I heart Gary's.
I have 4 tattoos, and 2 of them were done at Gary's, by Rudy.
My husband has 5 tattoos, and 3 were done by Rudy. Â He plans to eventually have a half sleeve.
We were really relieved to find Rudy, because both of us wanted to find a tattoo artist we really trusted and enjoyed and who would work with us so we left with a unique piece of art.
The best thing about working with Rudy is that he will listen to what you want, draw something up, and then work WITH you to create a tattoo that you love. Â He is hilarious, and easy to talk to while he's tattooing you (it helps to distract). Â
We have returned once already, and plan to come back as long as Rudy works there.
For my family, going to Gary's is a like a family tradition - I know, weird, right? My sister has two tattoos, my mom has one she keeps adding to, my soon to be brother-in-law has at least two, and I have one. That doesn't count the piercings we've received from Gary's. (And when I got my tattoo, two of my friends got tattoos with me - so we bring the friends in on the addiction to!)
Gary's is an amazing place to get a tattoo or a piercing. It's super clean (and I know this should be a given...but not all places are). Gary is an awesome guy and does amazing work. He has great ideas to make your concepts even better. Nate is his apprentice (I suppose that's what you might call him), and he is also very good. He likes to do all the little intricate stuff that Gary doesn't. Great team.
If you want music, they'll give you music. If you want to cry in pain, go ahead. They make no qualms about the fact that tattoos hurt. And Gary's got a whole body full of them. Also, it really doesn't hurt that the prices at Gary's are super reasonable. You get great work for a great price - kinda feels like stealing!
If you do decide to go to Gary's - make sure to make an appointment, especially if you want Gary to do your work. There are days he is busy all night because he'll be working on a large piece.
Most people when they go to Galena, don't think of a tattoo studio. They probably think of antique shops and relaxation, but don't discount the fantastic artwork that you could have if you add a trip to Gary's onto that relaxing weekend.