Don Vano by the Verrazzano — Local services in New York

Got my first tattoo in the 70s. I’ve been to an awful lot of tattoo shops in multiple states. I have no regrets over those years, but I’ve experienced many different types of artists, including heavy handed artists who felt like they were digging trenches on one part of my body or another. My artist at Don Vano by the Verrazano was Fausto. He had such a light touch there were times I wasn’t sure the needles were even penetrating, but they were. I had him use the real footprints of my 2 grandchildren to transfer over to my forearm along with their names. I gave him photos before my appointment, and he worked on creating exactly what I wanted. He did the names in his script, which was actually quite nice. He showed it to me upon arrival, made sure the footprints went with the correct name, and the birth order was correct. He printed 3 different sizes to see which would work best and I chose the middle. I could have changed the names to use an actual font if I wanted, but I was very happy with his creation. Once I settled on it, he printed the middle size, transferred to my arm, and before I knew it, it was done. My arm was in a bit of an awkward position, he kept checking on me to see if I need a stretch break, which I did, twice. I knew almost immediately I was in good hands. I got to meet some of the other artists, and the owners, Anna and Anatole, all of whom are down to earth beautiful people. It’s a relaxed , welcoming and inviting environment. Just a wonderful all around experience. I will be going back as another grandchild is in the way, just waiting for him/her to finish cooking and get their footprints taken. I am including a few pictures. The tattoo was done just a few hours ago. They put something new (to me anyway) called New Skin. It’s completely sealed, I never heard of this before but it’s supposed to be fantastic. You will see some wrinkles, caused by the new skin bandage. He did a beautiful job. If I didn’t already say it, I highly recommend and would trust any artist that works...

I’d worked with Jovan on my last tattoo and loved it, so I went to see her again at her new spot, Don Vano in Bay Ridge. Jovan, per usual, is super friendly and professional as well as an amazing artist. She did a gorgeous job on the two tattoos she did for me today. I completely trust her judgement and eye - I know whatever design elements she adds to my initial idea are going to make the tattoo special. She needs to be huge like, yesterday.

Don Vano itself had such a great vibe. Really open, bright and clean, with cool artwork on the walls and comfortable seating. Everyone there was friendly and accommodating. What I loved the most was how much a part of the neighborhood they were. There were locals coming in, all us clients were chatting about our art, no one left the place without asking if anyone needed anything. This business is a part of the community, not dropped into it, and I love that.

In short, go to Don Vano, and if you can work with Jovan, do it. If not, legit everyone there was super talented, you...

Don Vano is something really special.

The team have created this relaxing atmosphere where you become one of the family. The aesthetic is unreal & it feels as if you've walked into your living room with a neo-gothic edge. This tattoo shop has none of the elitist stigma you get in places around Manhattan, although with how artistically gifted these guys are, they'd be able to and it'd be 100% expected.

They are serious about the work they engage in, and they won't tattoo you if it's something they believe won't work out. I feel that this is a really important point, because they'll show you first if somethings going to gel before undertaking it.

I've been seeing Anatole the past three years now, following sitting on a two year waiting list. 12 sessions later, I can say it was the best decision I've made.

Keep doing the...