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Rising Dragon Tattoos
Categories: Beauty and Spas Tattoo Beauty and Spas Piercing Tattoo, Piercing
51 W 14th St2nd Fl
(between Avenue Of The Americas & 5th Ave)
New York, NY 10011
Neighborhoods: Greenwich Village, Flatiron
(212) 255-8288
Announcement
Looking for some cool Tattoo Dragon Souvenirs to remember your trip to New York?
We now have t-shirts, hoodies, stickers and mugs.
- Nearest Transit:
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6 Av (L)
14 St (F, M)
14 St (1, 2, 3)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 1 pm - 9 pm
Fri 1 pm - 10 pm
Sat 1 pm - 11 pm
Sun 2 pm - 10 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
29 reviews for Rising Dragon Tattoos
29 reviews in English
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Review from Angel H.
Brooklyn, NY
1/15/2012 1 photo
My sister came in for a tattoo while she was on break from college. Called ahead and were told there would be a spot for us at 3:30. Went in as a walk-in at 3 but were told that we'd have to wait till 7. No problem, we just ended up walking to St. Marks for food.
We get there at 7 and within 10 minutes, we're upstairs and talking to the artist. Horisei did an amazing job and made us laugh quite a couple of times, helping calm my sister of her nerves, despite the fact that she's been tatted up before. He's very quirky and funny, I don't think I've ever been more relaxed at a tattoo parlor before, and my sister agrees.
Sat there for a good 2 hours, but it was worth it. Well done, and I will definitely come here next time for my own tattoo! :) -
Review from Theresa S.
Brooklyn, NY
9/12/2011 1 photo
I'm basing my review pretty much solely on on working with Wendi. My interactions with the various desk people, etc, was totally neutral and I don't think I would have chosen to go to any of the other artists there, personally. Not that they aren't talented, but I was looking for someone very specific. I could have done without the super loud, fast music an hour into my tattoo which was selected by another artist there, but it wasn't the end of the world.
So, Wendi. She is fantastic. Before I even knew what tattoo I wanted, I knew that it needed to be girly and expertly done. Nothing but super crisp lines and deep, saturated color would do for me. I spent countless hours reviewing portfolios and always came back to Wendi's, as her aesthetic and skill as an illustrator was evident in so many of the pieces she had up on the site. I got a feeling for which ones she designed herself as they were the exact artistic aesthetic I was looking for and had rich, amazing color.
So, when I went in for my consult appointment, I was sold off the bat. She's friendly and personable - I felt totally comfortable. I went in with some inspiration pieces for a few different ideas I had but it became clear that I was strongly biased toward one - a blackbird. However, I didn't want just a big, dark bird on my arm. We worked together to come up with exactly what I wanted as my vision evolved and she was totally gracious about it. I'm a control freak and didn't really know at what stage I should expect a final sketch, so there was a lot of back and forth and she was always sweet about it.
If I'm honest, when I went in for my final appointment I was nervous about the final sketch. I didn't want to back out but wasn't going to go forward if it wasn't perfect. Luckily, it was! I gasped as soon as I saw it. She totally captured what I wanted in the bird! He's a beautiful, graceful and also adorable piece of art. We talked through colors and I was fairly comfortable, though not 100%, but now that all is done I see why she advised what she did and its so much better for it.
If you want a tattoo, but are not into the usual ugly tattoos and want something modern and cute, I completely suggest Wendi. I feel like I have an amazing piece of art on my arm now and am so proud of it. Its so expertly done that, while its sure not to look this new forever, right now it looks as if someone just drew on my arm with marker and I'm scared I'm going to be able to wipe it off!
I'll post a picture of my bird right after it was done in the pictures. He's the black and gray bird with bits of blue and green that is singing.
Oh, also, super affordable! It cost way less than I was prepared to pay.Comment from Darren R. of Rising Dragon Tattoos 11/10/2011
Thank you Theresa, Wendi is our shining star, it's always… More » -
Review from Ava E.
