Wow Mark. .. all 5 stars? I guess I not surprised. Â Mark is awesome. Â I send everyone to him and get countless compliments on how "unique" and "beautiful" and of course "bad-ass" my tattoos are. I especially like changing the mind of someone older and conservative when they say they "don't usually like tattoos but wow yours looks like a painting!" Mark is the best. Â Make your appointment for a consult now!
Review Source:Let me begin by saying that I NEVER write yelp reviews, I just read them. As testament to my very strong feelings concerning Mark and the entire Truth family, I think that this will be my very first one...
It almost hurt MY feelings to read that one negative review from Michael and I hope that this review (along with the multiple others) can trump that bad seed.
I have been getting tattooed by Mark for almost 2 years now. He did my first "big" piece. I have a few other tats from random shops along the way, but once I was introduced to Mark, I knew I had stumbled upon something amazing. Mark is not only a unique and talented artist, but he's a good-hearted, honest, and beautiful person. I've sat for multiple day-long sessions with him and there is never an uncomfortable or unhappy moment-aside from the fact that you are being stuck repeatedly with a needle of course. However, even THAT isn't so bad, as Mark has a steady, gentle flow as well as some fantastic equipment. You can't even hear that often annoying "buuuuuzzzz" sound from his machine.
The environment is relaxing (waterfalls, live plants, candles) and inviting. There is all kinds of art on the walls, prayer flags and clouds on the ceiling-no scary biker skeleton shit that little white chicks like me might get scared away by. I've been in other shops that make me feel intimidated, or like I don't belong there. Not at Truth! It is honestly such a family-oriented environment. I've met his kids on multiple occasions (so adorable!) and his wife is awesome too! My boyfriend is the one that originally sent me to Mark. He has such an incredible following.
Mark is super personable and a great conversationalist. If you've ever sat for a long session before you know that this is a huge plus in an artist. You don't want to have to lay there bored and in pain for hours. Time literally flies by with Mark.
As for his tattoos...I can't express how impressive his work is. As other reviews have mentioned, if you want a shamrock or a heart on your big toe, go to one of those places that have you pick your design off the wall or out of a book. Mark's pieces are brilliant interpretations of the clients dreams. His "book" is filled with full sleeves of Where the Wild Things Are, morphing fire phoenixes, tree women, and all kinds of crazy custom creations. I came to Mark with an idea for a large piece and we worked together (looked at photos/ brainstormed ideas/ sketched different elements) to bring my vision to life. He talked me through every step of the process...even to the point of me saying "Mark, you are amazing, just do what you think is best." The journey of creating a permanent piece of art on your body can become very emotional and sometimes trying in many ways, but Mark is such an intuitive person that he understands all of the process as if through the clients eyes. Reaching that level of trust with your artist is so wonderful. I am so grateful.
I truly think that if you are type-A and want a tattoo RIGHT NOW and are in any way close-minded, you definitely should consider looking at another shop. There are artists out there who will be right for you. But, if you are not afraid to step outside the box a little, you're not afraid of tweaking your original vision for the betterment of the overall masterpiece, you aren't in some major kind of rush and understand that perfection (dare I use that word) may take some time, and you are chill, friendly, and generally a good soul, you will love Mark, and he will love you too! He has such passion what he does, and that just makes it so much better. After our last session he said to me, "Damn I had so much fun today."
I have no idea who that person Michael is nor do I care, but I have a suspicion that his negative attitude toward Mark and his shop may have more to do with the type of person he is, not necessarily Mark's abilities or attributes as a shop owner and artist.
All in all, I highly recommend Truth Tattoo to anyone whether it's your first tat or your 15th..Mark will hook you up! Stop by the shop and check it out for yourself!
An awesome experience! Mark is the man. He was able to fit me in last minute for a small tattoo. Although known for his multi-session large pieces, he put substantial thought and detail into my small tattoo. He understood that no matter what the size, a tattoo is still meaningful.
Mark uses a unique style of tattoo machine that far superior to what I have experienced at other tattoo shops. There was no annoying buzzing, and it was far less painful. The studio was neat and Mark was willing to discuss issues of sterilization. I felt completely confident with the cleanliness of the place.
The place was tasteful. This was not a typical tacky tattoo shop; the client does not pick their tattoo off a wall of options. It was truly an individual experience.
The studio was beautifully decorated with plants, a small fountain, an a killer-color-changing light display. The music was eclectic and the conversation was great! I got to ask lots of interesting questions about parenthood. It was an overall excellent experience. I will most definitely be returning to Mark at Truth. In addition, I would highly recommend him to others.
Book ahead of time, cause the man is in high demand.
Ok... so I've waited a bit... Didn't want to gush before I put this up.
First I think artists suffer a bit... The bad reviews on yelp decidedly reflect this for the Crew at Truth Tattoo. First things first. Its a "f...kin" tattoo! You better be sure what you want and that you are in tune with the artist.
TT is not the kind of place you go if you want a shamrock on your foot. The crew here are into created art. Stormy worked with Mark for almost two years to get the concept down. She's half through now and the results are amazing. Mark was saying they are doing fewer and fewer walk-ins. Why? Cause they are that good and they can support themselves by word of mouth alone.
Nuff said.
Can't say enough good things about Mark Larson. Â I spent a lot of time interviewing atattoo artists, asking for them to work with me on a design at their consulting rate and was turned down. Â Mark and I corresponded by email for a while until I felt I knew what I wanted and he was clear also.
He was thorough in making sure he understood what I was looking for and where I would allow his artistic vision to step in.
