Freedom Machine Tattoo

Getting your first tattoo should be a right of passage that comes when you are ready to receive it. I had always taken a point of pride that I had no tattoos, and that I just couldn't think of anything I would want permanently attached to my body.

After years of looking at ink art, and researching artist that live in my area, I settled on Freedom Machine as my first experience.

I walked into the shop in mid September, and after talking to David Parker about my ideas for a first Tattoo, and what I wanted it to convey, David took about 20 minutes and drew up something that later would become my first Ink.
My first indication that this was a good fit, was his willingness to listen to my ideas and his reassurance of my first Tat fears.

The second indication that I choose correctly was the fact that David was booked for the next month. We set a date for October 25th. a month later.
When I arrived on the 25th, David was ready and waiting for me, he had his station all set up for our session, he touched up the drawing he made for me, and after taking some measurements, he transferred the drawing to a form that would imprint it on my arm.

The nerves built up for a sec, and after the first line, I was ready, and for the next two hours, David was gentle with the needle, and responsive to my pain when I indicated it.
Amazing first session and amazing artist.

The other guys in the shop that day, Ryan and Mike, were all supportive and it was cool seeing how they all interact naturally around clients as they gave other people tattoos.

At the end of the first two hour session, I had a great looking outline, some shading and a sore arm. After giving me some care instructions, we set out a date for touch ups and color, and again we had to schedule a month out, since David is fully booked all the time. Cant wait for the final look.

I went back the day after Thanksgiving to have some color add to the Tattoo. David Parker worked for another hour adding colors to the already beautiful outline he did the last time. Still have one more sessions to finish this bad boy and I am already planning my next Ink.

I decided to post this before the Tattoo is finished. I will be going back on a few days after  Xmas. I am sure David will do a great Job. I am already thinking about the next one...

Ps. the Pricey Selection in the $$ category is simple as this - You get what you pay for...

Trying to find a tattoo parlor in a new state is like trying to find decent Chinese food in a new state; choose wrong and your skin or stomach could be in all sorts of trouble.

Having said that, if you need a tattoo and you are located in the state of Texas, Freedom Machine is the place to go! Was referred to Dave Parker by a friend who had work done by him that I liked. I gave him a call and sent an email with some photos of the tattoo I already had on my inner arm and what I wanted to add to it, Dave was real cool about everything and, after picking a date/time that I would come in, he said he would look at what I sent and "do his homework".

When I got to the shop after driving from Dallas, it was apparent that Dave had indeed done his homework...and aced the design for the frame to go around the word I already had on my inner right bicep! Living up to the other reviews, his sketch was way cooler than what I had suggested and thought up so we went with that.

Getting tattooed in a shop that somewhat resembles a westen saloon from the outside while listening to "Rumble"-by Link Wray was an awesome experience. Dave did a eggcellent job and the tattoo looks great. Working with Dave was great from start to finish and I will definitely be coming back to Freedom Machine and referencing them in the future. HIGHLY recommended!

P.S. ask them about "Land-Sharking"!

As an avid tattoo receiver I've experienced some amazing tattoo artists and shops and some sub par tattoos and shops.  All in all, I have some beautiful work on my arms and shoulders.  But, I was craving more, as I always do.  However, I HATE PAIN (ironic?) and I hate egotistical, "know it all" tattoo artists even more, so you can see why I would've been reluctant to try a new shop.  I was home one day, reading the community Impact and read that there was a new tattoo shop in downtown Pflugerville and their mission was to be all around nice guys that provided great, custom work.  I thought this to be a unique concept for a tattoo shop (the nice guy part), but I gave em a ring.  Jason (who ended up being my tattoo artist) answered the phone. Super friendly, and invited me to come in and we could chat.  I talked to him about what I was looking for, and instead of rushing to a conclusion and shoo -shooing me out of the shop, he asked me to give him a few days, so he could draw up some ideas that were custom for me and one of a kind.  After a few days, he touched base with me, and we set up a time to talk about it.  I asked if I could leave a deposit and he said "Nope." I thought that was a huge sign that this guy loves what he does, and is in it for more reasons than just the payoff.  Well, today was the day to get the sleeve finished.  I arrived, and Ryan (the owner) and Jason both greeted me like we were all old friends.  Jason and I got to work right away, and lemme just tell you, as a total wuss, I was pleasantly surprised that he was light handed, yet very detailed.  He kept me abreast to what he was doing, kept checking in with me and was just so charming.  Ryan also was fun...playing and joking back and forth with me as well.  I seriously didn't want to leave.  The shop is super clean and retro; the music is also quite nice....Oldies from Buddy Holly and Otis Redding...we were all singing along at one point. My arm is GORGEOUS...I mean, WOW..colorful, detailed and smooth.  I am so so so so so so so so IN LOVE (sorry to my boyfriend) with JASON- he is really truly an artist that loves his craft, his clients and to top it off, he is a solid guy with tremendous knowledge, morals and a sense of humor. Cheers to you guys, I'm super excited you're around.  Last bit of advice for anyone still hesitant to try them out or just get a tattoo in general... just walk through the doors...you'll know what I'm talking about.