool, without being pretentious. And the staff have all been super sweet and easy to work with.
Working with Cynthia on this project has also been a treat. Charming and gracious, she walked me through the entire design/​consult process, listening to what I was looking for, and making helpful suggestions so to improve upon the design. The key, I learned, is simply to step back and let the artist do her thing. I picked her because I loved her neo-​traditional style. In the end there has to be an element of trust. I didn’t see the design before the day of the first session, but there was ample willingness to tinker with it if it wasn’t to my likening. That has never been an issue, because each time she has nailed the design. I think I asked her to change one small element over the multiple sessions I’ve had.
Well, after multiple sessions, my half-​sleeve is really shaping up. I can’t tell you how many times I have already been stopped, compliment on the tattoo, and asked about the artist. It is without hesitation that I recommend Cynthia and the rest of her shop. Although I’m still more than a few needle hours away from having the work completed, I’m already mulling over the next project. And I can’t picture getting the work done anywhere but at Cirque du Rouge.

I’ve had a great experience with Cyn over the last few years. She did a gorgeous robin on my back a couple years ago and has recently been working on a half sleeve for me that I hope to finish up next week. Her bedside manner is impeccable, which anyone who’s sat for multiple sessions knows is extremely important.
In my experience, the longer you have to wait to get on a person’s schedule, the better the end result. I waited months to get my first consult with Cyn — and I was not disappointed. My second piece was much quicker because she had worked with me before and considered me a return client — which likely got me on the schedule faster. I’ve done walk-​in tattoos before at other shops, and while I’m happy with the end result, they were also smaller and less complicated.
Cyn has also always been more than willing to tweak a design or color when asked. She’s been great at working with me to follow through on my initial ideas while keeping true to her personal style.
The shop itself is also super cool and everyone has been very friendly to me during my visits. I will definitely be back for future work.

From the consultation to when I got to walk home with my brand new ink I couldn’t have had a better experience. I first contacted Liaa about a cover up idea I had for my upper back. I had text that I wanted covered (even contemplated laser removal) and somehow incorporate roses and an elephant.
Getting a consultation was super easy and she totally took my idea and ended up creating such a beautiful piece. She’s incredibly talented and such a fun personality! She was able to fit me in and in just a few hours I was able to walk away with my beautiful new tat!
I definitely recommend her for any black and white or floral designs– she has a great eye for detail too. Once my husband saw my finished tattoo he immediately booked an appointment.