Southern Star Tattoo

Coming back next weekend to add a hummingbird to my gardenia! :) ... all of the way from Cali!

I've had both of my tattoos done here (one by Josh and one by Demian). I love them both and get tons of compliments on them. The place is super clean, the guys are nice & helpful and I will be getting my next tattoo here too!

I'm not trying to be negative or complainy, but I am giving an honest review of my experience at Southern Star Tattoo so maybe it can help the owners or managers if they happen to read it.

A friend came into town and wanted a quick little tattoo that day. She had brought two other friends with her who also wanted tattoos, and I was thinking, "hey what the heck maybe I'll get one too!" I decided to take them to Southern Star because I've never been there before and it looks cool. Well, the vibe was off as soon as I walked in. The shop felt deserted, yet the shop manager seemed to be rushing around and not very interested in talking to me (my friends had already spoken with him and been waiting). I tried to ask questions like "what artists are working today? Where can I look at their portfolios?" and got short, one word responses that didn't leave me feeling any warm secure feelings of being taken care of. I felt kind of invisible and my initial excitement was doused. I was already thinking I wouldn't get a tattoo after all but would hang out with my friends while they did. The artist popped his head out of the back room for a minute to price my friend's tattoo. She wanted a short sentence, no more than 2 inches wide and he quoted her $120/140 (can't remember exactly) and did not appear outwardly interested in her tattoo. My friend and I exchanged looks because that sounded quite high for such a simple piece. I could tell she was bummed and her two friends who also wanted simple script tattoos were bummed and I didn't want their impulse tattoo experience in Atlanta to be like that! So we said "no thank you, we'll pass" and I took them across the street to Liberty where I've gotten several tattoos and have always been satisfied with the price and customer service. We all felt welcomed and taken care of there and we all ended up getting lovely little tats because of it! I know things go on behind the scenes and there could have been any number of reasons for the cold shoulder vibe at Southern Star. I have no hard feelings and it might be a fine shop that was having an off day, but I thought people might be interested to know how four customers were ultimately turned off from choosing to get work done there.