Baltimore Tattoo Museum

i was recommended to dave sobel through a friend who has about 20 pieces of his work on his body. however, when i visited, i still made sure to check out everyone's portfolios. laura rachel's portfolio is also amazing! i would certainly go to her if i wanted something extremely realistic, like a portrait. dave's style certainly matched what i needed and he did an amazing job. i brought in my own drawing, an extremely detailed feather. he said he could do the tattoo in a week after ordering a smaller needle for the detail. everyone was so helpful and enthusiastic and gave great feedback to think about.
dave was wonderful and very comfortable to be around. he made an exact copy of my feather and i couldn't be more happy about the results!
never just run in and pick out something on the whim unless you're willing to wear for the rest of your life!

Posted 01/15/09 | Report Abuse

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I just got some custom work done by Chris Smith. It turned out great! No matter where you go for work, make sure you check out the potfolio of the artist you choose. Artist have different styles, make sure you like their work.

This is a very busy shop, but there is always someone to help you. Make sure you allow enough time for what you want to get done. Be realistic, you can't walk in and expect a tattoo artist to just be standing there waiting to do a 5 hour piece. The artists in this shop are very good, and in demand.

I suggest you plan on just stopping in to get the feel of the place, look around, check out the artist protfolios, and maybe meet one or two. Then you can set up an appointment to get your work done.

Posted 05/25/08 | Report Abuse

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I got a leg piece down by Dave Sobel and he did a great job. In response to "vorchild" getting something done right takes time, an estimate on how long a tattoo takes is different for every situation. It takes time for the ink to heal, skin types are different, and ink settles differently depending on the person. When I asked Dave how long mine would take he responded, "the last time I gave some idiot an estimated time he freaked out when it ran only 2 hours over." Both my girlfriend and I love Dave's style of tattoing and he is a great guy to keep you company while he is working. With every tattoo artist, make sure you like the stuff that he has in his portfolio. "Vorchild" is also a flaming idiot because colors that you see in tubes are not what goes on the skin. Colors fade and change as the tattoo heals.

Posted 10/31/07 | Report Abuse

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I went to get a Tattoo by the artist Dave Sobel. It was a lower sleeve on my right arm. He said it would take 10 hours to complete. After the first sitting of 3 hours I noticed alot of mistakes. I came back 2 weeks later and I wanted a touch up. He refused and said he would do it at the end of the 2nd session. So he did the next outline and did the touch up taking 3 hours. 2 Weeks later I came back in and the touch up looked horrible so he worked on it again. Dave Sobel takes many brakes while working and clowns around, he draws your Tattoo out on purpose to make money. After my last sitting he had my arm behind my back the whole time. When he finished I was shocked to see the Tattoo was the wrong color! He did my whole arm the wrong color! Then he argues that I told him that color. My wife and I were very disappointed and we spent over a $1000 dollars. He said we still had 12 hours to go after sitting for over 10 on a tattoo that was only supposed to take 10 hours.

I decided to go some where else! A few days after my last sitting with Dave Sobel my arm broke out in a horrible Staph infection that required antibiotics. I went and got my Tattoo fixed and the new artist informed me on the bad reputation of Dave Sobel and he told me that my Tattoo should have only taken 8 hours total. Clearly Dave was out to make money on me! My new artist fixed it to the point I can live with it but I strongly warn you against getting any ink there!

Posted 12/31/06 | Report Abuse

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I went strictly to check out the museum portion of this tattoo parlor. It's very small but if you're in the area you should check it out. The people there are friendly and it's free to look at their little collection of photos and quirky tattoo artifacts.

Posted 07/30/06 | Report Abuse

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This place seems to be very busy. If you decide on a whim to get a tattoo- fat chance on getting a walk-in. (which is a good sign)

Their Tattoo museum is a tad weak- but growing. Don't plan on a huge place- it's a 20 step museum at best.

I've known a lot of people that have been inked here. Definitely DONT go to who so-and-so says is best. Look at the portfolios yourself objectively (don't even look to see whose book is whose) and decide whose style fits what you're looking for.

Good luck!

PROS: great location, friendly staff
CONS: busy

Posted 03/25/06 | Report Abuse

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This parlor was recommended by a friend and it was a great experience. I enjoyed looking at the displays of the history of tattoos, flash and equipment (yes, it really is a museum too!) My artist, dave, designed a custom piece based on a design I had and some discussion. He had a light hand for a newbie and made for an overall great experience. Definately consider if looking for a tattoo in the area!

Posted 11/30/05 | Report Abuse

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I got a tattoo here a few years ago, and was not happy with the end result. I worked with the artist and had three or four touch-up sessions with him, but it soon became clear that the kind of work i wanted was outside of the artist's scope. However, I've seen the work from other tattoo artists at this establishment, and their work was great. Be sure to carefully research your tattoo artist if you get a tattoo here. Tha ambiance of the place is nice.

Posted 11/21/05 | Report Abuse

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I am a real wimp about pain and took a long time deciding whether or not to get a tattoo. When I finally decided to bite the bullet, I asked around and the unanimous recommendation was for the Tattoo Museum. I'm so glad I asked first! The artists there are really artists - they are proud of their work and make sure you are fully satisfied. Highly recommended

Posted 11/16/05 | Report Abuse

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