Crispy Aura Fine Line Tattoos

Cate is incredible and I am obsessed with my tattoo!!!!!! it is a legit work of art and I get stopped and complimented on it all the time. she is extremely talented and made it as enjoyable as an hour and a half of someone drawing on you with a needle can be :) the aftercare Cate suggested was different than what I was used to because it is so delicate, and it’s been about a month and a half and healed wonderfully.my one suggestion would be to have a couple comfy chairs in the waiting area but other than that, the studio is adorable and clean! it definitely feels good to be in a fun, girlypop environment with a stellar playlist vs. a traditional tattoo shop! if you have the opportunity, absolutely choose Cate and crispy aura for your next tattoo🥰

I was lucky enough to receive a tattoo from Cate. I knew I wanted to get a tattoo from Cate after looking at her social media page and noticing her unique artistry. After booking, I liked the detailed and easy communication system that the shop has to its customers. It notifies and shares information between you and the tattoo artist, as it provides details for where to park and even consulting about your design. Cate was very sweet and accommodating while we discussed my tattoo design. Throughout the process, Cate was professional and friendly. I felt very comfortable the entire time and it was a great experience. I love my new tattoo!

Don’t hesitate, just book it! Crispy Aura (Cate) gave my mom and I such a pleasant experience. We got matching designs. I have gotten tattoos before, but it was my moms first time. She was nervous, but Cate did such a great job answering her questions and keeping her at ease. The tattoos came out so perfect. Her line work/talent is amazing. We are both so happy and excited to watch it heal. Would definitely recommend her as an artist and will be returning in the future.

Cate and her Crispy Aura Studio are both truly amazing, such a good vibe. My bf and I wanted memorial tattoos for our cats that passed and Cate was super patient, helpful, and kind throughout the whole process. I’m so happy with how they came out! I highly recommend Cate and will definitely be going to her for future tattoos :)

I recently had the pleasure of getting tattooed at Crispy Aura Fine Line Tattoos and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. The talented tattoo artist, Cate, truly exceeded my expectations.From the moment I walked into the studio, the atmosphere was welcoming and professional. Cate took the time to listen to my ideas and offered expert advice to ensure the design was perfect. Her attention to detail and skill in fine line work is truly impressive. The final piece is not only beautiful but also incredibly precise, showcasing Cate’s mastery of the craft.I highly recommend Crispy Aura Fine Line Tattoos to anyone looking for exquisite fine line tattoos. Thank you for a fantastic experience. I’ll definitely be back for more!!!

I had such a great experience at Crispy Aura Studio! I found the booking process to be really seamless and was able to speak with my artist about what I was looking for and then find a time that worked for both of us. I worked with Lexi and she was kind, informative, and broke down pricing in a way that was understandable and worked with my budget!At my appointment, everyone was so chill and kind, I honestly loved the vibe in here. Briefly met Cate (shop owner and tattooer) who was also being super attentive with their client.I highly recommend this tattoo shop! Honestly the best tattoo environment I’ve been in to date :)

Saw Lexi yesterday for 3 tattoos. 1 for me and 2 for my best friend. it was the perfect experience! I couldn’t be happier with my tattoo. she was very thorough, patient, friendly and transparent throughout the appointment. would absolutely go to her again. space was the cutest 💗

I got my first tattoo with Cate yesterday and it was such an amazing experience! The studio is so clean and welcoming, and everyone really knows what they’re doing. She had a bunch of mock up designs ready when I walked in and the process was so simple. Could not have asked for a better experience, if you are lucky enough to get on her books, do it!!!!

From my first tattoo to my 21st tattoo, all of the artists at Crispy Aura have been incredible!!! I always feel so comfortable and at ease when Im here. A place with glitter floors and a disco ball wall is exactly my type of tattoo shop. Looking forward to coming back sooner rather than later!

Cate was so lovely to work with! She was so intentional, patient, and demonstrated a genuine care for my wants & needs throughout the tattooing process. I got a tattoo to honor my late father and she made sure this meaningful piece turned out exactly how I envisioned.

Linh did such an amazing job on my first ever tattoo! She was so sweet and really helped me feel at ease. The entire process was simple and I honestly barely felt any pain at all. The design is also gorgeous and exactly what I wanted. I also love the vibes of the studio (so aesthetic and clean!) and got complimentary stickers :)

Im someone who you would describe as “clean-cut” with an understated aesthetic (very particular and a little OCD). 😂 With that said, you could imagine that the anticipation of getting my first tattoo at thirty was a nerve-wracking experience.I knew from the start that I wanted to work with Cate. There was no other artist out there with the line work and precision that would meet my standards. She showed great empathy, patience, and interest from the conception of the design to the actual day of my tattoo to commemorate my father who I lost this year to cancer.Her attention to detail and absolutely stunning talent with fine-line work put me at such ease and left me awestruck and emotional when I left the studio. She was exceptionally patient with me when I struggled to decide on final details and placement. She took creative control and initiative when she understood my exact vision. She executed what would work the best when I struggled to articulate it.I cannot imagine anywhere that I could get a more pristine and detail-oriented tattoo. I don’t think I would ever go to anyone else for another tattoo because she is the best of the best.

Such great staff and amazing tattoo artists! Cate was super patient and wanted to make sure I ended up with a design I loved since it was my first tattoo. She took time to get my shape and font right and is very attentive to aftercare and follow ups! Would definitely recommend this studio

This place is seriously adorable and squeaky clean! The staff is beyond friendly and super welcoming. Let me tell you about Cate, the owner—shes an absolute gem! 💎✨ #bossbabe ✨💎Not only is she attentive and informative, but she also helped me find the perfect spot for my new tattoo. And can we talk about how gorgeous it turned out? 😍♥️ Seriously, its now my absolute favorite, both for its sentimental value and its crisp, pretty look! Now I totally get why they named the shop what they did! 🤣😘 All in all, my experience was top-notch, and Ill definitely be shouting their praises to everyone I know. Count me in for a return visit! 💕✨

I was tattooed by Cate at Crispy Aura Studio and had such an amazing experience! Cate was great to work with and designed exactly the tattoo I was looking for. The tattoo turned out so beautifully and Cate provided helpful instructions for aftercare, so Ive had no issues with the healing process. The studio is also so cute and welcoming!!

