Ascension Tattoo — Local services in Sedona

My 18 year old daughter and I were in Sedona (from Massachusetts) as a graduation gift to her and some mom and daughter time before college. We have so thoroughly enjoyed our time in Sedona that we wanted to commemorate with new tats. This would have been my fifth and my daughter's sixth. We don't have sleeves by any means but we're also not newbies. We do our research and know what we want.

First off, the parking sucks! Seriously bad. Then we walk in and there is a couple in front of us and no one greets any of us for a while. I get it. They are busy with customers and obviously have to pay attention to what they are doing. They should probably have a receptionist of some sort.

Finally someone comes out and brusquely asks, "so are any of you looking to get tattoos?" Well yeah. Duh. He asked the couple ahead of us what they want and after listening tells him that he won't do it. Then he asks my daughter. She wanted hand/finger tats. He said that they don't do those either. That they "fall off" and then they get blamed. (Mind you, the man has tats all over his hands) My daughter has done all her research and understands that she will most likely have to get them refreshed/repaired down the line and would have been willing to sign something releasing the parlor from any liability. The artist certainly has a right to refuse to do anything but he was so rude to each of us and then just left me and my daughter sitting there without even asking me what I was looking for or if I still wanted to get one. Just walked right back into the back room and left us there. So rude. So in about a minute and a half, he turned away 3 paying customers. Business must be good.

Btw, we went to another parlor and after explaining the risks to my daughter, stated that it's ultimately not their business to deny what the INFORMED customer wants and that he only refuses to do anything gang related or anything considered "hate" speech and that art is in the eye of the beholder. He did a lovely job and had a peaceful and respectful energy.

In this writer's humble opinion, Ascention only wants to do what they feel is "artistic" and didn't want to be bothered with our simply stated ideas. I'm thrilled that they turned us away as this allowed us to have a much more positive experience elsewhere. There are many options in the area that you really don't have to accept being treated rudely. I've never begged anyone to accept my business and I certainly wasn't starting there. Artists can choose to do what they want and refuse what they don't want but do it kindly and compassionately. No need for rudeness. Maybe it was just a bad day but after reading the other negative reviews, I'm inclined to...

My cousin and I are from San Diego. We come to visit a friend once or twice a year and have, in recent years, added tattoos to our souvenir list when we come out. After 4 tattoos by these guys at this shop, I thought it was time I gave them the review I felt they deserve.

After my most recent visit, I can add George to my list of artist I've had the pleasure of getting inked by at Ascension Tattoo. My first visit was with Adam, the second was with Chris.

Each one of these guys are great at what they do. They took the time to draw out what we wanted, go over design pointers, and make sure that you are happy with the plan. Not only do they ensure you are getting the art you want, they are also all very open about the placement, size, and concept and will blatantly tell you if the tattoo is going to last. (This time I had originally gone in for a behind the ear piece and decided on something different since what I wanted was likely to turn into blobs down the road...). George was patient and extremely helpful while I worked through a new option on the spot. We settled for a dragon as originally planned, but in a different style and redrawn by George with some super sweet modifications. George is a great artist, I really got a kick out of how much enjoyment he got and expressed from doing the tattoo.

Tips for when you enter the shop:

Shut the door when you come in! Its hot out there and they're cooling their shop with individual units. It's definitely cool and comfy inside, but a lot of folks expect the door to shut behind them and let the air out. :)

If all of the artists are working in the back, walk in by the archway and talk to them. The can't hear you if you're standing in the lobby. :)

Overall an awesome experience, great pricing, oh and did I mention they're fast too?! So you get quality, professional, beautiful artwork, at a great price, and bonus, you're not under the needle any longer than you have to be.

See you guys again on the...

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND ASCENSION TATTOO!

I've known Harley for many years and recently decided to have some more work done after a 25 years of living with the same tattoos. Harley did 2 new pieces on my arm, refreshed 2 of my 25 year old tattoos (brought them back to vibrant life) better than the originals, and did a half sleeve cover-up of two more 25 year old tattoos on the other arm.

Needless to say everywhere I go people complement the work and ask who the artist was. The shop in Sedona is beautiful, spacious, and clean. Located right on the main strip as you near the last round-a-bout and upstairs with beautiful mountain views and Oak Creek running below.

Harley is a modest person and world traveler, he is truly an artist and paints canvas in his off time. He will listen to your ideas and seems to always implement the perfect design and body placement based on your input and his artistry.

George's work is also impeccable. His attention to detail, knowledge, and love for tattooing shows in every aspect of his process. His fine detail work is superb, quite frankly amazing and mind blowing from what I witnessed in the shop that day.

So wether you live in Arizona or you're just visiting Sedona, you cannot go wrong setting an appointment or catching a walk-in spot with either of these...