After doing a psychotic amount of research, I went to Fat Cat for my first tattoo a few years ago. I just walked in, and they were willing to take me there and then. I showed Mr. Beans a few pictures that I liked, and he asked me some questions and began sketching. It was a lot bigger than I originally wanted. But it was also so much better, so I decided to go for it.
I was insanely nervous about the pain factor, and Mr. Beans was really kind and understanding about that. I was surprised to find that it really didn't hurt. We talked while he worked, which made the time go by pretty fast. I thought he might be judgy about the tattoo, since it is kinda of cliche and I got talkback from other artists in the city. Â But there was none of that there.
Fat Cat is a super chill place, which is important for me. It is really clean, and all of the guys there were very nice. I also thought the prices were very reasonable. I definitely won't go anywhere else for my next tattoos!
After Googling and Yelping for several tattoo parlors in Astoria, because who wants to go out of their borough for a tattoo, I found the review for Fat Cat tattoos pretty pleasing. People seemed to enjoy the tattoos, the artists, and the prices which all seemed pretty fair. I walked in for an initial meeting and was put off for a minute. It appeared that due to the fact that I wasn't covered head to toe in tats, I have two others that are simply not visible, TRAMP STAMP, just kidding, that they didn't want my business. I talked with one of the artists who wasn't really helpful with finding a font and told me to do my own research. If I didn't know what I already wanted I would  have been really put off by this. But research I did and I returned to the shop a new man!
I met with a different artist who I showed the font I wanted for my tattoo and he was a lot more helpful than the original artist I spoke to. I'm sorry I don't remember any of the names, but I am just terrible with them. I handed him my idea and we made the appointment. I arrived a week later and was a bit dismayed that he had not drawn anything up so I could look at it before getting inked. However, he did draw something up and he knew exactly what I wanted. I was pleased and a little taken back by just how quickly he drew something up.
While needling me, he was calm and appeared please to be talking to myself and my girlfriend about tattoos. He was meticulous and concentrated to ensure that he got every space within the tattoo filled with his beautiful ink. He allowed for breaks, which I needed a few of, and didn't seem put off by the fact that I was a bit of a pussy while getting my tattoo. He even charged me 50 dollars less then what he originally estimated. I love saving money especially when I pay for something that I feel is worth more.
Now, you might be wondering why I didn't give this place a 5 star review, because it has just about everything that would make it appear to be a 5 star tattoo place but there is one glaring thing that my artist did not do. He did not show me a brand new needle before it was taken out of the package. I have two other tattoos and both time I got them I was shown the brand new needle as it was being taken out of the package. Fat Cat tattoos did not do this. I am not a a health freak and I do not fret over a little cough but this is a policy that Fat Cat should abide by. If they are reusing needle, then my blood could be mixed with someone else's, I don't believe they are reusing needles but I am not 100% certain that they didn't use the one they used on my for a prior client. Reused needles can lead to infected tattoos and an infection as well. My tattoo, so far, is infection free however this little slip up could have major consequences for this parlor.
All in all, this is a good looking tattoo and I really enjoyed the price as well as the shop I received it in.
WARNING: STAY AWAY FROM THIS SHOP!
