Ben Around Tattoos

Ben has years of experience and the skill to tackle any style of art you come up with. I waited 30yrs to get one tattoo I would really love and he was able to put my ideas into a one of a kind design.Clean and friendly atmosphere. I would definitely recommend this establishment to anyone who is serious about their art.I have one more coloring appointment to go to be finished.

Wonderful experience. Endreas was great with me and explained each step of her process. I love my new tattoo and I cannot wait for her to do another one for me. Ben was in a session with a client but took the time to talk to me and advise me on my image choice; he was kind and helpful. The whole shop and the artists booths were super clean and (I am an RN-so I do know...) I was comfortable anf happy during the whole process. Thank you for a great experience...

I just got my first tattoo with Ben. Everything about the process from the consultation to the tattoo itself were smooth and exactly as expected. I was able to have a great dialogue about placement, subject, ideas for now and the future: everything about the session was explained beforehand and all of my questions were answered honestly. Ben did an amazing job with the drawing and the line work went in with hardly any pain(Ive had deep tissue massages hurt more). Cant wait for my next appointment to continue working on this amazing piece of art!

My wife and I recently visited Charlottesville and booked with Ben Around Tattoos to get a couple of commemorative pieces while in town. The staff is super friendly and the shop is very clean and comfortable. Huge shout out to Tyler who was the artist that worked with us and did a phenomenal job! We will definitely be back!

Called yesterday and they were able to fit me in today. Had a phenomenal experience! Everyone was so friendly, welcoming, and fun to be around. The atmosphere is great and very clean. Ben took his time explaining everything to me and made sure I was comfortable. This isn’t my first tattoo but it is by far my best experience! I will definitely coming back to work with Ben when I want a tattoo in the future. Prices were very reasonable. If you are thinking of coming here, book now!!

Theyre great! Simply put, theyre professional and excellent at what they do. Ben was so gentle and easy to talk to as a pain distraction. Ill definitely be back soon. The salt water fish tanks inside are awesome too.

My best friend and I just got matching tattoos and endreas did an amazing job!! So glad we landed at ben around tattoos!!!

Ben literally is the best. My friends and I were in town for a long weekend and we were able to set up an appointment for Saturday. Though we were there the majority of the day the quality of the of the tattoos was incredible. Not only was it exactly what I wanted but it did not hurt nearly as much as any of the other ones I have. Ben also have us a bunch or recommendations for things to do around town which was very helpful. He also said we could reach out with any questions while we were in town. Not only is Ben a talented artist but a pretty awesome dude. I will definitely be visiting this place again to have him fix and finish another tattoo in progress. I highly recommend this place to any and all.

I had my past two tattoos done here. One by Endreas and the other by Ben. Both were extremely friendly, helpful, and professional. Best tattoo experience! Could not recommend them more!

Ive been meaning to write a review ever since I got my first tattoo here back in December. I believe my artist was Dustin, and he was incredibly helpful and straightforward about the process, how everything works, and what I should expect from any tattoo place I go. My tattoo was done quickly and with surprisingly little pain, and I am delighted with how it turned out and healed. Great price too, as far as Ive seen from comparing other tattoo places. I highly recommend going to Ben Around, whether its your first tattoo or tenth, its high quality work.

I got tattooed by Ben a few years ago, and the tattoos still look good as new. I get compliments on them all to this day. Highly recommend Ben Around for anyone looking for tattoos in Charlottesville and the surrounding area. Super clean shop, great atmosphere, and they do awesome tattoos.

First of all, Dustin is a brilliant artist. I have no doubt that Ben and Molly are as well, but I personally had a tattoo done by Dustin. Especially if you like black and grey, he is simply a brilliant tattoo artist. Had great conversation and personality, really fun to get tattooed by. Second, Hannah was just delightful to speak with and had such wonderful energy. Finally, the vibe in the shop is great. Awesome decor, fish tanks, artwork, etc around the shop. Extremely clean as well. All around 10/10 experience.

I went to see Ryan to get a tattoo for my daughter and only had an idea and he turned it into a beautiful work of art. I am so happy how it turned out and working with Ryan was great. This was the best experience I have had in a tattoo shop. Everyone was so nice, professional and very clean. I just went back and got a touch up and another tattoo from Ryan. My husband loved his work also and is now scheduled for his next tattoo as well. I will be using Ryan and his shop again and highly recommend them.

