I had the privilege of working with Carrie Smith at New Rose Tattoo recently. Â I did an extensive Yelp search when looking for a shop to go to as I had visited another Portland artist a few years ago and was not happy with my experience. Â In addition, I have been tattooed in a few other shops out of state and never been impressed. Â I was absolutely blown away by my experience at New Rose. Â The shop was so clean and so inviting and did not feel intimidating or stuffy at all. I loved all the decor and the vibe.
I booked my appointment with Carrie and from the initial phone conversation to the emails to her drawings and finally the tattoo's, I was so impressed. It was such a pleasant experience that I honestly cannot wait for my next visit with her. I would (and have) highly recommend Carrie and New Rose to anyone.
I looked at New Rose's tattoo artists because of the great rating on Yelp. I needed an artist who could do the delicate wings of my dragonfly and saw the pics of Traci's work and I knew she was the one for me. This was my first tattoo and I was nervous, but Traci was really nice and quickly put me at ease.
I am so happy with my new tattoo! Traci did a fantabulous job, and two days later it still doesn't hurt at all. I'm 51 and am really pleased with my tattoo. I'm all ready planning what the next one will be.
I chose New  Rose for a reason. I loved the Yelp reviews and the artists' portfolios were amazing. I called to schedule an appointment for my friend and I, and Carrie was very friendly.
The day of the appointment, we arrived a little early. We were welcomed, given paperwork, and we discussed what she had drawn up for us.
I was very impressed with how clean the shop was. Spotless would be an understatement. Plus, these guys have a UNICORN BATHROOM. How amazing is that?
Above all, I got an awesome tattoo, my friend got an awesome tattoo. Carrie does great work and I would recommend New Rose to anyone interested in getting more ink.
Based on the reviews I read on Yelp for New Rose, I walked in with pretty high expectations. I can truly say that they absolutely exceeded my expectations! The place is so inviting & clean, and Aaron (who was my artist) patiently put time & creativity into my design. He really listened to my ideas, then tactfully gave me wise counsel (i.e. I wanted a tat on my wrist, but he advised me against it because that's a difficult part of the body to heal). I could not be more thrilled with the final product, as well as the overall experience. I laughed so much! Again & again, I would recommend this place! Kudos to Aaron & the staff for your friendliness, kindness & utter skill!!! :)
Review Source:I checked Yelp! before I looked into tattoo shops, and New Rose had great reviews. After getting an amazing tattoo from Traci yesterday, I can see why. The shop is super clean, neat down to the decorations, and interesting. Everyone that works there is friendly, which has not always been my experience at tattoo shops. Traci met with me to add on to a tattoo I got over 4 years ago in Chicago. I had a bunch of computer print-outs that were kind of near what I wanted, but I relied on her eye to create a design that worked. I wanted a lot of color and a pretty (but not too pretty) design. Yesterday I went in to get the bulk of the work done, and she was super thoughtful, asked my opinion about absolutely everything, and explained everything she was doing. She also totally powered through the work and did an amazing job. Definitely check this shop out; these folks know what they're doing and will treat you well.
Review Source:I had a lovely experience here at New Rose. I felt very comfortable upon walking in, and was welcomed by Ms. Leslie Hero. I was impressed with her portfolio online, mostly because of how natural and delicately detailed all of her art is. I had a few ideas in mind, so Leslie to,d me I should co e back for a consultation. 2 weeks later I came in with some pictures and we discussed my options. I love that it didn't feel rushed, and that she gave me her honest opinion, without pissing me off, of making me feel silly. I totally welcomed her input. Once we decided on our game plan, we made scheduled my first session, and I was able to get in a lot sooner than I expected, which I was SO thrilled about.
Two sessions later I have a BEAUTIFUL non-outlined, vintage looking tattoo. The colors, the shading, everything is perfect and better than I could have imagined. Leslie walked me through the color choices better than any artist I have ever been tattooed by. I couldn't be happier with the outcome, and I have already referred several friends to this shop, and Leslie in particular. Leslie Hero is my new tattoo hero!!
