Reviews of Art Of War Tattoo Collective (Tattoo Shop)

pablo Fuenzalida

Place is real dope with really good pricing and people.

jose franchini

The place is very clean the instrument for tattoo are new generation the guys are extremely friendly I recommended 100%

Erin Garay

Great shop with an amazing vibe. Had a large piece done by Lee - an amazing artist and even better tattooer. 6 hours later and I’ve got a new favorite piece. Lee is super patient and aware of his costumer. Super grateful for the time you spent on this piece for me. Excited to work with you again!!

Wayne Longhurst

Great place and great tattoos. My Fiancee and I stopped in on the off chance to get ring tattoos, they took care of us and did amazing work. Would definitely recommend.

Eugeniu Aftenii

I've been working with Joni for some time now - he does some awesome work. I originally came in for a coverup and he did great. So I kept coming in to get more stuff done. Joni really takes his time and focuses on every small detail. I would say his primary focus is the quality not the quantity, so if you want to get some nice art on your body - go see him! Thanks.

Emma F

I recently discovered Nina on Instagram while looking for local tattoo artist. The work on her page looked amazing and very detailed. For years I've had an idea for a tattoo but no one was ever able to bring my idea to life. With a few different pictures, 5 to be exact, and explaining she was able to bring my vision to life. When she sent me the image she created I was amazed. What she came up with was what I had envisioned and more. The day of my tattoo I was beyond excited, finally after so many years I was getting my tattoo. Prior to that day I had never met Nina, we had only ever communicated virtually. Our first meeting was very plesent, Nina is very nice and dose a great job keeping you comfortable. Nina doesn't rush through her work, takes her time, and is VERY VERY detailed (which I love). I can honestly say I've found my tattoo artist. I had 7 other tattoos before Nina's and this one is by far my favorite. I've already scheduled another session for another creative tattoo and we'll be planning for a very colorful creative sleeve soon. I've recommended her to almost everyone at work.

Gacha Ally

Today I had one of the most pleasant experience with a tattoo artist that goes by Spike (Diego) this guy takes his work to the next level, and when I say next level I mean I found my tattoo artist for life

James Bashay

Ask for Ant

Cole Gibson

What an amazing experience. Extremely friendly and entertaining staff. Not only was I proud walking out with my art I was amazed at the amount of detail and dedication shining through after 6 and a half hours of chair time. I came in not knowing what to expect for my first tattoo. Confused and nervous I tried to explain my idea and with patience and kindness my idea was taken back to an artist. Later he came out and smiled behind his mask, seeing the excitement from his face about what he got to take part in was rewarding in and of itself. You walk into the place just staring at all of the stickers and tattoo designs on the wall overwhelmed with inspiration. Whether it’s realism or neo-traditional. These people have your back. You definitely get what you pay for. Already planning my next piece, if you stay loyal to them, then they stay loyal to you. If you have any common sense you will throw your money at them. Thanks again to VINH, the owner and much praise to Maui, I’ve seen his work on my friends and the prowess exonerates from their skin. Go check them out.

Key Chain

Lee is trash

Brittany Stanley

The best tattoo studio I’ve been to so far! Lee did a great job with my tattoo and was very precise with every detail and really took the time to make sure my tattoo looked detailed and awesome! The atmosphere was also super chill and all the artist are pretty rad. Lee also was great when it came to making sure I was alright. Super excited to see him in a few weeks for my next tattoo. So if your looking for a great and professional tattoo artist in the DMV region definitely go see Lee or any of the other great artists at Art of War!

OreotheAnimelover

I love the people there and the atmosphere of this place, but their time Management and communication is awful. This is the second time that I had to wait over 30 min. for the artist to come and they don’t show up. They will apologize and promise a better price but they’ll charge you regular price even though they made a mistake!

Will Bellows

I very much enjoyed my trip to art of war. I received great work from Taco, who sketched up a great design from my rough draft. It's very much a collective; the vibe is looser and more laid back than other shops I've been to. There's no formal manager, so they can come off a little disorganized. That really isn't the case however. The pricing is fair and the guys really know their needlework. Picture is from the day of, so there's some swelling, but the line work was very even and well done.

