Talented and friendly artists; extremely clean and awesomely-decorated shop. What more could someone ask for in a tattoo place?
I had my first session with Zoe about a week ago, to have a tattoo put on the top my foot (one more session to go next month, plus I'm eventually going to have Zoe ink the other foot to match). During my initial consultation, Zoe was very receptive to any ideas/thoughts/worries that I had about the tattoo I wanted, allowing me to send her pictures for inspiration. Based on what I had told her, she custom designed the most gorgeous tattoo; it was even better than what I had imagined!
I was initially a bit nervous about getting the whole top of my foot tattooed (I'd heard from friends that it was the most painful spot), but Zoe helped me through it, telling me that we could take breaks if it hurt too much, or if I needed to stretch (neither happened, so she was able to outline the tattoo straight through). She was extremely fun and easy to talk to, which kept my mind off of any pain that I had.
When she was finished, I was absolutely stunned by her work. I still can't get over how intricate and dainty some of the lines are! I've been raving about her work, and recommending her to people ever since.
After having such a great first experience at Eight of Swords, I'm really looking forward to going back to have my tattooed finished, as well as have Zoe work on my next tattoo!
I started a Yelp account just so I could give this tattoo shop five stars. The shop is clean and inviting, and everyone that works there is kind, non-intimidating, and professional. I got a large piece from Dave and could not be happier. He was incredibly attentive, thorough, and super knowledgeable. The tattoo turned out beautifully and for the quality of the work, the price is totally reasonable. The whole experience was wonderful and I could not recommend them more highly!
Review Source:In a setting that is warm, clean, relaxing, and offers the opposite of the usual intimidating experience when you first walk into a new shop for the first time (there's even gallery style art hanging on the walls!!), I had the most amazing experience getting tattooed by Betty Rose.
Betty was so easy to talk to and was willing to listen to my ideas for a new tattoo, while also offering me guidance on things like color and placement to really make sure it was something to be proud of.
During the tattoo she made every effort to make sure I was as comfortable as I could be and checked in periodically throughout. (She also has a much lighter touch than some other artists I've seen, and uses a specialty machine that makes very little noise-- which I found made it much easier for me to relax while she was working).
I really can't say enough good things about this experience-- and the finished product?? I am SO happy with my beautiful new art and I've already gotten more compliments on it than I can count. Betty is a phenomenal artist and tattooer and I will be back for more!
I recently got my first tattoo from Karen Glass here and the experience from start to finish was excellent. After having seen Karen's work on my friends and instagram, I knew she was a fit for the style of tattoo I wanted.
Karen really does listen to what you want and interprets it right on while adding her own artistic flare. Because of this, you really get a unique tattoo  that is a true piece of art. I brought many ideas to the table (some too last minute!) and she was great about guiding me in a direction that would give me a beautiful design that will hold up over time, and fitting it to a size that was right for the placement on my body.
Being that it was my first tat, I was very nervous. But Karen was so sweet and patient, and talked me through the entire process from start to finish. After I was done, I was SO happy with my art. I'm now addicted and will def be back to get another custom design from Karen....you know after my first one heals. ;)
The shop itself is great--clean, airy and great people. Well done, Eight of Swords!
This is truly a great place. The atmosphere is calm, clean and every one that works there is super helpful and nice.
I've gotten 2 tattoos from Karen Glass (I have 6) and I can honestly say that from now on no one will be tatttooing me except her.
Karen is creative, uber talented and actually listens to what you want. She takes the time to help you develop your idea into a beautiful piece.
And to top it off she's a great person!
Eight of Swords has a great vibe and the set up is very unique. Â It's a combo art gallery and tattoo shop.
I've gotten 3 tattoos from Karen and she's an amazing artist. Â I actually have 3 more planned with her. Â She listens to your ideas and provides honest and creative feedback and at the end of the consult, everyone is super stoked. During the tattoo session she's fun and easy to talk to. Â Overall from beginning to end it's a great experience. Highly recommend Karen.
I've gotten four tattoos from Karen Glass, and couldn't be happier. She's incredibly talented and creative, capable of helping develop each piece into a wonderful work of body art. I can't recommend her highly enough. Her rates are reasonable, her work outstanding, and she's a pretty awesome person as well, so there's that.