8/13/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Darren is the man! Please request Darren if you want the hottest looking tattoo adorning your body. He's also the owner and he is super cool, laidback and down to earth. And he's a foodie as well, and that's always a plus :)
I went to Rising Dragon because I had a tattoo on my foot that was so damn small, people thought I had a burn on my foot*. So I met up with Darren for a brief consultation about how to fix this hot damn mess I called a tattoo. Although I had to book my appointment a month in advance, the wait was absolutely worth it**. My new tattoo looks fabulous and it was all done by freehand. I have another tattoo that I am "so over" and Darren will definitely be the man for the job.
* I have no one to blame but myself for getting a corny tattoo.
**A mandatory $100 deposit must be put down, hey, you can't argue with store policy. -
Review from E. S.
New York, NY
7/15/2011
I read the reviews and was so psyched to check this place out. Service was really nice and pleasant. My tat, on the other hand, turned out terribly.
A straightforward word written. I brought it in for him to trace. He traced it perfectly in the font I wanted. When ink went to skin, however, it looked nothing like the trace. Kerning was off. Misshapen letters. The word didn't even go in a straight line! It looked like comic sans. Seriously.
Lucky for me it's only gonna be like this the rest of my life. So disappointed.
I dont remember the name of the artist. Maybe javier? He's not shown on the website. Doesn't speak the best english is all i can say.Comment from Darren R. of Rising Dragon Tattoos 12/28/2011
Hey E.S., sorry your experience didn't go as expected, when… More » -
Review from Diandra D.
New York, NY
6/17/2011
Clean, professional and excellent work. I've been to Rising Dragon for both of my tattoos. Darren did my first one when I was 25. Despite my fear about how painful it would be, the work was done quickly (I was newly inked within 20 minutes) and efficiently. It looked exactly like the picture I had shown him, and incorporated the unique creative touches I requested. It was also painless and I was shocked at how smoothly the whole procedure went.
My second tattoo, done by a visiting artist, took slightly longer, hurt a bit more and was slightly more elaborate. Still, the final product looked even better than I had envisioned and I felt at ease during the whole process. My brother has also gotten both of his tattoos done here and his ink is awesome. I would definitely recommend Rising Dragon with my full confidence that Darren and his team can accomodate any requests, no matter how elaborate or complex. -
Review from Christine M.
Kew Gardens, NY
3/14/2011 1 photo
Where do I even begin?
I had been to Darren, the owner, 6 years ago for my first tattoo at the old 23rd street location. I was 18, terrified, and he made me (and my best friend who accompanied me) feel ridiculously comfortable at the time.
Flash forward to this past friday. I arrived at my appointment with one friend in tow, as he as getting a tattoo at the same time by Wendi. My tattoo session was 4 hours but it only took 3 1/2. Still, i was nervous about such a long session.
Darren was beyond gentle, really funny, and kept me in conversation from time to time to get my mind off the pain. They surely don't joke when they say your endorphins run out after 2 hours or so, i was in straight pain after. Darren always made sure I was alright. We took breaks when my legs got shaky and he had no qualms when both my friend who just got tatted and a second friend came to the back to keep me company.
His work is phenomenal. He took a drawing I brought to him and turned it into something beautiful (not to say the original drawing wasn't amazing itself). I had come to him with a black and white pencil of an angel and butterflies, in memory of my mom (the picture of which is in the gallery), and he brought it to life with color.
Also, side note, Wendi did a fab job on my friend, who had a poem stanza tattooed on him in an old English style font. It was done beautifully.
Everyone who has seen it since has asked me where I got it done. I highly recommend this place if you want quality work, a comfortable environment and tattoo artists with great personality. The place is clean, high class, and very welcoming. -
Review from Angelica K.
Manhattan, NY
5/9/2011
I brought an old watercolor painting done by my grandmother in to Mike. Although his portfolio was, subject-wise, very different than what I was looking to get done, his skill was a perfect match of a painterly quality. He was spot-on. Without my even asking, he brought up the need for a lack of dark outlines and to achieve the watercolor affect.