Wubba Hubba

Lee works slow and overcharges like he's milking the clock. I've seen his work on freinds and even though it's recent, it all looks very aged. I had to take the loss and find a shop to complete the work and already they are doing tremendously better at more than half the cost. Also the guy books months in advance and is quoting over 5 grand for a sleeve. I'd recommend looking around at other shops.

Skyler Pagnella

My experience at Art Of War was amazing. Great customer service. I have gotten a tattoo from the owner and the manager of the shop, both of them are perfect. All of the artists are extremely helpful and informative. I will be coming back to Art of War for all of my tattoos.

Robert Moreno

(Translated by Google) The (Original) Lo

Alex Jonston

I Love'd this place. it's super laid back, I had Spike do a piece on my back and he did an amazing job. the line work is perfect. also the girl at the front desk was super kind to me. the only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because I had to wait a little bit after my scheduled appointment time to get started. but over all, I had a great time

Emily McCoy

I got my first tattoo done by Ezee at Art of War. I had an awesome experience and all of the staff was awesome! The receptionist was really sweet and calming, and was really kind about my story behind my tattoo. I would 100% recommend AOW as a place to get a tattoo done.

Nicole Nunez

I got my first tat n it looks amazing. The people their are so nice n good vibes.

AG L

I live about an hour and a half away in Stafford...but I NEVER want to go anywhere else for my ink! Edwin/Mono has perfect line-work. I've seen him 3 times now and cannot find anything negative to say about him or his pieces! He and all the other artists are SO nice and definitely make you feel welcome and comfortable. I recommend this place to all my friends. If you're still trying to make up your mind on a place to go, look no further!

Alexander Aguirre

I worked with Ken and he’s such a talented artist. Will definitely come back again.

Margie Clark

I called and spoke with Lee told him what I was looking for. The very next day I was in the shop reviewing the custom drawing of my tattoo. We made a few changes but nothing significant. It was apparent Lee paid attention to every detail I gave him over the phone. Within minutes we went to work. The facility was clean professional and friendly with an upbeat attitude. Everyone there treated me with the utmost respect from the first phone call to the multiple calls over the next couple of days to see how I was doing and how the tattoo was healing. Closing time was 9 one the first day but we stayed til 2 in the morning to make sure the particular piece of the sleeve we were working on was complete with color. It was absolutely gorgeous. I was back the next day to outline all the other pieces of the sleeve that we were unable to get to the first day and again was amazed at the level of detail put into each piece of the design as well s the treatment I received from everyone at the facility. Everyone kept checking on me not just the artist that was doing the tattoo to make sure I had everything I needed. The tattoo came out far better than I ever expected and I can't wait to go back now in a week and a half to finish it. I can't than Lee enough for the amazing work he did on this piece. If you are looking for mediocre piece go to another shop but if you are looking for a piece you can be proud to were for the rest of you life go to Art of War Collective. You won't be disappointed

Vinh Le

I came to color therapy to get a cartilage piercing i always wanted my nipples done but had a previous piercer tell me because one is inverted sorry for TMI that it couldnt be done evenly so i figured i would ask, and OMG!!!!! their piercer Liz was able to pierce my nipples and my cartilage and she gave me a really good deal since i was getting technically 3 different piercings she was very proffessional and my piercings are even and i love them its been about 6 weeks now and they are healing wonderfully she went over all the aftercare with me even gave me some for free to start me out she seems like she really cares about how her piercings come out she even gave me her personal cell if i had any questions i would reccomend any of my friends to get pierced there i also was looking around and the tattoo artists there seemed to be putting out some pretty good work too but i didn't get tattooed i only got pierced i had a couple questions and i texted her and she actually replied very quickly i dont know any other piercer who cares so much during AND after a piercing is done i have alot of piercings and have been a few different places in northern VA and this was by far my best experiance i never write reviews but i felt like i really had to because she went above and beyond so YAY!

