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Ink & Dagger Tattoo Parlour
Rating Details »
- Nearest Transit:
-
East Lake (North-South, Northeast-South, East-West, Proctor Creek)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu. 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat. 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sun. 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
14 reviews for Ink & Dagger Tattoo Parlour
Instead of updating my review for a third time, I figured I'd just start fresh. Why not?
I've been to Ink & Dagger probably half a dozen times since January. I've been tattooed by the master himself, Russ Abbott, his (formerly) newest resident Kurt Fagerland, and a guest artist from Wisconsin. All of my experiences have been fabulous. The staff is laid back and easy to talk to. There have been times where I've gone in to ask a simple question and spent the next hour just chatting with whoever's around. I've recommended several friends and they've found the same positive experience. The whole crew is amazing and I love them all to pieces. That's high praise as I tend to be a raging misanthropist. ;)
The work itself is flawless. I get so many compliments on my work that has come from them. It often starts with something along the lines of "I don't usually like tattoos, but...". I think it's high praise if you can get someone who doesn't normally find it appealing to speak up.
They are on the pricey side, but it's totally worth it. I feel like I get my money's worth every time I leave the shop. With some shops, it can feel like you got taken for a ride, but not here. The talent and skill of each artist is worth the price (and more) they charge. Remember, kiddies, good tattoos ain't cheap!
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See, told ya I'd be back! Sadly, I had to miss Ink & Dagger's "Man Day" celebration due to family obligations, so I was more than a little disappointed that I also missed out on getting a cool "manly" tattoo. My boyfriend called the shop afterward and asked if they would still tattoo from the Man Day flash sheet, and they said yes! We popped in one Sunday afternoon and were tattooed by Jeremy Sutton. I'd never been tattooed by Jeremy before, so I was very impressed by how professional he is. He decided to re-draw the design we picked, because he wasn't satisfied with the original line work. As an artistic person myself, I do appreciate attention to detail! Jeremy's tattooing technique is incredibly meticulous, and I was so pleased that he did such a stellar job on our silly little walk-in flash pieces. I definitely want to come back and let Jeremy draw on me some more.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/28/2009
I've only been to Ink & Dagger a couple of times, because shortly after finishing my first tattoo,… Read more »
I would have given 5 * for the tattoo - I love my first small tattoo that I got here from Lucas.
This place is super clean and well maintained (the loos too). Parking is pretty easy as well.
So why 4* - well i had an appointment at 5:00pm but I reached by 5:15pm. Since I was stuck in traffic, I didn't' call (my bad). However when I reached there, I was told that some one else walked in before me and that would be tattooed first. Now I wouldn't have mind that if it was told to me in a nice friendly manner rather than an obvious matter of fact. It was very formal and kind of rude. I was on the verge of going to another place but decided against it because of the good reviews I had read.
In the end it was worth going back there. I love me tattoo :-) However a bit more courtesy to the clients always go a long way or to the 5th star in case of this review.
I went to Ink and Dagger to get my first tattoo: a cluster of currant berries on top of my foot.
I picked Kurt Fagerland after obsessively checking the portfolios of every artist at every reputable shop in Atlanta. I went in being absolutely positive I'd be darned near impossible to please, and that made me feel both nervous and like a terrible person.
All my concerns vanished the second he showed me his sketch. It was way more than I expected it to be and I absolutely loved it based just on the outline.
Kurt and everyone else I met were friendly, professional, and attentive. I brought a friend and we giggled and acted, frankly, like vapid and nervous little girls the entire time... and he was nothing but polite.
The work was gorgeous. I think I said "It is so pretty!" about 100 times during the session. I mean, really. Gorgeous.
All the statements about how clean this place is are true, as well. The place was spotless.
Probably the most remarkable thing is that I felt I could completely trust his artistic intuition just from his portfolio and speaking with him. It was a bit eerie, really-- the second I wanted to interject that I had second thoughts about the planned background he looked up and suggested the same thing.
