Ikonik Ink Tattoo — Attraction in Lakewood

Listen, honey, listen - I am an overthinker, and think I know what I want, and have high expectations for literally everyone around me. All of which combines to make me A Real Nightmare. I do try not to inflict this on people (especially folks I admire), hence why I took 6 months to watch Katrina's work on her IG @trinatatuaje before I concluded that she was gonna be my lady. I wrote her the most unhinged email detailing every thought I've had about my tattoos for the last 10+ years, basically proposed to her that we commit for the next 30 years of my skin holding up, and requesting that her art brain do the heavy lifting to figure out how to connect all my previous tattoos together into a holistic body art situation. And she went for it! I can only conclude she's about as beautifully unhinged as I am.

And you know what? Helllllll yeah. Katrina's design brain is brilliant and she wove my list of elements together into a stunning full piece. Her perception is sharp. He translation of ideas into images is precise. She is inventive and open and kind and has the lightest touch. We opened with a sternum tattoo and the pain was less and the healing faster than any of my previous experiences, all of which I got when I was 10+ years younger and healthier than I am now. Katrina communicated so clearly during the whole process, I never once felt doubt or hesitation, she made it easy for me to reject suggestions I didn't love, which is rare and special. I feel lucky to have found her and the Ikonik Ink shop.

Speaking of, the shop itself is (in my personal opinion) perfect. It is coated in art from floor to ceiling; art that touches more cultures and histories than I could name. It's also warm, welcoming, professional, clean as a whistle, well lit and modern without losing the feel of a classic American tattoo shop. The people who work there are clearly comfortable and confident with each other and their place on the team. They are inclusive (which is not the case at some shops!) and obviously don't have that weird thing where they think they are cooler than their clients. They also lovingly bully each other into trying new things (in this case, pineapple mochi) which I think is the sign of people who want the best for each other and the world around them.

Thank you, Trina, for the beautiful experience and art. Thank you, Ikonik Ink, for existing in all the right ways and being a boon to your community. Y'all are going to have to fire me with prejudice and move states to get away from me now; next 30 years of body art,...

Definitely recommend Ikonik Ink! I believe Mirna was working the desk, she was very welcoming and not only able but willing to help answer any questions I had. They prioritize your comfort and overall happiness during your time there. Jules did an amazing job on my tattoo and made it a fun comfortable experience, he’s friendly and professional. He was also willing to answer any questions and give honest opinions and advice in a respectful way while still maintaining that it was my decision. They do a great branding and marketing job as well, they truly deserve all the positive recognition and feedback they receive. Only cash, no card but there is an atm available in the shop. Reasonable prices for quality art, services, and care. They accept walk-ins if they’re able to, there might be a bit of a wait because of other clients but that’s proof that the services they provide are good! If you’re planning on a bigger piece I would suggest making an appointment beforehand because they take pride in their work and the more time you invest in the consultation and entire process means more time for exactly what you envisioned if not better. People often don’t want to wait but tattoos last a lifetime and it’s worth investing a fraction of that time for an awesome piece. EDIT The wonderful woman’s name is Maira not Mirna. She made the booking process fast and easy with great communication and response time. Took a trip back for another tattoo and Jesse did an awesome job! He is kind and made me feel very comfortable throughout the whole process. Gave me reassurance it was alright to take breaks, talked with me about the design, gave helpful advice or suggestions with the sizing and placement. Can’t say enough good things. Love the artists and art from both visits. My camera isn’t the best but the ink is still sick, spiders courtesy of Jules and lettering from Jesse both taken...

I just want to share with people my feeling about the tattoo experience we received at Ikonik Ink Tattoo. I just want people to know that this review isn't just based off of one tattoo being done by an artist, but also other artists as well. Names of artists will be withheld, so it doesn't effect business towards those certain artists. Again this is our personal experience and it's our right to post our review on Google. I think studio as a whole is very unprofessional and that they don't have the best interests in regards to their customers needs as well as a cleanly shop that practices overall good health standards. One artist after they were done with tattoo, touched the area that was tattooed without gloves to clean it. A couple of days later, had to go to the emergency room, because the area got infected, and had to be treated with antibiotics. We have had other tattoos done by other shops, and we never had problems after. We will never go to this place again, and won't recommend them for tattoos if anyone asks in regards to knowing a good tattoo shop. Please don't be taken by surprise as we were when it comes to their high 5 star rating reviews. We were fooled!!! If you go through all the reviews of each artist, you will notice that only high rated reviews are available on the website. That is because the owner gets notified of low reviews, and has them deleted by going to Google himself, saying the review is false. I have talked to other customers that have had this happened before to their reviews as well. It is our blood American right to freedom of speech and to express our experiences with businesses that we pay to get their goods they offer. I will be monitoring this review, as I am, a very active person who does reviews on Google all the time, so if this review is deleted, I will be filing a complaint...