Keys on Kites Tattoo & Gallery — Attraction in New Haven

Update: I've been coming here for 2 years. As I write this I am currently waiting to get my 5th tattoo by Jeste. He did a fox for me, which ultimately led me to get my crow and Joker and Harley pieces. His portrait / gray scale work is impeccable.

I had my first tattoo at 19 at another shop and the guy was so heavy handed I ached for a week. It took me over a decade to come back to a shop and only at the behest of a friend who highly recommended this shop. I love my tattoos and get compliments on them all the time.

The artists are also mid range - no $250/hour nonsense here. Just crazy good talent. Darius does traditional work that's out of this world good too. Rob does beautiful detailed pieces and I believe color work. There's different style artists here and they won't just take a tattoo to make money. They'll happily refer you to someone in the shop who will do it best or tell you what will make it better. I can't say enough good things about this place. Definitely stop by, but don't hope for same day. Most of them book out several months in advance.

I've now been to Keys on Kites for 3 of my tattoos. One small calf piece, and two large thigh pieces - all done by Jeste Gloria. He does black and white portrait type work and to say he is talented doesn't even cover it. I've received an insane number of compliments on the level of detail and lifelike quality of them. He is meticulous as hell and super soft hand. I don't walk away sore and aching for days. He's also really concerned with each of his clients and making sure that what you want is in his wheel house - and if it's not who in the shop can. All super nice guys - Darius and the others - very welcoming and don't make you feel put off. Highly...

Eric did a large rose tattoo on my back to cover a lotus and script. It was a three part visit due to my tolerance of the pain. He was not only patient but compassionate and an absolute pleasure to spend 12 plus hours with. He made suggestions and worked with me to design something to fully cover and leave me with a tattoo that I love. He takes pride in his work, is professional, and has a very clean environment that he tattoos in. I always felt welcome and the others that work there are pretty stellar too. Mati exudes kindness and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know him. Rob is super impressive in his skills of drawing and I was watching him design today some really cool star wars tattoos that made me want one!

If you are looking for a shop and it’s important to you to feel completely comfortable, respected, and welcome, as well as work with an artist that will colaberate with you on design, don’t hesitate to come here. You won’t regret the experience! Thankyou Eric for the incredible tattoo. For making me feel beautiful again by covering what I hated and for being so great during the process. Thankyou Mati and Rob for being awesome! I can honestly say that I will never visit any other shop for my tattooing or...

I was in town visiting from Chicago and my friend and I wanted to get tattoos to commemorate the occasion. I wasn’t at all familiar with the area but did some searching online and came across Keys on Kites. I checked out their social media and saw that the artist all produce stellar work so I reached out before I came out to CT. When I called and messaged, everyone was super friendly and helpful.

My friend and I decided on a walk-in and the guys in the shop were super accommodating and helpful. From the time we talked in to the time we were getting tattooed was maybe 20 minutes - I’m sure it varies depending on the day.

My review is for Jonny, he did my piece and I can’t say enough good things about him and his work. He is a talented dude! He was patient when I was figuring out the sizing I wanted as well as the placement. I’m an awkward shy person but I was made to feel comfortable and the conversations were nice. He took his time with his work and inquired if I was comfortable. I didn’t get anything fancy or extremely intricate but I am beyond ecstatic with the finished result. Great line work and shading! It looks awesome. Next time I make the trip out to CT, I’ll definitely be coming back for another piece....