Had such a great experience this past Saturday at Ben Around. My friends and I did a walk in appointment and knew we’d be waiting a while since we didn’t have a formal appointment set up. Every time the staff walked by they said hi and would keep us updated on where we were in line. We ended up getting our tattoos done by Colby and we couldn’t say enough great things about him. He is extremely artistic and personable. We had such a fantastic experience with him and highly recommend him.

Expert tattooing, with real artistry. I design my own art, and they work with me to get the best results. I love the collaboration.Shop is great. Lots of art, gorgeous fish tanks, varied music. Nowhere else locally I would go or recommend.

Incredibly clean and classy shop. Genuine customer service. Very fair prices. Would absolutely go again!

I couldn’t be more satisfied with my experience at Ben Around, the atmosphere, prices, and quality of the artists and their work is unmatched. I went in yesterday to make an appointment and they got me in the next day with Dustin who is a great artist, and a great guy. He made sure I knew what the process was and that I knew everything he was using was sterilized, then he gave me the tattoo and we just joked around and talked about baseball, he is also amazingly efficient, the tattoo turned out great and I couldn’t recommend Ben Around more

Ben is a Zen Master with the tattoo machine. His work is beautiful, very crisp, and gentle. He is very skilled and worth every penny. He will be the only person doing the rest of my tattoos. I let him tat me with no worries and I don’t look at the work until the end to tell him how good he has done. Great people at Ben Around Tattoos who will give you a great experience whether it’s your first or your tenth tattoo!

I had my first session today with Ryan and he was amazing! I came in looking for him to help a tattoo disaster and whew does he work wonders 🙌🏼. He was very friendly, great with communicating to make sure I got what I wanted while being realistic on what we could accomplish, and put some badass work on me I’m proud of. I have already booked another session with Ryan and I highly recommend checking out his work if you are looking into getting a piece! Also the shop was extremely clean, GREAT environment, and friendly staff!

Ben & Dustin are Incredible artists. Each with their own unique styles. (Im sure the others are great, but I dont know them.)The shop is like nothing youve seen before.Not your typical tattoo shop. Super clean and safe. Lots of space. Must check out Bens fish tank!Great place to get your next ink.

Ben Around Tattoo is a great place to get and maintain your tattoos. I have one from there (my first) and my wife just finished off her second. All the artists are very professional and do anything they can to ensure you are pleased with the results. All three tattoos came out better than we had envisioned.

Just got a tattoo with Ryan. Best tattoo experience I have had. Very friendly and made me feel comfortable. The shop is very clean and professional as well. His work is phenomenal and gave great advice for placement, size, etc. I was very nervous about the pain of a ribcage tattoo, however, he made it a breeze. Definitely going back and would recommend to anyone. Worth the 1 hour and 15 minute drive.

Ben did an amazing job on my cover up.

Ben responded very quickly to my initial email inquiry, which does not seem common with tattoo artists. Ultimately, I made an appointment with Ryan, and he took the time to offer suggestions and work with me to get my dog memorial tattoo. He did a great job, and I couldnt be happier with it!

Went there yesterday and Charlie did my tattoo; I genuinely have no bad things to say! 1) The tattoo looks AMAZING, the lines are incredibly smooth and the placement of the tattoo is perfect, 2) everyone was so so nice, and Charlie even helped me look for my car keys right before the tattoo because I thought I lost them (dont worry, they were found), 3) the shop is beautiful and it is clear they take precautions to make sure everything is clean! 110% would recommend Ben Around tattoos. Charlie in particular is great - super kind and talked throughout my tattoo, which really helped because I hate needles (although yes, I continue to get tattoos). If you want a tattoo in Cville, go to Ben Around Tattoos!

Though I no longer live in Virginia, theres no one other than Ben Id get a tattoo from (except perhaps a member of his team). Hes very communicative and professional at all touch points. I never hesitate to recommend him to my VA friends.

Did a walk in Tattoo today. Ben listens to what you want and gives you his concerns if any and makes adjustments accordingly. Hes definitely the best in town in my opinion. I walked out of another tattoo studio the day before and it was the best decision o ever made. My tattoo came out beautiful and was exactly what I wanted. Highly recommend!

