I want to begin by saying I was VERY happy with the tattoo I got here. I spent at least six months to a year scouring AZ for an artist I liked with the realistic style I wanted, and I found exactly that here. Charlie did my tattoo and he did an absolutely perfect job, better than I even hoped for. He even suggested that I do black and grey rather than color and just color the eyes because he felt that to put color on it would make it less striking - it takes a good, honest artist to do that, especially since it meant my tattoo would cost less. And of course, free touch-ups! But I think most tattoo parlors have that. I got the tattoo seven months ago and it's healed beautifully.
The reason I give this place only three stars is because it's not anything like the shop I went to seven months ago. It looks the same, sure, but half the artists are different. Charlie isn't there anymore, and when I called to inquire about it, no one could tell me where he went. I understand they want to keep their business, but that meant I lost an artist I really liked. And honestly, looking through the new artists' galleries, I'm not too impressed. Either they're not my style or I just look and think, "meh. I've seen better."
So although I had a wonderful experience when I went to Living Canvas, I'm not so sure the artists there are as good as the ones who used to be there. I miss Charlie!
I have gotten 3 pieces done in a 4 year span here and love everyone of the. Â Today Charlie did an amazing job on a portrait of my daughter, it's absolutely a work of art. Â They really care about their clients and want to make sure you are 100% satisfied, he mentioned a few times if it needed anymore shading after it heals to come in and he will handle it for free. Â Not everyone can do a great job in portrait work but I would highly recommend Charlie to anyone and this shop overall.
Review Source:We were visiting Tempe on business and the urge hit to get some ink. Walking into a tattoo shop you never know what you are going to get. If the girl at the counter isn't a you-know-what and the shop is clean you're half-way there. First impression of Living Canvas was that the shop is clean and super nice. You can tell the owner cares about his business and put some money into it. The girl at the front desk was really sweet also. Charlie did my tattoo and was quick, charming, and did great work. The girl who tattooed my husband was a bit slow but very precise and also did killer work. I would definitely go back.
Review Source:Many years ago when I was looking to get my first tattoo (probably 1994-95) and after going to a few shops, I met Mark at Living Canvas. We've been good friends since that day. Today Mark did my 8th tattoo, a memorial to my mom who died on 10/01/2012. I gave him the general idea of what I was thinking and left it to him to design. It's absolutely exactly what I wanted. Mark is a true artist and a great guy. I'm proud to call him my friend. Tattoos are important to me and they should be important to you. Do yourself a favor. If you're looking for a shop for a special design, go see Mark at Living Canvas. Thanks my friend.
Review Source:My daughter looked into all different shops many years ago and got her first tatt here. Â It was great, both the people and her tattoo. Â Then she added on, again here great again. Â When I received a gift certificate for a tattoo for Christmas from my six kids, most people thought that was nuts, I knew it was AWESOME since i was doing an Ironman. Again super tattoo from Mark, everyone loved it, I ended up getting another since I liked the first so much. Â Another Ironman??? Another tattoo!! I have sent many people here that have loved their tatts and I have had friends that have gone other shops, not so happy. Â I am not a typical tatt person (54 with grandkids) and have always felt very comfortable here!!! Â Thanks Mark and gang!!
Review Source:I was referred to Living Canvas by a friend who had two of her tattoos done there previously. I was stoked! I made my appointment and go there anticipating leaving with my first tattoo. Instead, it was a nightmare! I had an appointment set for 7:30. My artist was already working with someone and, okay, I understand they're all busy there. But we kept waiting, and waiting, and waiting. The receptionist said he would probably be with me by 8, since that was apparently the real appointment time; obvious failure in communication there! So we keep waiting and waiting; an hour and a half later (9pm) he finally emerges. I had wanted to see my tattoo design drawn up a little differently, and he said he didn't have time to redraw it then tattoo it on me. The first time he drew it up, it took nearly an hour! For a little bird sillhouette, that is ridiculous. I ended up leaving and going to another shop who got me in and out, tattoo drawn up and put on me, in a matter of about a half hour. DO NOT GO TO LIVING CANVAS. The front desk staff is very rude - she kept giving my friends and I dirty looks - in general it was a bad experience. Don't waste your time or money. Go elsewhere!