It's been a few years since my last tattoo and I think I've lost some of the gall of my early 20s so this one was a little harder for me to get through. Mike was very patient and constantly checking up on how I was doing. I really appreciate Mike's honesty and candor in discussing the tattoo but he really understood the important of the replication. He didn't make me uncomfortable, didn't hit on me, or make any asinine comments about my perfectionism re: placement, as some other artists in the past have done. He didn't rush me into any decision and was just flat out, a respectable artist.
After a 5 year hiatus, I'm back on my tattoo addiction and will come back to Rising Dragon.
My only complaint is that their business is doing so well that sometimes the wait is long and you have to stand b/c all the wait spots are occupied! -
Review from Todd C.
Wilton, CT
7/19/2011
Excellent by mistake.
If you're looking for advance planning or artwork forget it. A 6 week wait after you have done traces and provided artwork is met with dumb stares. Got my deposit back but my time off work cost me 1000 dollars.Comment from Darren R. of Rising Dragon Tattoos 11/10/2011
Your experience is not the usual, we've always been a custom… More » -
Review from Lana V.
Manhattan, NY
8/14/2011
The walk in line was a very very long wait and the front desk upfront was certainly a bit short and rushed since its so busy, but overall it was a good experience. I had Wendi and she was friendly, patient and did a good job on my tattoo. Make sure you know what you want, where you want it and be very clear to the artist. This is forever! I would recommend this place to any of my friends.
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Review from Erika H.
Astoria, NY
7/15/2011
I got something very boring here -- my earlobes pierced, but the piercer was extremely meticulous and nice, and the whole process went nearly painlessly. Great service! Thanks guys.
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Review from Jocelyn C.
Jamaica Plain, MA
4/6/2007
I first came here years ago, when my best friend decided to get her first tattoo (a huge dragon on her back). I held her hand, even though her tattoo artist was gentle, understanding and completely patient.
My hand still hurts.
Fast forward a few years later, when best friend decides to get her second tattoo. I decide to get one with her, my first. We get the same tattoo, though slightly different.
All I can say is, I HIGHLY recommend this place to anyone wanting to get a tat, be it their first or their hundredth. The people here are totally cool, professional, patient, and clean. They go through everything with you, step by step, and never make you feel dumb or intimidated.
They say you always remember the name of your first tattoo artist. Mine was Byron, and I couldn't have asked for better guy. Bonus points for being a fellow Mets fan too!Listed in: NYC
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Review from Rex F.
New York, NY
4/12/2010
Clean, professional, 100% worthy of the "tattoo studio" name over "tattoo parlor." True artists of their craft have set up shop here and the quality and workmanship shows through in spades.
Got inked for the first time here this past Friday, called up at around 3pm to check availability and even though they were pretty busy they snuck me in at 9pm, same day (albeit I was getting a fairly simple, 2x2in single-color design). My artist was Bern and he did a great job sketching out a design for my concept and making sure everything was on point in terms of size, scale, placement etc. Very personable and will talk you through the whole process (although from what I've seen this is a common quality among the entire staff). Work area is cleaned and wiped down before every session, new needles unpackaged in front of you, all the tools are autoclaved. I was very happy with the result.
Minimum charge at Rising Dragon is $80, and hourly rates vary by artist. Prices are certainly higher than what you'll find at some other places, but honestly it is more than worth it in terms of the quality of service. You're paying for custom work by an ARTIST, which is proven by the fact that they do NO flash work here (no pre-made stencils). And when it's something this permanent, better to let your wallet take the hit than your skin, no? -
Review from Jolie B.
6/12/2009
I just got a tattoo done here while I was on vacation.
Overall, the tattoo looks good and everything was swell. But inevitably there were a few hiccups and for that I am taking away 2 stars. One for the cost- it cost almost as much as my entire vacation - and the other for the incompetent receptionist.