This is hands down the best tattoo parlor in Charlottesville and surrounding areas. Ben is extremely talented and professional, and everyone there is very nice and informative. Would recommend 1000% to anyone looking for high quality tattoos.

My family of three stopped in to Ben Around, thinking we would gather some information about getting matching tattoos for which we had a picture. Although we had a brief wait, Charlie was able to talk in detail about what she could do. She suggested some subtle differences that customized our respective tattoos and incorporated individual expression while maintaining the integrity of the shared experience. She was able to sketch drawings of each quickly for our approval and articulate the process to us. Charlie is creative, bright, funny, and very personable. I was pleasantly surprised with the low level of physical discomfort during and after the process, for which she took care with sterilization. We were given clear aftercare instructions both verbally and in writing. We are all thrilled with the outcome and couldnt be more pleased with our experience.

I love this place! I currently am making several trips over the course of the next year to have a back piece done. I had been researching tattoo shops for a year and was always laughed at or given a blank stare when i told them that not only did I want a whole back piece but that it would be a cover up as well. Ben looked at my back and said yes I can do that for you! He is very confident in his abilities and for good reason! Even though I am still in the beginning stages I am constantly getting compliments on my piece even with the old tattoo still slightly visible. If you want a work of art place on your skin I recommend this place!

I have two tattoos from Ben, one that we did a decade ago and another that he just finished today. Fabulous experiences and high quality work all around. Looking forward to the next one!

Bens shop is very professional and cleanly I highly recommend it. Ben has a light hand and makes quick work. Whether youre getting your first tattoo or your one hundred and first tattoo I recommend Ben and his shop.

I have been going to Ben @ Ben Around Tattoos for over 4 years and I will not go anywhere else now. I consider myself a well traveled tattoo aficionado and I have been in tattoo shops all over the globe. That being said I have found a perfect place to go from now on. Ben has created some amazing tattoos for me and I will continue to go to Ben as long as he keeps tattooing. I cant recommend Ben and staff highly enough and I encourage anyone who wants a high quality tattoo to drop by. There is a reason he is always booked up... its work the wait. If you understand tattoos and dont come in expecting a full back piece full of wuzards and dragons on a castle for $75 then you will do just fine. Quality work costs and its worth every penny. I just flew in to Charlottesville a few days ago just to have Ben do a little work on my traditional Japanese style 1/2 sleeve. Stop reading and go book your appointment at Ben Around!

I was very disappointed in this establishment. The owner demonstrates a very fragile ego and his notion of customer service is very poorly defined. It seems that if you express any criticism or disappointment of his work or dissatisfaction of any kind, you run the risk of him refusing to complete the job. Ben did a touch up of a tattoo that was his original work. He slated 2 hours for the touch up and got about 90% finished but ran out of time. The very next day I had a conversation with another of his clients that had experienced the same approach, her touch up tattoo was almost finished in the time he allotted. Additionally I was telling this story to another person a week or so later and she said, was it Ben? I was disappointed that the tattoo didnt get completed and I expressed that to him. When I called to reschedule my appointment, I was treated rudely by the receptionist and when I challenged the information he was giving me he replied sharply saying thats not how it works here. Ben got on the phone saying that my demeanor was inappropriate and that I was never happy with the results and that he was officially divorcing himself from me as a client. I asked, you are not going to finish the job? He said no.Perhaps my demeanor was sharp or rude but as a business owner myself I understand that tolerance is a large part of what defines excellent customer service. Whatever talent lies here is not, in my opinion worth the attitude they insist you bow down to.

I went to Ben Around shortly after my dog passed to get her paw print done and was fortunatly able to have been fit in as a walk in.Ben was very friendly and took my concerns as a first tattoo seriously. He made the whole expierence very pleasant and showed me all the equipment he was going to use and what to look for, opening all the packaging infront of me and explaining what they did. Throughout the tattoo he was friendly, joking, and talkative. Overall a wonderful expierence and I absolutely love my tattoo.

