SCOOP
NBN’s site has some tips on getting inked and keeping your job.
alt chicago:
THE WINDY CITY GETS WEIRD.
DECORATE ME, PLEASE:
Whether you’re planning a serious body modification or just feeling spontaneous, here are four Chicago tattoo and piercing parlors to keep in mind. We may not have the power to stop you from getting Jabba the Hutt tattooed on your ass, but we can suggest a classy place to do it right. -Natalie Krebs
Lakeview The Chicago Tattooing and Piercing Co. 1017 W. Belmont Ave. El: Red Line, Belmont Stop Piercer: Rudy Prices: Piercings start at $40, plus the cost of jewelry ($20-$40). Minimum for a tattoo is $50.
Chicago Tattoo is one of the pricier places on this list, but it’s worth the splurge. I recently went in for a cartilage piercing, and I’m still pleased with the results. Unlike some parlors, Chicago Tattoo has a separate piercing room even for routine piercings. Rudy was friendly and fast, and his 17 years of experience were apparent. He provided extensive care instructions and tips for avoiding painful accidents. The piercing process itself was smooth and virtually painless—the only downside was the staff’s poor wait-time prediction, but you can skip that hassle by avoiding weekends. If you’re interested in a tat, Chicago Tattoo has tons of flash art and seven artists to work with you on a custom design.
Wicker Park If you’re looking for something more adventurous than an ear piercing, hit up Tatu Tattoo and ask for Steve. When I accompanied a friend last year for her nipple piercing, he was completely professional and refreshingly personable. Steve never rushed my friend, and he also made sure to explain everything down to Tatu’s sterile equipment policies. Tatu Tattoo itself was clean and comfortable. There are two other piercers besides Steve—and 11 different tattoo artists.
Tatu Tattoo 1754 W. North Ave. El: Blue Line, Damen Stop Piercer: Steve Prices: Piercings start at $30, plus the cost of jewelry. Minimum for a tattoo is $50.
uptown The Tattoo Factory 4441 N. Broadway St. El: Red Line, Wilson Stop Artist: Chris Prices: Piercings start at $25 for earlobes, but most are around $50 with jewelry. Minimum for a tattoo is $50.
Despite its industrial-sounding name, Tattoo Factory’s tattoos are anything but mass produced. The studio is spacious and the artists are refreshingly laid-back. McCormick junior Laura Sverchek chose Tattoo Factory for her second tattoo, then returned for a consultation with Chris to design her next one. Sverchek also recommends their piercing services: After a botched nose piercing at another parlor, the Tattoo Factory successfully re-pierced it. With three piercers, 15 artists and 16-hour business days, Tattoo Factory is a proven parlor with endless options for anyone in the body-mod market.
You get what you pay for at Speakeasy, the priciest parlor on the list. When my friend and I arrived on their doorstep at the Six Corners, we had to buzz up in true 1920s prohibition fashion. My friend spent weeks searching for a parlor willing to tattoo her desired design before finding Speakeasy. Instead of refusing, Speakeasy artists Heath and Sean suggested a few adjustments during a walk-in consultation. Heath resolved the design’s technical issues while preserving its integrity and satisfying my friend’s vision. Artists are often booked well in advance, so schedule an appointment. Their nine artists and passion for custom artwork will definitely make your wait worthwhile.
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Speakeasy Custom Tattoo 1935 K North Ave. El: Blue Line, Damen Stop Artist: Heath Prices: $80 minimum Artist Philosophy: “Bold, illustrative imagery that firmly resides in the foundations of classic tattooing.”
photos: natalie krebs
wicker park