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Division (Blue)
Neighborhood: Lakeview
"I had a pretty shit tattoo done on my lower back in college (three cheers for tramp stamps!) and I needed it covered up but didn't want the…" read more »
I'm extremely happy that I did my homework before picking a place to get my piercings done! Bob was extremely kind and professional, and he was very thorough and sterile when he pierced my ears. He must have changed his gloves at least three or four times, my friend was tempted to ask him how many boxes of gloves he goes through a day. Haha.
He charged me a very reasonable price, and I left the shop with my spirits completely lifted for the day. Even my friend who came with me didn't get anything done, but he was beaming about the place. Bob even gave him a lollipop for being my moral support. Hahaha. I can't wait to come back in a few months for my next piercing!! Yay!
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I want to thank all the "yelpers" who reviewed this place before me, that is how I made my decision and I'm the happiest I could be about going. My sister and I had planned to get a matching tattoo and my mother was considering it. All with my sister and my initials. Anyhow she is 17 so was unable to do it under IL law even with parental signature. It was really sad BUT it proved they were legit and not just about making money and cutting corners. I had Brian tattoo the initials behind my ear with little stars, and my mother had Dahveed (sp?) tattoo her ankle with our initials!! They were both absolutely talented in adjusting the design I had had made before coming in. Mine was painless and went pretty quick. It came out great and I'm so happy about it. Dahveed did my mothers as I said and it was her first tattoo. She LOVES it!! He was very comforting and helpful to her so it went smoothly. It's a very affordable shop no shock value when it comes to cost which is a plus, but even more important is quality of the work and it's some of the best I've seen. I plan on going back to get old tattoos touched up and get some new ones down the line. I recommend this place VERY VERY HIGHLY!!! Oh and the absolute best thing about Brian was he seemed like a perfectionist and he listened to my requests. He resized the tattoo and kept it away from the area I wanted to avoid. Also when putting the stencil on he redid it several times till it was perfect!! I am a huge fan of this shop and it's the cleanest I've ever been to.
Please if you're getting tattooed in Chicago take a trip to Insight and see Brian or Dahveed!!!
The staff is fabulous here! They aren't happy unless you are happy. Bob bent over backwards to make sure I was totally happy with a piece I got over a year ago.
Not many shops will do that for you, but Insight does.
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Just want to throw in one more Bob-Jones-is-the-best review.
A friend recommended him, so I gave Insight a try. I came to him with a semi-tricky re-piercing request, and he did a superb job. I've been in a lot of tattoo/piercing studios, but this one did not emit the usual awkward air and/or discomfort I usually encounter. He was friendly, professional, and helpful, and the studio is blindingly bright and CLEAN.
Blow Pops after being stabbed? I'm sold. Oh and it's fairly easy to find street parking.. that's definitely a plus.
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I got my first ink at Insight, and it's something I'll always wear (and claim) with pride.
I went based on the phenomenal recommendations from Yelp, and once again, Yelp does not let me down.
Bryan was awesome. Skilled, artful, and kind on a newbie.
And my tat rocks my socks.
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I'm so impressed.
Back in 2001, when I was choosing a place to get a couple of piercings done, I checked a lot of studios out. I finally settled on one that a friend had recommended, and ended up going back a couple of times. The work was decent but the atmosphere was mediocre at best, so when I decided recently that it was time to get a couple more piercings, I set out in search of a new place. Yelp, of course, was my first stop, and all of the excellent reviews of Bob Jones at Insight were enough to convince me to try it out.
