Reviews of Sink or Swim Tattoo (Tattoo Shop)

Jennifer Kaus

They were super sweet, gave me a great deal and did exactly what i wanted!!

Jack Muenster

My visit was fantastic Pin Stripe did an amazing job on my ink and was a true professional

Alexander H. Porcaro

I've only been to see Ryan, but everyone here seems incredibly professional, and like true artists. I have had a few more simple pieces done, my brother has had some more intricate work done, and we are both incredibly pleased. Not only were we pleased by the work done, but with the atmosphere, incredibly clean and safe, they are able to answer all of your questions and make you feel right at home with friends. I recommend Ryan, and the rest of the crew here to everyone!

Ghennee Ashton

Absolutely love this tattoo shop. Everyone is so friendly and the prices they choose are reasonable.

Lauren Carr

My sister and I went to get tattoos in memorial of our dog, Mia. My tattoo artist was Pinstripe and he was wonderful. I told him what elements I’d like in my tattoo and created such a beautiful memorial piece. He was very caring and took the time to listen to my story and about my dog. He is priced ridiculously well for the detail and quality of his work. I recommend this place & the tattoo artist Pinstripe to everyone! What a great experience at this tattoo parlor.

Jackie Mclellan

Walked in to get my daughter's nose pierced and was greeted by a pleasant lady at counter. The lady who did the piercing was very thorough and clean. Disney music played overhead which was fun and made us feel even more comfortable!!

Dawn Curry

Professional setting, with great artists. Casey is my Tattoo artist and he has done a wonderful job on my half sleeve and foot tattoos. I will always come here for my future tattoos as well!

Bruce Scott

They have done numerous tattoos for me.Ryan and rest of staff excellent in what they do.

don fritz

This tattoo shop is awesome! It is packed full of extremely talented artists that can do just about any style you are looking for,and for a good price with out sacrificing quality! I have 2 pieces done by Pinto,one is done and one is a work in progress,and it is AMAZING! every time I see pintos work,its better and better,keep your eye out for him,he will be a big name eventually!! I also have a sleeve in progress with another artist there named Matt Colwell. Matt is another awesome artist that pumps out dope piece of piece.These 2 are my go to artists for all my work...I can not think of a single complaint !! Check them out,you will not be disappointed...

Adilene Ramirez

Talented group of men. Wonderful atmosphere! Matt is the only one who has done my tattoos, and I could not be more pleased with the way they turned out! I have recommended friends to go here, and they were also beyond pleased! I'm coming back in November (: .

Nicole Lee

Can't wait to get my tattoo

Roy Blanchette

Got some great ink from Eddie Morales! Very clean, professional, friendly atmosphere and second-to-none artists.

Andy Cabin

i have been a strong supporter of this shop from the beginning.. it truely makes you feel like family.. the artists are great at their trades and the piercer keeps you calm during your piercing... i recomend the guys at this shop and will not go anywhere else

Liza Negron

Very friendly environement. Easy to get to. My artist is Matt, very professional with clients. Provides privacy during his sessions when requested or needed. Very informative before during and after each session. Very clean and also provides the most sterile environment possible. Love his use of color, he's tattoos are beautiful, his work speaks for itself. I have several tattoos done by Matt and I wouldn't change him for anything.

Sandra Miles

This is such a great place. Everyone is so kind and respectful (hard to find in a tattoo shop). The work is excellent. I have had a few pieces done with Pinstripe. he does great work!

Kristen Stefanczyk

Derek is the BEST piercer around for sure. I went in earlier today to get a nose hoop removed that had been done poorly elsewhere. He was very knowledgeable and explained all the different types of studs to me, as well as proper aftercare. I’m definitely coming here for my piercings from now on & going to him with any questions.

Scott Schmaren

Friendly atmosphere, fair pricing and great artists.

Nadia O

Great environment, lots of art to gaze around and look at while getting tattooed that depicts all of the artists personal skill. I've been going to Matt Colwell for some time now after seeing the amazing work done on a friend. Great guy, very personable, easy to talk to, amazing work and is great at bringing ur idea to life. I may say even informative, my cousin and I learned a little tattoo history when we recently went. Love his work and will definitely continue visiting him for all future tattoo wants

Beatrice Perovanovich

Tattoo artists are phenomenal! Ask for Casey. Aka: Needles. Wouldn't go anywhere else!

Matt Washington

Great people and great experience! Chris did a fantastic job.

