Gypsy Rose Tattoo & Piercing Studio

I was going on a road trip from San Francisco to New York and it just dawned on me: "Wouldn't it be awesome to get a tattoo during the trip?!"

Sometimes inspiration comes, and you just run with it. So I scoured the web for possible shops to get some work done and I eventually found Gypsy Rose.

I was a little wary because I had found the shop on the internet, rather than being referred to by word of mouth after meeting someone with work done by an artist. But James Ann was great. In addition to the piece of art she gave me, she also taught me the difference between real artists and guys just tattooing out of their basement. The two are extremes that should not be compared.

Also, as proof of James Ann's awesomeness I have transcribed the following conversation I had with a random run-in in South Dakota.

Me: Whoa, those are some pretty dope tattoos! Do you mind if I touch? (I don't know why but I really like touching other people's tattoos).

Lady Barber: Thanks and no, I don't mind at all!

Me: I'm actually planning on getting a tattoo while passing through South Dakota.

Lady Barber: Oh, yeah? Which Shop?

Me: Gypsy Rose. Have you heard of it?

Lady Barber: Heard of it? I go there! James is the best we've got around here! How do you know about her? Do you know people from here?

Me: Really? Uhh, I kind of just found her on Google...

Lady Barber: Wow. That's amazing. Crazy shit the internet can do for you these days.

Which reminds me, I need to write a review on her barber shop. It was awesomely filled with awesome antiques.

I love this place!!!! I have had two tattoos done by James Ann. My first was in 2001 before she opened this shop. Obviously, I fell in love with her work and her as well and followed her when she opened her own place. I have been back numerous times not only to add to my collection of tattoos and piercings, but to take friends who wanted some art of their own. Everytime I see a piece done by James Ann, I am constantly in awe of her talent and amazing skill. I could go on and on about her awesomeness, but really her art speaks for itself. Check out her website at the link above and you will see what I mean.

Her place is VERY clean and VERY comfortable. There isn't any sort of negativity or bad vibe of any kind here. It's very chill and easy going. Jeff does a fabulous job of running the place and is an amazing piercer.

I highly recommed this place to anyone who is looking for get some art done and wants it done by someone who is a kind person and a pretty kick artist all in one.