I scheduled this appointment in April and since then I've talked to her a few times about my design, placement etc,. All this time she carefully neglected to mention that there would be a 10% surcharge if you pay with a credit card. How can you forget such an important detail, especially for someone who is traveling.
All through the tattoo she took good care of the artists but she didn't ask the customers if they needed anything - some water, food run, etc. I guess I am just so used to receptionist hospitality in Atlanta that this one rubbed me the wrong way. And then when the credit card fiasco happened she didn't have the decency to apologize. This just made me even madder. Clearly, she was trying to bring out the African in me but I had to act a lady.
So that's it -- great tattoo, great creative artists, expensive and not for the recession clad, but they need to loose the receptionist. -
Review from Dan L.
Brooklyn, NY
Paolino is a Milanese deity, there's no other way to say it.
I went to him because he did fantastic work on my girlfriend's ribs, and I couldn't be happier with the work he did on my arm. Islamic geometric design is fussy, labor-intensive, and precise, but he really did it up... The shading, which was totally his creation, took the design to a whole other level. I can't wait for the 3rd sitting for him to do yet another level of detail. There's a reason he's booked a month in advance.
The shop itself is clean, organized, and hygienic, which is all you can really ask for in a studio. The prices are reasonable considering the quality, and really, this is not an area in which you want to skimp; this work will be on your body for the rest of your life. You get what you pay for, so be deliberate about your planning, then dive in. This is not a place for flash art, or writing your significant other's name on your neck. Go to one of those sketchy booths on St. Mark's if that's what you want... These people are artists. -
Review from Joseph T.
Trenton, NJ
11/25/2007
Rising Dragon has some good tattooers.I like Simone's work the best.They also have good guest artist too.
http://www.risingdrago...
http://www.chelseatatt... -
Review from Andy B.
Seattle, WA
8/12/2008
I got my first ever tattoo last Saturday (8/9/08) and could not be happier.
My appointment was with Simone, who was not only the consummate professional but also made me feel at ease as a "first timer."
After perfectly sketching out the kanji design I brought in, he placed it exactly in the center of my upper arm (where I wanted it), made sure I was happy with the placement, and asked me to sit down so we could start.
Before starting, though, he ran me through the process, explaining how long it would take, what I would feel, and what he would be doing. I appreciated him telling me that if at any time, for any reason, I felt pain/sick/dizziness, etc... I was to tell him to stop.
I had heard horror stories from other friends of tattoo parlors/artists where this attention to the customer was completely non-existent.
Throughout my entire inking experience (15 mins.) Simone and I talked about anything and everything, from his first tattoo experience to our thoughts on living in New York City to politics, which also helped put me at ease.
Every few minutes he would ask me how I was doing in terms of pain, etc.... which I also appreciated.
Once we were done, he gave me detailed aftercare instructions and even his personal e-mail address in case I had any questions/concerns.
It has been 4 days since my tattoo and it is healing wonderfully. I absolutely love it.
Don't know if this tattoo was my first of more or my first and last, but I can say with certainty that I am extremely glad I got it done at Rising Dragon and by Simone. -
Review from Melanie M.
Maryville, TN
9/10/2008
I got my first tattoo 2 days ago & I couldn't be more thrilled with how it came out. Simone took the pictures I brought in and an example from one of their books to create from scratch my one of a kind tattoo.
Before he began he told me what it would feel like, although you can never really be prepared for it, and he was right. Weird and painful, then come the endorphines. He was amazing and I'm thrilled with the results.
The shop itself is very clean & the rest of the staff is very friendly.Listed in: Last Weeks in NY
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Review from Cassie K.
