Reviews of Blu Gorilla Tattoo (Tattoo Shop)

Shay Christophersen Licensed Closer

GREAT SHOP! Very talented artists, I am partial to Brad Grimes, because he did such a great job on mine! He was patient, dedicated, and precise! The music does not suck in their, its not dirty, and its usually not too crowded! I will be back! GREAT WORK BRAD!

Kaylynn Picard

Ashley will always be my go to! Sweet, polite and always does my tattoos perfectly. I always get compliments on the ones done by her. I will never go to anybody else. Been going to her for 3 years now. Super talented!

Samantha Watson

I was lucky enough to get my first tattoo from Brad—a truly gifted artist who shows genuine consideration and attention towards his clients and the work he's creating. Put your trust in him and he won't let you down. Overall, a fantastic experience from both a shop and artist I'd gladly revisit!

shem sampath

I came in first for a consult. I showed them what I wanted done and they recommended the right person for the job. I set up an appointment with Kort. He took his time and did an amazing job. I'll definitely come back and get more tattoos from him. Great place.

Amy Strand

I went to Brad for my first tattoo and I couldn't recommend him & Blu Gorilla enough! Great environment and such kind people! Brad did a wonderful, wonderful job and was very patient and understanding with my first-time nerves. Great place to go for a first tattoo or your 100th. Make sure to call and check if the artist you're looking for is at this specific location; I almost went to the wrong one. Thank you Blu Gorilla! (Also Brad was great. Did I mention that already?)

Johnathan Siebert

I got my first tattoo here and was very pleased with my experience. Coming in I didn’t know what to expect, but everyone was very helpful and educational and left me feeling completely comfortable with the entire experience. Highly recommend!

Monica Farrell

My friend and I were only going to be in town for a few days to check out Charleston and were excited to book appointments at Blu Gorilla after reading all of the wonderful reviews about the shop, and particularly about one of the artists: Ashley. We called in roughly 3 weeks before our trip to book 2 appointments and spoke to a friendly receptionist who instructed us to email photos and details to a given email address and provide a $40 deposit to hold the appointments. He said he would share these details with Ashley so she would be able to prepare beforehand and that we were all set. On the morning of our appointments (which was also the last day we were visiting Charleston) she texted us to tell us she was not feeling well and wanted to reschedule, something that was completely understandable. However, a few minutes later she texted again asking us to provide the details of what we wanted to get (which we’d already provided weeks ago to the shop) and that she was going to come in despite being ill. We kindly asked for our refund back and explained that we’d prefer not to be tattooed by someone that was not well at which point she proceeded to call us and completely snap. Telling us she would not refund our deposit despite her need to cancel, asking how old we are (as if that has any bearing on anything related to this situation). She was very quickly escalating this conversation into an extremely inappropriate and unprofessional verbal argument. We were absolutely shocked and appalled to be treated like this by someone who was supposed to provide such an intimate service for us. It's quite shocking to me to see so many reviews praising her as kind and personable when she was nothing except aggressive and argumentative. Ultimately we had to block her phone number and call the shop to get our refund. They were very nice and apologetic about the entire situation, but it certainly sounded like this was not a first! I would certainly say to avoid any type of booking with her if at all possible. Anyone that acts in that accusatory and demeaning manner should not be tattooing your body.

Swati Patel

Ashley was amazing!! For my first tattoo, she made me super comfortable and was incredibly professional at the same time. Can't wait to go back and see her for my next piece!!

Andrew McKenzie

Ashley McMullen was very professional and amazingly talented with clean lines. I would recommend going to her for your next tattoo.

Amber mccleland

Amazing shop with awesome artists! Especially Ashley! Super talented and friendly as well. Do yourself a favor if you’re in Charleston and check them out!

Erin White

Ashley’s work is flawless. She always makes my ideas perfectly come to life, and not to mention she puts on an epic concert for you while she’s working!

Shelby Elder

Brad is awesome!! My tattoo turned out better than I could have hoped with how much detail was in it. He was fast, professional and very reasonably priced unlike other places in town. I am absolutely in love with my tattoo and people are amazed at how good it turned out. I will definitely be going back to him very soon! The shop is clean and everyone is very welcoming too!

shayla biello

Highly recommend Blue Gorilla! Staff is pretty laid back and chill. && Brad works some magic. :) Go check them out !

Holly P

Brad did an amazing job on my tattoo! Can't wait to get more done by him!!!