I'm so glad I did. What can I say that hasn't already been said? I was a little worried about what parking would be like down there, but there was more than plenty. The shop is so bright, clean and downright pleasant to look at! And the bathroom... my friend and I decided that their bathroom lighting should be mandatory in bathrooms everywhere. The moment I walked in the door (to the shop, not the bathroom!), I was greeted cheerfully and helpfully, which I can definitely say has never happened to me at a piercing/tattoo place before. I hadn't called ahead, and Bob had stepped out, so we had a short wait, but the place was so pleasant I didn't mind hanging around at all. They were apologetic about that too, although I didn't mind a bit. The actual piercing experience was the best I've had, also. Bob was friendly and talkative, which was such a welcome departure from the no-smiles, all-business attitude I've gotten used to with other piercers. It shouldn't need mentioning that everything was sterile and done properly, and in addition, he was more than understanding when I wanted to adjust the placement of both piercings. Naturally, I got my Blow Pop at the end, too. I'm not nearly done with the piercings, and I still have yet to get my first tattoo, so I can't wait to go back, and I can't wait to send friends and family their way. It's funny - I can't think of a single drawback about this place, so I can't flex my usual Yelp-sarcasm muscles.
In total, I've had piercings done at five different places, including Insight Studios. Now, I will never go anywhere else.
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After much research, I chose Insight for a recent piercing. Bob is a complete professional, the studio was immaculate and I had complete privacy. Afterwards Bob emailed me several times to make sure that everything was going well. I had a few questions and he answered them right away. Definitnely above and beyond my expectations. I wouldn't hestiate to send anyone to his shop. Thanks!
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HOLE...IN MY FACE.
I finally did it. I grew a pair and finally got pierced.
Bob Jones was great. He was really calm and talked to my friend and I about everything we needed to know about aftercare. He also talked me through the piercing procedure, because I'm a n00b. Once everything was ready to go, he joked with us about his two hour seminar on "Channeling Positive Energy" and put us at ease.
The shop is immaculately clean. Every single tool is prepackaged and sterile, so you don't have to worry about how they prep their tools.
They also sweeten the deal by handing you a Blow Pop once you're finished getting pierced. A little sugar to help ease the pain. Not bad at all.
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And now, folks, for all your beverage needs...Insight comes complete with HORCHATA!! That's right. Sip on one of those babies and get yourself tattooed or pierced.
If they ever get a Slush Puppy machine I'm moving in.
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03/17/2008
Do yourself a favor the next time you want a new hole in your body or someone to drive needles in… Read more »
This place rocks! It's really clean,the service is outstanding,and these guys really know what they're doing.I recomend it to everyone after getting my piercings done.They were painless,they were placed just right,and they healed in no time.Awesome!
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Highest recommendation for Bob Jones at Insight Studios. I was pierced not once, not twice, but 3 times by Bob's skilled and steady hands. (Something you really want in a piercer.) Insight's philosophy of "keeping to specialties" makes them a thick cut above the rest; tattoo artists specialize in tattoos, piercers specialize in piercing- a unique policy in this industry. The studio is impecibly clean, sterile, and modern, with awesome glass blocks everywhere and stainless surfaces which further contribute to the clean factor. The piercings specifically?:: the placement was artistic, symmetrical, and beautiful! (I got my nipples, vertical, and a christina) Bob Jones, again, is worth traveling across the country for if you want the best in the industry.
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I've been going to Insight since I've been eighteen and they are still by far the best shop around. If possible, I would give them ten stars-they surely deserve it.
The first time I was found here was by recommendation from a tattoo place for my septum piercing. Bob Jones immediately made me feel comfortable in his hands. My septum was a bit tricky but he never gave up nor did a bad job-he rose to the occasion and I've never ever had a problem with it since. Along with that he's also pierced my navel and I left an absolutely happy camper. He is by far the BEST in Chicago, if not in all of IL or the US. The man will make you feel at ease and do everything as safe & clean as possible. It does help that he's very good looking too! (:
Tattoos at Insight are also mighty wicked. I've gotten two from Rodney Taylor, who unfortunately works somewhere else now but he rocked the hell out of them. He's my kind of guy with a rad comedic personality and he's very talented at what he does. The other dudes that work at Insight are pretty chill too. I've seen most of their artwork in the books and also framed on the walls, you'll definately be impressed.