Mike D

Brought my 8 year old daughter in to have her ears pierced by Derek and Rylie. They were amazing. She was nervous but they made her feel comfortable and walked her through exactly what was going to happen. Everything from jewelry selection through the actual piercing to aftercare was explained directly to my daughter. This made her feel like she was in charge and helped put her at ease throughout the process. The piercings themselves are perfect. I’ll definitely be back with my younger daughter when she is ready.

Gabriella Lock

I emailed a general inquiry about white tattoos because I know some places can be weird about it. When ii got a response back saying that it was not a problem and to come in for a consultation I drove over about 20 minutes after they opened. The first man to greet me was rude and disinterested in getting my business. Was very discouraging about my tattoo even though I have 2 white tattoos that I love and that have healed perfectly...Then I was pushed over to an artist who for a quarter sized tattoo wanted to charge $140...the price isn't the issue its the lack in customer service. I set the appointment, put down the down-payment to hold my appointment and when I had to call and cancel it the receptionist was very sweet. Since it was for a doctors appointment she notified the artist and said he would contact me that day to confirm everything and process the refund....its been 4 days....Still have not been contacted and STILL NO REFUND. I guess if you aren't covered in tattoos they don't want your business.

Karen Pauly

Matt is an excellent artist. I went in with a specific idea, and he made it real! His artistic experience made for a beautiful tattoo, and his personality made for an easy and fun appointment! He has also worked on my past tattoos to make them something for me to be proud of! Love this artist to the moon and back! He IS the tattoo artist you're looking for!

Mortimer Schilke

Got my septum pierced here late December by Derek and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Derek was very professional and friendly, he made sure I knew what was going on throughout the entire process. My septum has healed beautifully and I haven’t had a single problem with it. Would definitely recommend to friends, I plan on coming back for all my future piercings.

lisa carroll

Love it! Derek's great at what he does

Rachel Wieland

Went in on a whim, asked for simple words on my forearm. They asked me to choose my font, which I did. No further discussion, nothing about what width I wanted on the words, I’m a novice and don’t know the correct terminology but thought they (he) would advise me what was best. He received a couple calls from home while working on me and was obviously preoccupied and left, asking someone else to put the dressing on. The ink is so thick and one word is uneven between the letters. No one can even read it until I tell them what it says; it’s just blurred. Now trying to find someone with talent to cover it up.

Marissa McCullough

I just got my first tattoo here. This exceeding my expectations. I came in wanting my great grandmothers handwriting. I was scared months to get one. Luis took great care of me and gave me the most beautiful tattoo! If you have doubts, please don’t. The staff here is extremely friendly and wanting to help you!! You will not be disappointed!

Tee

Amazing!!! So clean and welcoming and phenomenal! Chris legit spent 45+ minutes perfecting my design for me, 20 minutes sanitizing, and my tattoo took around an hour. He was so thorough and informative and kind! Everyone there was so funny and a collaboration between artist and customer. Coming back for a 2nd piece in a couple days, and whenever I come back to Chicago this place is on my list!

Nicole Colakovic

Had to wait 2 1/2 hours(got there at 2:30) to just get my piercings replaced when I was only 3rd in line.... They only had one piercer working that evening but still it was ridiculous

Noel Castaneda

Pin stripe is an excellent tattooist..

Samantha Mercedes

I've been going to sink or swim for about 7-8 months and Matt Colwell is my artist. He definitely knows how to turn a vision into a reality. He's been working on my sleeve which I only knew bits and pieces of what I wanted and he took it and turned it into something so much better than anything I could have ever imagined. Also Sink or Swim is such a fun environment and every is super nice there! I personally don't think I could've found anybody better to do my tattoos. So stop reading the review and go hit up Matty Poo.

Phoebe Doenges

Derek pierced me I highly recommend him. The shop all together is wonderful. ☺️ I plan on going back to get my nose pierced.

Heather977

Ryan was good at keeping me calm as I was extremely nervous, but had to have Luis (who was also awesome at keeping me calm) fix my tattoo 3 weeks later.

Melissa Scott

Awesome experience....the staff is very professional and knowledgeable. Had to go to them to fix a piercing not done correctly elsewhere. Highly recommend this shop.

Ashley Patyk

Worst place to go for tattoo removal. Every time I go in and see Pinto, I end up leaving with even more beautiful artwork permanently on my body. So frustrating.

Nicky Fox

So happy with the convenience of walking in and being helped immediately. All the staff was super friendly and talented, and the pricing for the piece was great too. Highly recommend!

Anthony Doloir

I was out of town on business, from Texas, and my coworkers and I decided to go get some piercings. My first impression of the studio was that it was very clean and sterile and very packed, but I soon found out for good reason. I decided to go with the Conch piercing after talking to Brandon and it was well worth it. He was very genuine and made me feel comfortable. Hygiene was A1 as well as the handling of all the jewelry, which was cleaned in a autoclave. There was ample amounts of jewelry to chose from. I HIGHLY recommend this tattoo shop and that’s coming from a out of towner! Professional and worth the money and time.

