Certified Customs Tattoo & Piercing

Reviews 4

JO

Jonathan Cover

As many of you know, getting a first tattoo can be an agonizing experience (and Im not talking about the procedure itself). Researching shops and artists can be quite overwhelming and time consuming. Certified Customs made the shopping process pretty easy - a broad array of artists and styles represented. Props for good marketing. I originally set up an appointment to Yeyo. Before my appointment, he reached out to me and let me know that he didnt feel that his renderings of my idea were appropriate. This may initially sound like a negative, but an artist who can admit that their vision doesnt jive with the customers takes balls. Nothing good comes from pressing a situation that doesnt flow by itself. Yeyo showed my information around the shop. Another artist, Red, expressed interest in my project. He and I sat down for a consultation I gave it the go ahead. Red modified my artwork a bit. Some of the elements were repositioned, rescaled, and some colors were changed. For those of you bringing your own art to the table, listen to your artist. Getting inked isnt a static process like spitting out a document or a scribble from a computer printer. The experience lives and breathes. Allow your artist to do what they do best - select them based on their style and portfolio. Three sessions later, I have a beautiful, full color, 1/4 sleeve on my right arm. It was kind of an ambitious project for a first inking, but I if I had to do it all over again, I wouldnt change a thing. I am very happy with the result. I had a second piece done about a week ago. This time it was a Yeyo project. Classic watercolor background. The artwork I presented, once again, was modified slightly based on Yeyos style and interpretation. Is it exactly what I brought in? No. Does it kick ass? Much. Dont get me wrong, Certified Customs can do duplication of artwork, but wheres the fun in that? This lot are called artists for a reason. The shop is open, bright, and clean. The folks at the front desk are top notch. The retail merchandising is focused and well presented. This is not a "tattoo joint" - its a business, and it is presented as such. Ive invested quite a bit in my body art, and I plan on investing more. I have another consultation with Red in two days, as a matter of fact. Do I recommend Certified Customs? Unequivocally yes.

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JA

Jason Krech

I want to preface this review with a few points: 1. I only have seven tattoos, all of which were done at Certified Custom, and all by a single tattoo artist - the amazing Adam Lunt. 2. That said, Ive been in many such establishments as an observer or customer in the past years, so I have some basis of comparison. 3. This is a tattoo and piercing establishment. If you are a close minded conservative, I dont think this is the place for you or your kids. I wouldnt even come in and try to pretend and tolerate it -- youll ruin the vibe for others. When I decided to get my first of the tattoos and as a new Denver resident, I did my research. What did the Yelp reviews say, what did the artist work like on their website, had the local 5280 Magazine written up any particular place? Putting ink on your body is permanent, and the shop must feel right, your artist must have a relationship that is both professional and intimate, and it must be clean. What I found was Certified Customs. Im so glad that I did. The place is clean, and they take the execution of cleanliness standards very seriously. It is constantly busy, with tattoo beds and stations arranged down a narrow hallway. Yet it works, and flows, and you never feel as though you dont have a space for you and your artist. The music blares, hardcore gangsta rap at front of house and sometimes an equally loud death metal mix from the back. I actually enjoy that. They have appealing fashion selections (hats and shirts) in the lobby for those with a street-style look. The front desk staff is incredibly funny, helpful, and get their jobs done. Scheduling is easy. The artists and apprentice seem to really get along and support each other -- in a "guy" sort of way. There is no lack of talent among them. All seem to be really exceptional at what they do. Cash only.

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ST

Staci Blinn

I am very impressed with this shop. I emailed a couple of months ago, and was emailed back quickly. I was very thankful for the front desk person, Myra (spelling?), who helped me choose an artist that would be a good fit. Went for my consultation, and scheduled an appointment. The artist was awesome to talk to, we talked through almost the whole session which was so nice. We stayed late to finish up the part we were working on, but scheduled an appointment for a few weeks later to finish. I received a call a couple of days before my 2nd appointment to let me know that the artist (who I really really liked, trusted, respected, and felt comfortable with) was no longer working there. My stomach sank, but the person who called let me know I could keep my same appointment time, and they would set me up with a guest artist. They assured me he was capable of maintaining the quality of my tattoo. I think how a place handles a very difficult situation says a lot about them. Her confidence in the new artist allowed me to not panic and to trust that I was in good hands. I cant imagine that was an easy job to call clients and tell them their artist was gone, but she did it with grace. The new artist was great. I liked him a lot as well, and his style added some really cool elements to my piece. We set up one more appointment for finishing touches which was earlier tonight, and I could not be happier. Honestly, I am thrilled with my tattoo, and that is really the only thing that matters. The shop is well run, professional, and a really fun place to spend an evening. Its comfortable and everyone is friendly. I would highly recommend them, and I will certainly be back in the future. Every single artist is unique and talented. You cant go wrong here. Thanks for everything!

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BE

Becky Olson

Ive been going to Certified Customs to have Chunk Garcia work on my left arm sleeve for almost 2 years now. I didnt get tattooed for about a 5-6 year period prior to that because I was really irritated with the rude, egotistical, and marginal tattoo artists who seem to abound these days, so I was taking a bit of a hiatus from getting work done until I could find another great artist. Enter Chunk. He is hands down the most professional, polite, efficient, and talented tattoo artist I have ever had work on me. He doesnt take smoke breaks every 10 minutes, he doesnt text his baby mama in between every needle stroke, he doesnt charge for time not worked, he doesnt flirt with female customers. Hes polite, attentive to customers style, needs, and comfort. He works quickly, but doesnt rush. He makes great conversation, but sometimes he just needs to work in his zone, and is also really great about knowing when a customer just needs to get in the zone for some challenging work. His ideas and creativity blow me away every time, and his work product is unsurpassed. This sleeve is black and gray and involves several portraits, which he absolutely nails! I seriously have people accost me in public places just to ask about the work. Im basically a walking billboard for him now, ha ha, but Im truly HAPPY to talk to anyone who asks about it because hes a rare find in the tattoo world. I will never go to another artist again unless Chunk moves or retires! SO happy and pleased with his work and the entire experience. The rest of the staff at CC are very helpful, on top of scheduling reminders, handling deposits and payments, etc. This whole shop, but particularly Chunk, are highly recommended!

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