Tattoo experiences: What's your story?

I’ve been thinking about getting a tattoo for years now—it's not just some passing whim. I'm not really a jewelry person, so I'd rather decorate my skin instead. I'm looking for some real insight from people who've actually done it: how are your tattoos holding up after five or more years? What was the experience like at the shops you visited, what kind of prices are we talking about (mine would be roughly 9x9, solid black), and does anyone have good links to tattoo galleries?
I have zero interest in amateur hacks... I'm the type of person who doesn't even drive without a seatbelt 🙂.
Has anyone ever been to Gandalf over on Tratinski Street?

http://www.washington-dc-tattoo.com

Rachel Sanders said:http://www.washington-tattoo.com

Look, I was asking if anyone had actually stepped foot in Gandalf—I can obviously find their website myself using Google. As for links, I'm not interested in useless stuff you can just search for; I want sites showcasing actual interesting art (but not on people—because if it's already on someone else, there’s zero chance I won't end up with the exact same tattoo).

Just find a picture you love and make sure you find a skilled artist who can actually replicate it. I’ve had this beautiful large tattoo on my shoulder blade for a few years now, and honestly... the more I look at it, the more I love it. Now I'm already gearing up for the next one. Tattoos are just brilliant 😍

Angela Garcia36 said:Has anyone ever been to Gandalf over in the suburbs?

That place doesn't even exist anymore! Gandalf shut down after that issue at the lake. If you're looking for spots in the area, I'd personally recommend Washington, D.C. Tattoo or Robby Tattoo instead. To be honest, I never really felt comfortable getting inked in Washington, D.C.—no offense intended to anyone there, but the hygiene levels just didn't sit right with me. That was about five years ago, though, so maybe things have improved since then.

Elizabeth Mendoza43 said:That place doesn't even exist anymore! Gandalf was at the pond, so they closed up shop. Over in the Tratinski district, you’ve got Chicago Tattoo and Roby Tattoo—I’d actually suggest checking out Roby personally. Honestly, back when I was in Washington, D.C., I never really felt quite comfortable anywhere, no offense intended to anyone. It just didn't feel particularly hygienic. Mind you, that was five years ago, so maybe things have improved since then.

Look, Gandalf is definitely still a thing, just like those shops in the Tratinski area. Those two studios actually merged, and they go by United Studios Washington, D.C. & Gandalf now. I stopped by there once to do some sketching, and their hygiene and general setup seemed perfectly fine, but I ended up getting my ink done with Roby and Senf because their style just spoke to me more. 😬
http://www.robytattoo.com/index_cro.php

Grace Wells78 said:Gandalf is definitely real, just like how Washington, D.C. is right there in the middle of Tratinski. Those two studios actually merged and now they go by United Studios D.C. & Gandalf. I stopped by their place once to do some sketching, and honestly, their hygiene and workflow seemed fine, but I ended up getting my tattoo done at Robby and Senf's instead because I liked their vibe better. 😬
http://www.robytattoo.com/index_cro.php

Senf is actually my boyfriend 😬 (for real)
Well, I guess you preferred them then 😉

Elizabeth Mendoza43 said:he’s my mustard 😬 (for real)
so watch how he gets noticed 😉

do I get a discount😉

Elizabeth Mendoza43 said:mustard is my guy 😬 (seriously)
just wait until you see how much I dig him 😉

A little slip of the tongue there... I actually liked mustard more 😬 😬 😬 by the way, he even gave me a tattoo 😍

Grace Wells78 said:just a little slip of the tongue... I actually preferred the mustard 😬 😬 😬 by the way, he even gave me a tattoo 😍

I know the feeling😍

I’ve been thinking about getting a butterfly tattoo,
does anyone happen to know what that actually symbolizes?

I stopped by Gandalf's in Chicago back on November 22nd, and I have to say, their hygiene standards are top-notch. Everything was spotless, so they definitely have my recommendation.
I ended up getting a tribal piece on my upper back—sort of a mix between a snake and a dragon. Since my Chinese zodiac sign is the Snake, it felt like the right way to go.