Thai Trinh

I will start out with this-Cuong is known for his linework, I was told, however, his creativity, time management, and execution were flawed. I might be an exception, as a lot of his work on IG is great. Just not my piece. There are lines where you can definitely tell, are crooked, and lines that look like he slipped. I know, that it was not a good day for him. But its a horrible day for me, when you're tatting something permanent onto my arm. This is where it gets weird and messed up. Color Therapy is where I met Cuong to get my initial consultation in April 2016 and it is where I assumed I would get my work done. Not the case. Color Therapy closed for what seemed like nearly a month, so 6-7 weeks later when we agreed to do my first session in May, I was told that it would be done at his other studio. I was never informed, however, that this was at his personal residence. Ok, so I get out of my uber, no problem. Not even 15 minutes into the actual inking, after prep and laying on my stenciled piece, his girlfriend storms into the room, doesn't excuse herself to me, for disrupting a paid, working session, and demands Cuong give her the keys and some money. Not one for first impressions, sure. But then the interruptions happened several more times throughout my 5 hour session. And each interruption was more rude than the last. It took every drop of patience for me to keep my mouth shut so that I could at LEAST get this outline finished before any drama ensued. I paid, got in my uber and left bc this was their personal residence, not a business, and I was not going to be disrespectful in someone's home, no matter how rude someone irrelevant to my tattoo, was to me. I told Cuong via text, that what happened today, was very unprofessional and inappropriate. That I did not appreciate the constant disruptions[his girlfriend demanding to know how much longer it would take, every 30 minutes]. And that I would only meet him at the studio for future sessions. He agreed, and I left it at that. HOURS later, this was about 9pm, so around 3AM, i received about 20 texts from his phone, supposedly from his girlfriend, cursing me out, then an hour or so later, texts from supposedly Cuong, apologizing and saying that, he did not want to make me nor his girl uncomfortable, so he will finish my next 3 sessions in one, for $___ (the same price as the balance of the original price I was quoted-no incentive for me to return after the drama that I was just thrown into). I also, receive about 20 more texts from what appeared to be his girlfriend's phone, continuing to curse me out. Cuong tried to call me that morning, but after waking up at 7am to about 40 text messages, I was not in the mood to talk to him, nor attempt to resolve anything with him. Mind you, at no point during my session, did Cuong try to explain what may be the reason for the rudeness, nor put an end to it. It was like dealing with a child having a tantrum and he chose to ignore it. This was a tattoo, a custom piece, that we met over and he agreed to do in the timeline that I had given him (6 weeks) and I agreed to his price (overpriced, according to EVERYONE I've shared this number with). Did I follow up every week or two to check on the status and make sure we were still on schedule? Yes, as a project manager for a living, this was normal to me, to make sure there was no scope creep. Did I ever text outside of business hours? No. The issues that his girlfriend had with me, were uncalled for, as this was none of her business that I needed to be in contact with him. Everything was strictly a business transaction between Cuong and I. But because she chose to be rude and inappropriate to a paying client, Cuong will never be allowed to finish my tattoo, nor get any further business from my friends and I, because of his lack of professionalism. And although I did not actually get my tattoo done at Color Therapy, only my consultation, due to their renovations, Cuong still works for and represents Color Therapy, and had the studio been open, my work would have been done there.