I cannot say enough good things about Cate and the studio. Her and the team were very welcoming and the whole vibe of the studio made for a great atmosphere. Cate took the time to get things right and I’m forever grateful to her for my memorial tattoo. If you need fine line work done, this is the place.

Cate was the perfect person to help me with my first tattoo. Patient, communicative, and creative. She perfectly illustrated what I wanted and made the process so easy. The work was amazing and I hardly felt it due to her technique! Love this place!

Kate & her team are very professional in such a cute and welcoming environment! I had my tattoo done by Kate and it is perfection. Her books open at the beginning of the month and the process is quite easy and keeps constant communication. I am very pleased with my tattoo, can’t wait for my next one!I highly recommend Kate and the artists at Crispy Aura!!

I came back to Crispy Aura for my second time and had another incredible experience. The studio is so cute, clean, and professional! I’ve had both of my tattoos done by Linh and she’s exceeded my expectations each time. 10/10 recommend this studio…I will be back!!

My stepdaughter and I came here to get tattoos from Cate and had an amazing experience! She was friendly, patient and super helpful as we were trying to decide placement. I cannot recommend Cate and her team enough!

My first time getting tattooed by Crispy Aira was a really great experience. She knew a lot about the skin and was really great at advising. Her touch was gentle, and I had no pain during the process. Her after care instructions were thorough. I will definitely come back for another and recommend her.

Cate is exceptional both as a tattoo artist and human being.She was very accommodating right from beginning to end. This was my 3rd tattoo overall but first time with her. Cate made it such a fun experience- right before she started tattooing, she played my favorite artist’s music which actually inspired the tattoo I was getting! She was also so considerate and talked me through the session. I did not feel any pain because she was so gentle! I’m honestly so impressed with her skills- she is truly talented. Cate was also so sweet and radiated warmth and welcoming energy. I really like how approachable and friendly she was, which made me feel like I was talking to my sister. The appointment was quick but she still took her time understanding my vision and tattooing. And don’t even get me started with her new studio! It was so Cate coded!! I was blown away right when I stepped in because it was so cute and girly. Every wall was a photo op EVEN the bathroom!! Her aura was radiating throughout the studio and I could definitely tell that every decor was thoughtfully chosen and arranged.Thank you Cate for being you and for my new favorite tattoo! I’m obsessed! It was an honor to be tatted by you. Best believe I will be coming back for more :)

I got tattooed with Cate at Crispy Aura Studio at the end of September and my tattoo still looks great and isn’t faded. The studio was extremely clean and was a comfortable and inviting space to be in. Cate was extremely nice and was diligent when helping me decide my tattoo. She is an extremely talented fine line tattoo artist and she did such a great job on my tattoo. I highly recommend going to Crispy Aura Studio and loved working with Cate on my tattoo!!

Cate was an amazing artist. She was extremely patient with me and I am very happy I went with her for my first tattoo. Beautiful work and amazing atmosphere!!

I have been following Crispy Aura on Instagram for some time and love the atmosphere, positivity, and creativity of the artists here. I ended up getting two dream tattoos recently with Kirstie (the scales and lady of justice) and Cate (realistic butterfly). Both experiences were extremely positive and fun. The shop itself is incredibly cute and welcoming. I would 100% recommend this studio to anyone considering a tattoo and would happily come back for any future tattoos!

I had such a great experience with Cate. This was my first tattoo so I was a bit nervous, but everything from the decor of the place to the personality of all the artists were so welcoming and calming. Cate did such a great job communicating with me throughout the process and I could not be happier with the end tattoo. Excited to go back for a future one!!

I am so happy with my tattoo. My mom passed away in 2016 and what better way to keep memory of her than a tattoo of her name. Thanks again, Cate! The shop was so nice and welcoming and my tattoo turned out beautiful. I can’t wait to come back.

Cate was fantastic! She made my tiny tattoo idea come to life and far exceed my expectations. She was flexible, understanding, gentle and so kind. Her studio is cute and clean and it was an overall great experience. Can’t wait to come back for my next one :)

If you’re looking for a fine line tattoo, look no further! Cate is truly a master at what she does. She perfected my idea and I couldn’t be happier. She incorporated a signature from a letter and I’m thrilled to have that handwriting with me forever. Thank you, Cate!

I booked with Cate for my first ever (!) tattoo and I could not be happier with my experience! She did an amazing job capturing exactly what I wanted in the design and communicated clearly before, during, and after my appointment. The studio is SO cute and welcoming. Most importantly, my tattoo is perfect! Super crisp and precise, and it is healing quickly with no irritation.

Just took a tattoo workshop with Cate and she’s absolutely amazing. Very knowledgeable about her craft and an excellent teacher. Her and Ash made me feel really welcome and was very honest and open to all of the questions that we had while taking her course. If you are ever interested in learning how to tattoo or in getting a tattoo, I would highly recommend going here! The interior is so welcoming as well as the staff!

Was looking to get a small, sentimental piece done and someone had recommended Crispy Aura. First, her work is crispy. It’s hot, fresh, and unique. Lives up to its name. The shop itself is tucked in a cute area and welcomingTo anyone who comes in. Cate is super knowledgeable about her work, took a look at the curvature of my arm and gave me tons of options on the size and shape and location of my new tat. By the end of the experience you’ve not only gained a beautiful new piece of work, but a new friend. Thanks so much for the amazing new ink!