I didn't think I paid a lot for what I got. I was shocked when the price was far less than I expected, for a piece far more elaborate than I expected.
All in all he couldn't have done a better job. Absolute recommend, and if there are more tattoos in my future I know I'll stick with Kurt.
PS: The touch-ups are still free despite my getting a very colorful piece in such a difficult spot. You have no idea what a relief this was for me! Yay Ink and Dagger!
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Atlanta's friendliest, most incredibly talented tattoo artists all under one roof? It's here folks.
After getting tattooed by Michael Shackelford and being a good bit into getting my half sleeve done by Russ Abbott, I feel like an update is now due.
I can't really say enough about how professional, talented, fun and friendly the folks at Ink and Dagger are. I've been here tens of times now. Whether it be to get tattooed, do a consultation or to watch friends get tattooed, everyone in this shop is always welcoming and gracious. You know that aspect of intimidation you expect to find at tattoo parlors? None of that here. Even during my tattoo sessions, the conversation is always light hearted and I am usually having to stop myself from laughing at Russ' comments when he's tattooing me.
Anyone who's done any research on tattoos knows about Russ' work, but take a minute to check out Ink and Dagger's website and you'll see that every single artist's portfolio is loaded with amazing work. I've seen some of Kurt Fagerland and Bryan Reynolds' work in person while they've been tattooing clients and they're nothing short of amazing. The guest artists always bring something different and cool to the mix also. The place is as clean as clean comes. Everything is extremely sanitary and just taking one look (or whiff) of the shop lets you know that you can eat off the floors here.
I enjoy coming here. I enjoy hanging out here. I would come hang out and shoot the breeze even if I was not getting tattooed. That's how laid back and relaxed this place feels.
Seriously, if you're getting a tattoo you have absolutely no reason to go anywhere else. I cannot recommend this place enough.
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/3/2009
Let me start off by saying that I went to Ink and Dagger with a good friend of mine who was there to… Read more »
I cannot think of anything bad to say about this place. Being a tattoo virgin I had no idea what to expect. A dear friend of mine recommended Ink & Dagger and he knows a lot about tattoos, so I figured I'd give it a shot. Plus, it's less than 5 minutes from my house! That's also a little scary considering I now have the itch. I have a feeling a lot of money is going to be spent at this place.
Anyway, my friend has had some work done by Russ, so he recommended I talk to him. Before I even walk in the door I see Michael Shackelford smoking a cigarette outside. I walk in the door, and he immediately puts down his cigarette, follows me in, and asks me if I need any help. Now that's service! I asked him if Russ was there and he said that he was in the back, and to just walk back that he wouldn't mind. I wasn't expecting a place that would be so welcoming.
I walk back and Russ is tattooing someone. I told him I was looking to get a tattoo and that a friend of mine had recommended the place. He asked me what I was planning to get and gave me some advice on the design, all while tattooing someone else. I really appreciated that, the fact he didn't say give me a minute I'm busy right now. He did say that he wouldn't be able to do it, but he'd set me up with someone who could. That just so happened to be Michael Shackelford. Shack had a couple of people in front of me to tattoo, but he took my number and said he'd give me a call when he was ready.
I ended up going home since it is so close, and about an hour later I get a call. Shack says he is ready. I go back and while Shack is drawing up the design I sat in the back with him and some other employees discussing politics and the book 1984. Once again, it was so laid back and welcoming. I expected them to tell me to wait out front, but they said to come on back. It was very relaxed and it felt like hanging out with a good group of friends. It really helped to calm the first time jitters.
The rest is history. Got my tattoo. The overall experience was phenomenal. Everyone was extremely professional, but also inviting. I enjoyed the experience almost more than the tattoo. Oh yeah, like everyone else has said, the place is extremely clean. The atmosphere is amazing. They've made it look like an old gentlemen's club. Lots of art and animal heads on the wall. A very classy place. I could go on and on about this place. I definitely recommend it to anyone looking to get a first tattoo, or someone that is looking to get more. They know what they are doing, are very professional, and all of the artist are extremely gifted.