I had an awkward conversation with an artist when I walked-in to consult about a piece a week ago. Ben, the owner, saw my review and let me know when he was available to talk about it. He absolutely helped smooth-over the previous visit and I look forward to having some pieces done at his shop. He was very honest and clear about the work and scheduling. That goes a long way. Thank you Ben

I went in last night for my 2nd tattoo (my first at Ben Around) and I can say that I will never go anywhere else.First, the facilities: its obvious that much thought went into the design of the gallery itself and it is clear the upkeep and cleanliness are very important. As a consequence, I felt completely comfortable being at Ben Around and I really enjoyed the overall experience. I never felt like just another customer and the careful attention to detail ensured that I did not feel like this was just another conveyer belt tattoo parlor.Next, the work itself: I came in with a general idea of what I wanted and then allowed Ben to change and modify my plan based on what he thought would work best. I watched him do the same thing with my girlfriends tattoo and it came out well so I trusted his judgment and it paid off. The artwork itself is great and the final product was far better than what I had envisioned. I couldnt be more satisfied by the final product.Finally, the service: at every step of the process I dealt with people who were helpful, friendly, and enjoyable to be around. Molly - the woman who helped set me up - went out of her way to accommodate me and to help me feel comfortable. Ben was also very cool about allowing people to hang out while he was working on my tattoo. Hes a really nice guy - so nice in fact that Im pretty sure one of my friends came by just to hang with him.If you are going to be tattooed in the Charlottesville area, I think you are making a mistake if you dont head to Ben Around.

Ben does great work, and is super experienced and great with his instinct. I highly recommend him in that regard! He could definitely work on his manner with clients, as he was a bit snippy with me when I asked questions instead of just patiently explaining things—the effect was that it created an atmosphere where I was afraid to voice any concerns, because he would respond with Bro, Ive been doing this for 24 years, or Do you want to let me finish before you criticize my work? It came off as defensive and arrogant. I know artists must get fed up with people second-guessing them as they work, but there are ways of kindly explaining things—especially to first-time tattooers. But hey! The guy does great work.

I went in and did my consultation the day before my tattoo with Joe Greene, who was very sweet and receptive and gave me some very light guidance for my first tattoo. The day of, he chatted me through the whole process, let me watch him set up, and kept talking to me throughout the tattoo to keep my mind off the pain. He spent the time to make sure I was happy and that even the little details like the thickness of certain lines were even and perfect as he could get it. Would totally recommend!

Ryan is without a doubt the best comic tattoo artist in the area. Quality work and very respectful.

I had my tattoo done by Dustin and he did a wonderful job. I got a botched tattoo from elsewhere and I needed it fixed. I went to Dustin and he totally recreated it and even put another small tattoo in another area. Very clean shop, relaxing atmosphere and great prices by talented artists. I highly recommend this shop!!

Ryan is always so patient with me—regardless of how many times I ask him to adjust the placement of the stencil! The color he uses is brilliant and his line work is clean and crisp. I consistently receive compliments on the work he has done on me.Thank you, Ryan, for helping me honor my late grandmother with a tattoo of her favorite flower, the daffodil.

If I could give 10 stars, I definitely would in a heartbeat. The shop is amazing with so many unique quirks. We were given VIP treatment from start to finish. We had the honor of being tattooed by Ben, who took the time to educate us on tattoo safety procedures. His level of cleanliness and thoroughness was the first I had ever experienced and I definitely appreciated it. My mother got her first tattoo at the age of 57 and DIDNT flinch a bit! So thats a win for great service. Great place all around

Ben is an amazing artist, did a wonderful job on my tattoo, talked me through safety ed of tattoos, color vs black and gray considerations and aftercare. Perfect experience!

Molly was AMAZING. Got this tattoo in memory of a kitten I got last year who passed away due to medical complications. ITS EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED AND HOW I IMAGINED IT. She was so amazing, this piece means so much to me and I could not be happier. Will definitely try and sneak back into her booking when its opened again

Best tattoo parlor in cville. ive been to lots of tattoo shops, & this one is truly special. have been tattooed here twice now. trustworthy, friendly, and exceptionally talented artists; efficient business; comfortable atmosphere and great vibe overall. Dustin is excellent, executed my vision to perfection and was really chill and fun as well as experienced, helpful, and professional. cville is lucky to have this place.

Ryan did my tattoo and did a great job. Everything about my experience was great. After seeing mine my wife is going to go to him to fix a bad tattoo and get another one. I would recommend Ryan to everyone that is looking for a quality tattoo and great atmosphere.

I went to Ben Around for my first tattoos. Ben was amazing. He walked me through the process and made sure I was ok during it. Will definitely go back again.