Absolutely love the welcoming and warm feeling be at the studio! My tattoo artist was Linh @petitetats and I requested 2 custom designs: my home address with the original number plates & my family’s birth flowers (May, July, Sept, and November). These both are dear to my heart and love the simplicity of them! Great communication regarding custom pricing, appointment booking, and aftercare! Appreciate having monthly check-ins to ensure proper healing. Can’t wait to go back for more from her and the other talented artists! (I will be back in January as my sis loves the designs and we’ll having matching tattoos).

Had the best tattoo experience here!! Such a cute and welcoming space. Cate and all the wonderful artists were so kind and helped me with placement and shading questions. I’m so so happy with how mine turned out. Come here for the most perfect fine line tattoos!!

Absolutely amazing, made me feel really comfortable for my first tattoo and made sure i was okay🩷. cate helped me figure out the right placement and styled the orchid i got to better fit my figure. the artwork was perfection, very clean and the studio was soo cute! the experience was a 10/10 and will definitely be coming again

The whole experience was amazing. From initial booking, to figuring out exactly what I wanted to meeting up for the tattoo. Cates expertise helped me decide the placement of my tattoo. Highly recommend booking with Cate

I love my little Frankenstein Ghost tattoo! He’s approaching a year old now and I’m so happy with how he’s help up, as my other fine line tattoo from a different shop didn’t hold up nearly as well. I’m excited to get him touched up and will happily recommend Crispy Aura and their awesome artists any day.

I got my first tattoo here today with Cate !! I had the best experience! before the appointment she was very detailed about what the process was as going to be like which made me feel more excited than nervous LOL The first time I saw her work was maybe about two years ago and fell in love with her art. I was expecting the pain level to be high but she was super light handed! Cate also made sure that I was okay throughout the tatting process, if I needed a break etc. The tattoo came out so clean and minimalistic!! I would 100% get another one at this studio 💖 !!!

This was my first tattoo and what a wonderful experience it was! After our golden passed, my husband and I knew we wanted to get something to commemorate him with. Cate worked with us to create two custom pet portraits and they were amazing! She was so collaborative, so kind, and so, so talented.

LOVED my experience at Crispy aura Tattoo! Cate did my tattoo and explained everything I needed to know as well as sending me a few options before the appt to make any changes before I came in. The studio itself was amazing! it was so inviting and relaxing. Cate did a great job of making the tattoo experience comfortable. Def my favorite experience with a tattoo artist and studio. Cate’s fine line tattoos are unmatched! I loved how my tattoo turned out! 10/10 would recommend. I will be coming back for many more tattoos in the future!

I have been looking forward to snagging an appointment with Cate for a while because of her tattoo style and amazing portfolio. A last minute opening happened to be perfect timing to get a tattoo I’ve been looking forward to for a long while!It is exactly what I was looking for and I appreciate all the small details she pays attention to when it comes to placement. Can’t wait to be back for the next!

I love my tattoo! I was searching for a fine line tattoo artist when I came across crispy aura. All of the designs are beautiful and I loved working with Cate to replicate my mom’s handwriting. She is so friendly and made me feel comfortable. Would definitely recommend her!

I recently got a tattoo with Cate and she was absolutely amazing. The tattoo came out so amazing. She sent me a drawing beforehand to make sure it was what I wanted, which was so great. It was also my first time getting a tattoo, and Cate walked through the whole process with me. She let me know what to expect and how the pain levels would be, and was checking up on me through the session to make sure I was doing okay. Overall was a great experience and I would definitely come back and get another tattoo from Cate!

Recently got my first tattoo done with Cate and Im so SO happy with it! Her fine line is so precise and the experience was great. Hoping to be back in the future for more!

I’ve been to Crispy Aura a few times now and every time has been such a nice experience. This time in particular I was able to get a tattoo with Cate, she is so nice and very patient on working with you to make the design! Definitely recommend!!

Crispy Aura was the most amazing experience I’ve ever had getting tattooed. Starting from the interaction with Cate, the owner, all the way to the final product. She genuinely cares about her work and the client. Nothing about the process seemed transactional and I would not go to a different tattoo shop ever again. She really lived up to her reputation and I would highly recommend her. I felt zero pain during the process and she was always very reassuring during the process. If you’re looking for something specific she also does a great job at adding her own artistic spin plus making your vision come to life. Cate I can’t thank you enough for making this special piece a memorable experience. I will definitely be back for more!

Over 7 times Ive applied to get a tattoo done. SEVEN TIMES. What a joke of a process, all she does is tattoos she can copy and paste and wont take you if you actually want her to be an artist and do ART. The audacity is unmatched. Go to any other of the many talented fine line artists in Chicago, dont spend money on someone who wont appreciate you as a client.Edit: someone needed to bring you down to earth, peace and love its not me its you ❤️

Truly such a 10/10 experience at Crispy Aura with Cate! The studio is incredibly inviting and approachable (especially for a first timer). Cate made my vision come to life and is very talented with fine line and shading. I love the finished product and would go back in a second!

Update 3 months later: Since taking the class, I have found some gaps in education that I think would have been helpful to have learned. Specifically, different styles & needle sizes in practice, how to tattoo on darker skin, how to do fully filled-in designs, etc. To me, it seemed a bit transactional. Cate is always willing to answer questions and offer advice and that’s something that you can’t get from another training. You are learning from the best.-Really enjoyed taking the tattoo class with Crispy Aura (Cate)! She’s extremely knowledgeable, kind, patient, and approachable. She truly cares about your leaning and contributions to the tattoo community. Even when the class is over, she remains approachable and accessible for those who invested their time and money with her. So so grateful to have to opportunity to learn from one of the bests! Can’t recommend enough ☺️

My tattoo artist was @petitetats and she was incredible. Very nice and was willing to talk with me about how I wanted to edit the tattoo I wanted. She also very nicely explained to me the process, which was comforting in a way 😆 The place was pristine too and I loved the ambiance. Loved this place 💗

Had a fantastic experience with Cate at Crispy Aura. The studio is clean, cute, and welcoming - a really good vibe! Cate took a photo memory of my grandfather - aka Papa!! ziplining at age 90 - and made it into the perfect, simplistic tattoo that I envisioned.

