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.
Review Source: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.
Drama, drama, drama. I'm getting emails from artists that they've committed mutiny and started their own studio, followed by replies from the owner about my personal information being compromised in VERY DRAMATIC LANGUAGE. I originally thought it was kind of cool that they were so exclusive; now it just seems like posturing. Go someplace where they themselves (but not tattoos) less seriously.
Review Source:Had great 30 minute 7/27/11 consultation with Dina. Dina stated the cost was going to be $100 / hr & one time $25 for design fee. She also mentioned I would receive an email with draft design 5 days before the scheduled appointment. I left a $200 cash deposit & asked how much cash does she think I should bring on appointment. Dina said, "if you bring an additional $125, you should be fine".
Her limited availability and my busy schedule, my appointment was scheduled online and confirmed for 8/11/11 and received my first draft on 8/8/11 (only 4 days before scheduled appointment). I sent back the email of the wonderful design with some feedback and questions and never heard back  from her until this late morning, day before the scheduled appointment
So today 8/10/11, I received an email from Dina cancelling my appointment  because she going to be out sick for the rest of the week. She made no mention as to when it could be made up or an offer as to when she would be available, but knowing I was very busy next week I requested a refund.
I expected to pay for the $25 design time for the draft drawing, she never answered my questions about. However, she sent me another email stating the design time cost was now $75 and for me to send an address to mail the check to. Since she didn't mention when the check would be mailed, I have no idea which address to give her.
Dina is no longer answering my emails and I'm waiting on answers to the following:
Why the increase in design time cost from $25.00 to $75.00 after the fact?
When will check be mailed, so I know which address to pass along?
Dina's exact wording I requested a refund, because there no reason for me to have $200 floating around for 3 weeks with no end in sight (because Dina isn't offering much).
"I am sorry that my illness is that much of pain for you. Our policy is to mail your deposit back minus the design time that will be $75. As for your complete lack or care and concern about my well being it is clear that you are not a good match for Voluta and I will not be able to work with you. What address would like us to send the refund."
UPDATE:
I filed a compliant with their local BBB
I text Dina asking for email reply, she stated in email that since I'm no longer a client to not text her and that I'm harassing her ~ (until I'm refunded, I'm still a client ~ not harassment if I'm trying to get my refund) Â
Dina finally replied & stated she now recalls our conversation and a refund of $175.00 will be mailed ~ did not supply mail date, so I still couldn't send an address
eMail from Conan (owner), "From here on you communicate with me only. A female told you that you're harassing her. Get it?
$25/hr. design fee. You're welcome for a custom design by an artist who cares. The design is now yours. $100/hr. tattoo artist fee. As good as it gets in Indiana.
Dina spent three hours on you, so you will get the difference, $125.
I will mail your money to the address you specify. You have alarmed all of us with your hot/cold flip. This is your official, written notice that you are not invited to Voluta Tattoo. Should you arrive at our door we will consider it malicious. Don't do that."
I have emails & a receipt confirming the math to $175.00. Gotta love the his last words ~ Really, is that what you think of me and how I would handle this matter? I'm going to assume that statement was made based on PAST ISSUES.
UPDATE:
They said today a check was being mailed for $125.00. Well once they canceled my scheduled appointment and I no longer wanted to have them sitting on my $200 cash deposit ~ they didn't like that
Not filing small claims court because the total cost is $95, so in the coming months I'll use online tools to make sure others know about how SHADY they are
UPDATE:
Received $125 check from owner & it's memo stated, "(My Name) Contract Breach ~ LOL, WTF ~ They canceled and didn't offer a replacement appointment even after I asked about coming the next day after the one they canceled. FYI, Seemed like a great place but just make sure you PLAY their GAME or it will cost you.
I want to move in.
My husband and I both got inked by Dina after getting multiple recommendations from friends. Seriously, that was one of the greatest Friday nights of our life. It was like hanging out with good friends and getting a tattoo.
Gerritt, Conan and Dina were in the shop and there were mutiple clients from out of town. That's how great this shop is - people drive from MI to get ink here.
They are serious artists too - you MUST return in 2 weeks for a touch up.
I was disappointed after my celtric knot looked less crisp because my skin feathers the ink... not to fear! Conan, Dina and I came up with a cover up for my silly old Kanji which will tie together all my back art and minimize the impact of the feathering. I can't wait.
What can I say that Nicole C. hasn't already stated? I'm not sure. All I know is Voluta is the absolute best!!!
Dina (my artist) is amazing and professional. While I was being tattooed Laura was doing a full side on another girl who was getting her first tattoo (talk about courage!) both artists made me feel comfortable and at home. Not some icky tattoo parlor with strange men/woman staring at me while I am getting inked.
Thanks Voluta for not making me feel like an outcast for enjoying tattoos!!!
This is not your daddy's tattoo parlor!
Art, ink, professionalism, intelligence, and fun all stand behind the door at Voluta...but don't go knocking on it because you won't get in. Â Voluta is a consultation only studio where your tattoo begins with an email and ends with an absolute work of art on your body.
No flash, no friends of the artist hanging with their boys while eating smelly take-out, no artist telling you to hold up while they finish their cigarette, no giggly girls pining for their first butterfly tattoo (not judging giggles or butterflies, I like them both)....you'll find that Conan and his crew have created the perfect environment for how serious tattooing truly is.
All work is done by appointment and the artists will work with your schedule to get things started. Â Their website is a little heavy, but wading through it you'll find their philosophy, their galleries, and their individual biographies so you choose someone you feel comfortable with from the start.
I was fortunate enough to meet Conan and Ashley while working with my artist, Amory Abbott. They're all wonderful, but I have to give huge kudos to Amory since it's his original sketch and handiwork on my body. Â Couldn't have asked for a more quirky and talented person to spend literally hours upon hours up close and personal. Â
If you're ready to really invest in an idea with your money, your time and your heart, this is the place to go...
I will never again step into a tattoo parlor where the artist talks more to the receptionist than he does the client in his chair.
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