Review Source:I've been researching tattoo shops for quite some time now and after finding Living Canvas tattoo and visiting their shop, I think I have found my location! Mark, the owner, had taken time out of his day to walk me around the shop and show me the steps they take to maintain their cleanliness... I was quite impressed!! His shop was easy to find, his staff was knowledgeable and the place was spotless!
I have scheduled my appointment for this coming month and am so excited to return and get my ink! Thank you Mark for all that you've done and helped in making me feel comfortable with the decision to have my work done with Living Canvas- Highly recommended...
I will update you all once my work had been done.
A+ shop here. I went in on a whim (I've had a design I've wanted for several years and finally decided to go get it done. They were very friendly and accomodating since I was just a walk-in and the work I was getting done wasn't particularly large or complex. The shop is very clean and inviting. Mike did the work and was a great hand and also a great guy to talk to, as well!
He inspected the needle and equipment very carefully before beginning and rejected the first needle because of a stray piece of solder and got a new one for me. He patiently moved the stencil around as I said "A little higher....mmm...a little lower...now left a bit...wait, other left I think...." He explained all the after care very well (even though this wasn't my first, I appreciated it). I have a tatt that needs touching up and have another one that needs to be drawn out so I will definitely come back here again.
Everyone at the shop was really friendly and chatty and I didn't feel awkward or uncomfortable waiting.
I was referred by a friend who I trust implicitly and who did a ton of research before deciding on Living Canvas. I LOVE her tattoo. So the husband and I got our tattoos at the same time....no not with each others names we are not that kind of couples we also never go out with the same colored matching outfits either.
We worked with Jordan and both were very happy. Mine was simple and very symbolic and special to me. Jordan said "you want to make sure you LOVE it because when you age you might change your mind" out of the mouths of babes, I was 43 when I got my 1st tattoo.
I got mine on my foot and it was not as bad as I expected, other people said it would hurt, but I was pleasantly surprised. Super clean working areas. Shop has a easy going vibe and the portfolios showcased each artists work.
Would recommend!
Mike Comp has done some great cover-up work for me and I love the pieces now!! Last one he did was full freehand and it is beautiful. :)
Only have one left to fix and then I'm allowing myself to get an original done... lol.
The shop looks great as well. The bathrooms remind me of a spa or something. :)
I was setup on the wait list for the owner to retouch/enhance my foot tattoo. Even though the wait was kinda long- it was SO worth it. Beautiful line work, perfect quality, super clean and professional. I would recommend this place to anyone who is SUPER picky about their tattoo work.
Review Source:I went to Living Canvas to get a complimentary tattoo to one I got 5 years prior. I walked in with an idea and was matched to an artist that would best fit the style I was looking for. Kudos to the person at the desk for that!
Chris was my artist for my tattoo and talked with me in detail about my idea. He said he would work on it and set up the appointment for the next week. When I arrived for my appointment he said he had done some sketches but due to the type of art I wanted he was going to do a hand sketch on the skin. It was great! Despite a bunch of red marker swipes on my back I saw his vision because he thoroughly explained the end result and the process.
I ended up with a beautiful piece and have every intention of going back to Chris to have him do some touch up work on my old piece.
I have not been to the new studio but the artists were clean, friendly and attentive at the old studio. I can only imagine things got even better!
I went to Living Canvas to have my oldest tattoo recolored. The yellow and brown of my beautiful sunflowers had faded over 13 years and i was excited to have it looking bright and shiny again. I made my appointment after speaking to one of the artists there, didn't seem like it mattered which one, the receptionist just pointed me to the one who was free, and he seemed comfortable with the job. Not like it was super complicated. I guess I would've liked some confirmation that the artist was experienced in this type of art, but I figured "It's just flowers, nothing too intense."
I came back a few days later for my appointment, and the artist who was supposed to take me, Joe or John or something, was working on someone else. I was a few minutes early so i thought "What the hell?" An hour and half later, I'm finally getting put into the chair. I understand that other artist there couldn't help me, as no one would be left to man the desk, but if you know you have an appointment, wouldn't you turn down another job that will run into that time? It seemed a little unprofessional to me.