I recently got a tattoo from Cate and I couldnt be happier with the experience. From start to finish, everything was perfect. The studio was clean and inviting, and Cate made me feel incredibly comfortable throughout the entire process. Not only did she execute my design flawlessly, but her attention to detail and professionalism truly stood out. I highly recommend Cate to anyone looking for a top-notch tattoo artist!

Working with Cate on my tattoo request was amazing! She was quick in responding to my questions and feedback regarding the design. Just from a picture downloaded from the web, she captured exactly my vision for the tattoo including all the small details.Everyone at the studio was super friendly and welcoming, and I highly recommend checking out the shop especially if youre looking to get your first tattoo. Also want to highlight the thorough aftercare instructions Cate provided, including soap and lotion recommendations.

The tattoo studio is so welcoming and beautiful. It’s super clean, everyone follows protocol, and it feels like a very safe place. All the artists are very talented (during my time there, I saw the work of a handful of the artists and every single piece was perfect). I booked with Jess and my tattoo is better than what I imagined. She was so thoughtful about my placement and the detail is impeccable. Grateful for my experience and I will definitely be back!

I had a wonderful experience at Crispy Aura Fine Line Tattoos!!! The artist/owner Cate was very welcoming from the moment I walked in. She gave me plenty of options for the tattoo I wanted and made sure that I would be happy with my choice. Her fine line work is so unique!!

This place is so cute on the inside, and everyone is so welcoming!! This was my first tattoo, and I would love to come back someday for another! Cate did a wonderful job explaining things to me, and the tattoo looks amazing :)

Nothing but amazing experiences with Cate at Crispy Aura! She always takes the time to make sure I’m happy with size + placement and is so patient as I bounce back and forth between options.Her work is beautiful and delicate. Can’t say enough good things!

I have now been to this shop twice and have had work done by two amazing artists! The owner Cate (@_crispyaura & @crispyaura.studio on insta) did an amazing micro-realism elephant for me that I have been wanting for years! It turned out better than I could have imagined. I’ve waited since 2018 to find a shop and artists that I trust and feel confident with. I’ve been following the shop and all their artists on Instagram for a while. This shop is so inclusive and welcoming, the best vibes and so clean and safe. I got my first tattoo at this shop done in May (French text) and the newest four done yesterday. Linh (@petitetats on insta) has done the French text, a lavender stalk and two stamp pieces for me. She’s so kind and fun and detailed. I’m beyond obsessed with all the beautiful art I’ve gotten from this shop. I’m constantly telling people about it and get compliments all the time. I will be coming to this shop for all my future tattoos. Highly highly recommend!!

Got my first real tattoo done here by Kirstie. I was absolutely blown away by her art, and the other artists there. Very talented people work here, and Id definitely go again. They were super duper accommodating to what I wanted and Kirstie did her absolute best to make me happy. I am indeed a happy customer! 10/10 reccoment this place! Beautiful art!!! 🖤

Cate is an amazing artist! Very happy with my tat and experience. The studio has a great vibe. I would absolutely recommend and will definitely be a repeat customer.

Went in for my very first tattoo today with Cate! The absolute best experience! I was always super nervous to get a tattoo but she made the process so smooth, explaining everything as we went! Can’t wait to get another one 😋 Will def be back!

Where do I even begin! First off, I have to say that the location itself is amazing! Free street parking was plentiful and the studio itself is so cute, I love all the awesome stuff you can buy there too! Linh is extraordinary in so many ways. She is such a good listener and works with you to find the best fit. She is so thorough, polite, thoughtful, and kind. I am obsessed with every tattoo I’ve gotten from her so far! Even though her work is so precise and detailed, the appointments never take long. I will be coming back to see Linh and the team a million times over!! Linh for president!!!!

Since COVID, finding a tattoo artist with availability and a style that matches both your aesthetic AND the artist’s aesthetic has become relatively hard. I feel lucky that I found Cate at Crispy Aura studio.I recently got an amazing mackerel fish tattoo from Cate and am really impressed. Her fine line style is exceptional — clean, precise, and detailed, capturing the fish perfectly. We also had some fun conversations about life, Animal Crossing and tattooing while over the holidays!The studio itself is very cute, comfortable and super convenient with the 66 Chicago bus nearby. I had a great experience and felt very at ease. I’m excited that this piece started my patchwork sleeve and excited to get on Cate’s books again soon!

Great tattoo by @_tatsbyash! A great atmosphere where I didn’t feel shame for the design i wanted like I have experienced elsewhere — highly recommend!

Obsessed! What an absolutely amazing experience. I felt totally comfortable getting my tattoo there. The shop is unbelievably adorable. So super clean, everyone was very friendly and down to earth. I honestly didn’t want to leave. And the tattoo I got was flawless. I will be back to get more ink!

