Ants Tattoo San Jose

"It took me a while to write this review party because I am lazy and partly because of how horrible this experience was and not wanting to have to think about it. I first received a recommendation (kinda) for this shop from an acquaintance who didn’t speak highly at all of the shop but I liked the art. I looked it up, and dmed the artist I liked the art of most (Zoey). What I wanted was a coverup of part of a tattoo that I had earlier in my life that came out poorly. I sent thé artist references of what my current art looked like, as well as a coverup outcome of someone who had a similar tattoo. She said she could do it and it would be 500-600$ (yeesh) which is a lot, however it was worth it to me, and all was good. It was a little concerning about the lack of communication, but she said she could do it so I wasn’t too worried. Fast forward to the day before my appointment, where I had already paid the $100 deposit. She all of the sudden had a lot of questions about specifics, and I was extremely confused about why she wouldn’t have asked all of this a month ago when I made the appointment. I answered, and she said we could talk more in the shop. More alarm bells. I got to the shop, and all of the sudden she couldn’t do what I wanted. My lines were already too dark and she thought she was just going to do basic shading (for 600$???). So I scrambled. Here is where this falls on me. I looked for something, anything that we could do as a coverup instead of just walking out. Sunk cost fallacy. I settled on a spider, as I have been wanting a nice, widowey blackwork spider tattoo for a while. She draws it, after complaining, and it looks horrible. The spider looks thick and rough and the body is curved and for some reason this woman thinks that a spider’s body is curved when it’s walking to the side. I make her redraw it several times and she reluctantly does until it kind of looks passable. Again I need to just walk out but I didn’t. During the tattoo, she didn’t really try to talk at all and was quiet. She didn’t ask how I was doing or anything. The results of the tattoo were also not good. The black splotch that now is the spider is uneven, the legs are different shapes, thicknesses, and lengths and the artwork barley resembles a spider. The black part of it is unevenly shaded, as well. Additionally, I asked her to leave AS MUCH blank space as possible to have potential fixes be easier down the line and so it wouldn’t stand out as much. She didn’t listen to that at all. It looks horrible and has made me extremely self conscious of my arm and honestly ruined a lot of tattooing for me which sucks because I love art and being “one” with art. I strongly recommend against going to this shop. My artist (kinda lol) Zoey disregarded my concerns, and lied to me until after I had paid my deposit and then forced me to come in and fix her horrid communication on the spot. It is my fault for not walking out, but I shouldn’t have to. Please don’t go here if just to not support practices like these and if you do, don’t go to Zoey."

"Went here for a Friday the 13th flash and had an underwhelming and slightly irritating experience. On their Instagram, they stated there was no limit on the number of flashes you could get, but when we arrived we were told we could only get one each. I came on day 2, so I understand if they realized no limit wasn't feasible after day 1, but they hadn't posted any updates anywhere, so it was disappointing to find out while being taken in that you could only get one. Also, I was only about 7th in line, and getting a small, very simple tattoo, which took less than 10 minutes, but there didn't seem to be a system by which they took people back, so six or seven people who were behind me in line got taken to an artist before me. The tattoo work was fine and the artist was nice enough, but the lack of organization and disappointment and frustration made me not want to go back unless I was seeking work from a specific artist."

"@Marisa, first and foremost, thank you! I took a forearm tattoo I sketched up. Little did I know, but tattoo artist find bands difficult because of placement and the human anatomy is not a perfect square. There are muscles and bone to take into account. Marisa took my sketch and made some awesome suggestions. To simply get the stencil took a bit, but she was determined to make it right, which I didn’t mind. Never once did it felt rushed. She must have placed the stencil on my arm about 5 times to ensure it was the best placement and that it looked centered. Again, I greatly appreciate the patience and dedication. Other artist would just say “eff it, let’s just get it over with” but loved the dedication here. It’s a tattoo! It should never feel rushed. And the tattoo has sentimental value as well. Well, tat came out clean! Them lines are sharp! I know it was a grueling tattoo, but what an amazing outcome! Thank you!"

"Awesome experience and great ambience and artists. Came in as a walk-in. They worked with me and were patient. Came From out of state and chose them cus I liked their work I saw On tik tok. Justin did an amazing job!! Def recommend this shop"