Leslie Hero is my hero. I met with Leslie to do a custom side piece. She listened, communicated, and designed a big beautiful piece that works with the curves of my body. She is talented, meticulous, focused, and kind. She's the kind of person you want hovered over you for 7 hours. New Rose Tattoo is a clean and comfy shop. The staff are down to earth and kind. All of these factors contributed to a meaningful tattoo experience.
Review Source:I visited the website and looked at the tattoo artists' profiles to help me decide who I should hire to create my tattoo. Â I chose Aaron because I like the style/look of the tattoos he has done from his profile. Â I called and scheduled a consultation, Aaron asked me to email him a picture or idea of what I was wanting tattooed. Â When I arrived for my appointment, I found the same as other reviewers have stated, this place has a "positive friendly atmosphere." Â The artists smiled at me and were pleasant. Â Aaron worked with me, low pressure, until I came to a decision. Â He made sure I was comfortable (as can be under the needle) several times during the session. Â He did a great job. Â The other artists stopped by and checked out his work. Â I left with the sting of a new tattoo and the utmost respect for these fine folks.
Review Source:So for my 18th birthday my sister surprised me with a trip to Oregon (I live in California.) but I wanted to get a tattoo that I've always been wanting and it was my first trip without my parents, so I was nervous. I did my research and of course the amazing artist that would always pop up was MIKAL. And may I say she is the most sweetest, talented, patient person I met. She made my tattoo look better than I ever imagined myself. I would FLY back to Oregon JUST to get another tattoo done by her. I love my tattoo sooooo much!
Review Source:Really great vibe. Leslie and Mikal did some pieces for my husband. Â Mikal just completed to portraits on my arms. Â I love my new ink. Parlor is super mello, clean and welcoming to people of all races, gender, orientation. Prices are very reasonable considering the experience and skill of the artists.
Review Source:My husband and I are visiting Portland from New Zealand and went to New Rose after reading the reviews here on Yelp. We had an amazing experience and could not be more happy with our tattoos. From the minute we walked in the door, Aaron made us feel so comfortable. It was my first tattoo and I was a little anxious but he put me at ease straight away. He really listened to what we wanted and came up with two really awesome designs for us. Aaron is a really talented artist and tattooist, and we are hoping to catch up with him again to get some more work done. He is also great to have a yarn with while he is working on you. Thanks Aaron, you're a legend!!
Review Source:My sister and I chose New Rose to get tattoos together and it was a great experience. We were in a time crunch and Traci had an opening for us. We were both really happy with our experience and tattoos and definitely recommend New Rose as a great shop and Traci as a wonderful artist and technician. The shop is beautiful and has a great energy! Traci is really nice and great to work with. We'll be back!
Review Source:I went to see MIkal for my first tattoo in 20 years. Â What an amazing experience! Â The positive friendly atmosphere hits you the minute you walk in the door. Â The Petite Provence restaurant across the street was a GREAT way to start off with a nice yummy meal and pastry! Â I gave Mikal my design and that I did not want black/grey - ended up with a pink (my favorite) color flower that spells "love yourself" with a heart in the middle of the flower that represents my kids.
The artistry is AMAZING! Â Their portfolio's speak for themselves!
The shop is clean, friendly, feels very comfortable, which is exactly what you want in a tattoo parlor. Â No drama or stress!
Their pricing is exactly what I expected (and I really had no frame of reference to go on). Â And with the aftercare instructions I really felt like it would be okay to call if I had any questions - they are very sincere and caring!
I'll admit that it was a little impetuous. I was in town for the weekend with my love and our most dearest friends. We were having a great time and they were talking about getting some work done. I've wanted one off and on for 20 years and it seemed like a really awesome time to commit (finally!)
We stopped by another shop and I just didn't like the vibe. I was second-guessing myself until we walked into New Rose Tattoo. Even before I talked to any of the artists or looked their the portfolios, I felt good about getting my first ink. Their space is bright, open, and really comfortable.