Thank you, guys. Keep up the good work. I will see you soon!
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I am a little worried. I picked this place after reading all these wonderful reviews and they didn't mention anything about free touchups.
The place is clean. Very clean. Clean smelling too. Interesting artwork on the wall that you can focus on to keep your mind off the pain.
Russ is nice, very professional, but not very chatty, in fact the entire staff, almost to the point of formal. It's a tattoo parlour, not a formal inquisition. Sometimes a conversation here and there makes all the difference. He didn't even ask me how I heard about them, like he wasn't the least bit curious. I just kept thinking I may be the only representative of that demographic - female african american - to walk in here.
But I will be back. And I might be bringing some more representatives of that demographic!
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Comment from Russ A. of
Ink & Dagger Tattoo Parlour
5/10/2009
Hey Jolie, Thanks for the positive review. We do offer…
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I entered this shop an ink virgin, and left with a tremendous relief that I was deflowered, or in my case "flowered" at Ink & Dagger.
I did my homework prior to my arrival, and decided to contact Dave Kruseman about getting a tattoo. What caught my eye initially was his fabulous use of color in his work, as well as his distinct style and artistry. I wasn't really sure what to expect when I stepped through the doors, and I was pleasantly surprised almost immediately. Everyone was friendly and outgoing, and most importantly, very welcoming. The parlor itself was decorated beautifully, and I was lucky to have 30 minutes of spare time to just hang out in the lobby area and look at everything.
Moving on. Dave was awesome! He convinced my younger 18 year old brother not to get a tattoo on his forearm (something I'd been trying, unsuccessfully, to convince him for weeks) and opt for a more discreet location. He also realistically discussed our options and helped us both (my brother and I) decide on the perfect tattoos for ourselves. That actually amazed me the most, because I had spent months trying to discover the perfect tattoo for myself, and within minutes Dave practically read my mind and came up with an awesome design that I probably never could have come up with on my own.
Now every time I look in the mirror I turn around and check out his work on my back, and I'm eternally grateful I can carry this tiny piece of art with me for the rest of my life! There's really nothing negative I have to say about this place--I feel no need to investigate any other tattoo shops, because this place far exceeded my expectations.
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I've had many ideas through out the years of tattoos, and I finally had one that was meaningful to me, and to my family, come into fruition this past weekend while visiting Atlanta. I had met the owner of Ink and Dagger, Russ Abbott, at a wedding and he is one cool and down to earth guy. I looked into his work further on the Ink and Dagger website and was completely blown away. There's some amazing attention to detail in all of the tattoos that he does that I knew that he should be the person to seek out, even if it meant getting a tattoo while on vacation. I emailed him a few ideas over the Ink and Dagger website, and he set up a time. My sister and I were going to get matching tattoos, but alas, she got a smaller and more symbolic one versus a full portrait like I did. Growing up, we had always had dachshunds. I come from a long line of weiner dog owning ladies; my great grandmother owned them, then my grandmother, then my mother, and then both my sister and I. Why? weiner dogs f-ing rule. Those of you who know me and who've visited my home know my little wiener dog, Ruby, and understand the affection I have for her. My sister owns Ruby's daddy, Rizzo. I ended up getting a portrait of a dachshund, surrounded by flowers. I didn't see any of the design ideas until we got to the shop, but knew whatever Russ designed would be awesome, and I was glad I let him take the idea and run with it, as his artistic vision was very cool. My sister ended up getting paw prints with flowers around on her foot, and it turned out cute. The variations in our two tattoos definitely expressed out differences, but it's still something we share.
