Managing Editor Zack Abrams, while not interested in getting a tattoo himself, collected these reviews of tattoo parlors in NYC from Bwog staffers who did get inked. 

Hello! You, a loyal reader, are interested in getting a tattoo. We, the staff of your favorite campus news source, have a few. While personally, I have some recommendations as to the design of the tattoo, we here at Bwog want to make sure you have the best experience possible no matter what you choose. To that end, several Bwog staffers have recounted their experiences getting inked to help you select the designer and parlor that best suits your needs. Responses were lightly edited.

Internal Editor Zöe Sottile 

Tattoo #1

Where did you get your tattoo?

White Rabbit Tattoo, Logan

Who designed it?

I sent him pictures, but Logan designed the tattoo himself

What was your experience like?

 It was great! I stopped by for a consultation to talk with Logan about what I wanted then made an appointment for the actual tattoo. When I arrived he had several mockups and I got to choose the one I liked best. He was super sweet and professional and worked with me to make sure I was really happy with it.

How much was it?

It was $150 and took around an hour and a half.

 

Tattoo #2

Where did you get your tattoo?

I got my second tattoo from Ocean Gao, an independent artist who only does handpoked tattoos.

Who designed it?

They designed the art for me specifically.

What was your experience like?

It was great! They live in Morningside Heights, so I just went to their apartment. They were so kind and generous with their time. I also found the experience of getting a handpoked tattoo much more comfortable and less painful than getting a machine tattoo.

How much was it?

I don’t remember exactly what price I paid – they use a sliding scale so you can pay based on your abilities.

Let’s see some pictures!

Photo Editor Sophie Tobin

Where did you get your tattoo?

West 4 Tattoo, Hoga (@ashtraytattoo on Instagram)

Who designed it?

It’s the Birth of Venus by William-Adolphe Bougeureau

What was your experience like?

Okay, so I went in like half an hour before they closed (I didn’t have an appointment and just wanted a quote, but they were like “Yo we can do it right now!”). He put together a sketch based on the painting; it was gorgeous, so we were ready to go. By the way, this was my first tattoo. It really wasn’t that painful, it just felt like my cat was scratching me. Super nice guy. The shop owner/head artist kept kinda looming over us the entire time acting super impatient about keeping the shop open so late, but it was literally his idea for me to get it that night so I don’t know what that was about. In the end, I was super happy with the final product. Better than I ever could have hoped for! They also kept the shop open till 2:30 am for me (they close at midnight), which was very sweet of them. 10/10 but probably won’t go back because of the price.

How much was it?

The place is crazy expensive. I don’t regret the tattoo, and I don’t regret getting it done there, but I’m embarrassed about how much I spent. The shop’s minimum is $300, so you do the math. We don’t need to get into what mine cost. It was too much, but I wanted it done by the guy, at this particular shop, and it was my first tattoo. so whatever lol #yolo!1!1!!!

Let’s see some pictures!

 

Anonymous Staffer 1

Where did you get your tattoo?

Village Tattoos – I got 2, I don’t remember who the 1st was by but the 2nd was by Jimmy English

Who designed it?

For tattoo #1, I came up with the design and the tattoo artist modified it a bit, and the second one is just text

What was your experience like?

I made an appointment both times. The first time, the artist was more stern about breathing really steadily (I got it on my rib) and got a little impatient with me when I kind of smirked out loud and was like “You know you can’t do that” but Jimmy English was kind. The people who run the shop are nice too. [A former Bwog staffer] said a different tattoo place said Village Tattoo preys on younger people though so idk.

How much was it?

Both were around $100 – I think over $100, under $150

Let’s see some pictures!

In pic #2, only the text part was done at Village Tattoo. The big illustration on the bottom was done elsewhere

 

Anonymous Staffer 2

Where did you get your tattoo?

Blasphemy Tattoo, done by Tatum Alurra (@tatumalurratattoo)

Who designed it?

I just got a hibiscus

What was your experience like?

I pretty much had no idea what I wanted except for the flower. Tatum sat down with me for TWO HOURS and helped me concretely decide what illustration, size, and placement I wanted. She really worked with me to ensure I got a tattoo that 1) I would love because it was extremely personal for me and 2) Not be like these other girls! Hibiscus tattoos can be VERY corny [Bitches go to the Caribbean once and keep ‘gramming their faded hibiscus tattoo! Corny!] and I think she has a p distinct style, ergo why I chose her.
She was so nice to me! Talking me through the tattoo because I was getting it on my rib which, tbh, didn’t even hurt that much. Also she’s woke! And the parlor only hires women + non-binary people! She’s also very thorough about aftercare and does free touch-ups within 30 days

How much was it?