Chelsea Clark

Love this place. Brad did amazing with my tattoo and I'm in love with it, also it's very reasonably priced

kfadaee88

Every member of the staff was super nice & professional!! Go see Brad, he did such a fantastic job w/ my wrist tattoo

Nicole Marchant

Had my tattoo done by Ashley and loved it the moment she showed me the drawing! She gave me exactly what I wanted. She was quick, and she was not heavy handed at all. It is the best tattoo I have . I am planning on going back to her soon to get some more work done. The shop is clean and everyone there is friendly and helpful .

jenna c

we showed up 15 min early, artist was just starting another person's tattoo at our scheduled time (we made appointment a month in advance) called us back an hour late. Redbeard (Steve - our artist) was nice and friendly, although pretty vulgar the whole time. my tattoo healed wonky and since we visited from 3 1/2 hours away, i contacted him about a refund and he declined. it was $60 - for a tattoo that came out pretty bad. BUT the owners Tim and Alyx reached out and were extremely apologetic and gave me a full refund!! would definitely visit again. shop is clean and professional.

Sarah Rosenbloom

Cool spot - Ashley is amazing! She's efficient and does fantastic work. Have two pieces done by her and already booked my third appt, plan to get a ton more work done by her!!!! They take walk ins too and have two locations which is convenient.

Brett Lucas

Fantastic tattoo shop. Artist are great and I’ve had nothing but great experiences every-time I’ve been in!

Robin B

ASHLEY ROCKS!!!!! My 18yr old daughters first ink, designed herself, and Ashley rocked it out! Had such a great time, mama was next! Im sure we will see you again soon Ashley! Keep up the beautiful work!

Morgan Grant

I was super nervous to get a larger more visible tattoo but Brad made it such a fun and great experience! By far best artist and his line work is nuts. I won’t go anywhere else to get any work done :) hands down the best I’m very happy

Jessica Wilkes

Brad did a great job! I love the line work in my new tattoo and it turned out exactly how I wanted it to. Overall a great experience and I will be going back for more! I highly recommend Blu Gorilla and Brad!

Liz Albrecht

Always an awesome experience here. Super helpful in making sure you get the best tattoo possible! Also, great prices for amazing work.

Ashley Moulden

Brad was my tattoo artist and he was phenomenal! Professional, polite, easy to talk to, and a talented artist. While he was doing my tattoo, I browsed through his instagram to look at more of his work (tattoosbybrad) and let me say, superrrrr talented guy!

Phyllis Klagges

Brad was my artist and I highly recommend him. I gave him an idea of what I wanted and trusted him for all the details, my tattoo turned out better than I imagined. It was worth the wait to get an appointment with him. The shop was clean and the staff was cool.

Christine Arroyo

Brad is very professional, helpful, and quick! During my experience, he made me feel at ease and is a very skilled artist. His work is clean and consistent. I particularly love his keen attention to detail. I would recommend Brad and Blu Gorilla to anyone.

Cara Grooms

Had an amazing experience with Brad at Blu Gorilla tattoo! He did an excellent job on my thigh piece, amazing detail and exceeded my expectations! I will definitely be back!

Grace Albenesius

Brad at blu gorilla is awesome! his work exceeded our expectations. His fine line work and dot shading is on point. definitely will be back

Zach Newsome Golf Instruction

The staff at Blu Gorilla is always helpful and accommodating. My schedule is not always flexible and I am able to work around that with them! Ashley is the artist I see with all of my tattoo needs/ideas. The moment I met her she put me at ease and made the entire process from start to finish fun and stress free. Her attention to detail and professionalism when it comes to listening to ideas, providing valuable input and overall expertise really takes the experience to the next level. I would recommend Blu Gorilla and Ashley specifically to anyone looking to take the plunge on a new tattoo or first tattoo over any other shop in the Charleston area!!

Kyle Leatherberry

Charlie is the man. Exactly what I wanted quick and was able walk in. Very impressed

Dana Harmon

Ashley was awesome! Great experience! Recommend 100%

Delaina Gurzi

I had the best experience here. Brad was my artist and did an amazing job! The whole shop was welcoming with great customer service. Brad took an old tattoo I didn’t like and made it something I love! I made another appointment before I left. 10/10 would recommend

drew McGrew

Dont bother if your getting off work to come here on friday the 13th. People were in line from 9am when i got there at 3:50pm. Ill put a 3 star cause its neutral i guess. But they were poor about cutting off the line when they knew they couldnt serve the whole line in time.