John Barnes

My experience at this shop has been excellent. I would recommend this shop to anyone. It has taken me a long time to find the right artist and shop. Over the years I have been to quite a few consultations at different shops where either the shop was not exactly to my liking or the artist did not grasp my vision for what I was trying to do. It was very disheartening. It took me about 12 years to find the perfect fit that Color Therapy Tattoo Studio provided. Edwin Blaque, one of the artists at Color Therapy Tattoo Studio, was able to completely capture my vision for the pieces I wanted to have done. He took the pieces that I wanted and brought them to life. One thing that stands out was when he told me to really make sure that I liked what he was doing. After all it was going to be on me forever and he wanted to make sure of my 100% satisfaction through the process. I really liked the consideration. I finally met an artist that got it. Another thing that I will say about Edwin is that he actually talks to his clients. (The shortest session I have done was 4 hours. Sitting quiet for 4 hours gets pretty boring to me.) When I had my first tattoo done, at a different shop with a different artist, I was barely talked to. He did the tattoo and then sent me on my way. In contrast the client artist interaction with Edwin was great. I was told exactly what he was doing, how he was going to do it, and why he was going to do it that way. From the way that he interacted; he gave me the feeling that he genuinely cared about the pieces that I wanted to get done. This was very important to me. I wanted an artist who was excited about my ideas too. It gave me the ability to not stress out and know that I was going to get a great tattoo; which I did. If you're looking for a top notch artist with great customer service Edwin is your guy. In regard to the shop. When I walked into Color Therapy the staff was down to earth and welcoming. The process from the door to the chair was easy, stress free, and fun. All of the artists are friendly. This is one of the first shops that I have been to where the artists did not seem to be in competition but actually work as a team. It was an excellent experience. I will definitely get all of my work done here with Edwin.

Alexis Rutland

Hands down one of the best experiences of my life! I came to this studio after wanting a piece done that is very personal and Johni absolutely nailed it. For being my first tattoo he made me feel entirely comfortable and got to know him a bit too. This place has chill ambiance and definitely worth every penny. Professional artists with even better personalities. Love this place. Will definitely come again.

J Daché

I've gotten 3 tattoos here and have been nothing but happy with the final outcome. the artists have always been patient and willing to work with me on my designs before ever touching the inks. it's a relaxed environment, and Dori, at the front desk, is always super sweet.

YourGnome Overlord

Went here for a consultation, told the artist I wanted a dragon/wizard/castle mashup for chest and quarter sleeve. Showed him some references and he took my number saying he’d get back to me. About a week later I get a concept back from him that included a European and Japanese style dragon around a castle... not at all what I asked for and never got back to me after I told him no that wouldn’t work. Otherwise the shop felt friendly but I wouldn’t trust all the artists in knowing what they’re doing.

Bruce Rose

Had a great experience here getting my first tattoo. My artist, Spike, took his time to understand what exactly I wanted. And he delivered on it . Past that, the entire staff was professional and accommodating, I had a really good time here and if I ever feel the need for another tattoo i know I will be returning

Karen Romero

Totally recommend this awesome place to anyone looking for a nice tattoo. Staff is really welcoming and friendly. Spike did an amazing job doing my tattoo and did an entire frontal sleeve in one sitting. Anyone wanting some work done hit my man Spike up!!

Morris Chu

Very professional and friendly. Tony at the front was very cool and helpful. Ken my artist was awesome and very nice. Throughout the process kept checking on me and made sure I was fine. And the result of the work is exactly how I visioned. Will be back for sure

Alex's López

This is the worst place ever to get a tattoo, please STAY AWAY from this tattoo shop, I pay 100 dollars just to get my tattoo fix but when I came to my appointment the guy Lee never show up, And the Colombian dude hi is not a professional like he said he just have a big mouth, I came from Maryland to get I tattoo toch up to this place but I just lose money and time. STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE PEOPLE and go to the real professional please.