I’m not sure I can adequately express my appreciation for Crispy Aura, Lhin, Won, and Cate but I will do my damndest! This is sure to be a detailed and story-driven review so, for those not up to reading through to the end, I’ll snapshot: I strongly endorse this shop and all of the artists within it.This was my first visit (two days ago, i.e., still healing), so I’ll start with my immediate impressions of the space and atmosphere. VIBING! All female owned and operated, the space felt positive and chill from the jump. It gave the kind of energy where you walk in and instantly feel relaxed and welcome. Tattoo shops can often feel intimidating (and, let’s be honest, a bit thick in arrogance and judgement). Crispy Aura is not that kind of shop. Clean and well-kept, you can tell the owners and resident artists have a lot of pride for the space, which gave me immediate reassurance in the quality of their practice. Moreover, the entirety of the five hours I spent there offered a rare equal exchange of authenticity and acceptance. Crispy Aura truly sets a much-needed president of inclusivity within the industry.My scheduled appointment was with Lihn - A true sweetheart! She was well-prepared for my arrival with multiple sizes of my design printed out and ready for me to test and choose from. My desired design was pretty simple yet she approached it as no less important, taking the time and care to help me ensure proper placement and engaged me in conversation to ensure I was getting exactly what I had envisioned. She has stellar ‘bed-side manner,’ prepped me around what she was planning to do and checked in on my comfort level throughout. She has a very gentle touch (I barley felt it, and suspect she was a nurse in a past life!). The final piece is well-executed and exactly as I’d envisioned. I’m so very grateful for her and am excited to watch her grow and progress as an artist. After she’d finished I was prepared to walk out happy and satisfied but, was met with an unexpected surprise opportunity that takes my shop rating from 10/10 to 100/10.Quick back-story for context - at one point during my session with Lihn I had shared about my beloved Dia dog. I told her I’d been sitting on getting a memorial piece of her for four-years, fearing the worst in that it wouldn’t do my sweet baby’s memory justice. (I’m not ashamed to admit - I’ve got a few rank tatoos that for years have exasperated my nerves and stalled my desire for more.) As complete serendipity would have it a guest artist who specializes in animal portraits, Won, happened to be on-site finishing up some final errands before heading home. He’d just that morning flown in from NYC where he’d closed out an 8-month U.S. tour. He’d intended to fly in and out of Chicago same day. An important detail as it underscores Crispy Aura’s overall shop vibe of community, caring, and client-driven advocacy.Toward the end of my time with Lihn shop owner Cate came by to check in on us. It was during this time Lihn learned that Won was there and excitedly shared with Cate that I had just brought her to tears with my story about Dia and how I was still looking for the perfect artist to honor her. Surprised, Cate said “you know Won is here?!? Technically, he’s not taking clients, but we can see if he’s willing!” I was a bit nervous, given the nature of the piece and that it was completely unplanned but, their excitement was contagious and his skill unparalleled. Thanks to Lihn and Cate’s support and advocacy, Won agreed to delay his flight home and take me on. I sent him the photo I wished to replicate and within five-minutes he’d uploaded, touched-up, and adjusted accordingly with my feedback. Lihn eased any residual nerves I’d felt by helping me decide size and placement. Three hours later, I had a perfect spitting image and my Dia back!THANK YOU Crispy Aura, Cate, Won, and Lihn! Each of you are forever golden in my eyes. I strongly endorse this shop and all of the artists within it.

Got a tattoo with Cate and had a wonderful experience! Very straightforward booking and payment, which I appreciated. She sent me a preview of my design beforehand so I could request any tweaks and it turned out so perfectly. The shop is super cute, clean, and welcoming! This is my fourth tattoo and I can attest to the professionalism and expertise of Cate and her studio. (I have multiple co-workers who got tattoos from her apprentices, all with the same rave reviews.) Already dreaming up my next tattoo to get here!

I loved loved loved my experience at Crispy Aura! My twin sister and I did a joint appointment (but different tattoos) with Linh. I got Always, in all ways, we are magic tattooed on my upper thigh and there are no words to express how much I love it. The shop was super cute and clean. It was also easy to get to (we drove from the south suburbs) and we were able to get free street parking nearby. Linh took the time to speak with us both about what we wanted and then set up. The process wasnt very painful at all, and like I said earlier, I love my tat. Ill definitely be back once I decide what I want next. I highly highly recommend going to Crispy Aura!

I am so glad I came across Crispy Aura Fine Line Tattoos on Instagram/TikTok. I knew when I saw Cate’s work, I had to get my pet portrait tattoo from her. Cate was so kind and helpful from the start. She helped me to decide on the size and placement of my tattoo. She made the whole process feel smooth and easy. Cate is very professional and wonderful at what she does. I am so pleased with my tattoo. Oh, and did I mention how cute her studio is! My experience was wonderful, highly recommend!

Cate does beautiful work, and her demeanor is so pleasant to be around. The studio has a great vibe to it, and my experience was A+ all the way through.

I normally NEVER post negative reviews, but I have to say I am really sad about my experience with Crispy Aura. I got a tattoo done by one of the team at a charity event for $100. Now, I have 9 other tattoos and I understand that fine line typically requires touch up after it is healed. Mine healed, it was not even and I saw their policy that it was $25 for a touch up the first 2 months. Great! I went to look for a phone number or an email to schedule a touch up, but there is no such thing. I then took to Instagram, messaged them twice, and got not response. 2 months came and went and I never heard back. Unfortunately, I had to get it covered up by another tattoo artist. I also know that tattoo artists (mine specifically) is not a trained tattoo artist by trade. While having apprentices is absolutely fine, that information should always be disclosed to the person getting the tattoo. Luckily, I love my cover up. But I’m really disappointed in my experience with Crispy Aura.

I had a great experience with Cate! The process was super smooth and Cate was very easy to work with. The atmosphere of the studio was welcoming and friendly, all the staff were nice. The decor is v cute as well. I’m obsessed with the two fine line tattoos of my cat and dog Cate did. They look just like them and their eyes have so much of their personalities in them.