Fern Wooden

Brad did such a wonderful job! It was my first tattoo and I was so nervous, but he made it such a great experience. He made sure I was super comfortable before he did the tattoo and assured me everything would be okay. I wouldn’t have wanted to go anywhere else in Charleston and I will definitely be back! Thank you Brad and Blu Gorilla for a wonderful first experience!!

Brittany Henderson

I'm so disappointed and a bit upset. I went there this afternoon (to the location on Meeting in front of the cemetery) to get a consult on tattoo I got a couple years ago. I don't I was asking much. I just wanted it cleaned up and to add a bit more detail to the edges. The guy at the counter got one of the artist who was out back to look at it. The dude stared at my tattoo for 2 mins literally making faces and then goes "there's nothing I can do for you. This is beyond my expertise." I'm said ok do you know anyone with more experience who can help? I'm new to the area so I don't know of many shops. This guy was not young and I presumed him to be one of the more experienced artist in the shop. He's said "no I'm to the area too." He didn't bother to ask any of the other artists who were also out back sitting in the garage. This is the most frustrating experience I've ever had at a shop.

Cynthia Stutts

James was wonderful. we had a great experience. The place is extremely clean and friendly.

Molly Petkovich

Brad was my tatoo artist and I couldn't have been happier with my experience. He reworked an old tattoo that I had and wasn't totally happy with. He listened to what I wanted and came up with a design that was better than what I imagined. I am getting married in a few weeks and had let Brad know that, he came in on his day off to make sure that we had enough time to finish the tattoo for my big day. He went above and beyond and I would recommend him to anyone.

Celina Voelker

It's been years since I've had a tattoo. Brad made me feel comfortable, was super professional and to top it off, the tattoo was the least painful one yet. He truly has a gift and I would easily trust him with any future tattoo. #tattoosbybrad

Jesse

Ashley did an amazing job on some needing to be reworked ink and then on some new bits I added. Really flexible and a breeze when discussing options. Been getting tattoos for a very long time and I really enjoyed getting to work with her. She was speedier than what I expected and everything is clean, crisp and looks spot on. Will definitely be coming back.

Chuck Luzinski

Ashley McMullen has done at least 3 tattoos for me.... she has always been a true pro! Her artistry and professionalism are certainly top notch!! I highly recommend her!

kim marziali

Ashley is amazing! My favorite tattoo was done by her. I trusted her enough to pick from her own designs and don’t regret that decision at all. I’d let her tattoo me any day! Ashely is friendly and so much fun. Go see her, you won’t regret it!!

Morgan Nikole

Definitely going again! Brad did an amazing job and made me feel welcomed! Highly recommend Brad check out his instagram Tattosbybrad

jade gutzler

I had been trying to figure out what my next tattoo would be for a year or so. Finally found 2 concepts that I wanted to combine and walked into the shop to meet Brad, made my appointment and walked out. Fast forward 4 weeks later, I’m strapped with a beautiful new tattoo perfectly executed. Not only was the whole shop clean, but it felt like hanging out with friends *crucial*, Brads work and detail is the best I’ve seen in Charleston and I will definitely be back. **highly recommend**

Mars Doria

Recently lost my daughter to a rare blood disorder and I wanted to have her little baby footprints on my chest. Ashley did a great job and I am completely satisfied. Thank you Ashley! The tattoo really means a lot to me and my wife.

Sam Lawrence

Ashley is one of the best traditional tattoo artist there! She has done my entire left arm and I’m very picky!!!! She does a great job and is very honest about your decision making when it comes to getting ink on your body for the rest of your life! Stick with the honest artists! Not the ones who say yes immedietly and Tattoo “ free spirit” on your wrist like everyone in this world has. Go to ashley !

Jordan Timmerman

Brad was absolutely amazing. He was super friendly and easy to schedule with, and he went through several fonts and redrew several times to get things exactly how I wanted them. My first tattoo was an absolute breeze because of him, and he made jokes and made sure I was comfortable the whole time.

Mandi Williams

Great experience with Brad! My tattoo turned out even better than I could have hoped. I'm loving it!! Easy scheduling, friendly staff. Brad's a great artist and I would highly recommend you go to him for your tattoo needs! I will definitely be going back!

Bailey Harmon

I made an appointment with Brad while I was in town for vacation. When I went in I showed him some ideas of things I liked and he worked on a design for me and changed it until I was satisfied. He made me feel very comfortable about changing it until it was exactly what I wanted! He was very professional and is very very talented! I would recommend him to anyone. If you’re in the Charleston area looking for a tattoo artist, you’d be crazy not to go to him !