I've never heard any complaints about this place! I recommend all my friends and even foes to make their way to Insight. They'll tickle your fancy in all the right ways.
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New ink!
I have had two tattoos done at Insight now and I'm soo happy with both of them! The first time I went I saw Rich for a writing piece on my forearm and it came out perfect! Last night, I went for a cover up job on a lame "first tattoo". It was a shamrock ordeal on my foot and I wanted a mix tape to cover it. Bryan B. came up with great placement and the ugly shamrock is gone for good, you would never even know it exsisted (yay!). I'm left with an AMAZING mix tape tattoo that is beautifully shaded and more awesome then I thought it could ever be!! I have to say a few of my friends have had tattoos and piercings here and they were thrilled as well. I will definitely be going back soon...I recommend others do the same!
Thanks boys, you're all crazy talented!!!
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I joined Yelp just to add a review for Insight. I had my first non-ear piercing done by Bob last night, and I can't even express enough how great he was.
The shop was immaculate, first of all. Bob has a great personality; this place would be great for someone who's nervous because he's so easy to talk to you couldn't possibly be worried about the piercing anymore. He talked to me about the placement of the stud and made sure I was okay with it before he went any further.
The actual act of having my nostril pierced was virtually pain-free. I had no idea it'd be that easy. It even has me thinking about what I can get pierced next!
Anyway, go to Insight. You won't be disappointed.
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Cleanest tattoo/piercing studio I have ever seen. Great service and I walked out with exactly what I wanted. I am running out of room on my body for tattoos but if I do decide on more, this is the only place I wil consider going back to. Thanks Matt!
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Ive gotten two tattoos done here by Brian and cannot wait to get more. Clean, great prices, and super nice staff.
If you want a tattoo go to Insight.
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Bob Jones pierced my ear (nothing crazy- just my cartilage) and I couldn't be happier. I went to Insight with my roommate, who was getting a tattoo, and it was not too long before closing. We had to wait for a long while for hers, and so he gave me my piercing for $30, versus the standard $45. He was very attentive, though, and offered us beverages. And when I got my ear pierced, my roommate was in the room with me, and she told me to just think about how we were going to go eat afterwards. He went so far as to offer us a hot dog he had that we could split. He was a sweetheart.
The piercing itself was quick and painless. It was my first ear piercing with a piercing needle, and I now realize why you should avoid the gun. Plus, me being very low key, I pointed in the general vicinity that I wanted my piercing, and he chose the spot. It is perfectly placed, and I love it. It has been over a month and, still, whenever I see it in the mirror I think to myself how great it looks.
And, you can't beat getting a piercing and then receiving a Blow Pop.
I had chosen Insight for my roommate and I based on Yelp reviews, since it seemed the best piercing place in Chicago; I certainly concur. Plus Bob is the only certified piercer through the APP that I found on their website. So you really can't go wrong with your patronage of Insight Studios.
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i loved it especially the hott pink bathroom:)
it's very clean & bob has a great selection of jewelery to choose from. i wouldn't let anyone else peirce me!
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There are a number of wonderful things about Insight. First off, Bob was very helpful, generous, professional, careful, gentle, personable, etc. I could on for days about how much I like him. I've never met a nicer piercer or tattoo artist(s). We even chatted a little about Joy Division and the documentary about the band.
Both of my roommates are also very happy with their tattoos. Both of them were done within in hour while I got my double nose piercing that Bob did wonderfully and I'm ecstatic about it. It looks even better than I'd expected. I noticed that every time he dealt with a new piercing instrument, he changed his gloves to maintain cleanliness and sanitation. He also guided me through all of the steps, tapered my first ring to match the second, and replaced my first ring with a brand new one for free. I also got H2Ocean salt water spray, a bottle of face soap, and 3 Insight pens. $50 is too good of a deal for how much Bob did for me. Most piercers just pierce you real quick with a shitty stud and send you off on your way, but this was definitely wasn't the case.