I had a great experience getting my first tattoo! Cate had a last minute opening that I was able to snag. I was so happy to receive details about the entire process from getting to Crispy Aura to aftercare instructions, ahead of time. Cate was such a joy to work with and completely took my vision to another level. She was easy to work with on design and took the time to explain pros/cons of each placement option I had in mind. Plus, the shop is adorable and fun! Thank you, Cate! 💕

Cate was honestly so awesome, caring, informative and inviting. The minute you walk in you feel like you’re at home with a big disco ball, colorful walls, fun music and the sweetest artists who are so nice! Bring your own slippers so you feel more comfortable. I got two tattoos done by Cate and they look incredible and can’t wait for them to heal. All the artists were kind, professional, and overall created a fun and painless experience. I’ll definitely be back for more!!

Weve gotten many tattoos done with Cate @ Crispy Aura over the years and her quality, attention to detail and overall good vibes keep us coming back. Highly recommend!

Crispy Aura is genuinely the best tattoo shop I’ve ever been to! The environment is inviting and warm and super cute. The artists are welcoming, kind, and beyond talented. I have worked with Cate, the owner, and one of her apprentices, and they both made sure I was more than happy with the art, the placement, and the tattoo. If you have walked into a tattoo shop and felt uncomfortable speaking up and asking for what you want, then make sure you check out Crispy Aura because you will feel at home. I could not be happier with my tattoos and experience. I will be back!

I knew when looking at Chicago based fine line tattoo artists that Cate was exactly what I was looking for and she did not disappoint! Being that it was my first tattoo, her presence and tattoo shop was more than comfortable and I felt relaxed the minute I walked in! She was super sweet and gave me her honest advice about placement and sizing to make sure that it looks the best but still wants you to have the last say and be happy with it! Even my friend that I took with me (that has gotten so many tattoos) loved her and her place! I can’t wait to recommend her to everyone and if I get another one I will be 100% sure to go back to her! Thanks Cate!

🐠Cate was so nice and patient with me during the entire process. She helped me pick the best placement of my tattoo among the tattoos I already had and I’m so happy with the way it turned out.🐠Unrelated to Cate, my only suggestion for when you book with her would be to make sure you get to your appointment a little early, even if it means having to wait in your car for a little bit. Chicago traffic and then finding parking nearly made me late and I wish I would have given myself an extra 10-15 minutes so I could have been slightly more relaxed going into the appointment.

Walking into Cate’s studio is empowering and energizing. From the very smiley staff to the fun aesthetic, including some lovely plants, it has been a joy to get to see this independent female work on her artistry through her studio. Cate is a sweetheart who is sincerely there to provide the best, most comfortable experience and flawless tattoos. I recently got a lightening bolt on my left arm. Although I bled quite a bit, her technique is proving to withstand that barrier. I’ll need a touch up, but I’m pleasantly surprised with my recovery so far!I am also going to get a moon on my right arm. I can confirm that Cate at Crispy Aura is someone you want to work with! Thanks, Cate 🤎⚡️🌙

Definitely worth waiting to get on Cate’s books! I loved my experience getting my first tattoo! The studio was so cute and my tattoo turned out exactly as I imagined! I would highly recommend!!!

Cate did a tattoo for me and the experience was fantastic. She was very responsive via IG prior to the appointment and even took it upon herself to slightly customize the design I requested so it would be unique to me. Her studio is gorgeous. The vibe is perfection. And her works speaks for itself. I couldn’t be happier with how the tattoo turned out. I’ll def be back for future projects!

Cate did such an amazing job on my tattoo, she’s an absolute pro and was so nice and attentive. We were playing around with the placement for a while and she was more determined to get it right than even I was. The whole shop has a great vibe and is open and bright and friendly. She definitely really cares about her craft and it shows. Would absolutely get another tattoo with her in the future.

Cate was incredible! She is so knowledgeable and made me feel confident in the choice of my design, placement, and style in relation to my other tattoos. She does incredibly neat work, and I am blown away by the quality of my piece. The studio has such an ethereal and fun vibe and I will definitely be back!

Looooove this studio. First of all it’s adorable, second I love that it’s all female staff, and third the tattoo looks fantastic. It truly didn’t hurt at all unlike my other tattoos and everyone there was so sweet. Highly recommend!

I’m very grateful to Cate/CrispyAura for making my first tattoo(s) such a great experience! Cate was incredibly patient and helpful with all my questions and with providing all the info needed to ease my mind both before and after my appointment-it was a quick turnaround as I snagged a last minute opening but the communication and preparation I got made me so much less anxious and much more excited. These tattoos are memorial pieces and are incredibly special, and I couldn’t be happier with how they turned out. I’m already daydreaming of ideas for future pieces. 😂 Thanks again Cate!

Such a beautiful space. I walked in and felt like I was at a spa not a tattoo shop. Cate was very nice and welcoming. She showed me a few selections of my design and helped me with the placement. I even learned a bit about where NOT to place a tattoo due to high friction areas. Very cool. Cate was gentle during the actual tattooing and friendly to talk to. Very knowledgeable and gave great after care information. Overall the entire experience was wonderful. I’ll definitely be back!

Update: I have now had two tattoos with Cate and both have been fantastic experiences! Her new space is so comfortable and welcoming, and she sells such a cool variety of local goods! She did yet another amazing job with the newest tattoo and I feel so comfortable with her as my tattooer. Thank you Cate!From booking to healing, working with Cate has been fantastic. I had a really specific design in mind and Cate was able to turn my vision into reality. She sent over original sketches (which were already so close to what i had in mind and so well drawn) and was so fun to work with when I made some changes. She printed out the design in two different sizes so we could decide together what would work best, and definitely made sure I was happy with the size, placement, and design before getting started.During the appointment, the space was clean and welcoming. Cate was so friendly and made sure I was as comfortable as possible throughout my entire visit. She is a thorough and efficient artist, and the tattoo came out so perfectly!!I am a few days out and it has been heeling so well! it is so cleanly done and her after-care instructions were easy to follow! It has not been bothering me at all while healing, and I could not be happier with how it looks.

