Flesh Tattoo

A week of hell and a contorted, scarred and infected tattoo carved in to my leg. I was initially drawn to Flesh as it looks clean and professional. I felt in safe hands with friendly staff so I went ahead with a small tattoo on my leg on 10÷2÷2015. The tattoo seemed massively overworked and a week later I am left feeling ill with an infection. Concerned, I went in to Flesh for advice and the tattooist did not spot it was infected, with the only after advice from the owner to tell me it is likely to be my fault as I turned up with a bandage when they advise not to. Anybody with a bleeding burning tattoo on their leg would know to cover it up when outside, as advised by a GP when I had to seek medical treatment. I am now on a 4 week course of antibiotics and I am told given the heavy work I will likely be left with scarring. I have been given a full refund– but the support and advice I have received in my view is negligent. I would give anything to have this horrendous mark off my leg and the last week of my life back.
The tattoo is small with minimal detail and the shading/​outline together would barely fill a playing card. After 2 hours of tattooing in a small area I felt very sore and agitated, my instinct was telling me something wasn’t right. When I left Flesh I was off work and looked after the tattoo as carefully as possible. Everything felt OK at first. By day 3 and 4 the burning and pain was increasingly intense. The next day I woke up to thick black bloody snake like skin was hanging off.
I am now left feeling ill with infection, time missed from work and a horrid scarred mess on my leg for life. I thank heavens I took precaution and sought medical advice as the GP informed me this could have got worse. Please be careful especially if you are new to tattoos, there is probably only a small risk of something going seriously wrong– but you want to be as sure as possible if it does the shop has your back, know what they are talking about and most of all are concerned first and foremost with your safety.

Getting a tattoo is not a simple decision. In my opinion, there should be a long time spent on the decision process — for the placement, design and (importantly) where you’ll have this permanent piece of body art actually done.
Luckily for me, I have two close colleagues who have both experienced Flesh Tattoo and said that it was the best experience they have had; one girl has had 6+ done and discussing her next with Flesh, and the other had her 3^rd done here.
After a few months of back and forth earlier in the year, I decided to go ahead and take the plunge. I did some research on the 3 artists at Flesh to look at who would best fit the style of my chosen lion design. Ela, Neil and Janis all have their own unique specialties, including watercolours and cartoon-​esque images, but I decided to book in with Janis based on his simple but powerful black and white outlines.
I was reassured from the moment that I met Janis that I made the right decision — as soon as he saw my proposed design he was thinking of ways to make it more unique and really stand out. I paid a £30 deposit for his time and returned a week later for the ‘big day’. The studio feels very clean, with a welcome area the front (in which you complete a health questionnaire for their records) and the actual studio at the rear. It’s all open plan, so you can’t exactly be body conscious!
I felt in very capable hands throughout the process, with a few breaks taken — both for mine and Janis’ patience! — and, a few months down the line, am still as in love as I was from the first moment I saw the finished piece. I was constantly being offered water, tea and sweets to ensure my sugar levels were okay, and there was a great atmosphere from the other members of staff. You can take a friend along, and even choose the style of music you want in the background.
They proudly take photos of all their work and offer touch ups for free if you find any sections fade/haven’t taken during the healing process.
Totally recommended.

Brilliant.
Had my first tattoo done here and I will definitely be back.
Lovely people who make you feel completely at ease and are brill to have a chat to.
The studio is clean and has a good atmosphere.
Also, the prices are brilliant.