My art idea was pretty simple, and Leslie Hero handled it like a champ. She sourced a design and talked me through how it was going to work. My love held my hand through the entire thing, and it was over before I knew it. Within a matter of hours, the new tattoo sting faded and I'm really excited to take off the bandage.
I live in Seattle, and while we have great artists here, but I would not hesitate to go to Portland expressly to get more work done at New Rose with either Leslie or Mikal.
Two words. Â Mikal. Â Okay, so that's one word, two syllables. Â Mikal is who I've gone to for both of my Pdx tatts. For the first, I gave her the concept and idea of what I wanted. Â What I got was a beautifully exquisite, personal creation that gets compliments every time someone sees it. Â For my other, I had the idea and worked with Mikal to bring it to life. Â I appreciate Mikal's patience and precision. Â The tattoo doesn't get started until you're happy with the placement.
The other artists in the shop are just as equally talented, skilled, and personable. Â You aren't going to get attitude or assholeyness. Â You will get attention and artistry. Depth and detail. Friendly and fair.
This is not the kind of tattoo studio where you will find flash on every wall (and that's a good thing!)
Instead, you will find awesome artists ready to work with you to create a custom work of art for your skin - your life, your canvas, you want something to reflect you, right? Â Right. Â The studio is beautiful, well lit, and there are unicorns everywhere (again, good thing.) Â
All the artists are skilled, though I'm especially partial to Leslie Hero, as she has done several of my tattoos at this point, and the results have always been beautiful. Â If you're looking for flash, yes they can do it - but all of the artists here can do a great deal more. Â This is a great place to get work done, whether you're coming in for your first tattoo or your fortieth.
What a wonderful experience getting tattooed at New Rose.
When I called New Rose, it was out of absolute panic. Â My 18-year-old brother had called and informed me that he was absolutely, without question, getting a tattoo in memory of our mother on her birthday. Â He was also planning on going to some goofy tattoo shop in Corvallis (where he attends university). Â I fucking panicked. Â I didn't want him getting his first tattoo 1) alone; 2) at a shop that hadn't been properly researched; 3) without someone who I felt really cared about the piece, the situation and just us in general. Â So I called New Rose after a recommendation from a friend and, obviously, all the amazing Yelp reviews on here. Â Tracy answered and sat on the phone with me for about 10-15 minutes and when I told her of my brother's plans, she was absolutely positive they'd find a way to get us in on the weekend of mom's birthday.
The next day, Mikal called and said she'd have time. Â It is around that time that I decided to get a memorial tattoo in the same place my brother was getting his. Â I went in for a consultation for the both of us and the minute I met Mikal...I was put at ease. Â She is so warm, smart and extremely talented. Â She also made time for us on our mom's actual birthday. Â When I called my brother and told him...he was so stoked.
When we arrived for our appointment, Mikal was really good at explaining what was going to happen to my very nervous brother. Â She also reworked his tattoo design a few times. Â What he wanted was fairly simple but he needed guidance getting him to his ultimate design. Â Mikal was patient with him and listened to him genuinely. Â My brother ended up being a champ in the chair and Mikal was able to talk about our mom with no awkwardness (most people are awkward when talking about our dead parent). Â I think because Mikal is a parent, there was a natural comforting instinct that came out of her to calm my brother. Â My tattoo was simple, quick and is absolutely perfect. Â I was glad at how she explained to my brother several times how to take care of his tattoo (probably because 18-year-olds don't listen).
We are so very appreciative to her and the staff at New Rose. Â I could not recommend Mikal more. Â Though, after seeing the other tattoos that were being done while we were there, I think you could pick anyone in that shop and walk away ecstatic. Â Prices are $130/hour or $75/minimum. Â I think those are absolutely reasonable. Â And is exactly what we paid :) Â Again, thanks to everyone at this shop - it really was excellently done.