I spent at least 4 hours under the needle on my first session (my first tattoo!) and found it to be a comfortable and friendly experience. Â I have at least another 4 hours to finish my piece and I am really looking forward to my next appointment.
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE WORK? you ask.
Mark understands how the inks age over time and takes this into consideration when he works so that the end result will be what I envision. Â HIs art is exquisite and his attention to detail is a marvel. Â I am so pleased with the tattoo so far. Â This is work that will be on me forever and it has been so worth it to have Mark Larson be the one to execute it. Â If art on skin is what you are looking for, you should talk to Mark.
After spending the last 10 years off and on looking for a great local Lake Tahoe artist that I liked. I saw some of marks work, I then spent the next year watching his online portfolio grow. While every tattoo mark does is not for me, his style and artistic sensibilities always remain at the same high level. I approached mark with one of the most in-depth, detail oriented pieces. He has been nothing but enthusiastic and honest in his dealings with me and I could not be happier, he has met and/or exceeded all of my expectations. He is accomplishing one of the most difficult photo realistic sleeves to be attempted, it's depth of details are mindblowing. Thanks Mark, I knew going in that this would be a long difficult sit (30plus hours so far) and your laidback shop, attitude, and style have made it enjoyable to drive 2 hours one way, sit for 4-5 hours, and drive 2 plus hours home. Â Can't wait to show my tattoo off at Reno tattoo convention!!
Review Source:I'm SOOOO pleased with Truth Tattoo!
J.P. is making my tattoo & it truly is art = I LOVE my tattoo!!! Â
This whole experience has been wonderful. Â When I first walked in to get a tattoo, Mark gave me 2 different portfolios to look through. Â By choosing which style I preferred meant which tattoo artist would make my tattoo (you don't know who's portfolio your looking at). Â My personal choice was J.P.'s style. Â Unknowingly, what I have always wanted for a tattoo ended up to be a major cliche in the tattoo industry - however J.P. was estatic to conquer what I wanted and he sure has = this is a tattoo that is so special and meaningful to me AND is truly a piece of art! Â I couldn't be more pleased :-)
The atmosphere in Truth Tattoo is very enjoyable and clean, and the tattoo artists are very talented, professional, kind, and truly listen to what you want = I highly recommend Truth Tattoo to everyone :-)
Love the work I got from Mark! Â They were at the Seattle Tattoo Convention in 2010 .. and I spent quite a bit of time perusing the various artists. Â Some were friendly but Not in my style. Some were ... well that is another story.
Then I turned a corner and bumped into this amazingly soft and welcoming energy coming from the Truth from Truckee area. Â Where the HECK is Truckee was my first question. Â But hey, right energy. Â Loved the samples of his work .. and watching him do a complex cover was beyond amazing! Â You'd never have guessed.
We did a short consult as I explained the concept of what I wanted - and we set a time to get together to see if we could meet minds on the piece.
I was back 2 hours later with artwork ideas in hand. Â
Mark and Anna and I sat for about 30 minutes going over my vision and coming up with a plan to start. Â As it's a complex piece we all knew that we'd not be able to finish in this one sitting. Â
We set to work with a clear idea of the "do now" and making sure it left space for the "do later" pieces. Â Â My start took about 3 hours and was an amazing process! Â Working with Mark was a Joy. Â his focus was intense but talked when I needed it.
Remember to be realistic in your own expectations. Â If you want a larger, more complex, customized piece - it's going to take time and more than one visit. Â So plan your budget for more than one sitting - or find that "friend" taking tattoo lessons or that is "learning" and take your chances.
Yes this is going on you - yes it's forever (short of lasers) ... and do you really want cheap?
I'm very happy with the start of my new piece .. the price, the work, the ME conveyed.
Thanks Mark ! Â Anna you're a love! Â I appreciate the communications and shared intention of creating Truth in Truckee!
Can't wait to see you again for the next addition!
Blessings all !
I am so impressed by the quality of work and the caliber of the artists who work at Truth Tattoo. Over the summer my dad was living in Truckee and decided it was time for his first tattoo, at age 64. This came as a bit of a shock to me, especially when I found out what kind of tattoo he wanted - full back piece that extended up onto his neck and head, to behind his ear. Yes, I needed to be there for this. And yes, I needed to get one with him. Father-daughter bonding time over tattoos? CHECK!
Mark, the owner and main artist at Truth Tattoo, is an incredible guy who worked tirelessly with my dad, my stepmother, and myself to design a tattoo that all 3 of us loved (my dad figured he wouldn't be the one looking at it, so our opinions held a lot of weight.) He is a fine artist who was able to translate this vision from inside my dad's imagination perfectly onto his body. Not only am I so impressed by his work (literally hours of time was spent over multiple sessions getting my dad's piece finished) but he also has a great sense of humor and is a generally fun guy to be around. He even let me try out the tattoo gun on my dad! Talk about a cool experience!
For my own work, I wanted to get one tattoo fixed up, and a new one done. Mark was super honest with me about the location of the new one I wanted - partially on the bottom of my foot which he explained was a bad idea because it would eventually wear out into an unrecognizable blob. He could have easily taken my money and done it, but he is a stand up guy, truthful guy (pun not really intended).
Smiley, the newest artist there, helped me out with my touch up and the one I finally decided on. His name says it all - super friendly and did a nice job to boot. If I didn't live so far away from Truckee I might be spending all of my hard-earned money at Truth Tattoo...so instead I'll just recommend that everyone else go there as well!
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