Living Canvas Tattoos Inc

Reviews 5

BR

Brad Boute

Mark Walters, the owner of Living Canvas Tattoos, has created a work of art. After 30 years in the industry, the combination of his skill and artistic sensibility bring forth exquisite renderings that transform the human body into a living canvas. As an artist, his integrity emanates from every pore in his body. Listening to him speak about his process, and how he considers creating designs he is passionate about as well as those designs which he knows he cannot complete because they run contrary to his personal beliefs, is akin to watching a Shodo master breathe life into his strokes. However, that is not the artwork I mean. The true work of art is the business itself. The studio, a renovated historic home on Mill Avenue, is an intricate blend of the old and the new. Mark, an architect in a former life, implemented his vision for the studio with exquisite grace. He intentionally separates it from any expectation of what a “tattoo parlor” looks like. Walking into the building, one of the first things you notice is a feeling warmth and welcome. The original beams and floor create a sense of trust and strength, while the hand painted and textured walls relax and warm the environment. A Japanese influence, clearly visible by the artwork and masks that adorn the walls, introduces a sense of history and intricate attention to detail. Even the bathroom includes details and design choices that remind visitors they are in the presence of people who concern themselves with the finest details. Yet, there is more to Living Canvas and Mark’s vision of the studio than the structure and visual appeal of the building. You see, the true strength of character that makes his creation stand far above others is his stewardship of the business itself. Mark believes in true customer service. Not the thin veneer of customer service that we have accepted in many industries, but the deep understanding and concern for his clients that is reminiscent of the treatment you might have received if you could have afforded the grand stateroom on a transatlantic voyage in the mid-1920s. The assurance that all your needs will be cared for with respect and expediency. This care reflects Mark’s deep passion for his business, customers, and staff. He maintains an active apprentice program for his artists, regularly challenging them to draw and design on a regular basis to improve their skills, and his communication with his customers is far beyond expectations; as his availability to answer questions seem to extend to whenever you may have one. I feel honored to say that this man and his business have touched me. Not only because of the art I now have as a permanent part of who I am, but because I witnessed someone who is dedicated to their craft with every fiber of their being. Dedicated in the way artisans of old lived and breathed their trade, passing it down through generations. I suppose it is obvious to say that I recommend Living Canvas Tattoos. However, do not go just for the ink … go for the experience of witnessing what it means to have integrity in every aspect of the word.

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A

A Private User

I scheduled an appointment on a Saturday with Mark for three tattoos to be done on myself, my brother and my sister who were flying in from out of state especially for this service. I had met with Mark a week before the appointment and chose him to be our tattoo artist because I liked his work displayed in his portfolio. I put down a $60 deposit to ensure our appointment at 3:30 on April 3rd with Mark. I also made Mark aware that my brother and sister were coming out of state so we could get our tattoos done together. On the day of our appointment, I received a call 10 minutes prior saying Mark called in sick. What kind of business cancels an appointment 10 minutes prior to the appointment???? Since my brother and sister were from out of state, there was no other day for us to reschedule an appointment. Since this was not our fault or choice to cancel the appointment we wanted our refund of $60 back. They refused to refund us the money and claimed our only option would be to reschedule. They had terrible customer service with continuous eye rolling and little cooperation to understand the customer and that the fault in this situation lied in the hands of not only the business, but the business owner Mark. I do not care how great of an artist Mark thinks he is, he should learn how to run a business first. I will continue my business at Club Tattoo who provides quality customer service and clean tattoos.

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A

A Private User

4-4-11 I just had another great session with Mark and have to add to my experience. Once again it was amazing. Mark added a train of cherry blossoms to two of my old pieces tying them together PERFECTLY. He also was able to touch up an old tattoo that had morphed into a disgusting mess; Im proud to show it off again. Mark truly has the eye for creating beautiful art and the talent to bring it to life. I have never met a more talented group of artists then the guys at Living Canvas! I recommend Mark to everyone I know. His prices are beyond fair, he trys his best to fit you in his schedule promptly (with being so talented he is quite popular), his shop is super clean w a great laid back vibe, staff is friendly and in no way intimidating, and I promise if you take an idea to Mark, hell make it come to life even better than you could imagine! 12-17-10 I LOVE this shop. I just got tattooed by Mark Walters (shop owner) a couple days ago. Hes great. Hes been my dads artist for the last 15 yrs and Im glad to say hes replacing my old artist. My cousin also got a tattoo done by an artist named Mike. Everyone in the shop does great work and is truly talented. I reccomend them to everyone!

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KE

Kevin Omalley

I met with Mark last week for a consultation. When I called, the guy on the phone was very polite and helpful in setting up my appointment. Upon arriving for my appointment I was greeted by a friendly little gal at the reception desk. Mark sat down with me and listened to my needs. He then told me what was possible and what he wasnt comfortable with and recommended another artist for one of my cover-ups. Very honest and I appreciate that. It just proves they are not out for a money grab. He showed me some of his work and he is an outstanding artist. One of his clients was there and was more than happy to show me his work. The arm that Mark will be working on will be a cover-up with a traditional japanese dragon half sleeve and breast plate. I cant wait. I dont understand the low rated reviews that Living Canvas Tattoo has received. They were nothing but courteous and professional. The cost was a little more than I expected, but then again, you get what you pay for. I have done my homework and this is the place to go. Their booking time is a ways out there but that just proves how popular they are. Good tattoos arent cheap and cheap tattoos arent good.

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Shon S

I had a tattoo coverup nobody wanted to deal with. It was black, oddly shaped, and just ugly. Mark and his team put their skills to work and came up with a memorial coverup to my mom and dad. The artwork speaks for itself. I cant put into words how I feel about this tribute to my parents. Mark and 3 of his staff were there today, Sunday. As I was being worked on there isnt much to do but watch the happenings around the store. People getting worked on, coming and going, etc. One thing stood out. How awesome his guys treated every customer. I sat there and watched 4 true professionals at their skill give the best customer service anyone could ask or expect. If your reading this and thinking of getting a tattoo, there is no place on earth I would recommend over these guys. Next, the shop is clean and organized. The music is just right and the chairs are comfortable! I sat down for a 3 hour session and never got stiff! I was given a course and some notes on cleaning my new tattoo before I left. Please believe all these 5 star reviews, there is no other reason to go anywhere in AZ for a tattoo or piercing!

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