This is an exceptional tattoo studio. Â I received my fifth tattoo there, a large design that covers half of my back. Â Traci designed the tattoo based on various pictures I brought to her; I was beyond impressed by her ability to see my vision and make it even more beautiful that I could have imagined. Â The work she did was impeccable, with amazing shading and detail that I never thought could have been done with a tattoo needle. Â Moreover, she was friendly, welcoming, and comforting throughout the process. Â I can't stand tattoo parlors that look down on you if you aren't a big burley biker; this female-friendly tattoo parlor was a warm and welcoming place that I didn't want to leave at the end of each session. Â Traci did such a good job in putting me at ease that I even fell asleep during the last session! Â I wouldn't hesitate in the slightest in recommending her to anyone looking for quality work.
Review Source:This wast first tattoo and I spent a lot of time searching out the artist that I wanted to work with. Â Portland seems to be filled with a lot of talented tattoo artists but Traci 's work really stood out and was just what I was looking for. Â
After I met with her and we brainstormed on what I wanted, the drawing that she came up with was amazing and I couldn't wait for her to get started. Â The piece was pretty big and after sitting close to 5 hours while she worked magic, I was blown away by how much she completed. Â I still have about 3 more hours of work to be done and can't wait to get back in her chair.
New rose is clean and relaxing...a great experience from start to finish.
I was insanely nervous about getting my first tattoo, and looked at a lot of portfolios and reviews. Â I went to New Rose Tattoo to talk with Leslie and was immediately charmed. Â She has a background in biological illustration and has done a ton of beautiful nature-themed tattoos. Â When I said I wanted something in the style of a particular artist, she knew exactly who I was talking about (Charley Harper) and was able to take my rough ideas and make it into exactly what I wanted. Â Her style put me at ease and her confidence and honesty about how painful it would be (yes painful, but not nearly as bad as I was imagining) made me much less nervous.
I just went back for my touch-up and I cannot express how much I love my tattoo! Â I am already thinking about what I want next and I won't go to anyone except Leslie to get it done. Â I cannot recommend her enough!
For months I'd been looking for the perfect artist to do a cover up on my hip. All the shops I looked at although impressive, I never really felt comfortable in the shop. Then I walked into New Rose Tattoo. I browsed the portfolios and I was blown away by Mikal. Luckily she was working that day and was able to chat with me. I pitched my idea and she was super stoked on it. I think it's important to find an artist that's genuinely into the tattoo they're putting on you. My schedule is super hectic and she was cool enough to come in before the shop was open for the day to accommodate my appointment. The shop itself is more than comfortable and all the artists there set the standard for professional. I got my tattoo yesterday and it's about 8 x 10 give or take a half inch. It's a little tender but I'm just fine jumping around and going to the gym. I'm going back in 3 weeks for color and I couldn't be more excited! This def will not be my last tattoo from Mikal.
Review Source:Skin's been broke in! Â It was my first tattoo. At first I was petrified, but then, Traci with her gentle touch, got to work and I swear I almost fell asleep a couple of times. I am not joking. Â I was inked for about 2 hours or so. Her work is detailed and not heavy handed. Can't wait to go back for more!
Review Source:I got my first tattoo here and the experience was wonderful. Â I decided, what the hell, go big or go home. Â My tattoo is about 16" on my side, starting at my hip and ending just a bit below my arm pit. Â Everyone said that the pain would be terrible there, but Kim did an amazing job of calming my nerves. Â She also created a beautiful, meaningful, piece of art that I will keep with me forever. Â It healed perfectly and didn't even peel (awesome). Â The artists here are very friendly, the studio is clean, if Kim was still here I'd definitely go back (she opened her own studio).