You Don't Know Me

Got my first tattoo here. Loved it! Thank you Luis! :)

Isabella K

I just went in for a nose piercing, and was totally nervous. The piercer, Derek, was so nice and informative before he proceeded with anything, which was greatly appreciated! The environment is really chill and clean as well. I recommend this shop one hundred percent, and love my piercing. Check it out!

Miriah Martin

Have gone to matt cowell for a few tattoos now! Always professional! Always gives special attention to your wants and requests. Shop is always comfortable and more importantly sanitary! Would reccomend to anyone! Not to mention he's a beast wit color!!!

Amber Punter

I have been going to Matt for all my tats in the last year. He has even done a beautiful redo of a past tat. He has a great vision for new work. I have been amazed by all the passion he has for every tat he does. All the artists are so talented. I love going to the saloon and seeing everyone. I could go on forever with positive things to say. Its a great place, great talent, and great people.

Come Get some 74

Great shop, great artists and good piercer!

Rebecca Paloumpis

I've gone here for one of my tattoos and 2 piercings, had great experiences every time. Derek, the piercer does a great job of making you comfortable and being patient with you, it's also extremely sterile. Same with the tattoo. I would highly recommend this place to anyone interested in a type of body art.

Catie Petric

This place is absolutely wonderful! I felt so welcomed by everyone, and they were all so professional. Renee was my artist, and she was phenomenal. Definitely making this shop my normal shop! 10/10 would recommend stopping in.

Stephanie Quinones

The staff are all nice and friendly. Very clean!Pinstripe has done 2 of my tattoos now and continues to amaze me each time. I will be back again and again!

ryan purmann

Pinstripe is the man you want. Did a beautiful tattoo of my dogs paw print its spot on. He made it a one of a kind knew it was going to be special to me. Would recommend this place to anyone clean and friendly staff all the way around.

Maureen E. Barnes

Went with my niece to get my first and her second tatoo. Jinx is patient, professional and most importantly a true artist! Prices seemed very reasonable. I'll go back!

Leslie Lutz

Luis tattooed my daughter, it was her first one. He does excellent work, the whole shop is very friendly. The girls that work the desk are great, exceptional customer service.

michael ring

Great prices

Taylor Laskowski

I got my very first tattoo there! The place was nice and clean! I was so nervous getting my tattoo but Matt did such a great job! He talked to me about my kids and completely distracted me! He was finished before I even knew he started and it turned out better than I expected! I will definitely be back for my second!

Raquel Keating

I would highly recommend this tattoo shop! The atmosphere is welcoming and everyone is very friendly and funny. I've come here multiple times and most of my friends and co workers come here. Matt Colwell is amazing!!! I will forever get my tattoos from him from now on.

Alyssa Doerr

Great environment, great people. They're like my family. Shout out to Uncle Ryan and his boys for being kick ass!

Sam Chase

Derek had done an absolutely amazing job with my piercings, and made me feel very confident and comfortable throughout the experience. He gave helpful care-advice for the piercings as well, and they all ended up healing very well in light of that. Would HIGHLY recommend

Alicia Peters

I was searching for a good tattoo shop to get my arm piece done. I found this shop online with great reviews so I decided to give it a try. I wanted it done yesterday so bad and luckily for me, Casey had many appointments canceled on him. I was able to get a 5-8 time slot that day. I came in showing him a picture of a rough idea of what I wanted. It took awhile for preparation and re-drawing to figure out exactly what I wanted. The whole process ended up taking until 10pm. He really got into it and added things I didn't think of in the first place. He went above and beyond my expectations and I'm incredibly pleased with his work! He gave me a great price for the piece as well. I highly recommend this shop and Casey (my tattoo artist). :)

Meaghan Burke

Matt Colwell has done a few pieces on me and they're my favorites out of everything i have absolutely gorgeous vibrant work, and he does everything he can to make sure your as comfortable as possible while getting work done.

Toni Perry

Derek has pierced me three times and I'm absolutely in love with all three of my piercings!! He has a very clean environment, is calm and soothing while piercing, and leaves me with amazing and healthy healing piercings every time! Would recommend over and over again. keep up the great work.

