Incredible experience! Â This shop is great.
First walked into Bolder Ink for a consultation and immediately found atmosphere to be jovial, welcoming and friendly. Â Based on my son's design idea, Brian was recommended. Â Brian came out to talk to us and was very patient with our questions, sitting with us for 30-45 minutes just to make sure we understood the process and design options. Â
Two days later Brian had drawn up a perfectly sized and detailed rendition and my son approved the design. Â
We were at the shop for about three hours for the tattoo appointment and it was an absolute blast. Â Along with being an incredibly talented artist, Brian is hilarious. Â He's just a great guy to be around and has lots of entertaining stories. Â He wasn't the only one either. Â The manager is a witty, amiable guy named CJ, and he and the other artists and even other clients made the three hours go by quickly. Â Music was playing, there was dancing, singing and overall the mood in the shop was that of a collection of professional artists that really enjoy their job and have a good time...and make sure the customers enjoy the experience. We even got cupcakes.
The tattoo's on my son's calves are beyond his greatest expectations. Â Brian did an amazing job - the shading and detail is extraordinary. Â I highly recommend Brian and this shop.
Soo.. I came here to get a simple tattoo, some writing on my ribs.
I went in for an initial consultation, met with an artist, who to be quite frank treated me like I didn't know what I was talking about and shut down a lot of my ideas. Nevertheless I put down a $60 deposit for him to draw up some designs and came back 4 days later. He did nothing I asked of him, got my quote totally wrong, and drew me some picture that we never talked about. His artistic skills were mediocre and I left feeling disappointed. Definitely will keep searching for a better tattoo parlor.
This summer I took a trip to Colorado and decided that I wanted to get a tattoo while I was there. My sister had gotten her first tattoo a couple years back at Bolder Ink (which is an awesome piece btw), and so I looked into it and found out that it had a reputation for being one of the best studios in Colorado. I wasn't able to have an actual consultation since I was only going to be in Colorado for a week and was pressed on time, but I called them a few times in the week leading up to my appointment and they were really helpful. When I walked in on the day of, I was impressed from the beginning. The environment was really chill and a lot more comfortable than what I was expecting.
The guys there were really fun to be around. Pee Wee was my artist, and while he was sketching his design on me, he explained that this place wasn't like what'd you'd see on LA Ink with super bad ass, intimidating artists, but instead that this was a dorky place. The conversations that were going on in the room while Pee Wee was working honestly were really dorky but also really hilarious. They kept me pretty entertained during my two hours of pain. It was also really cool that everyone in the studio would kind of just walk in and out of each room to talk to each other and take a look at what the different artists were working on. One member of the staff that really stood out was CJ because he came in like every half hour to check in and see how I was doing, which was really thoughtful.
The only thing that was kind of weird was that I found out that Pee Wee only accepted cash around halfway through my appointment, which kind of caught me off guard because the front window had all the different credit card logos stuck on. Everything ended up fine because I was able to quickly go to an ATM and come back to pay him, but I thought that it should have been made clear to me before he started working on the tattoo.
Overall, I absolutely loved the experience, I absolutely love my tattoo, and I would definitely go back here for another tattoo in the future if I end up visiting Colorado again.
This place is the one to go to if you want to get a custom tattoo from professional, creative and very attentive artists and craftspeople. Â After doing months of research, I decided to make an appt for a consultation. Â I spoke to CJ who manages the office and he suggested that Mijo would be the best fit for my tattoo's specifications since I wanted a floral piece with a bit of quote. Â I set up a consultation with Mijo to discuss the design. Since he loves to draw flowers, he was enthusiastic and had many suggestions. I then set up another appt for the actual tattoo & put down a deposit.
Mijo & I met again where he showed me his design. We discussed the colors, placement & then he got to work.
Since this was my 1st tattoo, I didn't know what to expect. The work space was clean and airy with everything draped. Everyone was very kind and attentive, talking to me, telling jokes with each other while Mijo worked away on my forearm and I sat quietly listening to music and the buzz of the needle. Â Mijo was very gentle and the pain was mild in comparison to what I anticipated from what other people had told me to expect. Three hours later, I had the most gorgeous tattoo. Mijo explained the aftercare process to me, took photos and asked me to come back in a month so he could take another photo after the colors had set.
