Voluta Tattoo

This guy (Conan) is a complete tool. Years ago i talked to him, before he opened Voluta, about getting something done. He led me on for around a year because he had drama going on in his life (the guy is a major drama queen but you wouldnt know it because he's such a smooth talker) and couldnt commit to inking me. So eventually he says hes opening Voluta and he'd like me to be one of the first customers "before the doors even open" since i had been so patient. Previously it was always an excuse like having baby mama drama or having to pick the kids up from school or whatever. Good excuses but not good business none the less. Eventually i go in to schedule - this is when it was just him in Voluta and the doors had not even been officially opened and he said he would ink me with a very good price since i was so patient and that in a week or two when my appointment was, it would be all about me with no distractions and even said the kids would be with their mom on this particular day so absolutely no distractions, just me, him and some ink flying - looked me in the eye and said this. I go in all psyched up for some ink and everything seems to be going as planned. We got to the point where i was about to get in the chair, the inks were even in the wells and ready to go when he gets a phone call. He says its his kids and they need picked up at school and "sorry" but he has to go. He literally started packing up and getting ready to leave while on the phone. Basically, tough luck but come back in a few weeks and we'll do it then. After a year and a half im expected to believe that?!! This guy is a completely self centered, holier than though, tool of tools. He went on to slam me for making comments like these on websites to warn other people of his business practices. Looks like years, many years later he still has the same poor business tactics. Im not even sure that the guy has even tattoo'ed anyone in years. Conan is a legend in his own mind and this is after all the talk from him slamming all the "rock star" tattoo artists in Indy - yes there are many but you should add yourself to that list Conan.

My mom wanted to get her first tattoo for the birthday that we share, and so we searched about for studios. She's older and didn't want to go some place "where it's all bikers and stuff." Voluta fit the bill so perfectly that I was wondering if this was some kind of trick.

Nope, just a chill and lovely space in the Stutz building, two wonderful and welcoming artists. We both had our work done by Michele, who is a total sweetheart and very, very talented. With our first work completed in October, we've since had a second session for further art - and yes, I say art without qualification. Both my mother and I have been treated very kindly and professionally. Everything was discussed in a previous planning session and via email (seriously, more studios need to do more communication via email).

I'll be moving to Wisconsin in a bit, and though I know there's great studios in Madison and Milwaukee, I'll be scheduling time to get work done here whenever I visit family in Indianapolis.

One would never say that Indianapolis is a pioneer of the tattoo industry. There are several shops popping up and several up and coming artists trying to make a name for themselves. But Voluta is one of a kind. Founded by Conan who with close to 15 yrs of experience is in a class of his own. He and Michele are putting Indy on the map of the tattoo world.

His studio is in an awesome space in the historic Stutz building. The vibe is comfortable and artistically invigorating. You can just feel it when you walk in. Conan is an intense guy and passionate about his craft. He could easily make this about him, he's that good. But as soon as you meet him, you know he loves what he does and completely enjoys creating an experience with you. He makes you feel comfortable and takes the time to explain how things will work. He shares what techniques he thinks would work best to make your story come alive on your skin, all while respecting the story behind your piece. If and when he takes on more artists in his studio, you know they will be talented and trained by the best.

I can't say enough about this place. I'm thoroughly impressed. Conan is an amazing artist who is confident but at the same time always looking to improve his talent. If there ever came a day he moves, I would make the trip...no matter how far.