I just took Cate’s beginner tattoo course, and couldn’t be more grateful! The 2-day class included history, technique, and practice time. She was very thorough in explaining the correct and safe way to tattooing (legal aspect, setting up a station, prepping a client, and the actual tattooing). Cate also gave a lot of feedback during the practice and was very knowledgeable in answering all of our questions. You can bring your own supplies, but theres also an option to have her provide them. You can also choose to shadow Cate and have her supervise a model session with you. Highly highly recommend for anyone interested/curious about tattooing but doesn’t know where to start.Thanks again!!! :))))

I recently had a tattoo done with Cate three weeks ago and just by walking into her studio, I knew my experience with her would be amazing. She was so welcoming and comforting, especially since it was my first tattoo. I highly recommend her if you are no rush in getting a tattoo! You have to make sure you fill out the form right when it opens, and she should reach out to you within a week or so. Overall, so worth it!!

Cate, her other artists, and this studio are absolutely amazing - by far, the best tattoo experience I’ve ever had. The space itself feels incredibly safe and peaceful 💗 Cate very thoughtfully walks you through placement, size, etc. to help you bring that picture in your head to life. I am in AWE of her fine line precision and have gotten so many compliments on her work. Because of how talented she is, I can assure you that it’s worth waiting to get an appointment with her or one of her apprentices vs. other fine line places in town. So grateful for crispy aura and can’t want to go back again!

I wanted a tattoo as I process my grief from my husband suddenly passing away this last summer. After researching different tattoo artists, I came across Cate and loved her work. I booked for September for my first ever tattoo, a forget-me-not flower. Cate was so nice to work with! Her studio is inviting and pretty, and I felt immediately safe and welcomed. She also gave wonderful advice about my tattoo and the placement, and then talked me through the process of what the tattoo session would be like. If you have any struggles with anxiety, Cates warm presence and clear communication will help! Cat exuded such genuine warmth and calm, and she was the perfect artist for my first tattoo, and for this specific tattoo. Im already scheming my next tattoo with her! Cannot recommend her enough!

I got my first tattoos done by Cate and they came out so perfect! I was a little scared to get my first tattoo but Im so glad that I had such a great experience my first time and am looking forward to get more done by cate in the future !

Working with Cate was such a great experience and I love my tattoo! Her scheduling process is very well organized and made the process super easy. She takes the time to make sure you are happy with the design and placement and makes the whole process super comfortable! Highly recommend. So happy with my new tattoo!!:)♥️

Cate was amazing and made really comfortable while giving me one of my favorite tattoos. She portrayed my dog perfectly, was professional and nice.100% recommend her and I already plan on having more in the future.

I’ve been a fan of Cate’s work for a while so when she had a last-minute opening, I jumped at the chance! She was responsive to what I wanted and was able to bring my vision to life. The shop is very warm and welcoming and I instantly felt comfortable. She was very efficient and my tattoo came out perfectly! Can’t recommend her or the Crispy Aura shop enough!

I did a 2 day training with Cate and it was the best experience ever. Her vibes were the best along with the studio being so cozy and welcoming. I learned so much, she made sure to cover everything we needed such as sanitation, business aspects, procreate, and just basic tips for starting out as an artist. Cate is an amazing resource to go to with help on becoming a tattoo artist. 11/10 recommend and I hope one day I can get tattooed by her!

Cute shop! Linh was very professional and I enjoyed my time with her. I absolutely love my tattoo!

100% recommend!! The fine line work is absolutely perfect and my tattoo came out exactly as I wanted. I would absolutely go here if you are looking for a fine line tattoo!!

Cate is an incredibly talented fine line tattoo artist. Even better, she’s incredibly kind! She has done the only two tattoos I have and I wouldn’t go to anyone else after the amazing experiences I had with her. She is thoughtful and patient when helping decide tattoo placement. Both times I trusted her judgement and was so glad I did. Her new studio is stunning and so beautiful. She’s in high demand due to her skill level, but absolutely worth the wait. I have a few more ideas I can’t wait to work on with her! :)

I had a wonderful experience working with Cate on two tattoos recently! She was super fast to get me scheduled, communicative, and most importantly talented! She designed the perfect tattoos for me, gave advice on placement and sizing, and was just a pleasure to get a tattoo from. She is welcoming, sweet, and just a breath of fresh air. She’s also very knowledgeable, detailed, thorough, and truly cares about the quality and care of each tattoo she does. Of all of the tattoos I’ve gotten, this was absolutely my best experience and favorite tattoos! I HIGHLY recommend her, and I will be back again! Thank you Cate!

Cate is an exceptional artist! I had such a great experience during my first tattoo with her. She is incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and communicative. I love my new tattoo so much - I will probably just keep staring at it all day because it is so perfectly aligned with what I wanted and it’s so cute! The lines are perfect, and she really took to heart the meaning behind my tattoo. I so appreciated the way she showed genuine care and love for my design and my idea. Her scheduling process is also so well organized, and it made the whole experience seamless and enjoyable. I will definitely be going back to Cate for future tattoos, and I highly recommend you do too!

I had such a great experience! I love my tattoo so much, Cate was fantastic, and the studio was a literal dream!

I had a wonderful experience working with Cate! I found her through Instagram and loved her style and her past work. I reached out to her to schedule my first tattoo ever, and she made the process so so easy. First off, she did a fantastic job bringing the idea I had for my tattoo into a design that I genuinely love. She also helped me pick out the best placement for it and did a great job explaining the process to me so I knew what to expect. She provided thorough instructions on caring for the tattoo over the next few weeks, which was much appreciated as a newbie! I highly recommend working with Cate. She can bring your vision to life and will execute the design flawlessly. She was also a pleasure to work with and made the whole experience easy and comfortable.

