Timeless Ink Tattoos — Attraction in Everett

I booked with Gwen for a tattoo coverup. I want to make it clear that I did miss my first appointment, and the shop was accommodating and let me rebook with the same deposit! When booking the appointment, she was so sweet! I sent over some pics of my tattoo and some inspiration. She liked the message, and we booked an appointment. I messaged her a few days before the appointment asking for a price, since it was a custom piece, and a time frame. Gwen did not respond to me at all, until I saw her in person and asked about it. I sent multiple follow up messages. When I arrived, I was told that we could not do anything like what I had wanted. I was told that I would need something w lots of black, so I sent over inspo of what I wanted. Gwen said she could not do it, and recommended florals. Nothing at all like what I requested, or like the rest of my art. We proceeded to have a brief consultation, and I felt forced into a tattoo that I did not like or want. We set plans for a new day, and I left. I ended up going back into the shop a few mins later, and stuck up for myself. I said that the tattoo was nothing like what I wanted, and I was no longer interested in booking. I want to make it clear that through this interaction, I was very kind, and also (embarrassingly) in tears. However, while Gwen did acknowledge that she lacked communication and gave me my deposit back, she made ME feel like I was the problem here. As someone with a degree in psychology, I pay close attention to language, and the way that I am spoken to. The language used was condescending, and putting the blame on me when all I have done absolutely nothing wrong.

We would not have been in this situation had she

A) requested a consultation B) responded to my messages C) communicated that what I wanted was not possible prior to booking

I am blown away at the lack of professionalism. I want to add that I called the shop at least 5 times before my appointment (as I was concerned that Gwen had not responded to me for DAYS) and each time they picked up (I started talking) and they immediately hung up. While I am sure she is talented, I would not recommend working with Gwen if you are looking for an artist who will hear you, or communicate any suspected problems in a...

Update: Shop is unprofessional - from experience to their response. I had my sleeve rolled up and was ready to start the tattoo. I ended up going to a shop in DC, and my tattoo honestly looks so much better than my boyfriends, Alex wasn't as good as I initially though. Glad I went somewhere else!

Original: Alex is a great artist - shop not so much. A walk in was booked during our appointment, so they ended up cancelling my tattoo after finishing my boyfriend's. Totally on front desk people, not on Alex. Very heartbreaking though to book a couple matching tattoo and only one of you end up getting tattooed. I wish either both of us or neither got tatted, just one of us feels wrong.

edit - We booked 4 hours for a couple session but we were confused on prices after messaging back and forth with Alex. Walking into the shop, we mistakingly told them up front my boyfriend will be definitely be getting tattooed and I probably will too - depending on prices. Before even starting my boyfriends tattoo we got squared away with prices and we had decided to do both tattoos. Alex said I could fill out the paperwork at the front desk after he finished my tattoo (this may have been my mistake, but I thought if he said he would tattoo me, then he would tattoo me). After my boyfriends was done, alex said he had to go to the bathroom and then he would start on mine. I also decided to go to the bathroom before starting and while I was in the bathroom, the people at the store booked a walk in for Alex without checking first (at 2, even though we booked 12-4). There were three or four other artists there without any clients as well. The front desk came down and asked if I was getting a tattoo. We said yes, and they said actually we booked someone else instead so you actually aren't getting one. Luckily I found another artist I really liked and was able to get a matching one because we definitely never heard back from Alex or the shop (besides...

Can I give a 10/5? Because WOW.

The Shop - incredibly well run, which is evident by how organized and clean it is. There are systems and processes that allow this shop to run like a well oiled machine

The Artists - I got to see work by all the artists working that day and not a single one of the artists had sub par, or even at par work. Every single piece that left the shop that day had clear artistry, clean lines, balance, attention to detail, and years of expertise that shined.

My experience - I came in as a walk in, my tattoo artist was Red. If you have a chance, GO SEE HIM AND GET TATTOOED. I came in with reference photos and an idea and he improved on my idea and executed it impeccably well. I am blown away by how well it turned out. I'm in Boston for a work thing, I'm from San Diego, and I am quite seriously considering flying out again just to get tattooed...