And who has a picture of their adorable cat on the back of their business card and wrapped on the hood of their car? Bob, of course. I am definitely coming back to get tattooed by one of the many artists or pierced by Bob who is so in love with his cat.
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Fantastic place! I decided to suck it up and get my nose pierced finally. Bob Jones pierced both me and my friend AK who wound up getting her eyebrow done as well.
Very quick, little pain and excellent service. He was a really great guy, and a pleasure to have pierce me. Next time I want a tattoo I'll be heading back there. Don't forget, tip your piercer/tattoo artist!
Definitely recommend for body art/piercings!
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i was gonna review this place, but everyone else has already said it best!
insight's great. bob's a god. mat's got skillz.
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I was going to give them four stars then I realized that I'm too chicken shit to be the one to bring down their average and also the thing I wasn't happy with was actually my fault. I went in without knowing what the heck to do. I just wanted flash and pain. I talked to Mat and told him I wanted a mouse and a bird. Then I left with an appointment for the next day. I called him the next day to give him a little more detail and when i arrived, he had two great drawings of a mouse and a bird. I ended up having to postpone it which I felt very bad about but Mat was nice enough to understand. I'm sorry Mat! I'll be back someday to get those done!
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Bob Jones has given me TEN piercings (before he opened Insight and then 3 were at Insight; I was one of the first, wee!) and every great thing that people say about him (and his skills, manner and professionalism) is 100% true, so I don't need to reiterate. He's definitely "my piercer".... I wait up to an entire year to get back from Michigan or Europe just to have him do it because I won't go to anyone else. The new studio looks great.
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I had a bunch of tattoos done on me,by a couple of people from all over the U.S. and I have to admit that this place has all the best traits of a tattoo-and-piercing place.I came in there with a very brief idea of what I wanted and ended up walking out of there with EXACTLY the thing that I wanted.Also,the staff (especially Bob) are very,very friendly,and it's clear to see that they love their job.
Okay, so I'll come out of hiding to write a review about this place.
I just went there earlier tonight, and, uh, wow. I've had several piercings over the years and have since left most of them behind as I've grown older. I've seen my fair share of piercers who clearly have no idea what they're doing, or are so pretentious that you can't tell if they're trying to be "apathetic" or are as unskilled as the former.
Bob Jones is not such a man. I can't believe the service I received here, honestly. I went in to see what size plugs I could wear (because I was so sick of "regular" earrings falling out of my gauged ears). He was able to guess the size of my ears just by looking at them (no touching, even) and when he went to put them in, he was spot on. He put in 6's instead of the 4's I wanted, and when I mentioned that I really wanted the 4's, he took them out and got a pair of 6's. He didn't have the kind I wanted (cheap acrylic plugs) in my size, so he gave me the stainless steel ones for the same price. I'm sure the size mistake was my goof up, but he took it in stride, even though he couldn't re-sterilize them and resell them. When, I left, the bill was 14 dollars.
Let's recap. I got my ears stretched, a pair of 4 gauge solid stainless steel plugs and the best service in Chicago...for less than 20 bones. I've seen these plugs in other shops for twice that price...and those are just the earrings. There are always stretching fees.
I can't believe how great this place is. I must say that it's taken a truly unique experience to bring me out of my non-posting spree.
I didn't expect to find this type of service, anywhere, really. Living in the city for the past 3 years has really taught me not to expect it.
Thanks, Bob. Seriously. I mean it. :]
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Bob Jones is the absolute only person I would trust with putting holes in my body. He is incredibly knowledgeable, dilligent, and patient. He is also the owner of the place and he keeps it ridicously clean, which is obviously very important when dealing with needles. The place is pretty big and very white. Everytime, I've had a piercing done I've just walked in and was taken care of right away. The prices aren't bad either. And the tattoos I've seen from their artists are great too.
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Love it! Rich has now done two of my tattoos and they are amazing, I've sent two friends to get tattoos done there, and they turned out amazing. Some amazing artists work there, I would recommend it to anyone for a tattoo.