Steven Reyes

I am really disappointed

Melissa Nguyen

I found Lee on Instagram in November and have since gotten 3 tattoos from him. That being said- I did my research first, went in for a consult, and I’m a happy customer. The google reviews had me scratching my head- there was a lot of name calling and blaming. Firstly, if you’re going to get a tattoo- time management is something you can help with. Artists will try their best to make appointments- but they should NOT rush another client to accommodate you. Make sure to ask questions- like “when is your appointment before me?” “Is it a big piece?” “What did you quote time-wise?” -and then add an hour and make your appointment for then. No one should rush art. Especially on ones skin for eternity. It’s got to be perfect and it’s the artists job to make sure it is. I give myself lots of time after an appointment so that if Lee is running late- I can just go eat or hang there or whatever. Secondly, there are some reviews complaining about fine lines. There is an easy trick to pick someone to do fine lines- put a piece of paper on their hand and see if they can keep it steady. It seems silly, but this is a trick for doctors getting hired so if you’re worried ahead, plan accordingly. Next, my experience- I drive 2 hours to this place just for Lee. My tAts heal amazingly, and the hustle butter they sell is on my level-lots of great natural-healing ingredients. Now, I do feel like I’m an obnoxious customer. I never know where to put my tats (I’ve been collecting ideas for 10 years and wAiting for the right time to start inking)....but He hasn’t once made me feel stupid or like ive wasted time. In fact- I almost made my chest tat too small and he adjusted it and I am grateful...it would have looked whack much smaller. Also I feel like it’s pretty expensive to go here, but I would rather pay more for something quality then pay little and have the artist not be paid fairly for their skill. As far as communication goes- I know Lee is on top of it. I cant speak for the others, but I’m happy with the communication. I’m not sure why there are reviews claiming communication is bad, because every one has their days and it’s not fair to judge one experience by giving a small business owner a 1 Star review when you’re not a repeat customer or even tried to be. I’ve waited to get 3 tats before even writing a word. And word to the wise- everyone deserves a second chance. Lastly, I obviously recommend this place. I wouldnt drive so far for it. Lee is respectful, open-minded, smart and very talented. Have you even seen Kristina’s work either? OMG that girl can slay!

Kellen Miller

I have 6 tattoos, four of which I have got from this shop! I walked in because I was recommended by a friend. I had no idea what I wanted to get, but the girl at the front desk asked me what style I was interested in. I described the tattoo I was thinking of getting, and she brought back lee to talk to me. He helped me come up with the perfect day of the deal girl tattoo. His work was amazing and he was very accommodating, asking if I needed any water to asking if I wanted to pick my own music. I have come to him for all my other tattoos. The other artist offered advice to my future ideas for tattoos and I love the atmosphere of this place. I have found my new permanent tattoo shop. I recommend this shop to anyone interested in getting a tattoo and making a personal connection with their artist.

caitlin fowler

So my husband and I stopped in to get some tattoos that we have both been planning on getting for a long time. We came in for a consultation with Vin and it was great to have an artist that was really enthusiastic about the ideas that we had and was making sure everything was the way we wanted it the whole way through. He had very gentle hands and was very dedicated to his art. On another hand the shop was clean and all staff was very welcoming overall in a good mood. Art of war was a great change of pace from what I have been used to in the past and my husband and I will definitely be coming back. Vin is the goat, no cap.

Rochelle Jones

I just got a tattoo done with Vin at this shop I have to say absolutely amazing work very goof artist he has such a great hand and can really draw brings life to the tattoo please check him out I will be getting another one

Ms. Rudd

Devon (inkbystorm on IG) formally of Way of Ink is the reason why I came to this shop. His work in itself is REMARKABLE!!!! He can tattoo ANYTHING!! His knowledge of art coupled with his visionary abilities makes him the best artist I've encountered in my 15 years of getting tattoos. His teaming with the professionalism of the owner Vinh; is why this shop is the best in this area. There are several other artists at this shop that I haven't had the opportunity to work with, but if what I've seen thus far is indicative of their talents. I will would gladly go to anyone in this shop. This place is the absolute best!!!

Natalie Johnson

Customer service was great. Lee is super sweet and took his time to talk through all my tattoo options with me. Price was great, studio seemed clean and the staff was really welcoming.

Oliver Nelson

awesome place. got 2 pieces done here in one day. turned out awesome and got a sweet deal. no regret. 10/10 would go back.