Review Source:A big man with a gun sat on stage.  His monstrous bulk made the stool he was perched on seem ridiculously small and cartoonish.  His face was dark and dangerous.  A small trumpet, enveloped within the luxurious interior of its case, lay at his feet.  A line of people shuffled slowly past, to pay their respects to the little trumpet - like a fallen leader lying in state.  They pointed, and whispered, took pictures, and offer prayers, but no one touches the little trumpet  -  the big man with the gun sees to that. Â
The Elysian trumpet was created and made by David Monette and his team of artisans in Portland Oregon. Â It was made for New Orleans native, and jazz trumpeter, Irvin Mayfield. Â It is a decorated trumpet that tells the story of New Orleans, jazz, and the devastation of hurricane Katrina, though the use of iconic images, symbolism, precious and semi-presious stones. Â The President declared the little trumpet a national treasure - which explains the big man with the gun.
I wanted a tattoo that told the same story, using the same icons and symbolism. Â I showed Mikal Gilmore, at New Rose Tattoo, a video describing the trumpet's icons, symbols and story, and asked if she could transform the essence of the Elysian trumpet into a tattoo.
We collaborated for a few weeks as she honed the design. Â She created the Mississippi river as a flowing blue musical staff. Â The story flows from the African rhythms of Congo Square, represented by a flaming conga drum through the music of Fats Domino, Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Professor Longhair and James Booker. Â The river is festooned with crawfish, lilies, and dancers. Â The story ends as the musical staff and river are transformed into the teeth of hurricane Katrina - spilling chaotic notes and a lilly transformed into a angel.
We inked it yesterday, and I couldn't be happier with the tattoo. Â It's gorgeous! Â I can't wait to have the color applied in a few weeks.
i got my second tattoo at new rose about a year ago. Â a woman named victoria did it, (i don't think she works there anymore,) and she was awesome. Â
the other artist's portfolios looked impressive as well.
victoria had a light touch with the ink which made a difference after having been there for two and a half hours.
prices were standard, the shop itself was exceptionally comfortable, and i adored their music selection.
i would go back in a heartbeat.
I recently got my first tattoo at New Rose Tattoo and have nothing but praise for the place. Â I called and Kim answered the phone. Â I had really no preference about who I got but I would recommend Kim after this great experience. Â Since this was my first tattoo I was extremely nervous to say the least. Â Kim put me at ease right away. Â She assured me that this wouldn't be that painful and it wasn't. Â She did an awesome job. Â New Rose is extremely clean and professional and laid back. Â Kim talked to me the entire time and the tattoo was done quickly. Â The tattoo looks awesome. Â I am currently contemplating my second tattoo since she did such a great job.
Review Source:New Rose is a very clean and professional shop. Â Just started with my third tattoo by Aaron, which is a custom piece. Â After I pitched the concept to him and provided photo references of the guitar, he got back to me with a beautiful sketch. Â We went back and forth via email to nail down the details, had an in-person consultation, and he inked the outlines yesterday. Â I'm going back for the color in two weeks. Â
I have already heard rave reviews for his artistry on the guitar, and I have also gotten many compliments on the Babelfish he inked for me a couple of years ago.
Aaron takes a lot of pride in his work, as do the rest of the artists here, and I highly recommend their services.
After reading all of the reviews, I decided to schedule a consultation with Traci for my first tattoo. I was worried because I am very picky but have a hard time articulating what I want so I brought several pictures so I could explain what I liked and didn't like about each of them. Traci understood and came up with a sketch that was exactly what I wanted. I was nervous about the pain since it was my first tattoo but Traci made me feel very comfortable and it honestly wasn't bad at all. (I had 2 2-hour sittings.) She did an amazing job on a very detailed piece! I have gotten so many compliments! I would recommend her to anyone. The shop itself has a great atmosphere with friendly people and pretty things to look at. It wasn't intimidating like some shops can be. I got to watch some of the other artists work and everyone there seems very talented. If I get another tattoo, I will definitely go back to New Rose.
Review Source:I realized that I never updated this review after my tattoo was finished & healed, so here it is:
I recommend Mikal and all the ladies at New Rose without hesitation.
I ended up having two sessions of about 1.5-2 hrs (because I am a wimp, apparently) plus a half-hour touch up. My tattoo is now beautiful, detailed, and I get compliments on it all the time. Â It was also done in such a way that I could easily expand it in the future.
