I visited AMP this past Tuesday for an appointment with Benji Harris and was definitely satisfied. The shop came highly recommended from several friends, all who have amazing work that was all done here. I have only a very small heart outline (very girly, I know) but it was a bit wonky and bothered me greatly. Benji was able to squeeze me in last minute, and I steeled my nerves for another terrifying experience with a needle.
When I arrived I was greeted promptly by Benji, who chatted with me about what else I wanted. I *did* plan on getting something else, but after a series of nerves and angry parents, I backed out. I have very, very bad anxiety but he totally seemed to understand and made me feel very comfortable. I never once felt pressured or like I was being made fun of for all of my girly tattoo ideas. He was a pleasure to deal with all around. (I'm not sure if he felt the same way about me since I was so flip-floppy, but I hope I wasn't that bad!)
He fixed my little tattoo up in literally under 5 seconds, and it looks fantastic. I know, how bad could it have been? Well, it was bad to me. It now looks perfect, and I am having a much better and easier healing experience all around. I definitely DO want more work in the future, and I will 100% always return to Benji simply because of how at ease he put me, not to mention his amazing artistic skill (his work is posted all around his little cube thing and it astonishes me - I'm still on stick figures at age 24).
Overall I would recommend AMP to anyone looking for quality work in a spotless environment with an awesome vibe. Sure, it's definitely not cheap, but I'd rather pay more and have an amazing piece to cherish forever. Also, the other artists were pretty cool and understanding when my dad decided to stop in to embarrass me! Definitely my favorite tattoo spot I've ever visited.
A few years ago, I met a woman at THE HELL CITY TATTOO FEST (and her husband) that tattooed as good as anyone I have ever seen or met....
Kristel Oreto is bar none one of the best and most efficient artists on the planet....
She is her own style and a damn fine person ta boot !
LOVE YA GAL !
One Eyed Josh
I've been getting tattoos all over the country for the past ten years or so. Â Without a doubt, Art Machine is one of the nicest, cleanest, and most professional shops I've ever been to. Â Without a doubt, some of the best artists in the Philly area, including two of my favorites, Joey Knuckles and Resp. Â Resp is great at that traditional Japanese style, and Knuckles is phenomenal at traditional American stuff, and coming up with ideas for custom made work! Â Definitely go in and grab a great piece of art. Â Oh, and you get what you pay for. Â Always remember that with tattoos.
Review Source:Kristel is a brilliant artist, but did not give me the time of day. Â I wanted her to incorporate her own style into my idea, and she didn't look at any of the images I sent to her for my design. Â Even as I tried to explain what I wanted (and I am a designer so I understand how to effectively verbally communicate something visual) she just did not understand what I was saying. Â I know she has better work to offer than what she gave to me.
**after writing this review, I have been contacted multiple times by various members of the Art Machine Productions crew and have been granted much retribution for the situation. Â The level of customer service has been excellent, especially by the owner, Tim, as well as Joe who communicated excellently with me. Â I hope anyone with reservations about getting tattooed here does not find my review to be the norm.
Great new ink spot on Frankford Ave.
The proprietor, Tim, has been tattooing me for about 12 years. The new space he has opened is awesome. It's a huge, wondering space with about a half-dozen chairs on the perimeter of an open floor plan. There are shiny concrete floors, lots of crazy Asian zen things all around, some chill furniture (including the craziest sinks I have ever seen!).... basically, a great spot to hang out and let your blood pressure rise before you get tattooed.
The work? Well, I think it is as good as it gets. I can't speak for all of the artists there, but the caliber of Tim's work is as high as anywhere in the city. He has a great new school eye. Tim has given me not one but TWO epic tattoos, including a heart wrapped in bacon. (Yes, BACON)
The people there are super cool too. Lots of specialty shops (think: jewelry/piercing stores, head shops, many tattoo shops) are full of folks who know more than you and let you know all the time. Not Art Machine. I was there for over half of my day, and the entire time everyone was cool as shit. We talked, we watched some crazy youtube videos, it was a great time.
As for price, well, its pretty good. The work I got done would have been $100 more in center city for lower quality and less care. There are a lot of "fast food" tattoo joints in the city- get you in, get something on your "canvas" and get your money as quick as possible. These are the sorts of places that do way too many jobs a day, and quality suffers. Art Machine is just the opposite. Tim talked to me numerous times about actually taking LESS appointments, because he needs to give more time to himself and be a better artist. THAT is fucking awesome.
Now is the time, people. Art Machine is exactly the sort of tattoo shop Philly needs. Get an appointment NOW.
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