Hopeless Ink Tattoo & Piercing

Reviews 4

WO

WOLFMAN

An incredibly proud Scottish Celt, with the 2017 annual Scottish Highland Games coming to Portland in mid-July, I wanted a tattoo that spoke to that pride and my ancestry. With a basic idea in mind, I read customer reviews from Portland tattoo shops. I wanted the very best Celtic tattoo artist I could find. From the reviews and some artist referrals, the same name kept coming up – Ken Nelson, at Hopeless Ink Tattoo, across the river in Vancouver, Washington. They lie. There is nothing hopeless about Hopeless Ink Tattoo. Nothing. After getting a hold of Ken with my basic idea – a Scot dagger with Scot flag blue “ribbon” running around it. On the tip, blood dripping as an homage to my ancestors who spilled their blood as they fought for freedom from England. The design Ken came up with blew me away. This is a Celtic artist who truly knows his field. A retired investigator, I dealt with finite details. So does Ken. Rather than a standard dagger used in so many other related tattoos, the Skene Dhus that Ken designed could not be more dead bang. Behind, the flag of Scotland, encircled by a warrior braid. And, lots of blood, which is most appropriate if you know anything about Scotland’s fight for freedom. This tattoo is me and I am ten-foot-tall with pride. The cleanliness of the shop and its mandatory sanitary operating environment are a testament to the shop’s owner and staff. Every needle used on my tattoo came from its own sealed package. Besides laughing through most of the tattoo, I discovered that Ken is no less deranged than I am. It is a good thing that Hopeless Ink lets Ken out of his cage now and then to do actual work. Next, Ken will be doing a defiant lion tattoo, the old style before the entire UK started using a similar lion on their flags and crests. Soon, Ken will be starting work on my back where we have a large, multi-element, Celtic tattoo in the making. The only one I trust doing that much work on me is Ken. Hey, if we as customers are going to pay with blood and bags of silver, we may as well have the very best do that work. Right? Looking for a Celtic tattoo? You won’t find a better Celtic artist in the Pacific Northwest than Hopeless Ink’s Ken Nelson. Tell ‘em Wolfman sent ya. I will be at the Highland games both days. Saturday, I will be in my kilt, white shirt and veteran POW-MIA doo-rag. If you want to see my tattoo up close, stop and say, hello. I’ll be happy to show you what Ken can do. WOLFMAN

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DA

David Mack

Insane experience. Main St Vancouver is having a cruise in. Making it very difficult to get to the shop. No where to park, so I go home. I was referred to them by someone I met at the gym. I still want to get in so I call and out of curiosity ask if they have any openings. The guy that answers the phone says they are taking walk ins. I get a ride so I do not have to park. Walk in and start talking to the counter guy. His face resembling a frog. I ask if they still have openings. He says yes and what would I like. I describe a tribal type of tattoo. His comment is "That would look awkward and weird but ok. I think we can do it". He leads me to the back and ask me to look at some folders to pick an artist. I explain I will take who ever is available as long as they are licensed. He then tells me that the tattoo I am asking for may take a while. I should pick and artist and make an appointment. I tell him once again I do not care about the artist and that it is just a tribal type tattoo and would like to talk to one of the artist so I can explain and get this going. The frog looking character takes three steps towards the back of the shop and turns to me. "Oops looks like no one is available." I say you are kidding me right? He says "nope." "Looks like we just took in another walk in." There were three employees standing at that counter talking when I walked in. One person was coming in behind me. So while Frog face was wasting my time looking at pictures of other peoples tattoos. He let someone take my rightful place in line. Black ink and a gun is all the guy needed. I had over a grand in cash in my wallet and planned on being there the rest of the evening, until the work was done. Not a welcoming environment. Not a professional business. If you are looking for odd looking characters to tell you that your visions are awkward and weird. And would rather talk than make money...... Then this is the place for you. There are plenty of other shops in Portland and Vancouver..... Take your pick! Just dont go to this one!

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EL

Elizabeth Richardson

amazing little tattoo shop in downtown! my little sister and i on the spur of the moment said while she was in town from california to get matching tattoos. i emailed them the night before to see if they would have any openings for the next day. i received a text from the owner Travis who said to come in and talk to one of the artists around 1pm. The only down side for our whole experience was being in the cute downtown of course is the parking. but after parking a few stores down we walked to the tattoo shop greeted by someone who opened the door for us to walk in to a clean smelling environment which is always the first thing you want to smell when you walk into a tattoo shop :-) The whole shop has assorted artwork from the artists and some tattoo designs hung and framed neatly on the wall. The design of the whole shop is awesome! We were greeted by Zak and we told him that we wanted to get 2 small and simple sister tattoos together. He said he just had a cancelation and he could totally fit us in and showed us to a second less crowed sitting room with a few couches that we looked at his artwork and filled the paperwork out. Zak was AWESOME! He was super relaxed and chill person that listened to what we described and with 2 little photos turned into 2 perfect little tattoos. It only took about 1 hour for both of us. The coloring was great on both tattoos! In the end he gave us a care instructions card with his business card. He also said he does free touch ups if needed and cant wait for us to come back! my husband and brother in law are already trying to figure out what they want so they can make a appointment! in short terms : a perfect, safe, clean, professional, friendly, reasonable priced tattoo shop that id refer to anyone!!

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A Private User

Hopeless Ink is by far my favorite tattoo shop in the Vancouver/Portland area. Owned by Travis Noble, a really genuine/customer service oriented leader, you will feel nothing but the warmth of home from the moment you walk in the door. Comfortable, impeccable, and creative are his entire team of artists who devote not only their time, but their lives to doing what they love: tattooing you! JOEY BURNZ in particular is an amazing artist and person. Known for his wide range of artistic abilities he can not only leave you with an Elegant piece, but also the opposing: Bold/Vivid. He can shade remarkably, color magnificently, and do just about anything you have in mind; small or large. Not sure what you want? I was very impressed with his artistic eye, and how he can come up with some options for you then help you envision the artwork upon your skin. He’s the only person I would trust with my sleeve! He’s friendly, honest, dependable, and loyal to his customers. Ever had someone try and push you into something you’re not entirely comfortable with or interested in? This will NOT happen at Hopeless Ink. Don’t believe my word? I recommend checking the place out for yourself! Upon moving here, Hopeless Ink is one thing that made Vancouver feel like home to me, and any body art lover will feel the same from the moment they walk through the doors. It’s located in beautiful downtown Vancouver at 2211 Main Street. Check it out for yourself! =)

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