The rest of the shop isn't half bad either. I'll definitely be back for more.
This review is about  shop logistics not tattoo artists there.
Although the shop looks fantastic, few things people should know about this shop:
1). if you miss an appointment for whatever reason, no matter how serious or not, you DON'T GET YOUR DEPOSIT BACK.
Nowhere on the website or in the email receipts it says Deposit Non-Refundable. So remember that.
Not even a portion of your deposit  can be used when you are trying to reschedule. You gotta pay a whole new deposit when scheduling again!
2). You might or might not get a drawing before the session. Even if you book 3 months in advance and artist says that's enough time you are most likely to get it, you might not get it.
3). You will get no notification or email or a call about your appointment.
I guess I follow Zoe wherever she goes and she goes to pretty cool places. Â Eight of Swords has an awesome vibe and some great people inside.
I made an appointment to get two tats with Zoe and this was my first time at her new place. Â First, I would like to say it is in a great neighborhood of Williamsburg and I think it is close to a train (says a person that drives everywhere). Â When I entered everyone said hi and made feel really welcome. Â The shop is a great size so it does not seem like an artist is on top of each other and they have great artwork as well as jewelry pieces to purchase.
As always - Zoe made feel great! She fully explained what was going on, how long, went thru what I wanted and gave great advice on placement and size of my tats. Â Zoe is an awesome artist so if there is something you need her to draw she can do it!! Love the place and hope Zoe stays at that shop because I really like it!
If you get a chance to visit - tell the artists that Lionel Richie sang in the 80s - hopefully they will remember :)
Big fan of Dave Wallin's work. He takes the time to sit with you prior to any payment or commitment to discuss your ideas and come up with a workable concept. Â He emailed me a full sketch drawing and incorporated my comments into the final tattoo...all prior to my appointment, which helped ease any anxiety. Â His creativity turned my idea into a work of art that I am proud to wear on my body. Â
The studio is clean and easy to access via the L train. Â I've referred three people to Dave and they are equally as happy with their tattoos.
Getting my first tattoo at Eight of Swords was as pleasant as getting a tattoo could be. We had an appointment, and once we came in, we were given paperwork right away. My tattoo artist, Sophie C'est La Vie was really accommodating, and listened to all my requests and helped me decide exactly what version of the design I wanted.
She made sure that I was content with the image before she started. She talked me through the entire process, so that nothing came as a surprise.
She also kept talking to me during the process, and I found myself feeling not at all nervous- maybe even calm.
I highly recommend this shop, along with all the artists it employs. Karen did my best friend's tattoo, and she was also extremely patient and helpful. My friend became dizzy, and Karen stopped, gave her water and a sugar pill, and began only when my friend was truly ready to continue.
If I ever get another, I'll plan to come right back here.
My experience at 8 of Swords was absolutely amazing - words can't do it justice but I'll try. Yesterday, Dave C. Wallin, owner/artiste/tattooist covered up a 20-year-old tattoo that others with whom I consulted suggested laser removal/lightening as my best chance for an adequate cover-up, unless I wanted a rose or some other black, amoebic-like thing I obviously didn't want adorning any part of my body. As a natural skeptic I was not willing to take this as the "gospel," and while disappointed I mobilized and continued my search.
Dave at 8 of Swords was recommended by someone at a local shop my husband and I were visiting in the Williamsburg area. Being only a stone's throw away I couldn't resist stopping by in hopes of, at a minimum, meeting him. Once at 8 of Swords we were greeted by a very friendly staff, I asked to speak with Dave and waited only a few minutes before he came over to chat. Despite this being a totally impromptu visit he gave me his undivided attention. He was so friendly and after spending only a few minutes listening to what I wanted done, he confirmed it was TOTALLY doable - on a difficulty scale of 1 to 10 for cover-ups, at MOST a 3. A dramatic difference from what I'd been told previously.
From initial visit, to formal consultation and all communications in between, to the day of magical tattooing Dave and his team were always personable, patient and professional. The shop is new and impeccably clean but so warm and inviting. Dave is a true tattoo artist and business owner with a strong work ethic. It is evident that quality work versus quantity takes precedence. A combination you don't come across too often.
