Royal Gorge Custom Tattoos & Piercings LLC — Attraction in Cañon City

A group of friends and I booked an appointment for a simple mountain/sun design in order to commemorate our time in Colorado. Upon arriving at the shop for our appointment, we quickly realized that the shop was locked with a sign stating they would be back at 11:00. However our arrival time was 2:30pm with an appointment at 2:45pm. Worried that there was some sort of misunderstanding, we called the shop and the owner answered. We were told that he wasn’t there because “our appointment is at 2:45 and he won’t be there until that time.” After the phone call, we had doubts, but we decided to stay in the case that we took the owner’s response the wrong way. We had also already paid a $200 non-refundable deposit. When we were finally let inside, we did feel more comfortable and thought maybe we had judged too soon. We began going over the design we had discussed previously and settled on something. Shortly after, we decided that we weren’t fond of the font we had originally given the okay to. Because a tattoo is permanent and this was a special trip, we decided to say something and ask to change the font. The woman who was working with us seemed understanding at this point. However, the tattoo artist (owner) asked what the issue was and we explained we wanted to change the font. Seemingly annoyed, the artist explained he had drawn up the tattoo and the font he used on his stencil matched our reference photo. He showed us what he had drawn and it was evident that he had hand written it. The letters were not at all the same size and we were not happy with it. After deciding on a computerized font, the woman helping us reprinted everything and we liked it a lot more. The only issue we saw was that the size of the lettering and the size of the design itself did not look proportionate. We asked to increase the size of the design and the woman rolled her eyes with a sigh of anger. She stated that the artist would have to redraw everything but made sure to sarcastically tell us that everything was fine. At this point, we were ready to get out of there, but again we didn’t want to lose our deposit and we had not seen any issues with the tattoo artist’s actual work. We decided to stick it through and try to ignore the attitude we were given. As for the tattooing itself, the artist was extremely heavy handed. All of the tattoos were rushed and it shows in the lettering. After all was said and done, I had asked for something to cover the tattoo on my arm so I could put my coat on and I was offered a paper towel because they “may not have anything else.” Luckily, they had something other than a paper towel that I was able to use. Overall, the tattoos came out okay but I do not recommend choosing this spot for your...

I hate to leave reviews like this, but I feel compelled to after our appointment today and especially after the phone call we received.

My grandmother, sister, and I were finally going to be in the same room for the first time since our dad’s/grandmas son's funeral in 2009. To mark the moment, I designed a simple, meaningful tattoo for the three of us and booked an appointment.

I’ll own the fact that I didn’t ask for a quote upfront — that’s on me. But as someone with a lot of tattoos and a deep appreciation for the art and an artist myself, I would’ve paid more for the sentimental value alone. Still, what we were ultimately charged was shocking: $850 for three simple tattoos that were done very quickly. I was honestly impressed on how fast! However, we later realized that the quickness shows.

From the moment I arrived, the artist seemed frustrated. He claimed I never sent him the design, which made me panic and I kept apologizing with embarrassment — only to later find the message where I had sent it. Even the woman checking us out couldn’t make eye contact when she gave us the final total. She felt uncomfortable. As she should. HE should have come to check us out.

I regret not speaking up — I tend to avoid confrontation — but something didn’t sit right. My friend who came with us didn't have an appointment, so she was given a quote that wouldn't run her off. Come to find out she got a simple, 1/2 the size of our tatt AND her nipples pierced for $120.00.🤯

Later, Jonathan called us, and my husband took the call. It wasn’t a good conversation. He claimed we had left a review before he was even done with the second tattoo — but that’s just not true. I was the last one to go, and I didn’t even ask for the total until my tattoo was nearly finished. He paid - after questioning the insane price, walked to the truck, and only then did a review get posted.

That call only confirmed what we already felt: we were taken advantage of, and they knew it. I'm just not sure why.

I'm not leaving this review to scream to the world that no one should ever go there and the whole business is awful. Im leaving it to prepare others. To just to share my unfortunate experience so that others can dot alllll the "i's" and cross alllll their "T's". To price match and be knowledgeable about...

I’m originally from Colorado, but I currently live in Montana. I am down here in the unfortunate circumstance that my mother was on hospice care and has just recently passed away. On Sunday, July 20 I came to this shop and got four piercings in my ears, and the staff was very friendly and the online booking for the appointment was very efficient. My mom passed away on August 4 and I decided to get a tattoo of her signature in her handwriting as well as one for my sister and dad (both signatures as well) who both passed away a couple years ago. I again went online and made the appointment for 5pm on August 5. I showed up a few minutes before the appointment and went to the door and it was locked. All of the lights inside and the open signs were on. I stood outside the door for about 10 minutes, then sat in my car for about 20 minutes and then went and tried the door again. Giving this 3 stars because on the day I got my piercings everything was great; However, on the day I came to get these small tattoos it was not. I may change my review rating, depending if the shop decides to reach out to try to fix the situation. We’ll see I guess.

Edit: I will be nice and update to 4 stars. I have a family myself and understand the importance of that. I also know you have a business to run and it was my mistake I overlooked the “appointment is being reviewed” part of this, but if someone is submitting an appointment they should still be notified that the appointment is not approved or denied for whatever reason. I do hope that family member...