I paid a $40 deposit, for a total of $140 (and then I paid $60 in tip because I had such a good experience)

Let’s see some pictures!

This is it still under the bandage (she uses Saniderm which is supposedly better for tattoos, it’s like medical grade) – I don’t have entirely healed photos yet

 

Staff Writer Samantha Azanza

Tattoo #1 – Keith Haring Baby

Where did you get your tattoo?

Bang Bang Tattoo NYC, artist Michelle Santana @mnsantanatattoo

Who designed it?

Design by Keith Haring (obvs)

What was your experience like?

This was my first tattoo and I chose Michelle Santana to do it cause she specializes in fine line, single needle tats. It was a pretty fancy shop in the East Village because apparently a ton of celebrities go there (I saw Emma Roberts when I was getting mine) so everything was clean and the service was amazing. It was my first tattoo and it did not hurt at all cause single needle tats just feel like a cat scratch.

How much was it?

$300, which may sound crazy but she’s an extremely well-known artist and I don’t mind supporting WOC in the tattoo industry. Her rates have gone up since I got mine, now I think she has a minimum of $500…

Let’s see some pictures!

Tattoo #2 – Goldfinch

Where did you get your tattoo?

Sacred Tattoo NYC, artist: @tattoobyok on IG

Who designed it?

Artist’s own design

What was your experience like?

Sacred Tattoo is also a pretty well-known place and the artist I chose is also pretty well known. He’s a Korean tattoo artist and his sketches are amazing. I had a great conversation with him. Also specializes in fine line, single needle. This was my second tattoo (I now have 9) so I was sticking to single needle tats cause I was slightly scared of the pain of more detailed, classic designs. Amazing shop and a wonderful artist, this is actually my favorite tattoo of mine.

How much was it?

$300

Let’s see some pictures!

Tattoo #3 – Chain

Where did you get your tattoo?

368 Broadway, Jerami Goodwin @seanpenncils

Who designed it?

Artist’s own design

What was your experience like?

It was a fun experience to get this because it was part of a pop-up tattoo project. Jerami was extremely kind and super funny. He even played the Beach Boys while I was getting it done. I had a great experience but I don’t think he’s doing the pop-up anymore.

How much was it?

$100

Let’s see some pictures!

Tattoo #4 – Cherub

Where did you get your tattoo?

No Idols Tattoo, Tyler (but he’s based in London) @traphousetattooer

Who designed it?

Artist’s own design

What was your experience like?

One of the most fun tattoos I’ve ever gotten, hurt a bit more because of the shading and line thickness. Tyler is a sweetheart and is actually a scratcher (meaning he learned how to tattoo on his own, without an apprenticeship) but is extremely talented and considerate. He let me unload my emotional baggage on him while I was getting a tattoo and now we’re actually really good friends.

How much was it?

$240

Let’s see some pictures!

Tattoo #5 – Death Gets Around

Where did you get your tattoo?

Private studio in Bushwick, Jasper James @issa.poke

Who designed it?

Artist’s Flash

What was your experience like?

Booked an appointment through Instagram and got the tattoo on like the same day. It was kind of a trek to get there but so worth it. The studio is so cool and Jasper played super sick music while I sat there for 4.5 hours getting the tat (it took so long cause it’s a stick and poke). I was surprised at how detailed it turned out, and it also didn’t hurt at all. I got kind of bored waiting for him to finish but he’d let me take breaks and we’d go out to smoke or get coffee together. Super fun time, it was just like hanging out with a pal.

How much was it?

Like $200

Let’s see some pictures!

And finally, Tattoo #6 – Butterfly

Where did you get your tattoo?

Flyrite Tattoo in Williamsburg, Gill Gold @gill_gold

Who designed it?

Artist’s design

What was your experience like?

Gill is such a sick artist and one of the coolest people I’ve ever met– she’s the only woman working at the shop and she dominates it like a bossssss. She’s super fun and let me rip my Juul while lying on my stomach for around 4 hours. I kept having to switch positions cause she’s a lefty but it was actually really funny. It hurt to get this one cause of the detail and really dark shading and my arm looked like a bowling pin for like 2 days after but it healed extremely well. She’s super fun and everyone in the shop is kind and considerate.
How much was it?
$300 (including deposit)– shop minimum is $100 though but considering the detail on my tat, the rates went up.

Let’s see some pictures!

That’s it for our tattoos, leave your experiences in the comments to help others out!