After getting my first tattoo at the age of 37, I am now pondering my second, and when I'm ready for it, I'll be calling Mikal.
Other than my hand falling asleep while getting my arm work done, sooo comfortable.
Gorgeous new shop on about 50th and Division. Easy peasy to get to from public transit! I bought a sexy MercPerk a few months ago($40 for $80) in anticipation for my new ink after reading some glowing Yelp reviews and seeing some great portfolios on their website.
I originally planned to work with Mikal based on her portfolio, but after I sent her an image of the piece I wanted, "Lilith" by John Collier, she said that she would recommend Traci because she studied art nouveau in college.
I stopped in a few days later for a consultation and set a date for 3 weeks later. Traci sent me a few different versions of the tattoo that she had drawn up and they were all really beautiful and true to my vision.
The shop is really clean and professional. Traci had a very light hand and I didn't bleed at all while getting my ink done. It healed in under a week and looks perfect. For a pretty large arm piece, she got done in under an hour and a half. The shop charges $120 an hour, so with my MercPerk it only ended up being $140! Plus a fat tip. I believe in fat tips.
My boyfriend came with me and was so impressed that he wanted to get one that day too! Alas, they were all booked for the day.
New Rose does try to accommodate walk-ins but there are only 3 or 4 artists in the shop, and they are pretty heavily booked, so it is always best to call ahead. Getting the perfect tattoo for you requires patience! Always get a consultation before getting work done.
I came in to New Rose with a very specific idea in my mind, but I cannot draw at all and I am not great at describing things. Somehow, through our initial consultation and subsequent email correspondences (she made a colored mock-up and emailed it to me after our meeting), Traci was able to divine exactly what I wanted. Every time she made a suggestion, it somehow made the design even MORE like what I had hoped for. I was starting out with an existing tattoo that I wanted modified and expanded (a significant constraint for an artist to work with), but she did a superb job. The end result was true to the mock-up, but improved to fit the shape of my body. The colors are exactly what I wanted, both because she had listened well and made what I wanted to start with, and also because she mixed them in front of me and gave me the chance to have her adjust them. The detailing is also lovely - it is beautiful from a distance, but even better up close.
The actual tattooing experience was very comfortable. Her time estimate was spot-on, which is important given that she charges by the hour. Also, it is worth nothing that Traci works quickly, compared to other artists I have interacted with, without any sort of sacrifice to quality. This is great, because I was worried I would not be able to afford the tattoo, but I could because of the speed at which she worked.
So far, my experience has been flawless. I will update my review when the tattoo is healed. Traci welcomed me to go back and visit so she can see how it looks healed (which I will most certainly do), and she offered to do touch-ups if necessary (for example, if the colors fade too much in healing), so I am feeling optimistic that my rating will not change.
Anyone who drinks with me on a regular basis knows that I have a terrible drunk memory. Like, awful. Mockery-worthy. Between being teased constantly and always forgetting names of bands I should check out or beers I tried and loved, I started writing myself notes on my phone. They're conveniently broken down into categories like "How I Know This Person," "Booze Finds," "Tunes," and "Important Things People Tell Me That I Should Probably Remember."
We'll come back to this.
I've been batting around the idea of a capsaicin molecule tattoo recently and, after securing a source of moral support, did a quick search for tattoo shops that encouraged walk-ins and were rated highly on Yelp. Boom: New Rose. A phone call confirmed availability, and I even (with four hours' notice) wrangled myself a 5:30 appointment with Kim.
For the rest of my work day, I had a sneaking suspicion that something sounded familiar. When that happens, it usually means booze was involved. iPhone notes were consulted and, whaddaya know, a note from last May (shamefully uncategorized) that simply said "Kim Kress and New Rose Tattoo."
With this confirmation of my accidental good taste in hand, I traipsed off to the adorable shop and met Kim who did a lightning quick and awesome job of resizing and placing my molecule tattoo (and telling me that her husband *also* has a capsaicin molecule tatoo -- we're good people) and kept me laughing during the whole tattoo process which is great when needles are repeatedly being jammed into the back of your thigh.