I cannot imagine getting a tattoo from anywhere else in Boulder. Â All the people are extraordinary artists with particular specialties. Joe is the one for Japanese inspired art with his prints hanging in the shop. Â Mijo is his apprentice and has his work station in Joe's room. Â Lance and PeeWee, the 2 other resident artists have incredible portfolios as well and would be great choices for a tattoo.
If you're planning to get a tattoo, this is the place to start: the artists, the craftsmanship, the generous attentiveness. Â Call for a consultation. Â They truly are the best.
First off, any of these negative posts about this place being "mean" goes misunderstood. I never got any vibes of feeling uncomfortable, of any sort. The staff at Boulder Ink was nothing but sweethearts. I have been in many other shops before that were filled with complete douches, this definitely was not one of them. Upon my first consultation, the front man, (CJ) greeted me with a warm welcoming. He then directed me to the artist who could handle my "style" best, Brian. Brian was an awesome guy from the start, made sure he understood what I wanted, and then made the appointment.
The actual tattoo experience was superior. Brian made sure I was comfortable with the positions I was being placed in while he went to work. He kept a friendly conversation going the whole time. Mid way through, CJ came in and even asked me if I would like anything from Starbucks, or Jamba Juice. Assholes, right? (sarcasm) The piece came out perfect, I couldn't be anymore happier with how it came out, simply amazing! Anyways, the whole experience was great, and I will definitely be back for many more works. Thanks again guys!
I mean, this place is pretty much infamous for being filled with guys who are negative and mean. My tattoo there, specifically, is beautiful, sure. But it was an emotionally violent experience. My artist told my friend who had accompanied me that he wanted to throw her down the stairs and film it. I can't remember if this was before or after he spewed off 4-5 racist remarks about Asian people at the Farmer's Market. All of this happening, of course, while the man has a needle in my wrist. Also- Â I'm generalizing to the shop in general because his fellow artist buddies laughed along. I thought maybe it was just me, but I have now spoken to multiple other people who have had negative experiences with customer service, but decent tattoos. So, depends what memory you want of the permanent body art.
Review Source:Hands down the best tattoo shop in Colorado. Bolder Ink was the first tattoo shop in Boulder and to this day remains the only place in Boulder, even Colorado, worthy of your business. I have been getting work done by Pee Wee regularly for nearly 7 years and wouldn't recommend a better place to start your search for a tattoo. Lance, Joel, Pee Wee, Dave, and the regulars who they have working there all do amazing work but the best part about them is that if you come in and they aren't the right artist for your piece they will recommend the right person, whether that person works at Bolder Ink or another shop. I've routinely seen them turn down work because they weren't passionate about the design, these guys are true professionals and genuine artists. They are exactly what a tattoo shop should be, old school enough to stick to the principles but new enough to be able to create amazing timeless art. As with anything in this world, you get what you pay for - but at Bolder Ink you get the best.
Review Source:I've had two tattoos done at Bolder Ink, both by Pee Wee. One was a black and white image, another was script. Pee Wee is a fantastic artist, and I appreciate that he tells me, with no BS, what he believes will work and what won't for each piece. He is an artist in a true sense--he has strong opinions about how art should be created, viewed, and experienced. Sometimes this may come off as brusque or rude to others, but I personally appreciated his insight.
For one of my tattoos there, my brother had his tattoo done at Bolder Ink as well (a sibling bonding thing for us). He is still, years later, very happy with the artwork and the coloring.
I have had tattoos done at other places as well (The Chameleon, now out of business, in Longmont, and Scarred for Life in Boulder). In both cases, I was pleased with the professionalism of the staff and artists I worked with--however, I have not found another tattoo studio that has matched Bolder Ink for artistry.
Bolder Ink is also sanitary and affordable. Sometimes the staff/artists may be a little curt or surly (I have heard that they are not as friendly with males as with females), but they are true artists who care about their art. When I get inked again in the future, Bolder Ink is where I'm headed!
