Any suggestions for a reputable Tattoo shop on/near the strip.? First timer, interested in a portrait
Thanks

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I would highly recommend it & of the artist I would suggest any but specifically Chico the guy with tattoos under his eyes. He did an amazing Portrait​ for my friend a month ago.

and after reviewing the places that were suggested and several others, I went to Broken Dagger.  Sadly it didn't happen.  

Now I will say this, your having a portrait done, which is much different than the piece I intended to get done.  Mine was far less complex, it was a quote and I already had a photo of the design.

This would have been my second piece.  The one I currently have, took upwards of 20 hrs to complete.  I will give you some suggestions:

First find an artist who specializes in portraits. Not every artist has mastered it.  Second, understand that the size of the portrait may not be best suited for where you want it.  So listen to what the artist tells you.  Third, there are some parts of the body that are more sensitive than others, so be mentally prepared to deal with the sensation.  I personally learned a lot about myself while on the table. Finally, make sure you eat and I do mean that.  Believe it or not, you will consume a lot of energy just sitting there.  It's how the body reacts.  I'm very lean and I ate a massive meal before I went and after about 3 hrs I was absolutely starving, so we would take a break so I could recharge.  But the piece I had was significantly larger and runs the entire length of my torso with lots of fine detail.  

Thanks Camper-- I sent over a pic to illuminati.. They seemed to suggest they have a specialist to help me. The portrait is an 8x10 photograph, but I wanted a small one on my forearm. I am hoping it does not take that long to do.. It will be, obviously, smaller in size

I definately know from personal experience and also from the knowledge accumulated over a period of time in all of Las vegas tattoo shops/owners corporate etc.

It is a passion of mine.  

Kind Regards,

Lovely Lorena De Leon

That was one of.the shops I did internet research on. As with any shop, each artist should have a portfolio online. Always look at their work.

Second, make sure you talk to the artist in person. You need to be comfortable with him (and the shop too).  Again, listen to what the artist tells you about size and placement.  He's been doing this a lot longer than you.

You'll be.there for a bit..Portraits require a lot of very fine needle work. Be prepared, it make take a lot more time than you think.

..I had my first and only tattoo there a couple of years ago..  A pretty anklet.
It was on my bucket list of things to do… But never again... Hurt like hell!!! Haha