Tory Vanderbeck

Brad did an amazing piece on my right forearm. He went above and beyond sketching up an incredible piece with a vision when I merely had an idea. I highly recommend booking with Brad. Brad is easy to talk to, quick with a joke, and he made the 4 hours go by speedily.

Katelin Vargas

Absolutely loved the service! Ashley was so helpful and extremely talented, definitely did some badass work on me!! Made great conversation throughout the process and it was quick but still great quality! I most definitely be returning for my next piece !

lauren rowley

Bret did a great job on my husband's tattoo!!

Pooja Patel

Got my first tattoo done here and I have no regrets. Shop was very clean and held up to standards. Ashley was so personable and awesome, I highly recommend her. Would definitely go back here for my second.

Jordan Knight

Brad did me and my moms tattoos. Great dude! Great place! Great work! Very happy with the work and will definitely be back for more!

Kerstin Engelby

I have been tattooed twice now by Brad and each time I’ve been amazed! He’s an amazing artist and highly recommend him & Blu Gorilla

Mikaylee Steele

Brad took me in the middle of his full schedule as a walk in and did AWESOME. He is so detailed and patient with his work. I enjoyed his conversation, as well, as it distracted me from the pain. Brad is so kind and talented. Highly recommend!

Jordanne White

Brad was amazing with my wildflowers! Affordable prices and great staff!

Marilyn Bertelsen

Nic did my first tattoo. I asked for a last minute design change, and he figured out what I wanted perfectly. Followed his instructions, and it healed quickly with no issues at all. The place was clean, and the pain was less than a dentist visit.

Patrick Vinci

Love this shop! Ashley is my go to artist and I haven’t had a better experience with anyone else. She is an AMAZING artist. I’ve had multiple tattoos done by her and she continues to show her professionalism every time I’m in the shop with her. 5 star review for a 5 star artist

Jackson Kapera

Front desk was excellent and very welcoming. Ashley did an amazing job with the tattoo from the stencil all the way to talking to me keeping me distracted. Highly recommend BluGorilla, and ask for Ashley.

Mikayla Knizevski

Brad was great! I didn’t even make an appointment, and he fit me in after designing the perfect addition for my friend’s tattoo. He’s super talented. Definitely make an appointment with Brad for your next tattoo.

haley wojick

I went to Brad in February for a tricep tattoo. Its a silhouette of a woman & half of her body is made of flowers. It’s all mainly line work and it came out beautiful! I am in LOVE with this tattoo. Someone who is really good at lines can be hard to come by but my friend recommended that I go to Brad at Blu Gorilla and I am beyond happy with the result. It’s so simple and elegant people compliment it all the time. I will be making another appointment very soon!

Cassy Kukura

Brad was the first and only person I’ll go to get my tattoos! His work is very detailed and amazing! If I have a tattoo in mind but need an idea for other parts of the tat, he helps think of something that would work best! He’s very creative and laid back. Very outgoing and focused on his work.

Andrew Clyde

Acouple good artists, afew really bad ones like any place. Condescending front desk and poor management. Use caution and don't trust the artist books laying around vs their pages online or you'll have expensive regret.

Livi Crowell

I went to Brad for my tattoo and he did an absolutely AMAZING job with mine! I'm so in love with it and his style and work is absolutely incredible. He's also very nice and makes you feel immediately comfortable in the space. He talked to me throughout the whole tattoo and was overall such a cool guy and an outstanding artist! I can't recommend him enough and I'll definitely be going to him for the rest of my tattoos!

Adriana Fregoso

I got my first tattoo here. They were very nice and understanding and patient with me. I'm absolutely in love with my new tattoo. I recommend this place t get your tattoos done #virgo

Casey Jenkins

I came in for a consult and got super lucky to have Jose as my artist. He and I worked together to make sure the artwork came out as perfect as possible. He was super friendly and ridiculously talented. I am so excited to go back and get more work done by Jose! The rest of the staff was absolutely welcoming, personable, and friendly. Thank y'all!

Ellen Greis

I've gotten my last three tattoos done at Blu Gorilla - all by Ashley McMullen. The shop itself is always clean, and all the employees are pleasant. And Ashley is AMAZING! I can't ever go to another artist after her. Her work is solid and her attitude is fantastic. I love my tattoos, and I get compliments on them all the time. I always makes sure to tell them where and who to go to!