My updated review:
Friendly staff, and I've seen Dave for my latest tattoo (and complimentary touch-up, of course). Â He's talented, hot looking ;), and an interesting individual... into MANY things and fun to talk to! Â (If you can talk w/out moving. Â hehe)
It's been many years and I still go here for my ink. Â Six (6) tats, sometime to be seven (7). Â Dave and I have talked about what... just need the money... which means a J.O.B. Â ARGH!!!
P.S. Â See my pic posted of my latest ink... the guardian angel.
Lance Talon is a genius!! Â I would stand his tattoos against anyone. Â They are truly art. Â
In addition, Lance is very careful about cleanliness and using inks that are non-toxic as Lance has had metals poisoning from bad inks. Â
Finally, Lance is simply a nice guy. Â None of the bad boy attitude that you might expect from someone running a tattoo studio. Â Bolder Ink is a special studio that I am grateful to have found.
Joel is quirky, but a great artist with good taste in music, too. I hear he's the best for traditional Japanese art, and his work is displayed all over the studio.
Mijo finished up my half sleeve, which he started with his original deisgn to complete an old tattoo design, and re-did the original old, faded part, making it look brand new again.
The studio is cool, clean, and the new, quiet color/shading tattoo machines are amazing - I could barely even feel it.
Thanks!
Picture added.
I looked at sample pages at a LOT of tattoo parlors before I decided on Bolder Ink. I am paranoid about needle cleanliness and watched tats done at a couple of places as well.
I was able to walk in on a weekday and walk out with my small new tattoo. No pressure, no judgement on the older lady getting her very first, very small, tattoo. I still love it, and even after 3 years people comment on the color and think it's freshly-done.
If I ever plan another bodyart addition, I will be at Bolder Ink.
I got my tattoo from Lance at Boulder Ink in 1995. Â The experience was perfect for a first-timer. The shop was pristine, the consultation was personal and I felt well taken care of all way the through.
Lance took my vague ideas for little ankle piece and turned it into a gorgeous and powerful flaming lotus flower, connected to a sparkling jewel by free-hand decorative links. I'll never forget at one point, one of the other artists came in to survey the work and laughingly reminded me that I was supposed to breathe. It did hurt! It was worth it though, and 14+ years later the color has only faded slightly and  I'm still getting compliments all the time.
Thanks!
I wanted to do a cover piece of a fairly large ankle band, and wanted it in traditional Japanese style to match the subject matter. Â I looked for an artists for several *years* before finding Joel at Boulder Ink. Â I was happy not to have to travel to find an artist who's skill and artistic eye are up to my standards (which are so high it's obnoxious).
The cover piece is amazing - no one ever realizes that it's cover and I'm not sure that it would be that differen even if it wasn't. Â He was also a considerate needler, sliding skin away from the extra painful shin and tendon onto the sides of my calf whenever possible.
The color and detail have held well, and the music was alway interesting. Â Highly recommended. Â Appt. required well in advance.
When you decide to permanently mark you body, it's best to do it right the first time. Â In my opinion, you'll get a quality tattoo from any of the artists at Bolder Ink. Â The shop is clean and the staff make you feel comfortable. Â On top of that, most (if not all) of the artist have gone to art school, so they have a deep understanding and appreciation for art on a broad level.
I had my first two tattoos done at Bolder Ink (by Darren Hall), and my wife had hers done there as well (by Scott Bakos, who is now in Philadelphia, I believe) . Â Even after moving from Colorado to Wisconsin, I made a trip back to Colorado to have more work done by Darren. Â There's just a level of quality that is hard to find elsewhere. Â And again, when you're dealing with something as permanent as a tattoo, you want the peace of mind that you'll be marked with quality artwork.
This place has a reputation for being the best tattoo parlor in town, and with good reason. Bolder Ink is clean, professional and their artists are very talented.
I got a Clockwork Orange tattoo there, and I was so impressed with the process. First, I had to meet with my tattoo artist to discuss ideas. I showed them some simple (and very, very crude) sketches that I had made and asked them to make them look good. We discussed what this would entail, where on the body it would go, etc. I came back for a second consultation for which the artists had drawn up two designs. I could either pick between the two or request edits. But the one drawing was perfect, and two hours later it was on my arm for the rest of my life.
Of all the tattooing experiences I've had, Bolder Ink was the best.
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