Alchemy Tattoo & Gallery (private studio) — Local services in Lombard

If you're looking for a place to get a tattoo where you won't have to deal with the machismo that's typical of many tattoo shops, Alchemy is a great place to go. I can't say enough good things about Alchemy. It's a very nice and bright studio with a very comfortable atmosphere. The receptionist (I'm sorry, I didn't get her name!) was very friendly and made sure that we felt at home while waiting for the appointment time. They even offer a bunch of drink and snack options free of charge, which is such a nice touch.

I can't compare the studio space to very many other tattoo shops, but I can say that the atmosphere is lovely. Now and then another artist might pop into another room and check out what's being worked on, and I've never seen anything other than excitement or enthusiasm, like everyone is just enjoying themselves. From what I've seen, each artist has their own room decorated and set up to match their own taste and it's pretty cool to see so many differences on display. It's not at all how I imagined a tattoo shop experience would be, and that's about the highest compliment I think I can give.

I've interacted with Amy as she did a tattoo for my fiance a while back, and she's a total sweetheart who had us laughing and feeling comfortable while she worked her magic, and from what I've seen, the rest of the artists are all nice and welcoming, too. I really love the atmosphere they've all created and I'm glad we've found this crew.

My artist, Percy, has done all 3 of my tattoos so far and I just love what they've done each time. The amount of work and thought Percy puts into making each piece unique and making sure there are even back up ideas in case the size or placement doesn't quite work is just going above and beyond. Each time, the idea I've had in my head looks even better in person because Percy works artistic sorcery to make the idea really come to life, not to mention the little finishing touches they put on the tattoo towards the end that really bring it all together and make it even better than it already was. Aside from that, Percy has this way of making you feel at ease, whether it's with interesting or funny conversation, or during the quiet when they're in the thick of the tattoo and we're just listening to music. I don't know how many tattoos I'll end up getting, but I do know that I want Percy to be my artist for as many of them...

I really don’t know how to feel about this and I’m kinda embarrassed to even talk about. I scheduled the appointment with Amy in January for a tattoo I got on February 2, 2021. Prior to getting the tattoo I felt uneasy like she might mess my tattoo up or cancel on me.

I felt this way because when I was texting her concerning my tattoo she was unresponsive. The day of the tattoo I’m excited and nervous because as I mentioned she wasn’t seeing interested in doing my tattoo. I brought my fiancé with me so Amy can be more comfortable because as I discussed the tattoo is on my thigh, she was fine with that.

As I’m getting my tattoo done she said she was excited and kept thanking me for this opportunity. She kept telling me I’m good client and that I wasn’t moving. So I’m confused when I get home and see that my tattoo is not exactly what I previously sent her. I couldn’t tell because there was drawing on the tattoo that have not been clean. Once I cleaned the area that night I noticed. So I was afraid of her response so I had my lady text. Also because my lady was getting work done by her as well and changed her mind. She told my lady that she’ll give her back the deposit and 60% plus touch it up.

She later text me and told me no she doesn’t want to do my touch up and here’s your money back. I felt worthless as a human. I didn’t know if it was because I was a man or black but I felt very embarrassed and not myself after that situation.

Now I’m stuck with an unfinished piece and...

I discovered Amy - and Alchemy - on Instagram, and have been a fan ever since.

My first dog passed a few years ago and I since adopted two puppies, so I wanted to get a piece to celebrate them. The brief I gave Amy was to show the three of them as Pokémon, sharing the characteristics and traits I love about them and some reference photos. The second the concept came through, I loved it - Amy included small details so each dog was represented, from their favourite poses to cute hairline details. All three are instantly recognisable despite the cute art style.

The appointment itself went great. The shop is clean, covered in cute decorations and artwork, and you're offered drinks and snacks to keep you hydrated and energised. Amy gave me plenty of opportunity for breaks and stretches if I needed them, and worked efficiently. I was beaming by the time the tattoo was complete, and still am. I can't wait till it heals!

For the time taken and quality of the work, the pricing is very reasonable (and your deposit counts towards the total). I'm already thinking of my next...