PRINCE, NY
9/24/2011
Have to agree with E.S. would give this place ZERO stars if possible. I went here super excited, watched the artists do their job and do it damn well. Came here with my boyfriend, paid $100 each and tipped as well (this isn't my first tattoo nor my last). Went home and turns out the tattoo's ink was bleeding out. Called they told me to relax it should go away in a few days (although this never happened before). Never went away, had to go to the shop and demand my money back - the artist LAUGHED and said that I made it seem much worse on the phone. Um, you put something permanent on somebody's body and screw it up, I think that entitles some anger. Finally received my money back although my boyfriend didn't (the owner decided that fessing up to one tattoo screw up for the evening was enough). NEVER will I go back. I now have my favorite artist that I travel all the way to central jersey for. He covered it up with the most intricate lines (although Rising Dragon told me that in my shoulder that I should expect the bleeding hmm, Rihanna anyone? Thought so.) Point blank - see Wendi, I saw her do work on somebody the day I visited and the day I had my tattoo done and she does fabulous work or somebody who is not going to rush your tattoo elsewhere.
PS: Update, looked at the site - my guy from the summer wasn't on there any more... hmm perhaps he screwed up more than just my tattoo? Betcha 5 bucks -
Review from Ki G.
12/19/2007
I got my first tattoo here and it was clean, bright and the music was great - a real eclectic mix that did more to soothe than frighten a first-timer. David did mine and it was such a good experience that I'm booking my second one with him in a week.
I highly recommend this place for people who want a tattoo in a clean, professional environment where the tattoo artists don't frighten you and don't think you're silly if you can't quite man up. Well, at least they don't show it. :) -
Review from Maria R.
New York, NY
6/25/2008
Great tattoo parlor. I've had two tattoos done by Darren and love them both- all of the artists create masterpieces depending on what you are looking for. As far as artistically- Darren and Joao Paulo are amazing... They will work something up for you so you have a unique piece of art rather than a mass-produced picture from a book. They occasionally asked if I was doing ok (dealing with the pain), needed a break, or anything else. On top of that the place is spotless and has good beats on. If you're worried about going to the right place I highly recommend this spot.
FYI They've recently moved their location to 14th St -
Review from Paul B.
Yonkers, NY
10/27/2010
I have wanted a tattoo for a long time, but believe that the best tattoos should have a story to tell and knew that an idea would come to me when the time was right. Some recent events in my life have given me that story and the theme for my tattoo was born. After a lot of searching and a few recommendations, I chose Darren Rosa as my artist and set up an appointment for a consultation.
When my girlfriend and I walked into Rising Dragon on the day of my consult, I had only a vague idea of what I wanted my tattoo to look like. I was nervous and didn't quite know how to express what I wanted, but it only took a few minutes to warm up. I gave Darren some of the background story behind the tattoo, the 3 of us discussed design ideas and then he started drawing. He did a rough sketch right on my body with markers and I knew I had come to the right place. Darren somehow managed to get into my head, take my ideas and bring them to life. He is a true artist who is obviously passionate about his work.
I got the sense that he was just as excited to begin work on this tattoo as I was.
From then, my first session was a month away and the wait was agonizing. When the day finally arrived, my outline was completed in a single session that lasted almost 8 hours. There were plenty of opportunities to take breaks and the conversation with Darren just flowed like we were old friends, making the 8 hours in the chair seem like much less.
3 sessions of color work later and I now have an absolutely amazing and unique piece of art that I will be proud to display on my body for the rest of my life. The tattoo not only fits my body perfectly, but also captures pieces of my personality, and I could not be any happier with the end result. I have already received more complements on this tattoo than I can count.
From my consultation, all the way through to the completion of my tattoo, Darren has been amazing to work with and there is no doubt that I will be back for more. -
Review from Arshbir G.
Sunnyside, NY
6/3/2009
I went with my brother to get his tattoo. The place was really clean, and the service was great. My brother got a really small tattoo -- which should not have cost $100. But, they have a minimum of $100. Nonetheless, the place was really clean. I took off one star for the expense, but you could argue that health (i.e 0% chance of infection) trumps cost.
The tattoo artist was Bern, and he definitely knew his stuff! -
Review from Gina G.
