Smart Ink Tattoo and Art Collective — Local services in Addison Township

On Monday, August 5th, I showed up for an appointment with the incredibly talented, humble, and soft-spoken visual maestro, Tom Loranz. I had previously given him some words and inspiration for what I was looking for as far as a tattoo to adorn my body's outer mettle. Tom designed something fitting to my preferences and personality.

I showed up a shade after 1pm. As I entered, I was greeted warmly by a delightfully pleasant young woman who asked how she, and the establishment, could help. Polite, with an energy of confidence, caring, and composure in her voice. I informed her I had an appointment with Tom, and as I spoke his name, he appeared. He had me fill out some paperwork, standard process stuff, ensuring everything that would follow was official and above the board. Once finished, he led me back to his station.

I noticed at least a half-dozen stations, probably more, and they were all clean and well organized. From a quick glance, this appears to be an establishment that takes sanitary conditions seriously. I appreciate that, very much. Right off the bat, a few of my priorities when selecting a shop, were answered. Attentive and friendly staff, adherence to procedure, clean and well maintained spaces for artists and patrons, both.

It's been a few years since I last got some ink, maybe six or seven, so I was a little rusty on the procedure. I had spoken with Tom the night before for some guidance on what I should expect. He took the time to give me some insight into what I should bring and how I should prepare. A Good night's rest, plenty of water, eat a good meal beforehand. Bring some earbuds to bop tunes, and even some snacks should I get hungry. Proper details. Very groovy, baby.

We spent a little over an hour prepping the tattoo. Sizing it to my bicep, transferring it to sketch paper, shaving my arm (tattoo artists and barbers have a few things in common), and Tom Loranz was deft and skilled throughout the process. We cracked jokes, chatted a bit, and shared excitement on this one-of-a-kind piece he was preparing to affix to my body. A touch before 230, we got to work.

One of the things I really appreciated about this shop was the camaraderie between artists. Tom was getting hyped up, hard, by all his fellow creatives. They swooned over the design, imagined what it would like finished, and kept both our confidences riding high. The young woman whose station sits adjacent to Tom's, of whose name I'm unaware, spoke glowingly of how she appreciates and respects Tom's work. Tom returned her sentiments, as they masterfully affixed symbol and motif to willing canvas skin murals, before them. She wasn't the only artist to glow over Tom during this procedure, Albert checked-in several times to gush over the progress.

Every time one of these sweet souls came to see what was happening, they always made sure we were taken care. Bottle of water, snacks? I should have asked for beef jerky, it surely would have been delivered. However, what I'm trying to say is, this shop is populated by caring, considerate, excitable, friendly, vivacious, unique, masterful in their craft, tattoo artists and professionals. Y'know, cool people, n stuff.

Getting a tattoo from Tom Loranz felt akin to a spiritual experience. There is pain involved to represent a reflection of beauty harbored in the depths of our souls. At no point during our six plus hour session did I feel uncomfortable. Many likely will reflect this sentiment, the pain of progress is worth the reward. Having an artist listen to your words and draft a design particular to your preferences is magical. Watching and feeling them imbue it to your body, like a glyph or rune, is both powerful and surreal.

If you're looking for an artist to help fulfill your tattoo desire, check out Smart Ink Tattoo and Art Collective. Tom Loranz is my guy, you couldn't woo me away from his stead with chocolate covered bacon, gourmet jarlsberg swiss ham sliders, homemade rootbeer, and swedish flop coffee cake. Go ahead and try, tho. Check out all their artists portfolios, and...

Had to share my experience in working with Albert and Smart Ink Tattoo, as it was truly an incredible experience. I got a tattoo from another shop last year, and never liked it. The artist at the time didn’t capture the vision and I didn’t like to show it to anyone. I have a friend who has gotten some work done with Albert, so I reached out to see if he thought he can do a cover-up.

The entire experience with Albert was absolutely amazing. He immediately made me feel at ease and made it clear that he had a vision. I booked a few weeks out and anxiously awaited to see the design. When he sent the design in advance of the appointment, he was clear on how he was thinking about it, and patient with all my questions.

When I arrived at the shop, he and the staff were all warm and welcoming. He explained everything upfront. It was clear his attention to detail and his passion were top notch compared to other places I have been. Throughout the entire tattoo session, he was absolutely great. He explained things to me, talked about his background, and put me at ease the entire time. Most importantly, he worked his magic and created a beautiful new tattoo out of the previous one I hated. I would recommend him to all my friends and family and will...

Artist: I started working with Albert a few years ago after my now wife introduced us. I have always been terrified and hated needles which left me with only a few randomly placed tattoos.

Well that all changed after my first season with Albert. He has a super light hand, he moves quickly, has great line work, an awesome imagination, and a one of the best personalities.

I have since gotten both my arms fully sleeved, and couldn’t be more grateful to have found an artist I trust.

Shop: The Smart Ink studio is phenomenal. It is first and foremost extremely clean. it is a spacious studio with many artist stations, that are filled with a wide variety of some really good raw talent. Everyone is welcoming and friendly when you arrive, and they make you feel comfortable while here. Whether that be turning on your favorite movie or TV show. Or just maintaining good conversation with positive vibes! They also have a large paint studio attached where they offer paint and sip classes.

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