So the actual experience......the shop! It's very, very relaxed, and very well decorated. The store front is awesome, the front waiting area is cool and well set up with a variety of art and tattoo ideas through out to look at. It's not generic cheap looking flash tattoos in the least, and while they have some to get ideas with, the custom work is just crazy awesome. There's fun things like wild west art work, phrenology heads, antiquities, jackalopes, and a variety of other oddities and fun items through out the parlor and lining the work station walls, and it adds to the history and spirit of tattooing. The shop was also immaculately clean. It's very apparent that cleanliness and your health of the utmost importance. I think Russ went though at least six pairs of gloves in working with me. Everyone working within the shop clearly loved their craft, and it was also apparent that they were working as a team. It's always great to see that sort of environment, regardless of the setting.
Before we got started, we talked a little further about the actual tattoo idea, and Russ finished the sketch and ran what he was thinking by me. It was all great. I initially was thinking of doing the tattoo on my foot, and was happy that I opted for doing it on my arm. The placement is perfect, and as soon as it was all set, Russ got started. Let me start off by saying I have a high thresh hold to pain......regardless, getting a tattoo actually hurt more than I thought it would. I ended up sitting for a while, somewhere between two and three hours, and it wasn't the most comfortable time of my life. Was it well worth it? Absolutely. I took little breaks and re-positioned as needed, and I was wowed when I saw the completed tattoo. It's beyond what I would have thought it would have looked like. The detail in his work is fantastic and the colors were chosen with care and it is very obvious. He won't let you leave without your tattoo looking awesome.
The pricing was very reasonable for the tattoo, particularly in looking at it in the sense of custom art. I would have paid more to have that level of quality. I'd definitely be back for more tattoos if I have more ideas that I want to have done as I don't think I'd trust another shop to the same level that I trust Ink and Dagger. That is saying something when you'll travel from Boston to Atlanta for tattoos. Also good to know: Russ does sometimes go to various tattoo conventions, so keep tabs if you want something done and you have a convention coming your way-look for his name on the roster or keep up with the Ink and Dagger email list and website.
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Update - Scott and I went for their second Tribute and just as expected, the experience was fantastic. This time Russ did both the tattoos and the work is amazing. Scott's sparrow is perfect; his doctor even commented on the stunning line work. My cherubs are exactly what I wanted to represent my kids. The entire time Russ was doing the work I had to keep looking to see if he was still working. It was literally painless. I do have a high pain tolerance, but Russ was truly wonderful; it never hurt, not one bit. His work is something I will be proud to wear the rest of my life.
Two weeks after, Scott went back to Shack to finish up his cards tattoo and it is really a one of a kind. The colors are bright and the style is very unique. To say we are both completely impressed is an understatement. It is really so much more than we ever expected.
We are both die hard, full out, hardcore Russ and Shack groupies. Thanks guys for doing what you do best!!
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/9/2008
Russ Abbott, Malia Reynolds and Shack (I'm sure the others rock too, just didn't meet them), need I… Read more »
This shop was having a "Tribute to Tradition," where they were doing traditional American tattoos for $50. Normally if you told me there was a "sale" on tattoos, I'd say run away, but when I heard this shop was doing it (I've seen their work) I couldn't wait.
I just got a pair of vintage sparrows to commemorate my upcoming wedding. They were done by Russ Abbott (owner) and could not be happier. The colors and blending are gorgeous, and he's obviously a great and talented artist.
The shop itself is extremely clean and professional, but also fun and laid-back at the same time. The staff is helpful and friendly, which is becoming more rare at other places. Overall, I'd rate it a fantastic experience.
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I am proud to be the first to talk about Ink and Dagger Tattoo Parlour, which just opened this week (June 19). My friend Russ Abbott, who is an amazing tattoo artist, left the awesome 13 Roses in East Atlanta, and ventured out to start his own tattoo parlour, and Ink and Dagger was born.
Located on West College Ave, just a stone's throw from Decatur (which makes it THE place to get tattooed in Atlanta), this little shop has a old feel, with a newness that totally takes the traditional image of a tattoo parlour being a rugged, hardcore place, to a well designed, friendly, and open place. Located a couple doors over from Wahoo, you really get the neighborhood feel at this shop, because of the close proximity to the hot neighborhoods of Oakhurst and Decatur. If you are looking to get tattooed anywhere in or around Atlanta, GA, THIS is your place!
