UPLIFT TATTOO AND PIERCING NYC — Local services in New York

I hope you have a better experience than I did. Absolutely awful. The guy in reception said I could get my tattoo done for 300-400 dollars after I explained the simple design, which I’ll attach. I wanted it on my wrist. About 1” square in size. He explained that the detailed lines would not work because they would blur over time. He took me upstairs to the studio where I met an incredibly rude tattoo artist. So rude in fact that I left after 5 minutes. He told me I shouldn’t be listening to so called specialists, that he was the artist, renowned in NY, and that the tattoo would be exactly as in the image. He said he didn’t need and shouldn’t have to explain why the lines wouldn’t work because he’s been in the insured for over 20 years. His manner was grotesque throughout our brief exchange. He then ran after me downstairs apologising. He explained that the detailed lines should not be done and instead it should be filled in with grey. I asked if 300-400 dollars was correct for two small triangles, one filled in grey. He sneered, ‘oh so that’s your problem is it? The cost…’ absolutely not, I said. I asked why the receptionist had said not to do the detailed lines, and why he said whilst sneering:

“You want the lines or not? You said you wanted like the picture. If that’s what you want that’s what I’ll do”

Only to now say downstairs that it would be a bad idea to do the detailed lines. He evaded this question and instead offered me this:

“I would rather have a tattoo from a rude artist who knew what they were doing than from a polite artist who was no good.”

I told him no hard feelings and shook his hand. I wasn’t going to write a negative review but having thought about how unpleasant my experience was I realised his apology was likely to save himself a bad review. As for the receptionist, the moment he heard this was to be my first tattoo, and that I was leaving NY in a couple of days, he clearly saw an opportunity to overcharge me.

I was not trying to bring the cost down. I spoke politely throughout our exchange. I explained this was my first tattoo and I’d be keen to understand what is possible and what would or would not work. All I received in return was a handful of paper printouts placed on the arm of a leather sofa and asked which size I wanted and if I wanted to do the...

I've been getting tattoos from Val since maybe 2014, so obviously I was going to stop in and take advantage of their friday the 13th promotion! I like to save my more creative & detailed tattoos for him, so I decided to try out another artist for this particular tattoo and I was placed with Cathy. Not only was she sweet, but her technique and skill is unmatched! I almost fell asleep a few times because she was so incredibly gentle! (I came with 4 other friends who each had different artists and all of us walked out with amazing tattoos!)

I saw quite a few reviews mentioning uplift can be costly, but its tattoo 101 people - good tattoos aren't cheap! These are artists who have skills that not every tattooer possess, fine line and realism is really difficult to master, therefore their skills cost money. If cost is a concern, you should be upfront about your budget from the GET GO. This saves you and your artist a lot of time and effort and makes sure the relationship stays running smoothly! A tattoo artist doesn't want an unhappy client, they want you to continue to come back! If youre not transparent about what you can afford, thats on you. Communication is everything in this process!

Worth mentioning, I've also gotten a piercing from Sophie before when she was working at a different shop, and she's equally as awesome! Very professional, gentle, and friendly vibes all around! Uplift is lucky to have her!

Dont think twice about booking here, you...

EDIT: When they say this place is a luxury piercing studio, it's not just a price tag, they really have the service to match. My helix earring popped out in the shower due to some swelling, and I packed it safely into a jewelry box to bring to the studio. When I arrive and open the box, the earring was GONE. I was so bummed because it was my favorite piece I'd gotten from Sophie.

Sophie and her wonderful apprentice Ichigo didn't give up -- after a lot of investigating, and right before I was about to get the replacement earring placed in, Ichigo noticed a jingling in the box! They tore apart the box (with permission) and we eventually found it deep in the HINGE of the box. Sophie and Ichigo truly care about your experience, and care for you as they would themselves. They saved me $200 by finding the earring, and didn't even charge me for the service as they took responsibility for the earring popping out. When I say I'm forever loyal to these folks I truly mean it. Can't wait to come back for my next piercing!!! (this review sounds dramatic because IT WAS)

ORIGINAL:

Was a walk-in for piercings and the studio was timely and efficient in getting us in. Amazing vibes, clean, and everyone was super nice. Sophie was an absolute gem. Could not have asked for a better experience. She is knowledgeable, patient, and a master at her craft. She always made sure we were comfortable and never made us feel rushed.

I will forever go to her for all...