Mike is by far the best tattooist in Hawaii, and a true legend in the world of tattoo that is still at the top of his game.  Chances are if you are using yelp to review or search for Mike you have no clue what true art is all about.  I found these reviews when I was googling Mike to get his phone number and just have to set the record straight.  Mike is a family man, a world class artist and an awesome guy to spend time with during your appointments.  I've never been cancelled on or given the run around, so I have no clue  what the other guys are talking about- but sometimes things come up and you have to be flexible, especially when family is first.  Perhaps the haters are  wanna be tattoo artists that are trying to take Mike down by talking trash? Either way,  those of us that know - we know that Mike is the best and it is worth waiting for him to get a piece of art work that will last forever.
Review Source:This will be a long one because it fires me up that someone would rip Mike so hard.
I wouldn't judge the people who wrote the unfavorable reviews of Mike because I don't know who they are. That would be what a fair and reasonable adult would do: Not talk shit about someone they've never met.
It is obvious to anyone that knows Mike, that those posts are either a) from a disgruntled individual who couldn't get an appointment with Mike or b) not even a real person, but a yelp account created by someone who has a vested interest in spreading untruths about Mike.
Whether a) or b), what a reader should consider is that anyone who has written a negative review has probably never actually met Mike, OR has met or worked with him and has the juvenile intention of talking shit so they might have a chance at winning some business from would be clients. Â
A reader should, if they are considering Mike for some work, pay attention to the reviews of folks who've actually had work done by Mike.
The silly thing is this: if you're reading a yelp review to see whether you want to get work done by Mike you're already light years behind the game. To my knowledge, Mike's clientele consists of friends and referrals of his existing clients (who usually become fast friends). I don't think there is a science or application process other than if you know a guy who knows mike and you get the chance to meet him and you're cool, then you've got a good chance of getting on his schedule. If you're a dick and think that Mike is there to serve you and don't respect him or his artistry, then that's great. Move along.
In other words, Mikes clients are good people and good people usually refer good people. Whatever the case, you will be hard pressed to find a douchebag getting inked by Mike.
So, if you're reading this it means you probably don't know him and need to figure out how you're going to get a referral or at least make a genuine, good faith effort to reach out to Mike and meet him in person. A heartfelt approach might just yield you a shorter wait time than the fabled Ledger 2 year waiting list.
Mike is a very giving person. It takes great care to commit that much time and energy putting his art (and soul) into each client's piece. Every piece I've seen done by mike, whether one point or major body work is totally original and done with great care. Not to mention ridiculously sic.
His skill has been built over DECADES, not a few years of stenciling other artists' work on to someone's skin. He's seriously on some Jedi tip when he works. He's free-hand, fast and accurate. Â the results are pieces with incredible depth and a movement that flows with one's body. Clean lines. Incredible shading and color. Pure artistry.
My back piece has been in progress for a few months now, usually in two to three week gaps between sessions and is about 3/4 done. Mike has never cancelled or not returned a call and certainly never butchered anything. He's a neat freak. his studio is pristine and oozes exclusivity and class. It feels like a sanctuary, not a tattoo studio.
I did my research on Mike before I made the decision to reach out to him, but that part was easy. Google his ass and you'll decide very quickly that he is likely the best the island can offer. Once you do a bit more research, see some of his private work and get to know him, you'll see that he is, and has been for years, one of the best the world can offer.
His work speaks for itself. That much is documented. What is less known about Mike is that he's one of the most caring and loving guys you'll ever meet, a world-class artist and an awesome Dad to two kick ass kids.
If you're lucky enough to get on the list then you probably know all of what I'm saying. I just felt strongly I should dispel the myths posted here because as much as I know they're bullshit, reputation is everything in their business and a few dumbass reviews can do some damage, no matter how unwarranted.
As mentioned, Mike's work speaks for itself. You don't know me but I can speak for his character and his is pure and loving. Write a letter. Ask a friend for an intro. Be respectful and you might gain a coveted slot, a friend in Mike and an awesome work of art you can be proud forever.
Yelp removed my 1st posting...not very happy since it was 100% true. Lets try again: If you are looking for a tattoo then you should not be going to this artist. He WAS once good but has gone so far downhill you shouldnt risk something so permanent!! He will cancle on you over and over and IF you get your outline done EXPECT that he wont finish...I have talked to over 20 people that were left to go find another artist to finish his job...not good! Beware!!
Review Source:Listen to the other guy that just posted. If i could give him negative stars i would but unfortunately yelp doesn't allow that.
Like the other braddah said mike constantly cancels on you at the last minute sometimes even when you just get there. He acts super shady and seems out of it a lot of the times which makes me suspect he is back on whatever he was on before. A few times he actually made up a bogus story right when i got there and asked me if i could come back later that night. So i had to kill like 5 hours in town since i live across the island and when i returned he canceled on me. I was really floored at how far this legend has fallen as i have seen him years ago when he was still on top of his game. I have friends in the industry who said that they have also heard of mikes shenanigans and many artists have had to fix peoples tattoos that mike has butchered.
If you value your body and dont want any regrets look elsewhere for a tattoo. Why do you think nobody has posted any positive reviews within the past few years? Nobody has anything positive to say.
There is only one man I will ever let put ink into my skin... and that is this man. I started my tattoo journey with him back in 2005 when EVERYONE in Hawaii said he is the best guy around. Not only is he famous for his work here in the islands, but he's truly known all over the world for his amazing work.
I can't say enough about Mike, yet somehow I don't know what to say. Chances are if you're reading this, you either cannot get an appointment or you're waiting two years to get in with him. My advice to you: wait.... and wait... and wait... and in the meantime, I'll be in his shop continually getting work done because he takes care of the people who take care of him.
Mike... you are the man.
Mike's website isn't up and running yet so check out his pics  on the myspace website above.....
There's not much else to say.
Mike Ledger is the tattoo artist for the serious art collector.
He's booked solid for 1-2 years.
I love Mike.
I just finished my sleeve that I started a year ago. 5 appointments, 24 hours later and an elbow the size of a golf ball.
So worth it.
She's a beauty.
I want to finish my backpiece he started 4 years ago, Â NOW, that's a commitment.
Don't make an appointment if..........
you want  a generic tattoo
you're not willing to commit to one artist
you're a difficult person
you don't have cash, no plastic
you're a bitch and can't handle a little pain
you're impatient
you can't wait a year
you want to shop around for the best price
Call Mike's secretary to schedule a consult if..........
you like his artistry
you play nicely with others
you're patient
you got cash
you seriously want the best tattoo on your body for the rest of your life
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