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After searching long and hard for a tattoo artist to do a large pinup girl on my side, I found Jennifer Trok at Insight. We've only gotten as far as the shading, and it's still absolutely gorgeous. As soon as I get the money to finish her, I'll be going back. Prices are reasonable and all of the artists are extremely talented.
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Insight Studios rocks in every which way.
The studio is bright and immaculate. You won't find crappy flash on the walls here, but rather awesome original art done by the resident tattoo artists.
I've had 7 of my 11 tattoos done by Scott Fricke and will NEVER allow anyone else to ink me again. I've taken three of my tattoo virgin friends to Scott and recommend him and Insight to anyone looking to get inked or pierced. Scott is a kickass artist, a genius with color and has such a light touch with the needles that it's nearly painless. I wouldn't trust anyone else. I get stopped on the street all the time by people complimenting the work Scott's done for me.
I also had my nose pierced at Insight. Bob Jones (who is also the owner of Insight) was very patient and gentle when he pierced my nose which I appreciated as I was a little nervous (even though I also spent 4 hours getting tattooed that day!). Insight is the only studio in Chicago that's recognized by the Association of Professional Piercers and Bob's got the training and skills to prove it.
Plus, you're not gonna find a nicer group of people anywhere. Every time I get tattooed I have to say to Scott, "Dude, you're not supposed to make me laugh when you've got needles on me!"
Check 'em out on Myspace and I beg of you, read Bob's blog about tattoo etiquette. Be good to your artists, and they'll be good to you!
So, I've been thinking about getting a nape piercing for a few years now and finally just said that I w as going to stop thinking about it and do it. And... I'm a fairly paranoid person and like to REALLY know what I'm getting into, so I've done a lot of research on piercing in general, surface piercings, and I have some past experiences that I have really enjoyed and appreciated and I kept them in mind...
So I found Insight Studios on yelp and went. Tonight. Bob Jones was AMAZING. He won't over-charge you. He was very professional and chill. And he aimed to please with the placement of my piercing.
The studio is a very bright studio with sterile surfaces. It feels sterile when you walk in, and it's kind of a thing I feel you should look for when you're getting any kind of work done involving bloodbourne pathogens--which this studio recognizes. ALSO, as far as piercings go, Bob Jones is the only one certified with the Association of Professional Piercers.
Obviously I'm really happy with my experience. So happy I joined yelp.com.
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Bob Jones is both the owner and piercer and one of the most professional guys I can think of in the business. I've brought many a friend to him and he's done a number of piercings for me always with the same helpful and professional advice and disposition.
This shop is built of many alumni of Tatu Tattoo so it's no surprise that their portfolios are chock full of experience and skill. These guys are a nice alternative to Deluxe if you want detail and like Taylor Street, they possess none of the absurdly long waits.
Rodney, Rich, Scott... these are the guys you go if you want large and detailed pieces done. Excellent custom work as well as replication. The shop is pretty pricey (roughly $100/hour), so I strongly recommend custom versus replicated work so you can really get their gamut of talent.
If you'd like to get a better understanding of their talent, visit the shop, check out their portfolios, and check out their walls. Much of the artists' personal art work is hanging on the walls for all to see.
They're also one of the cleanest shops I can think of in the city with all their certificates and requirements of their staff. If you can find a cleaner shop, I'd like to know, but a more professional shop you won't find.
For animal lovers, they have a lot of special days where much of their work is discounted and much of the proceeds go towards shelters like the Anti-Cruelty society. Check out their myspace for updates on those deals!