Brian Palma

The best place

Chris

Bad artists. Greedy and childish owner with no integrity. You'll probably want to stay away. I came here to get simple line work done on my arm for $100. Cali made the lines crooked, lopsided, and uncentered. I was told to come back in two weeks to get one of the lines fixed, but the business was shut down down and their phones were disconnected. When I finally got in contact with Lee's assistant, I was told that they would refund the $100 and fix the tatt in 2-3 weeks. They disappeared again. I contacted them 5 weeks later and was told that Lee's mother had passed and would not return for another month. I expressed my condolences and decided to start a new project with Lee. After he got back, I gave him a picture of the tatt I wanted. He told me it took 2-3 days to sketch a draft and costed $100-200. Rather than have him refund the $100, I used it as a deposit for the new project. Lee himself attempted to the make the lines straighter, but it came out more uneven. Fine, straight lines are hard. 2-3 days turned into 2-3 weeks. Texted him. He would send something that night. This guy disappears again. Lost track of time, I told him to just refund the $100. He said that he had a sketch for me that night and I agreed. The sketch was half-assed. It's honestly sad how bad an owner of a tattooing business could be at sketching something so simple. Told him we could work on it and offered him the higher price of $200. He said that I was rude for telling him what the price should be. You're going to change the price after I pay the deposit? What a joke. I told him I wasn't going to do business with him anymore. He texted me back saying that I wasn't going to get the $100 back and that I was obnoxious and to go see a doctor for multiple personality disorder. Lol nice one. That's fine dude. Keep the money - you've fought hard to hang onto it. The owner is just a child that has no idea how to run a business. My advice: Don't bother with this place.

Amy Stahl

Diego as know as spike was amzing he did exatlcy what i wanted and made it feel comfortable being my first tattoo i will be glong back to him and my husband also.

Naveena 8 494

A week ago I went to this place I waited an hour they told us to come back after 2 hours after coming they changed the price of tattoos.again they gave us an appointment today the lady told us today The artist off today! Which they told unfair thinks am very disappointed about this place!!!

U Dunmore

The artists here are what I say they are....artists. For some people, they maybe to pricey but if you want good work you gotta pay for it. They are clean, professional, honest, and knowledgeable .

danielle dang

I called in to see if there was an opening today to schedule an appointment and rather than taking my information for an appointment they informed me walk ins are available. When I arrived at the tattoo parlor 30 minutes later they then let me know that the soonest that I could get it done was in 2 weeks. If a 2 week in advance appointment is needed for some actual service than why lazily mislead me with some "walk ins works for us" misinformation. Left very dissatisfied. Money, time, and gas wasted for a conversation that took 10 minutes just for me to be dismissed after.

Priscilla Soto

I had made an appt. with a tattoo artist at this shop. The day of my appt. the artist cancelled due to faulty scheduling. He had plans to go to a tattoo convention the same day as my appt. even though I scheduled my appt through him. It was extremely unprofessional for him to forget about my appt. I had to text him to remind him of the appt. He had no plans of informing me of this change. He then wanted me to drive about 2 hours away to the convention to get my tattoo. The artist was immensely inconsiderate of my time and my plans. After informing him that I did not have time to drive that far, I received no text back so there was no effort made on his part to reschedule. I became upset by the listed events and decided that I wanted my deposit back. I had to continuously remind this artist to pay me my deposit after the span of 3 weeks. It should not take that long to receive a deposit considering how unprofessional the artist was. Towards the last week, the artist became angry at me for his mistakes. Fortunately, I did receive my deposit shortly after his outburst but I would never recommend this shop or artist to anyone is who looking for a DEPENDABLE, RESPONSIBLE, RELIABLE artist.

Jul Anel Bermudez

Normally, I don't put reviews on places but I am doing it because I have never been this frustrated. This place does not know how to keep a customer! First of all, getting tattoos can be addictive therefore these kind of business should do the best they can to keep their clients. Second, the staff on the front are not friendly. Lastly, I was over charge! The piece I got was pretty small and I swear it was done not even 10mins. I was charge $250, where for sure I can get it by $100 in any places, and for that amount the artist ask for tip afterwards. Like wth you ripped me off and you're asking for tip? As I said I don't think they care about keeping their clients they only care about is their everyday grind.