My tattoo is so beautiful and my experience was so great that I feel it is my responsibility to put this information out there. Anyone looking for a real tattoo, this is the place to go. I look forward to my next visit even if it's only to stop in and say hi.
Thank you, Dave!! Wishing you and your team only the best for 2012 and beyond!!!
After months of research of shops, I decided on Eight of Swords for my 2nd tattoo. Â I had emailed back and forth with the owner Dave and he was helpful in getting some ideas of pricing. Â I went in last Thursday after work and met with Todd who is Dave's partner and is awesome and knowledgeable. Â Because I was getting a phrase done, Todd spent at least a half hour with me going over placement and all the different text options. Â It was an artist named Pete who actually did my tattoo and it came out amazing and after only a week it is completely healed. Â They were all sweethearts and I would reccommend this place to anyone, even if they are just thinking about getting a tattoo. Â The new location is clean and spacious and the will make you feel comfortable. Â Although I don't plan on getting anymore tattoos I will stop in and say hi. Â Great work guys.
Review Source:I have to agree with previous posts about this place. I just got tattooed for the first time , ever by the owner Dave. I am still healing, and even though I never had it done before, I was a little scared, when he finished his job I knew it would look great and was very pleased with my overall experience. I called a couple of places before and all of them were either too busy, or gave me an attitude. I called Dave and he was nice and friendly. I came in and he worked on me exclusively, we discussed my design together and then it began. I won't lie to you and say it doesn't hurt at all, it does, but if you are getting a tattoo you have to make sure a real artist works on you, so you won't end up looking like clip-art piece from the mall. Overall I think Dave is a great guy, funny and understanding BUT most important he cares about his work, and his reputation.
It's definitely worth it!
I just got my first tattoo and it was at Eight of Swords by talented artist, Pete Triolo. Â I was originally going to have it done at a shop in Carmel, NY, but luckily my buddy talked me out of it. Â He felt so strongly about me not going to that shop that he did some research for me to find the best place in NY. Â That's when he came across an article in Timeout NY that listed the shop owner, Dave, as one of the top 4 tattoo artists in NYC.
I went ahead and sent off emails to all of the artists listed in the article, but only received two responses, the first being from Dave. Â He was friendly, very communicative, but also booked up for a long while. Â Luckily, he turned me on to Pete, who is up from Florida and working in the shop. Â So I checked out Pete's work on his MySpace page and was really impressed with his portfolio. Â You've got to see this lion he did on one dude's arm...sick!
I sent Pete an email and within an hour he responded with a sketch of the tattoo I explained. Â We then went back and forth a bunch fine tuning and discussing the piece. Â Pete was real cool about all my annoying questions and was eager to make my experience and final art great. Â So I booked an appointment.
The next week I entered the shop for my first time and was instantly comfortable and surprised. Â I haven't been into many tattoo shops in my life, but none that I have been in were as nice and cozy as this one. Â Beautiful floors, cool art on the walls, very clean and inviting. Â
Pete went to work on me for the next 4 1/2 hours. Â We ended up going bigger than originally planned, but it was the right move as the piece looks great. Â After that night I booked another appointment for the following week to finish it up, another 2 hours, and also had my wife come in and get our boys names tattooed on her hip.
Just one week later now and my arm is looking really good. Â No scabbing, colors are bright as can be and I've gotten a lot of compliments. Â I'm extremely happy with the work Pete did and would recommend him and the shop to anyone and everyone who is considering getting a tattoo. Â They're all about creating custom art and making your experience a special one. Â
Thanks again!
**** This is a unsolicited review | I am a true customer of this shop!***
Dave Wallin, the gifted lead tattooist from Tattoo Culture has opened his own shop in Willamsburg. Â You are greeted by a soft antique sofa and a very friendly staff. Â First and foremost: Mr. Wallin is an artist. As stated in my review of TC, he is able to take your idea and enrich the concept in a way that you would think was possible. Â I have (currently) five tattoos from him and they all tell MY story with HIS art. Â He is personable, humble, witty and just damn fun to be around. Â Anyone who is seriously interested in getting a great piece of art, should see him.
**** This is a unsolicited review | I am a true customer of this shop!***
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