Quality Chicago tattoo shop??? (Elgin, Lockport: price, trendy, friendly)

[Paddy *O]

I'm trying to find a tattoo place in Chicago that is very high quality, with artists that take their time drawing the artwork, as well as tattooing, and price isn't a problem. I just want a friendly place with serious artists (that's not Deluxe Tattoo...I know they do great stuff, but I had a bad experience there). Also the artwork I want done is religious latino style and in muddy earth-tones, so I need someone that is very good with unique coloring.

[Drover]

The one place that seems to be favored by people who take their tattoos seriously -- I'm talking people for whom tattoos are a way of life and not just a trendy decoration -- is Jade Dragon.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by Drover

The one place that seems to be favored by people who take their tattoos seriously -- I'm talking people for whom tattoos are a way of life and not just a trendy decoration -- is Jade Dragon.

Id agree. I cant think of a single other Chicago parlor who even rivals Jade Dragon as far as popularity goes.

[anonymous4289]

Don't go to Jade dragon. All they are known for is their popularity, not their tattoos. It's just advertisement, and their tattoo quality isn't the best. I would personally go to Phil Cisco at Tattoo Factory, but that's me.

[paramour]

I've actually heard horrific things about Jade, but perhaps that's just me...

If you're not interested in Deluxe, then you might want to try Patrick Cornolo at Cherry Bomb or David at Metamorph (I *think* he's still there). Orrr, if you're not adverse to a bit of travel, check out Larry Brogan at Tattoo & Skin Art Studio (in Lockport). Unfortunately, the only guy I've seen with decent latino religious art (that I recall) was at a place in Elgin.

May I ask your problems with Deluxe? I was contemplating them for an upcoming piece (feel free to PM) due to some scheduling woes with the guy I wanted--can't make up my mind if I want to wait the extra months to get it done or find someone else.

[Avengerfire]

I know people that have fantastic work from Deluxe. They do customs only really.Maybe it has changed? IDK and I dont know why or how.
Jade Dragon I have work from and I know others that do also and we all agree to avoid that place at all costs.
I know people that have work from Tatutattoo on North Ave near Wood and all are very pleased also.

[wickedripeplum]

I also hear horror stories about Jade Dragon. Like that time they reversed two colors on my friend's sister's tattoo. Tomato Tattoo on Chicago and Wolcott was recently recommended to me by a coworker, but I've never been there myself so can't make a first hand recommendation.

[Paddy *O]

Has anyone heard anything about Tatu Tattoo?...I really like Jacob Kearney's and Allie's galleries on their webpage.

[paramour]

I forgot about Tatu Tattoo. I've heard good things about them in general but no names were mentioned unfortunately.

[freshmtt]

Originally Posted by anonymous4289

Don't go to Jade dragon. All they are known for is their popularity, not their tattoos. It's just advertisement, and their tattoo quality isn't the best. I would personally go to Phil Cisco at Tattoo Factory, but that's me.

Yep, The Tattoo Factory is awesome, I had Mike Balke do 3 custom tattoos for me and that place is one of the best....