My review is not actually about the tattooing itself but the customer service. I was searching for the landlord of the buildings number and called Ben Around. If I worked there id probably be annoyed but the gentleman who picked up the phone was very helpful and we chit chatted about future tattoos (I need some cover ups for a bad one, ive heard this is the best place to go time and time again)I had to call back and spoke to Ben directly. I have heard he can be stern but he was very very very helpful and nice on the phone.Thanks guys for all your help! I will be sending business your way!

Dustin gave me a beautiful tattoo and the space was very clean!Everyone in the shop makes you feel comfortable and welcome. I can’t wait to come back!

...been to Ben...been to Molly...even been to Charlie when she was there...all great artists and all great tattoo folks... Ben is a real pro at tattoo artistry, not just a master of detail but a great skin tactician - can answer any questions you might have about custom work - incredibly precise and masterfully executed artwork - cant wait to get more artwork done here ...

Had an appointment at the shop for a larger piece and emailed them telling them that I knew I wasn’t going to have the money to do the piece because of something that came up and if I could get something smaller. They emailed me back saying that if it was still in the time slot I could. Nowhere on any paper work did it tell me my time slot or was I told when I made the appt. I’ve never had a tattoo appt so wasn’t really sure how everything worked. When I get to my appt I showed Ben what I wanted instead and then he tells me that my slot is 600$ and the tattoo that I want would only take 15 mins, then starts to get an attitude with me when I told him that I didn’t know that my slot was 4 hrs and that I previously had emailed them that that’s not what I wanted anymore and that I was sorry about the miscommunication. Then he tells me sorry doesn’t pay the bills and says he’s keeping my deposit and storms off after telling me to just print whatever it is that I wanted. So I left. He was super rude and I can promise I will never go back to that shop again. As an owner there is no reason to ever speak to a customer like I was spoken too. Really disappointed in this shop.

I have pieces by both Ben and Ryan. They are both talented and amazing artists of the skin. The shop is always super clean and inviting and I always leave happy. Fully recommended.

Molly was great in helping develop my vision. Her work is wonderful, as is her chair side manner. The entire space is beautiful, exceptionally clean and the perfect complement of the amazing art that takes place.

Paid a deposit for a Tatt a while back. I never got my money back due to a staff left. Went and got my tat done and it still cost me $250 pluse lost deposit... The size and tat I got friends told me I paid $300 for that??. I havent been back since.

I went with my brother to get his tattoo. The artist took time to help develop the idea and make it exactly what my brother wanted. Great artists and great people. I would definitely recommend.

Absolutely amazing place to go. High quality work. Great people. Ben is great. Molly is great. Havent worked with anyone else. If you want it done right, go there. Definitely the best in town

Awesome place to visit. Worth every penny. Great staff, great work, comfortable studio. I would recommend to anyone. Cant wait till I get enough money to go back and get some more work done.

From the phone call to finishing our quickly scheduled tattoo, so nice and helpful. Looks exactly how I pictured it in my mind and am so happy with it. Definitely coming back for the next one.

Dustin was great. Went for my first tattoo and he made me feel totally comfortable. Very clean shop.

I got few tattoos with my dude Ben! And he is the man!! Ben you know you are the man!! See you soon homie!!

Called and the person was very polite in explaining the walk in process. 2 pm till closed. Small tatoo 100.00 min

Very good work its a bit pricey but you get what you pay for. They did a really good job on a piece for my son!! Thanks Dustin

RYAN, WAS SO MUCH FUN TO WORK WITH. Made tattooing easy

Ben is the best artist around!!! Clean and professional!!! I highly recommend his shop and all the artist there

Hands down best tattoo shop around.. drove an hour and a half... After much research. Amazing find and will be returning for more.💜

Awesome work. Prices were reasonable. One of the only parlors Ive seen that offer warranty on their work.

Dustin Messer is awsome great atmosphere Im so happy with my new tat

Beautiful decor and the music selection was perfect for anyone. Clean with bright smiles and great attitudes

Very professional artist that do amazing work.

Everyone at the shop is so professional and friendly!

Dustin is hands down the best!!

Ask for Ryan best color ink in town for sure!!

Fantastic service and skill. I loove my tattoos!

Very clean and professional, Ryan is fantastic

Great artwork, great people.

Love it the nm people are great and professional

Best artists in the industry!

This place was so kind and an awesome experience

Great shop, great artists

Dustin was awesome!

Great work!✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