The Shop: Third Eye Tattoo feels like a dentist's office, except MUCH cleaner and MUCH more sanitary. The floors are spotless, the lighting exceptional, and the counters neat and clean. Each artist has their own room, with separate equipment and cabinets. Organization is very well laid out, and everything is in it's place.
Getting started: CLEANLINESS is the name of the game. I was a little worried when I first sat in the chair the week after, to get my tattoo started. It was my first tattoo experience, so I was nervously watching every move Brian was making. But my fears were put to rest when I saw how he operated. The room is spotless. He washed his hands before he touched anything sterile, something he repeated continuously throughout the session. New gloves were used every time he left the room and came back (used about 5 pairs of gloves that I counted, each pair disposed properly). The razor and needles came from locked cabinets, and everything was in sterile packaging, which Brian opened in front of my eyes. I haven't seen such exceptionally hygienic practices even in doctor's offices. He used new inkwells for each ink, and any remaining ink was properly disposed in the room's sink. New ink was used every time he needed to change inks. I also saw him put the machines together, and insert the new sterile needles in them. In summary, everything was done as it should be, and Brian takes safety very seriously.
The artist: Brian KNOWS his trade by heart. He is extremely knowledgeable about the art of tattooing, and TREMENDOUSLY talented at what he does, Before and during the session he patiently and thoroughly answered every single question I had, always with a smile. I asked a lot of questions, and he answered them all. He gave me a detailed account of how the modern tattooing machine came around, and described several other alternative methods used throughout the world, and this was just because I asked him. I really liked the fact that he knew so much and shared it with me. I can't say enough about his dedication to the work he did on me. He got so much into it, that from the originally planned three hours, the tattoo session lasted for almost six. His attention to detail is IMPECCABLE and he works the tattoo gun like magic. He never rushed, and took his time to get every little detail PERFECT. Throughout the session, he kept noticing additional things which could be tweaked to make the piece stand out even more, and these little changes made the piece stand out in an AMAZING MANNER. He worked the shading like a magician. I don't know what else to say....I could not have been more pleased with everything. He is the man!
The final piece: The final product looked so awesome, I just about asked him to sign it. A true masterpiece on my upper arm, and I could tell Brian was very very pleased with his work as well. I LOVE my new tattoo. Brian took the time to painstakingly describe to me the aftercare procedures, and made sure I understood everything clearly. He was also available promptly on the telephone when I had a question about aftercare. I could not have asked for a better tattoo artist, and felt that I got much more than my money's worth at Third Eye. Would recommend the shop to anyone in a heartbeat.
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