This little shop may be small, but the talent of the artists is gargantuan. If you want a fantastic piece of art that you can enjoy on your body for the rest of your life, look no further; you have found the place where you can get it. Russ is joined by Malia, another fantastic artist, and together, they bring experience in tattooing together with sheer artistic talent.
I highly recommend that if you are thinking about getting a tattoo, that you run to Ink and Dagger and get yourself on the schedule as soon as possible. After knowing Russ for over a year now, and having him do a few pieces on me, I know that the schedules of he and Malia are going to be full.
Again, I can't speak highly enough about this shop, because it is THE place to get tattooed in Atlanta. If you want to go beyond the simple idea of getting tattooed, into the realm of acquiring a work of art for you to display on your body, THIS is the place to go. Truly professional, truly talented, and truly amazing. This is the only place I will get tattooed, and it should be the same for you.
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So I was a tattoo NOOB with big ideas. After seeing Russ Abbott's artwork online, I decided to take the plunge and visit the shop early last summer.
The shop itself was very welcoming, with a ton of artwork on the walls (much of it by the artists themselves), the portfolios of all the artists on a nice display, and a flat-screen monitor highlighting their best projects.
I met Shack and Russ that day, who were both very helpful. I pitched my idea to Russ, who was very quickly able to visualize what I was trying to get across. For my first tattoo, I ended up getting a very large multi-session piece on my thigh. Russ' work is amazing, and I always look forward to going back to get more work done on it (almost there). He is extremely skilled and has a great vision for composition.
Since I've been back there several times on this project, I've been able to witness all of the artists at work there -- and they are all excellent. The first day I was there, Jason Kelly was working on a phenomenal full leg sleeve of the four-horsemen of the apocalypse. Check out his myspace page to see it (http://www.myspace.com...). Jason is also a great painter who recently participated in his own art show with a couple of his friends at Octane Coffee. Jason does a lot of great "old school" Americana tattoos with a biker edge to them.
On my last visit, I was able to see their new artist, Dave Kruseman (http://www.myspace.com...), at work. My wife and I have admired his work since we first saw him tattooing at the Atlanta Tattoo Convention (where we bought one of his prints). We both love his vibrant use of colors. While I was there, he definitely showed his range. He first worked on a smaller "mom/heart" tattoo. Then one of his multi-session clients came and got more work on a backpiece of a tree with an owl. The bark and leaves of the tree were very smooth, and the owl looked pretty cool. Dave then worked on a third client who looked like she was getting some re-working of a large back tattoo.
It seems that I usually come in on days when Shack is off, but of the work I have seen, he has a very clean and classic Americana style with great lines and nice colors.
I have a few friends who are contemplating new tattoos, and I am constantly steering them in this direction. One of my friends is about to start a Koi sleeve with Dave Kruseman, and my wife really wants to get an owl on her arm from Russ sometime next year. There is a lot of great talent in the Atlanta area, and the artists at Ink and Dagger are at the top of the heap, participating in conventions, doing guest spots, and getting their work out there in publications. The vibe between the artists is great with each of them showing their work to each other, trying to impress each other (in a very good way), and trying to push their art to the next level. Definitely check them out!
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Being a tattoo virgin and knowing Russ, it was bound to happen eventually. I've always joked about what my first tattoo would be if I ever got one, well that one didn't happen but there is always next time. My sister and I both wanted dachshund related tattoos, so we went in together when she was in town. My sisters was a lot more elaborate than mine, but I wanted mine nice and simple. Having an idea of what I wanted and trying to explain myself, Russ started drawing on my foot with a sharpie. As he was drawing, I asked him if he had tattoos on his feet. After the funny response I was given, I started to get a little nervous. Feet are one of the most painful places for tattoos, what did I get myself into? I tried to be brave even though I really wanted to cry, my tears came out in the form of laughter. I have a high pain tolerance, or so I thought. The twenty minutes of pain was worth every second in the end, it's beautiful.
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