Overall, a really great experience. Friendly, welcoming, hilarious, efficient, and she even seemed excited to do the tattoo despite it being the most boring kind - simple, black, and all line work.
I want to draw a clever conclusion, but all I can say is DRUNK IPHONE NOTES WIN.
I called to try and get an appointment with Traci or Mikal but it was really last minute and I was only in town for a day and they were both booked. Traci had answered the phone and asked what kinda work I was looking for. When I said traditional she was bummed that Mikal and herself weren't available to do it but she did recommend a colleague at another shop. He ended up doing a great job and I totally appreciate Traci being so awesome and sending me where she did. That just shows how cool of a shop owner she is and that she genuinely cares about the culture and art of tattooing and and not just making money. I'd certainly still love to get some work done by Traci in the future.
Review Source:First let me say that the only reason I'm going with 4 stars instead of 5 is because my current tattoo isn't finished yet, but thus far my experience has been excellent!
This is a top-notch studio with talented, professional artists. I'm currently working with Traci on a piece that, due to my own budget constraints, won't likely be finished for nearly 2 years (when I finish school). Despite this, she's been nothing but enthusiastic about the piece and has spent a lot of her time drawing, resizing, and redrawing this idea in order to get it right. I've been somewhat of a pain-in-the-@ss client, as my job schedules me randomly and I've had to reschedule appointments to meet with Traci, but the whole time she's been totally accommodating.
I haven't worked with any of the other artists, but I've looked through their portfolios and they're all very talented. The shop is clean and well-lit, they don't flood the place with screaming hard rock (which as much as you or I may like, it detracts from the real experience of getting a tattoo), and after a few visits everyone knows who you are and makes you feel less like a customer and more like a friend.
This isn't like a lot of shops that have flash art all over the walls, intimidating characters hanging around the front door smoking, really loud music or pagan idolatry everywhere. You don't get the sense that they're looking to attract rebellious teenagers or wanna-be Satanists to the place to get "inked" and shock all the old people at the Sizzler... It's more like a traditional art studio, carrying on a rich and ancient tradition.
I love Traci. She was recommended to me by 3 colleagues who got multiple tattoos from her and the moment I walked into her business, I knew why. She has a very calming and grounded presence and makes you feel very comfortable from the beginning. I got my first tattoo with her and I absolutely love it. I had the idea and got it designed by someone else. Traci was very professional and kind. I felt like a big wimp but she said I did great. I actually got my tattoo several months ago but went in again today to have it touched up for free. Interestingly enough, a grad school classmate of mine from LA had her tattoos done by Traci when she visited Portland. She and I met in NYC of all places! Whether you are a first-timer or looking to get another tattoo, I highly recommend Traci. She is great and offers her top notch services at a great rate too!
Review Source:After my former tattooist moved on, I was researching someone new to go to. Â Hello, Mikal! Â Mikal's work was everywhere I looked with a lot of great reviews. Â I had a consultation with her and was pretty much sold from the start. Â She's thoughtful about your tattoo and puts plenty of consideration into the artwork she creates for you. Â
When I came back a few days later for my tattoo, she'd taken my ideas, likes and dislikes, along with the size of the tat we were covering and had prepared a drawing that perfectly fit. Â A short while later, I had a cover that didn't look muddy or show the old tat. Â The colors were perfectly blended to suit my tastes.
I have nothing but good to say about my experience with Mikal and will definitely seek her out when it is time for my next work of skin art. Â The New Rose shop is clean, comfortable and a pleasant atmosphere to relax in while you're being inked. Â They also play some great tunes!
I originally heard about New Rose through mercperks. Â This place was such a good find! Â I got an awesome tattoo done by Kim, and within the next couple months my partner and a friend have also gone to see Kim and been very happy. Â All of the artists here are very talented and very friendly, and provide a great, relaxed experience. Â I can't wait to come back for my next piece!