Chelsea Sanchez

I had a pretty bad experience here last June - I'm a little shocked at the stellar reviews. First off - two of us made and prepaid our deposit for our appointments, we sent the guy all our stuff ahead of time. Then we get there and he doesn't know he has our appointments and has to be called in. So, we sit there forever while he draws up our stuff, he does the first person in our group's tattoo and hers is okay (there are spots he missed shading in...) and starts on mine and his gun messes up - the shop hand offers to get him a new one set up but he says he doesn't have time to reset up, so he pushes through because he's in a hurry and has another appointment after ours and so my tattoo looks pretty crappy. It's always looked very faded right from the start and you can see major differences in the shading in different parts. I had another tattoo artist recently ask me if I let an intern do it because its done so poorly. Now I need to pay someone else to redo the whole thing.

B M

I got my nose pierced there abt 2 years ago and the guy was great. Then today I went back to learn how to take out the piercing for a dance and the lady who helped me was SO nice and helpful. Definitely recommend.

doug kames

Best tattoo shop around. Great artist's and great atmosphere.

Raymond G

Awsome Artist, Great prices.. Fun place to get Tattooed!! (7) and counting.

Scott Anderson

I've only been there once so far. Matt is my artist he does great work. I will be going back to get more work from him. He really knows how to make something extraordinary.

Celia Boss

LOVE this place!! Got two piercings, and it was a super calm environment. Super clean too, they take it very seriously. Every time I've gotten pierced on my ear it gets infected, but it hasn't this time. Love this place, highly recommend to go here.

Caitlin

Matt is absolutely amazing. He is so talented and is so nice. He truly takes care of his clients. I have been going to him for the past year. He really captures what you want and is very willing to work with you so he can capture exactly what you are thinking. He makes great suggestions and is awesome. I trusted him to tattoo my son's footprint and he captured everything and does such fine detail. It looks exactly like it. I am always going to him foot my tattoos. He's actually in the process of my side. Very caring, very talented and the whole staff around is great and hilarious. Great atmosphere and experience.

Shaun Crawford

Walked in one day for a consultation, and a few months later, I have a beautiful sleeve. The team is very knowledgeable and will give you honest advice. When you are there, they make you feel like you are part of the team. They do amazing work and just go above and beyond.

Angel G23

Awesome and talented artists. Reasonable prices. Must get that tat

Lana Waters

We chose this facility due to all the great reviews. Derek was very thorough with his explanation for my daughters 2nd and 3rd ear piercing.

Meg Santoro

Awesome, Love my new Marathon Tattoo!!

Brian Scruggs

Came to see Derek for a piercing and couldn't be happier with the results. Very relaxed and friendly atmosphere combined with experienced professionals. He made a point to sanitize and clean everything to an almost OCD extent, you can tell they actually care about their customers. Very clean and high quality piercing, guy was so good I barely even felt it.

Yvette Perez Pleimling

Took my 5 year old to get her ears pierced and I couldn't have been happier with the whole experience. Derek was very friendly and made sure to explain things to my daughter before he did anything. He also took the time to really explain the aftercare for her piercings. Highly recommend Sink or Swim!

Jessica J Valdespino

These are my people, my family.. I've been pierced and tattooed here and I have worked here too. Everybody here loves what they do and create instead of copying, they don't try to price rape customers because they know you work hard for your money too.

April Brady

Amazing group of guys who go above and beyond to give each person a unique piece of art! Very personal & professional.

Thomas Barrett

I have lots of tattoos and this was the first time I was there. Will go back again.

Kortney Guy

I loved my experience so much that I went back twice! Casey Banas was my artist and his work is incredible! I would recommend this place so any and all who asked! Awesome environment, professional and yet they all goofed around and had fun the entire time I was there which put me completely at ease. These guys are great and you can't go wrong with choosing Sink or Swim for your next tattoo!

Amanda Fogel

We have known Matt Colwell for a couple of years...he helped cover up mistakes that we got from another parlor that refused to fix them. he will tell you if something can't work (size wise) and will be completely honest with you about pain (if this is your first tattoo). He is an amazing artist! You want a nightmare before Christmas/ little mermaid/Alice in wonderland hybrid tat? Ok...done! Extremely creative,professional, and fun!

Insane Llama

We were warmly greeted and the young lady explained everything to us regarding the piercing; jewelry options, costs, procedure. Brandon, our piercer extraordinaire, was awesome. He took his time marking the tragus for piercing to make sure it was right.Everything clean, professional and he made sure my kiddo was comfortable and gave us the play by play. We got after care instructions as well. We will be returning. Fantastic experience!

Jade Dragon

Love those guys! They were all super friendly and helpful :) love my tattoo, Luis did a great job

carterheflen96racing

Pinstripe does amazing work at a great pace. I recommend his art. Good clean location

Chris Cies

I went with my daughter to get our first tattoos together recently. We were both nervous, but all of the staff were beyond my expectations--So professional, patient, and VERY talented. They answered all of our questions and made us feel very comfortable. I would highly recommend this place to anyone.

