Howdy Tattoo — Local services in St. Louis

If you’re looking for someone with talent as well as compassion, who truly cares about the art on your skin.. Andy May is your artist.

prior to Andy May.. prior to any experience at Howdy Tattoo Unfortunate news surfaced about a tattoo shop in STL (I want to reiterate, not speaking about Howdy Tattoo) consequently crumbling the reputation of these tattoo artist(s) affiliated with the investigation.

I now wear art designed and done by an artist who I don’t stand behind nor proud to utter his name. After news surfaced I stumbled across a light—Andy May volunteering his personal time, supplies and everything needed to help those who wearing work from those associated with the investigation.

Although the work will never be covered up, due to size and darkness (yes…laser, I understand and personally didn’t want to go that option but fully support those who did or didn’t go that route), I fully understand what I had to work with and knew my options.

This was my first (and hopefully the last) time going through something like this. I was at a lost to say the least. I wasn’t nervous about Andy’s work, I was more conflicted on being the person asking another artist to go over and rework someone else’s work. ESPECIALLY feeling guilty about taking time from him, THEN requesting certain ideas and designs here and there like, he’s doing me a huge solid and I’m being picky?!

Andy May did exactly what I wanted, everything ended up being better than I envisioned it and not once did he made me feel like an inconvenience as we went back and forth designing ideas. At one point after we thought it was done and I’m standing at the mirror, we both stepped back to look at it, he felt like it needed something else. He spent time (now extra time) adding details and WOOW, it really made a difference.

From the moment I reached out to him to when I got off his table.. never questioned me, never asked for proof of who or when, never gave me hard time, never a judgement. That shows a lot compassion.

This whole experience could have easily been different. The horror stories out there can make you question tattoo artists’ intentions.

This sheer act of kindness from Andy deserves recognition and if you are reading this because you are looking for a new artist or wasn’t looking but now considering, this should be noted and I hope taking the time to even write this review showcase’s his work ethic! Talent in someone’s portfolio is great but knowing you are supporting a good person….well that should be a no-brainer.

I have only had work done by Andy May at Howdy Tattoo shop but if you check out their Instagram (@howdytattoostl) the shop offers an array of styles with great deal of talent— I’m certain you won’t be disappointed. If you find yourself heading to Howdy Tattoo my only advice is to park in the free parking adjacent to the shop. It’s not a terrible walk at all. Otherwise it’s “feed the meter” street parking.

This review written 01/18/2022 Date visited in correlation for this review 05/30/2021 Keep dates in mind: Things could have changed since my last visit, for example: parking situation. Information in this review could possible change for future readers, for example: their IG...

Howdy Tattoo is probably the most beautiful tattoo shop I have ever had the pleasure of entering. It's a very clean, inviting, open space with the most amazing decor. The entire staff is friendly (not like the tattoo shops I hung out in when I was younger), knowledgeable, and talented. Jeff has been my tattooer and good friend for several years now. BUT even if we weren't friends, he would still be the absolute best in the Midwest. And a very close second goes only to the rest of the people that work at Howdy. I would genuinely get tattooed by any and all that work there. Midtown's finest, an instant St. Louis gem, and super close to the soccer stadium (if that's your thing). Go get a tattoo and hang out with the nicest most professional...

Steve Whittenberger is one of the most professional tattooers that I've had the pleasure of experiencing. Steve tattooed my entire leg, thigh to ankle, making me feel welcomed, special, and safe every appointment. I gave him an idea and let him create magic. He treats his customers and their ideas with respect, as I had a lucky opportunity to be able to watch him tattoo any and every style, his artistry is other worldly.

St. Louis you are lucky to have him! Go...