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5 stars for these guys. This place rules. They are very professional, clean, and fairly priced! The owner and piercer, Bob Jones, is a spectacular person~ Has helped me out quite a few times with piercing mishaps if you will. Rich, one of the tattoo artists, is also superlative! He just started work on a beautiful piece on my side and his work is unmatched! If you are looking for a place to get pierced or tattooed... Check out Insight Studios!! ;)
This place is great. I've never had a tattoo here before, but i got a piercing done. The piercer dude Bob is very friendly and professional. My piercing fell out a few months after i had gotten it done while washing my face so i ran over there. He gave me a new piercing and put it in me for free! If I ever get any piercings here again I'll definitley go back(prob won't get anymore) but ill recommend people to him:)
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This place is great- they actually hosted a party for us- so there were about 25 people there and about 12-15 got tattooed.
There were 4 artists and they all ahd impressive portfolios, they were fast and good natured and they work they produced was of great quality. Of all the people they worked on that night, quite a few were getting their very first tattoo. One of the girls in particular was a really big crying baby about it, but she was handled with loving care and walked out so happy she got it done.
I got 2 different things on my wrists and they are both very intricate, with very small parts and they are gorgeous!
This place is 1000x cleaner than my house.
Love it! great place for your first starter tattoo or your most involved, detailed, super huge piece.
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This place is great, its always reasonably priced, the staff seems to really like their job and they are just cool people, they are deffinitly more fun to work with if they like the work you want done, you may get some good natured ribbing but as long as you can give as well as you get you'll be fine.
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"Don't DO that" -Bob
"What did I do?" -Me
"Scrunched your nose!" -Bob
Oops. Even though I probably annoyed Bob by scrunching my nose when he was trying to pierce it, he was very helpful and calm throughout the process. I was probably the opposite of helpful and calm.
Bob talked me through the whole thing, so I knew exactly when it would hurt and when it was over. For $55, I got a piercing, a nose stud, and aftercare soap. Bob also told me if I wanted to change jewelry I could come back and buy something else or I could bring my own in, and either way he would change it for me for free. It seemed like he just wanted to make sure everything was okay with my piercing.
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great place for my first tattoo! i walked in after work and they were able to do my tat right then and there. matt was really nice and even gave me a lollipop when i almost fainted (my fault, not matt's - i probably should have eaten lunch).
I went here yesterday for my very first non-ear piercing (nostril). Bob was very patient with me, explaining everything and answering all my stupid questions easily, i.e.:
"What happens when I sneeze? I don't wanna take out someone's eyeball!"
"Ok, um, that's not gonna happen. It would take superhuman strength which most people don't have coming out of their nose."
"You haven't seen me sneeze."
"..."
Bob was awesome. Apparently my nose stud is a little shy and is enjoying playing hide and go seek, which is sorta annoying, but he is taking care of me.
This place is very reasonably priced, and is darned near spotless. I bet I could eat off of nearly any surface there (not that I would...but knowing that I COULD...). I got to peruse the tatt books there and found myself a couple of tattoo artists whose styles I particularly enjoy, so I will most likely return for my first tattoo, too. :)
I am very pleased with this place and happily recommend it.
EDIT: Ok, so my great dane thought it would be hella fun to knock off mummy's glasses, resulting in a small tear just south of my piercing. Not very painful, but not necessarily pretty to look at. Bob - who knows all - says no worries, it will heal, just keep it clean. I love that he still helps out his peeps after the fact. :)
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This place rocks my socks off. I was itching for a Toulouse Lautrec tattoo on my arm and everywhere I went they told me that it was too detailed. They said the colors would just bleed into each other and it would look bad. I wasn't taking NO for an answer so I went to Insight Studios. They hooked me up with one guy and I was not too thrilled with his previous work so I came back on a second occasion and asked Brian Clutter about my detailed tattoo. He said it would be fine. He took a half an hour to do the coolest, most unique- looking design on my arm! This man is amazing. After all of that he only charged me $100. So he got a large tip.
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after weeks n weeks of contemplating about getting my nose pierced & loads of researching on the internet,i finally decided on this place. boy,am i happy! bob was a such a sweetheart! i have a needle phobia n he totally put me at ease n did an amazing job! i did not even realise that he was done with the piercing till he actually told me ,thats how fast n smooth he was! bob is THE man you should goto for your piercings!!
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