Norfolk Ink Gallery — Local services in Norfolk

I can only hope my meager words will accurately reflect the positive, uplifting experience I had at Ocean Mystique’s Norfolk Ink Gallery. I entered the shop more on a curious impulse than anything, with only an inkling (horribly lame pun unfortunately intended) of what I wanted permanently inscribed on my skin. Any anxiety I carried was immediately quelled by a friendly, funny, and informative staff who were more than happy to answer the many questions I had about the process of getting my first tattoos.

After browsing several of the artist sample albums on display, I consulted with AJ. Through his patience and vast experience he enthusiastically took my original ideas and worked with me creating the optimal designs and placement for my tattoo. When he did disagree with any of my uninformed suggestions he wasn’t condescending or exasperated. Quite the contrary, his lucid, professional explanations and recommendations were very convincing, and it was quite obvious he is a true artist who takes a tremendous amount of pride in his craft and cares a great deal about his clients and giving them not only what they want, but also what’s best for them- valuable traits for earning trust and putting someone at ease if he or she has any reservations about permanently decorating their skin, which I had in spades.

AJ’s confidence, sense of humor and gregarious attitude immediately put me at ease and again he patiently answered all of my questions (the entire tattooing process, coil vs. rotary machines, aftercare, healing time, etc.) before we got started. It was a comfortable, laid back atmosphere conducive to creativity and relaxation. AJ’s is a steady, expert, artistic hand and I couldn’t be happier with my decision and especially the end result.

I cannot be effusive enough in my praise of the entire Ocean Mystique experience from the friendly, professional staff to the cleanliness of the equipment and facilities to the quality of the final product. I recommend this shop to any neophyte or even to the most hardcore tattoo addict. If I ever get more ink, Ocean Mystique’s Norfolk Ink Gallery is most definitely my...

I’ve had one tattoo and two cover-ups done before but today I walked in unsure of where I wanted my new tattoo. I knew what I wanted just not sure of the size which where two butterflies that would be placed near my tattoo of my moms name along with her bday and day of death(which was done by Shannon who was definitely a sweetheart). So as I was speaking to the young lady that does the piercings she was kinda rude. Another customer came in inquiring about a nose piercing in which case she was a lot nicer to her when engaging in conversation with her. Another guy walks out who appeared a little younger than the young lady I was speaking with. She proceeds to tell him that he could help me and so he ask what was I looking to get. I tell him that I wanted two small butterflies not microsize just small. Never once did he say well can you show me what you’re looking at or I can freestyle something to see if you’d like it because obviously I came in to spend money. He looks at what I was trying to show him and he blatantly says, “No not happening, we don’t even have needles that small”. I just looked at him in disbelief because as a customer he didn’t even attempt to be professional nor did he take the time to even discuss what I wanted to get. I WILL never go back. I’ve seen better artists like Chill The Artist. I almost assumed it was because I was black but I never like to pull the race card but I noticed how the young lady was responding to me when I walked in opposed to how the other white young lady walked in inquiring about a nose piercing. And to thank that I referred people...

I visited the shop around 5:15 PM on Saturday, September 6th, with my brother, his girlfriend, my mom, and a friend. I was interested in getting my nose re-pierced and possibly having some jewelry changed. As soon as we walked in, two men who had been sitting and chatting in the lobby stood up and walked to the back without greeting us or acknowledging our presence. It felt abrupt and dismissive.

A woman with blue and green dyed hair approached us, looked our group over, and asked what we were there for. I explained what I was looking for, and she informed me that the piercer was out sick—which I completely understand. I then asked about pricing for a small tattoo on my brother’s chest (Roman numerals for a birthday), as it would be his first tattoo. Her response was curt and dismissive: she stated prices start at $120–$150 “even if it’s just for a dot.” We thanked her for the information and left, but I was left feeling extremely disappointed by the overall experience. Our group of five was not greeted, welcomed, or treated with basic courtesy. The way the two men left the lobby as soon as we entered felt unprofessional and uninviting, and the attitude we received from the staff member we did speak with came off as cold and uninterested. We came in genuinely excited and ready to support a local business, but unfortunately, the lack of professionalism and hospitality left a lasting...