Harbour Lights Social Club LLC — Local services in Aurora

If you’re considering Evan Eller as your tattoo artist, read this first and then make your decision. You’re better off going to Bird, who also works in the shop.

Just to be clear, this review is not for the shop, but for a particular artist. I don’t normally blast people on reviews but this deserves it, considering I have a hideous tattoo on my elbow for the rest of my life. Evan Eller was my “artist”, which is definitely an overstatement for him as an individual. I’ve seen his work when he actually tries and it’s good, which is what initially brought me to him at this shop, but that turned out to be a horrible mistake on my part. Let me explain in detail why this was such a terrible experience working with Evan.

Firstly, upon trying to bounce my ideas off of him during our consultation, he gave zero input, and zero ideas of his own. I felt like I was talking to a wall. He didn’t even seem like he was listening. He was very engaged whenever my girlfriend gave her ideas though. Funny how that works huh? Beside the point though. I’ve seen other pieces that he has done, and they were really great, so I figured I could expect the same work, even with him not being very responsive. I gave him the benefit of the doubt and thought maybe it was just a long day.

So, about a month later after our consultation, I come into the shop ready for my tattoo and he didn’t have anything planned or drawn. Keep in mind, I explained to him in great detail exactly what I wanted during our consultation, and before our appointment. He claimed that he usually draws up his designs during the appointment before we start, which is fair, if you actually come up with ideas on the spot. Again, he gave me no input into what his plans for the tattoo were WHILE IM ABOUT TO GET TATTOOED BY HIM so I was left simply trusting him with his lack of design. All he did was copy the EXACT reference image I sent him, nothing more, and it didn’t have any other elements that I asked for during our conversations. Before we started, I asked if he had a plan regarding that particular image and incorporating all the other elements we spoke about and he assured me he did. He also stated that he had plans that night so we couldn’t do the whole tattoo in one sitting, which it was originally supposed to be.

So, he proceeds to tattoo this juvenile compass rose on my elbow, again incorporating none of the elements we discussed, and claims that he will finish it on a later date. I leave VERY disappointed, yet hopeful that he will turn around and make a beautiful piece of art during our next session.

A month later, the day of our second session arrives and AGAIN, he had nothing prepared and no ideas for that matter to finish this horrendous tattoo. We sat down for 40 minutes with him drawing up various designs on the spot, which again, did not incorporate my original ideas at all. He wanted to just add filler into the background and not complete the tattoo itself, because AGAIN he claimed he needed to be somewhere that night.

After an hour or so, I decided to just leave due to the fact that he wasn’t going to do anything that I asked him to do and I wanted him to have time to design the tattoo and not be rushed because of his plans that night. We rescheduled, but after such a pathetic experience with a pathetic “artist”, I decided to cut my losses and try to find an artist who could actually do something with this unfinished piece.

I’ve since had no luck with any other artists, because no artist wants to touch this awful tattoo so I am stuck with this piece on my elbow that I do not like, want, or have any way to get fixed. I even swallowed my pride and tried to schedule with Evan again, thinking he is the only person who would complete this tattoo and what do you know, HE DIDNT EVEN RESPOND.

Evan Eller is the most unprofessional “artist” I’ve ever been in business with, and I pray that I can find an artist willing to cover this trash up.

Don’t work with him. Do yourself a favor and ...

Owner Chris Tran is amazing at what he does. He has a staff full of talented artists that do great work and would highly recommend considering this shop when you are ready for your next tattoo. I was lucky enough to have had Chris Tran do all my work over the years. It started with big back piece and I was so impressed and happy with my tattoo that I continued to come to him for more pieces and have been just as impressed about every piece he has done. His attention to detail is impressive and he has a special talent and we are lucky to have this tattoo artist here in Colorado. He is usually a few months booked out but is worth the wait. If you can’t wait I’ve seen some of the work his crew has done and they would do a great job also. All of his work is top notch but his portraits are amazing. He done a piece with my kids on my arm and I was shocked on how great he captured them. Also my Nephew just recently passed away and the piece that he did for my Sister was a tribute that captured him so well and my Sister has thanked me so many times for referring her to him so if you are looking for a Tattoo shop I would highly recommend Harbour Lights...

I received my first tattoo ever two weeks ago from Zach at Harbour Lights Social Club and all I can say is the experience I received is beyond anything I expected. I was nervous getting my first tattoo as the entire situation can be daunting from setting up an appointment, finding the right artist, and the dynamic of the shop. However, all of these were handled professionally and quickly when I first reached out to the shop. Zach is among one of the many talented artists available at the shop capable of handling any request you may have and the amount and speed of communication is great. When you arrive at Harbour Lights Social Club you will not only receive fantastic service, a priceless piece of art, but you will also make friends along the way. I walked out with half a sleeve, a new tattoo artist, and a friend when I left. Whether you are looking for a dynamic piece of artwork, something more than just a tattoo, or the best customer service you've ever had Harbour Lights Social Club...