Ben Around Tattoos and Offbeat Gallery

Category:	Tattoo Shop
Address:	701 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
Phone:	+1 434-923-8282
Site:	benaroundtattoos.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	Closed 11AM–8PM 11AM–8PM 11AM–8PM 11AM–8PM 11AM–8PM 12–7PM

Location

Photos 83

Reviews 8

Justin Peck

I went in last night for my 2nd tattoo (my first at Ben Around) and I can say that I will never go anywhere else. First, the facilities: its obvious that much thought went into the design of the gallery itself and it is clear the upkeep and cleanliness are very important. As a consequence, I felt completely comfortable being "at" Ben Around and I really enjoyed the overall experience. I never felt like just another customer and the careful attention to detail ensured that I did not feel like this was just another conveyer belt tattoo parlor. Next, the work itself: I came in with a general idea of what I wanted and then allowed Ben to change and modify my plan based on what he thought would work best. I watched him do the same thing with my girlfriends tattoo and it came out well so I trusted his judgment and it paid off. The artwork itself is great and the final product was far better than what I had envisioned. I couldnt be more satisfied by the final product. Finally, the service: at every step of the process I dealt with people who were helpful, friendly, and enjoyable to be around. Molly - the woman who helped set me up - went out of her way to accommodate me and to help me feel comfortable. Ben was also very cool about allowing people to hang out while he was working on my tattoo. Hes a really nice guy - so nice in fact that Im pretty sure one of my friends came by just to hang with him. If you are going to be tattooed in the Charlottesville area, I think you are making a mistake if you dont head to Ben Around.

Laura Shea

I was very disappointed in this establishment. The owner demonstrates a very fragile ego and his notion of customer service is very poorly defined. It seems that if you express any criticism or disappointment of his work or dissatisfaction of any kind, you run the risk of him refusing to complete the job. Ben did a touch up of a tattoo that was his original work. He slated 2 hours for the touch up and got about 90% finished but ran out of time. The very next day I had a conversation with another of his clients that had experienced the same approach, her touch up tattoo was almost finished in the time he allotted. Additionally I was telling this story to another person a week or so later and she said, was it Ben? I was disappointed that the tattoo didnt get completed and I expressed that to him. When I called to reschedule my appointment, I was treated rudely by the receptionist and when I challenged the information he was giving me he replied sharply saying thats not how it works here. Ben got on the phone saying that my demeanor was inappropriate and that I was never happy with the results and that he was officially divorcing himself from me as a client. I asked, you are not going to finish the job? He said no.Perhaps my demeanor was sharp or rude but as a business owner myself I understand that tolerance is a large part of what defines excellent customer service. Whatever talent lies here is not, in my opinion worth the attitude they insist you bow down to.

Lee Siple

I have been going to Ben @ Ben Around Tattoos for over 4 years and I will not go anywhere else now. I consider myself a well traveled tattoo aficionado and I have been in tattoo shops all over the globe. That being said I have found a perfect place to go from now on. Ben has created some amazing tattoos for me and I will continue to go to Ben as long as he keeps tattooing. I cant recommend Ben and staff highly enough and I encourage anyone who wants a high quality tattoo to drop by. There is a reason he is always booked up... its work the wait. If you understand tattoos and dont come in expecting a full back piece full of "wuzards and dragons on a castle" for $75 then you will do just fine. Quality work costs and its worth every penny. I just flew in to Charlottesville a few days ago just to have Ben do a little work on my traditional Japanese style 1/2 sleeve. Stop reading and go book your appointment at Ben Around!

Kyle Woolard

Ben does great work, and is super experienced and great with his instinct. I highly recommend him in that regard! He could definitely work on his manner with clients, as he was a bit snippy with me when I asked questions instead of just patiently explaining things—the effect was that it created an atmosphere where I was afraid to voice any concerns, because he would respond with "Bro, Ive been doing this for 24 years," or "Do you want to let me finish before you criticize my work?" It came off as defensive and arrogant. I know artists must get fed up with people second-guessing them as they work, but there are ways of kindly explaining things—especially to first-time tattooers. But hey! The guy does great work.

Taarna Campbell

I love this place! I currently am making several trips over the course of the next year to have a back piece done. I had been researching tattoo shops for a year and was always laughed at or given a blank stare when i told them that not only did I want a whole back piece but that it would be a cover up as well. Ben looked at my back and said yes I can do that for you! He is very confident in his abilities and for good reason! Even though I am still in the beginning stages I am constantly getting compliments on my piece even with the old tattoo still slightly visible. If you want a work of art place on your skin I recommend this place!

Danielle Powdrell

My review is not actually about the tattooing itself but the customer service. I was searching for the landlord of the buildings number and called Ben Around. If I worked there id probably be annoyed but the gentleman who picked up the phone was very helpful and we chit chatted about future tattoos (I need some cover ups for a bad one, ive heard this is the best place to go time and time again) I had to call back and spoke to Ben directly. I have heard he can be stern but he was very very very helpful and nice on the phone. Thanks guys for all your help! I will be sending business your way!

Anna Brown

I had a horrible experience here that I later found out was typical of the shop. I have a small, simple tattoo that I wanted to have work done on but was laughed at by Ben. He was "too good" to do a simple piece like mine. I understand that tattoo artists want to do large pieces to show off their talents, but being rude to a potential client, especially about a tattoo that honors a lost loved one, is completely unacceptable. If you do choose to take your business here as for Ryan. He previously worked at Caspian Tattoos and worked with me there after Ben was so rude

Lauren George

I went in and did my consultation the day before my tattoo with Joe Greene, who was very sweet and receptive and gave me some very light guidance for my first tattoo. The day of, he chatted me through the whole process, let me watch him set up, and kept talking to me throughout the tattoo to keep my mind off the pain. He spent the time to make sure I was happy and that even the little details like the thickness of certain lines were even and perfect as he could get it. Would totally recommend!