Best place for a tattoo? (Chicago, Elgin: price, military, shopping center)

[TeacherMan]

So I know this may be a weird question for this community, but...
I wondered where the BEST place is (in the city or the 'burbs - just for Steve O), to get a tattoo done. I would like to add a new piece of body art to go with our move th this fantastic new city! The amount of places is daunting and overwhelming. I want ONLY quality work to be on my body permanently. So...now is the time to "weigh in" with your opinion. Hopefully it is a place that either you personally, or someone close to you has had work done.

Thanks in advance for the help!

Cheers,
-TM

[supernerdgirl]

i don't know a really good one yet (i need to find one myself) but I have heard lots of times to avoid Jade Dragon at all costs.

[Drover]

Tattoo Factory in Uptown gets a lot of good reviews for their artwork. Most complaints seem to revolve around price.

[TeacherMan]

I thought this thread MIGHT generate a little more discussion... or at least I was hoping so...

I will continue to ask people "in real life" and hope for some more responses from my "virtual community"!!!

Cheers,
-TM

[CRekitzke]

I recommend Tainted Skin Tatoo in Crown Point, IN. Its only about 45 minutes South East of Chicago. They are excellent artists, and reasonably priced. I have had Four different artists do 8 seperate pieces. They are Clean, Proffesional, and are willing to work with clients on design features, Placement, and shading and coloring. I wish i had a buisiness card handy to refer you. They have a webite, and are well respected and renowned for their work in the tatoo cmmunity. Give them a call or stop in. Just take 80/94 East to I 65 South. Get off at the Valporaiso, Merrillvile Rte. 30 exit and head west, to Main St. Turn South or left. Take this till you see a shopping center on the left(Strack's and Van Til's or Jewel, i cant remember which). Only about 3 miles, if you hit the square, you went to far.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by supernerdgirl

i don't know a really good one yet (i need to find one myself) but I have heard lots of times to avoid Jade Dragon at all costs.

Hmm, interesting. I have a guy at work who goes there exclusively. His tats are phenomonal, he swears by the place. Guess it all depends on which artist you get.

Another place Id recommend is out in downtown Elgin, Top Notch Tattoos. Cleen used to run the joint but has since moved out of state (Vegas, started up Voodoo Tattoo). Ive known a few people who got tats there and they look awesome as well.

[Manigault]

The best place for a tattoo? Probably your bicep. Anywhere you can have it and maintain a business or formal tone when necessary. Remember also, the shape of the decoration will change along with your general muscle tone. A tomato can turn into a jalapeno! That is, according to my experience.

No hands, faces or necks. That will keep you out of the military. No names other than parents or kids. 'Sleeves' are for bike messengers; you won't always be in your twenties, hopefully. Consider this permanent decoration -- what will be in your life forever?

[TeacherMan]

Originally Posted by Manigault

The best place for a tattoo? Probably your bicep. Anywhere you can have it and maintain a business or formal tone when necessary. Remember also, the shape of the decoration will change along with your general muscle tone. A tomato can turn into a jalapeno! That is, according to my experience.

You know...I phrased my question particularly hoping someone (or more than one might interpret it as a question of body placement rather than shop destination. I thought phrasing it that way may generate more interest in (and views of) the thread that way. however, I never expected someone to answer it that interpretation of the question! It brought a smile to my face!!!! Thanks!!

No hands, faces or necks. That will keep you out of the military. No names other than parents or kids. 'Sleeves' are for bike messengers; you won't always be in your twenties, hopefully. Consider this permanent decoration -- what will be in your life forever?

Well, that is why I thought about the first one for 10 years (put a word in Greek on my back) and have thought about this last one for 4! Thanks for the thoughts and fun!

[Scribbler]

Sorry, I got my best one in Austin, Texas!