Review Source:I got my first tattoo done a few weeks ago by Mikal and it was the best experience I could have asked for. I originally went to Pussycat but they were so busy and didn't even acknowledge my presence. I left, went home and started looking up reviews and artists all over the area. The next day I went to New Rose and Mikal did a consultation with me. The vibe I got at New Rose was so much better then at Pussycat. Overall, very professional, clean, fun to talk to, oh and does AMAZING WORK!! I can't stop showing my new tattoo off, and everyone asks where I got it done. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Review Source:No regrets. Â Handy motto, right?
And I don't have any, really. Â While I don't regret the tattoos I got in my twenties, maybe it's more accurate to say that I regret that I didn't live in a city with such talented artists when I got said work, and that, okay, I was a little harder edge back then than I am now. Â Not that I regret that. Â
But times change, and as you find after living with decade-old tattoos, so do they. Â They get mushy, they get less-defined, they get far less representative of who you thought you were when you were twenty-something. Â So time for a change, and I was actually looking for a change on two pieces, one on my back, one (more difficult) on my arm. Â
Based on Yelp reviews I tried to get into Infinity but didn't have a great experience... the artist I was interested in has a nine month (NINE month!) wait, and when I made an appointment (6 weeks out) for a consultation with my second choice, she called and cancelled three hours before our appointment. Â So based on a rec from another Yeep I trust, I checked out New Rose. Â This is an all women-run place, terrific vibe and like ten blocks from my home, and it ended up being the best tattoo experience I've ever had. Â
I walked in for a consultation and Traci happened to be available (I'd already looked at portfolios online and was gravitating to her work) and she took 45 minutes on my WALK IN. Â I decided to re-work and greatly extend the work on my back, and spend more time thinking about the other. Â Two appointments booked over the next three weeks and I'm giddy with the results. Â
Can't wait to get another of my not-so-great twenty-something decisions made better by her, hopefully in the near future. Â No regrets, but this brand of absolution rocks.
I choose New Rose and Traci Manley from checking out Traci's portfolio online. Â The experience with the studio was fantastic from start to finish. Traci returned my call promptly, was very receptive to my ideas for my tattoo, drew up an amazing piece and provided superb atmosphere during the tattoo process. I now have a beautiful piece of art on my body, due to Traci's adept skill, expertise and artistry.
*Mikal was in the shop working on a very large arm piece while I was in- it looks amazing. I think you could not go wrong with any artist at New Rose Tattoo.
Traci Manly is my favorite person on earth right now.
I chose to spend the better half of my birthday with her and she made me look and feel like a million bucks. My mom and I got tribute tattoos from Traci's nimble hands yesterday and both came out perfect. New Rose is what every tattoo shop should be clean, professional and relaxing. Traci spent a good deal of time sketching, researching and perfecting what is definitely my favorite tattoo so far. I can't wait to create more amazing art with her. Thanks Traci and all the rad folks at New Rose!
I recently had the pleasure of working with MIkal on my first big piece. Â I looked at her portfolio online and came in with an idea, but no reference. Â She took the time to speak with me when I first walked in, and one of the first things she said was that she loved collaborating on pieces. We discussed the idea, she jotted down a quick sketch, and scheduled me for a consult. Â Mikal took a lot of time to work with me on the specifics of the design, and was even available via email for questions and ideas. Â The tattooing itself went well, and I'm healing up nicely. Â I like the location and the atmosphere, and felt nothing but a warm welcome any time I've been in the shop. Â This is a great place to go if you're uncomfortable with the tough guy attitude that comes along with some other shops in the town. Â I haven't had work done by Traci (yet), but her portfolio is great and she was very friendly and helpful.
Review Source:I love their new space. Â It feels good, clean, open, and welcoming. Tracy and Mikal do excellent work, and are willing to work with you on ideas, take their time and make sure you leave with a great tattoo--no matter what. Â I've heard wonderful things about Aaron too.
I will keep going back to Mikal to get my work done until either she moves away or I do.