New York, NY
2/13/2009
I got my first tattoo here a few months ago, and I had a fantastic experience! I was impressed by the cleanliness of the facilities on my first visit, when I went to get a price quote, and I was comforted by the friendly demeanor of the entire staff. Darren did my tattoo, and not only is he extremely talented, but he kept me calm through out the process, which was quite the feat since I opted for a tattoo on my foot and ankle (not the best place to have a needle poking at you for about an hour, but hey, that's what I wanted). He is also efficient, so it ended up costing me a little less than what I was quoted for. As I left, the staff gave me a great little tutorial on caring for my tattoo as it healed and afterwards. I highly recommend this place to anyone interested in getting some ink.
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Review from Barbara H.
Brooklyn, NY
1/18/2008
I love this place. I've gotten all four of my tats done here over the last 8 years by different artists. Just went back last week to consult about a 5th. Yes, it's an addiction. :) Anyway, the artists are awesome. They're recruited from all over the world and each have a specialty. I send everyone to get their tats done there and I've never heard any bad reviews. My guy's a Brazilian named Johnny, he's awesome. I've got no qualms about recommending this place freely.
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Review from Judy C.
Updated - 9/7/2008
I finally had my tattoo finished, and Simone did more than a superb job! The flowers are so detailed that they actually look like they're growing from my back. He was considerate and understanding through the whole process. It took a few weeks to finish, but if you see the details on the tattoo, you would understand why. This tattoo is the best I've seen. Better than the crap samples I brought to him originally. If you want to see the finished piece, just click on one of the pictures on my profile. Simone is the best, and everyone else there is also super-friendly. You won't regret getting your tat from Simone Simone Simone...tattoo man from Italy!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/10/2008
I'm in the process of getting my old tattoo covered up with something much bigger. My artist is… Read more »
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Review from Erin L.
Astoria, NY
12/16/2008
I went here for my first (and last) tattoo back in April. Sue Houston did my very simple tattoo and did a great job! She told me everything she was doing so there were no surprises and since I couldn't see her working that was very comforting. The entire staff there was really wonderful and friendly and the facility was very clean. I'm so pleased with the experience and had no problems! Also, it wasn't very expensive at all and we were able to book a block of time for my friends and me to go at the same time. VERY accommodating.
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Review from Ms J.
Brooklyn, NY
1/27/2009
went here for my first (and only!) tattoo a lil over a year ago. byron hooked me up! i told him what i wanted, and he let me look through some art books then sketched out a couple of options for me. he talked me through the first moment of pain, and gave me a hug when i finished. :)
facilities were clean, staff was nice - i felt totally comfortable.
i had to come back because i had a little redness at one part of my tattoo (which is on my inner ankle). and, of course, i thought that i would need to have my leg amputated (i was a bit paranoid...sue me).
it was summer - have you ever actually looked at how dirty a pedestrian's legs get in nyc in the summer? ick.
anyway, i called up byron, he told me to come right in, both byron and the owner took a look at it for me, and told me what to do. everything turned out great, and i now have a lovely sun symbol adorning my already beautiful leg. :) -
Review from Jonathan W.
New York, NY
6/11/2007
excellent - excellent! i get my work done by jao paulo - such a nice guy and very talented. a tattoo is a lifetime investment - so it's good to go where you can trust the staff and work together to see your vision. that's exactly what they do there. i send everyone i know there - if you are tempted - go for it - check them out. 2 half-sleeves here - planning on more - can't wait!
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Review from sare l.
New York, NY
6/7/2008
I have mixed reviews here....yea its a great shop sure...I recently got a new tattoo from Paolino he went too deep in my skin and now I'm regretful that I put a tattoo so close to my ass....I also got a second tattoo from him which I'm waiting to see the outcome all in all for the money I spent I could have gotten better work....Jao is a great artist and I will be going to see him for cover up of another tattoo I will keep everyone posted of the outcome...