Then before he started working on me, he had his gun adjusted for something. I have no idea what was done to it, but for the entire length of the process, the pain was way worse than I'd felt on any of my other tattoos. Don't get me wrong, i totally expect there to be a fair amount of pain when you're getting ink (this isn't my first time at the rodeo), but this was pretty extreme. I asked him about it and he said it should be more painful as he was trying to get through it quickly. Awesome. You're late and trying to rush me through so you make the pain almost intolerable? Not cool.
The end product was ok, he did touch up the color like I requested, but he'd also said he was going to add some more shadow, and it wasn't there. And there are several instances of blurred edges or missing lines that make me think he was rushing so much, that little pieces were missed.
I think the staff is good, the location is very nice, and I'm sure they do good work. But to be honest, i was a little disappointed. I don't think I'll go back to Living Canvas for future work, pictures of Tommy Lee on the wall be damned.
When doing anything that will last a lifetime one should seek professionals. Â Not merely people who do what they do for a living term of a professional. Â But, rather, the one who takes pride and joy in their work and truly show their level of expertise term of a professional. Â Mark and Jason both are consummate professionals in this sense.
They will work with you on your conceptual design as well as lay out very accurate time lines and price ranges...and once finished you'll be stoked about their work as well. Â Sometimes the prices may jump a little higher than the norm...but really? Â Do you want to try and skimp with something that will be with you for the rest of your life? Â I should certainly hope not.
I've always recommended Living Canvas and I've not heard anything bad from one person I've known to have gone there...so this is a great place to go for your next piece.
Final Update: (Worth Every Star) The tattoo healed quickly after the touch up and the color is still crisp, the lines are clean and straight. Â I am so satisfied with this place! They have a customer for life. Â I highly recommend.
Update: Â Just went in for some corrections. Â I'm a very picky guy when it comes to something I'll have to look at for the rest of my life. Â And honestly I wasn't thrilled about what I ended up with....UNTILL....I went back in told Jason how I felt about it and he went to work. Â I must have re-sat down in that chair 8 times to have him go over minor details. Â He was very patient and I felt better about just speaking up and letting him know exactly what I wanted adjusted. Â Together I think we have a finished product that I am now THRILLED with! Â
I'll Update one last time to let you know how it heals and the end result. (possible 5 stars here)
Just got my new tattoo from Jason. Â YES it HURT. Â
Its too early to tell the results but I did notice it will need some slight touch-ups. ( I will Update with a higher rating if all goes well)
I waited until I was 32 to get my first tattoo. Â I've wanted one since I was 18, but could never decide on what I wanted on my body forever. Â Then I found it - the design. Â I went to about 15 different tattoo shops on my quest to find the "right" place to get my first one. Â It was a no brainer to go with Living Canvas.
Out of all the portfolios I looked at, ALL of the artists at Living Canvas have work that is far superior to anything else I saw. Â Everything they do is truly art. Â
They are the oldest tattoo shop in Tempe, under the same owner since 1993. Â Mark really takes pride in all of the work that his shop does. Â In fact, I started out working with him, but he called because what I wanted wasn't really his style. Â Instead, I ended up working with Jason, who was amazing. Â Not only did he take my rough concept and make it incredible, he pulled the vision I had in my head out and put them down just the way I dreamt it could look. Â
The day of the appointment I was a little nervous, but Jason made sure I knew what was going on, gave me plenty of time to look at the stencil to confirm I was happy with the placement, and then got to work. Â He made sure I was doing ok during the whole process, and actually finished much quicker than expected.
Now that it's all healed, I am still thrilled - and already starting to wonder what my next design will be - of course, I know I'll be going back to Living Canvas!
I just got my 6th tattoo (3rd from here). I came in with a general idea that I saw in a dream, and the tattooer (I don't remember his name) did an excellent job of bringing it to life. They are strictly professional and he charged me a lot less than expected. I will definitely be going back for more.
Review Source:I recently got a tattoo here by Steve and am super psyched about it. Â He took a lot of time to understand what my tattoo was about and what I wanted it to look like. Â I came in with a fairly vague idea, but he was able to totally capture what I want. Â I'd totally go back to let Steve ink me again (if I get the urge).
On another note, the piercer only comes in on random days so I would suggest making an appointment. Â It also appears as if this place has won quite a few awards and has been highlighted positively in the media. Â They also have a long list of famous people whom they have tattooed, but that isn't really my forte (although it does speak to the good work they do).
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