Freaks and Geeks Tattoo Studio

I'm in the process of getting a piece done by Jason.  He has been receptive to my input and drew up a bitchin' custom design for me.  He knows that I was saving up for my tattoo and worked quickly and efficiently to get my outline done.  He does quality (and award-winning) work.  I did my research before settling on Freaks and Geeks, and I'm glad I did.  
He put me at ease and made me feel very comfortable before we started (this is my first big piece).  I've never felt pressured to spend outside my budget or to get more than I want done.  
Even when we had to reschedule once he was accommodating and quick to respond.  
It's located in the awesome Alberta neighborhood with Anna Bananas conveniently located in the same building.
I highly recommend Freaks and Geeks.  I've told all my friends and family where to go for their next tattoo.  
Another perk is that the wait list isn't months-long.  I've had friends that have had to wait for three to four months before starting a piece.  Jason and I got the process started in less than two weeks.

8:20pm on a Saturday, joking about getting a tattoo w/ my friend turned into "Seriously? Wait, for real? OK, let's do this!" and we called Freaks and Geeks to see if they could do two walk-ins. MAJOR PLOT POINT: F&G closes at 8pm. They said to stop by, explain what we wanted, and then come back in an hour after they finished some people. So we did. I mention the closing time because it was hella-rad of them to squeeze us in after they were technically closed and with no advance notice.

I saw Jason, the owner; my friend saw Joel. I think we both had a good experience...just way different experiences. Jason was pretty no-nonsense. He wasn't too chatty - I mean, he wanted to get outta there and enjoy his Saturday night - but seemed to know his shit. The whole experience was quick yet professional. I wish I'd pushed back a little more on the exact word placement, but after making him redraw his original design and knowing he was doing us a favor by squeezing us in after the shop was technically closed, I felt kind of guilty and didn't want to be a dick. On the other hand, tattoos are forever (duh), and I was paying him, after all. (MORAL O' STORY: book tattoo apts in the future. My bad.)

My friend, on the other hand, had a decidedly unhurried experience with Joel (we were there past midnight). He took his time and even let us play our own music and have a dorky dance party while he drew up her lettering. I know it's comparing apples to oranges, but my friend's design was GORGEOUS, and Joel's chill demeanor never made us feel like we were infringing on his weekend. I'm sure under normal circumstances, when you, YOU KNOW, make an appointment and come in during regular operating hours with a realistic idea of what you want, Jason is awesome too. Personally? I think Traci at New Rose still holds the #1 tattoo spot in my heart.

My tattoo artist left Portland and I had to ask around for a new artist.  I heard from quite a few people that Jason was amazing, and the work I saw on my friends was outstanding.  I went into the shop and discussed my plans for a sleeve and some other future ideas and he jumped right in with both feet.  So far, he has drawn up exactly what I wanted, the tattoo at this point is amazing, no scaring, no scabbing, no ink coming out and he does not talk your ear off making you feel like prisoner.  I think I have found the only artist that will be doing my work while I live in Portland.  Not to mention the shop is clean and quaint, the shop assistant is adorable and Jason is extremely professional and reasonably priced.  SOLD!