Samantha Newman

I've gotten 5 piercings done by Derek. My first one was a nose piercing, and I was terrified, for no reason. B/c Derek is super fast - he's done before you know he started. He's really nice and available and answers all questions and knows tons about proper piercing. Highly recommended.

Vanessa Rodriguez

Very nice, informative, and very thorough.

hunter hying

Awesome group of artist, all with great portfolios and resumes. Highly recommended, for any custom work needed

Marco Prignano

The place to go!!! Very laid back atmosphere, my artist Casey is the man to see! He was very flexible and his work is amazing! The pricing is also very fair.

H M.

Everyone i met in the shop was very friendly and knowledgeable. Matt colwell wa my artist and he is great! He knows what he is doing and is a true artist. Ill be coming back here for sure.

Donna Bridges

Renee was AWESOME.... Entire staff are great

Krystal Bosse

I have been going to sink or swim for a few years now. Every time I get a tattoo I leave very impressed and very happy. Casey does amazing work and so do all the other guys.

Lance Placek

Great experience there. Artists are understanding and know what you want. Highly recommended this place.

shanna

Clean place and educated creative artists who love what they do and can bring your idea to an amazing reality.

Ruby Strauss

I absolutely LOVE this place!!! I've gotten 8 tattoos from Pinto, about to get my 9th, his artwork is incredible and he is awesome at making you feel welcomed and comfortable!!! I've also gotten 4 piercings done by Derek who is just as awesome, one of the nicest guys I've met! He's quick, clean, and the piercings come out perfect!!! I've yet to see a piece of art or jewelry come out of this place that doesn't look like a masterpiece! Definitely check this shop out if your looking to get something done!

Lauren Davis

I had a great experience getting my first nose piercing. Before I got my piercing done they explained everything that I needed to know. When it came down for me to actually get my nose Peirced they again explained everything and made me feel so comfortable and a little less nervous. I totally recommend this place they know what they’re doing!!

Julius Buzzard

I got a tattoo here a few weeks ago. Luis did a great job. He was friendly, clean, quick, and professional. The staff is experienced and makes sure everything is done just right and fit me in when I just dropped in.

Markarov Pequeno

Great Artist's Professional Nice Shop

Crystal Arroyo

I absolutely love this shop! It’s very clean and the staff is great! They do their best to accommodate any walk in or get you in for an appointment within just a few days. I’ve got many tattoos here with Chris! He is great his work is amazing and he is great at taking a rough idea and turning it into something beautiful beyond expectations! I would not go anywhere else!!!

Amber Terry

I have been going to Matt for 10 years...he is a great artist!! He has a tender touch for the sqirmish lol and his sense of humor makes him putting his beautiful work on you a bonus!! I recommend him to everyone who asks about my ink or an artist!! Can't wait to sit in his chair again soon!!

Brandon Lahman

Please go here for your next tattoo.. They are the kindest most easy going people I've ever dealt with and I have been to several places to get tattoos. It is by far the best in the entire Chicago land area and the prices are the best!!!! Ryan is amazing.. Luis is man though... His skills are superior and he just a super cool guy that will make you feel comfortable and like you've known him all your life. If I could give them 10 stars I would. I tell everyone I know to go here..

Robbie Brouillette

This is the tattoo shop for the area. There is no comparison in terms of variety, artistic talent, atmosphere of an old-school shop, and reliability for anyplace in the area. This shop is the gem hidden in the rough of the tricities. If they had the acclaim of A Thin Line, this shop would be massive and constantly booked. Fortunately for you, they have availability within the week most times. Jump in on the ground floor of the best shop around.

Tyler Tate

Went in a few weeks ago for a piercing. They talked me through all the jewelry options, and pricing Before going forward with it. took the time to make sure everything was sterile which took longer than the actual piercing ! 3 weeks later and have no issues, they look great.

Tony Richards

The best tattoo artist this side of the globe! Very clean and professional! Would recommend to anyone and everyone.

Jill Napier

Can’t say enough about this place especially LUIS! First thing...this place is immaculate! Went there and met Luis for the first time. He was so knowledgeable and helpful in advising me what options would work best on placement and fonts on the two tats that he created for me. Best thing about him is he will tell you the truth regarding your tattoos. He wants to make sure that you’ll be happy and your tats will last!!! Always open to answering any questions you will have during and after your experience! He will be the only person I will be going to and sending people to from this point on. Check out his own font too...it’s amazing!