About an hour ago, I walked over to this shop to find my self in utter shock and disappointment. I initially called the shop and asked if walk-ins were welcomed. A man, Mr.Bean, answered ,"Yeah" what are you looking to get done." I simply asked for shading on a preexisting tattoo. By this mere contact he already sounded pretty irritable. And yet, he asked me to come to the shop and we will have a look see. I walk over to the shop, and there is this balding tall guy staring at me as soon as I walk in the door as if he has never seen a human being in his life. Suddenly there is this silence that protrudes the room. As I uncover my preexisting tattoo, I break the silence and say that I just called and I am looking to get my tattoo shaded in. I then said that I want the shading to have a mere texture so that it doesn't just look like any old shading. He replies: okay so you come to a tattoo shop without knowing what you want." I answered, "I know what I want, I want my tattoo shaded in. I just  need help trying to decide how it should look based on your abilities. Can I see your portfolio?" While he's drawing a stencil in his notepad for someone else's tattoo, he scoffs at me, avoiding eye contact and nods his head, gesturing toward a stack of binders. I pull one out, and begin viewing. He comments that's not my book. I pull out the correct one and comment, "I see, and I like your book better." He replies, wow, your going to shit on my partners work. Lucky he just walked out." Now at this point, I'm like what the ****? All of a sudden we start talking about prices, and he is being really pushy about working for two hours as opposed to the hour session we talked about over the phone but I was okay with that, even though he sounded "beggy," stubborn and arrogant. Despite all that, I try to assure him that he is going to get paid, and make a great tip. I express my confidence in the form of a smile, offering a laid back low vocal register, and these words: " you're definitely going to tattoo me today, so don't worry about that." Translation: you're going to get paid and make a whopping 150$ tip on a two hour tattoo if I agree with your vision on my tat, since of course I have to be confident that you are professional and on the same wavelength as me!  His response: "I'm sick of you telling me what to do!!""" I swear the events that follow made me think of I was on an episode of PUNK'D. Long story short: he ended up screaming very loud, cursing us out, making a scene, trying to start what would appear to one as a "bar fight! with my male friend" He put his hands on him, and ran out the door screaming sexist and prejudiced things such as "faggot" and "bitch" and "pussy." I would stay the hell away from this shop if I were anyone because I am the most friendliest, mature, and humble person that I know, thus him being completely unruly speaks volumes about his mental state, his ego and his temperament.  This guy created a swarm of bad, negative, biased, self-important energy, basically chasing away my friend and I and losing his customers who already in the shop. This guy needs an therapy for real.  Obviously, he has some anger issues, coupled with sociopathic issues and a unhealthy obsession with his ego on a Freudian subatomic level.  This is clearly no place to bring a girl or anyone for that matter. I just wanted to write this to warn some of my readers who really rely on these reviews for a great experience at locations where they spend hard earned dollars and expect good service. Much love and peace to all! Keep up the good work yelpers!
I decided to go here for my fifth tattoo because it was so close to where I live, and I had a great experience. Â All the staff was super friendly and helpful; Beans did my tattoo (I already knew what I wanted but he helped me fit it and make it just perfect) and was really professional. Â He wasn't in a hurry even though we went past midnight, yet wasn't slow and didn't waste time. Â The place is very clean and has a good atmosphere for a tattoo shop.
I will definitely be back!
me and my boyfriend got a tattoo here about two summers ago .. we got something so simple a purple star his on the wrist mine behind my leg .. first off the dude was really rude not the owner but an artist that was working there ... the tattoos did not come out great at all after a couple days we realized how crooked the lines were .. are you serious there  stars plus he didn't even do it how we wanted them .. second off wen we're talking about how to take care of the tattoos my boyfriend said something about how we usually take care of them and the guy goes "well let me finish what I'm saying i know you guys are tattoo experts" um no were just gonna tell you what we do and if its correct  .. he was really rude and his work is deffinaely not good cause he cant even do a star correctly .. completely disappointed!
Review Source:I got my first tattoo here by Kevin 10+ years ago and I am STILL GOING!!!! I love this shop! Kevin and staff are expert artists. Their knowledge and experience is top notch! Â I have had Kevin design all of my work from the ideas in my head and I have never been disappointed with the outcome. I get compliments to this day on pieces Kevin did for me 10 years ago! Â Everyone here is super friendly. I highly recommend going to Fat Cat for your tattooing needs!
Review Source:Got my tattoo here like 8 years ago. Designed by Kevin, the best tatt artist, IMO.
Kevin is the epitome of the word "artist". I watched him sketch by hand and it is incredible. I still get compliments on my design.
My son was  fiending for a tattoo. When he was 18, Fat Cat was the only place I would let him go to.
Fat Cat has been an established shop in Astoria for many years..
Kevin does nice work,and is a good guy..They also have guest artists working at various times.
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