Cate is absolutely AMAZING!! I’ve received two tattoos from her and I’m obsessed with her work 🩷 She is so kind, talented, gentle, creative, and knowledgeable - truly amazing at her craft!! I searched high and low for someone who could honor my late best friend’s dainty artwork and Cate nailed it. Also, her studio is immaculate! So lovely, clean, warm and inviting! 😊 Consider yourself lucky to get in her books. Thank you Cate for being my go-to for fine line tattoos!!

The whole studio is a vibe. Cate did a wonderful job on my floral tattoo. I’m so happy.

One of the best artists I’ve ever worked with! I’ve been a fan of her work since before I moved to Chicago and am so thankful I got to book a session! Her fine line style is the best I’ve ever seen. She executed my vision perfectly and made sure the tattoo was exactly what I wanted, and helped me choose sizing and placing that was best for myself and the artwork. The studio was so cutely decorated and clean, and the entire staff was incredibly friendly! Her communication with clients is top notch and she really helps you understand the after care instructions! Chicago is so lucky to have such an amazing artist!

My experience with Cate was amazing and I would highly recommend to book with her for any fine line tattoos. The atmosphere was extremely warm and inviting, and Cate was very helpful in talking me through the placement of my tattoo and providing me multiple options while doing the stencil. Cate is professional and also extremely easy to talk to, and makes you very feel very comfortable throughout the whole process. 10/10 experience!

I cant stop looking at my new tattoos and its all thanks to the very talented owner, Cate!! The shop is good vibes from the second you walk in and Cate was super easy to work with! She was flexible with my design and Im super grateful to have a piece of her art!! 5 stars doesnt do it justice - this place deserves a million stars!!! :)

Absolutely love my tattoo!! Cate is the sweetest person I’ve ever met! Being here felt so surreal for me! Cute atmosphere… amazing music!! Great experience overall! She’s super gentle, I didn’t feel a thing! ( I actually took a quick nap during my session) 🙈🙈🤣Thanks so much for everything Cate! I hope you keep on booming!! 👏🏼

I took Cates fine line tattoo training and it was amazing! She is a wonderful instructor and very knowledgeable. I had a great time in our class and can’t wait to use my new skills! 🙌🏼🤩

I recently had the pleasure of getting a Christmas tree tattoo by the amazing Cate, and I couldnt be happier with the experience. From the moment I walked in, Cates warmth and friendliness made me feel at ease. She truly listened to my ideas, creating a stunning design that perfectly captured what I had in mind. The final result surpassed all my expectations; Im absolutely obsessed with it!I had been eager to work with Cate for a while, and Im so grateful she was able to accommodate me. This tattoo holds special meaning for me as its in honor of my dad, and Cates skill and attention to detail made it even more meaningful. For those hoping to snag an appointment with her, I highly recommend following her on Instagram; thats how I was fortunate enough to book mine.Thank you, Cate, for your incredible talent, patience, and for bringing this beautiful tribute to life!

Had my 1st tattoo experience here and it was so quick and smooth! cate is super sweet and friendly and made sure my experience was so lovely. i will definitely book here again 1000/10. also the shop itself is so open, clean and cute!

Cate is AMAZING. She is so kind, welcoming, and professional. This was a tattoo I’ve been wanting to get for ages and I’m so glad I waited to get it with her! She somehow copied the handwriting I sent her perfectly and I’m so happy to have this memory of my mom forever.Also her shop is such good vibes and the environment made me feel so at ease! 10/10 would recommend .

After waiting for several months. I was so lucky to finally get my first tattoo with Cate! She was very attentive and profesional throughout the entire process. She would give me her honest and professional feedback as I was deciding on what tattoo I wanted. Cate was very punctual and accommodating on the day of my appointment. She made sure I was comfortable throughout the entire experience. Not once did Cate make me feel like she was rushing the moment. She keeps the interaction real, warm and authentic the entire time your in her cute little pink studio. Her line work is incredible! If you ever find yourself in Chicago and are in need of some new fine line ink. I would say Cate will be the one and only tattoo artist you’ll ever need. Cate’s beautiful, radiant energy is what Chicago desperately needs more of. For those waiting your turn to get inked up by Cate. Please, be patient. She’s totally worth it. Kindness and patience goes a long way in life

Cate was so warm and kind, I had such a great experience! She was very patient and helpful when I was nervous and deciding on placement, and gave her opinions which I appreciated. She did a fine line script tattoo for me and I love it so much! I will definitely be booking with her again!

I’m obsessed with my new tattoo by Cate! She was wonderful to work with in terms of designing the tattoo and sharing advice on placement and size. I wanted a fine line script tattoo and she delivered! She was lovely during the appointment and made me feel super relaxed and comfortable. Will definitely go back to her in the future. Highly recommend!

First of all, the studio space is SO FUN and light and airy, warm vibes all around! Secondly, working with Cate was fantastic — I booked a last minute open appt with her via Instagram and it was super easy and clear. She was very communicative and responsive and everything about the experience was efficient and thoughtful! She did a text tattoo for me on my arm and I loooveeee it—it’s insanely precise and beautifully delicate. Also I got to hear her explain fine line techniques to some students as she worked on my tattoo and she seems like a great teacher too

This was my fourth small tattoo and by far the best experience. The studio is very welcoming and clean. Cate was such a pleasure to work with and one of few artists I would trust with lettering, she made sure the placement was perfect before beginning and I am so happy with the end result!

I just got a tattoo with Cate today! She was super responsive with scheduling, her studio is so cute and welcoming, and best of all, she is so so talented and my tattoo came out exactly as I wanted it. The technique and detail she put into it was BEAUTIFUL. If you’re thinking about getting a fine line tattoo in Chicago, there’s nowhere better to go. Thanks Cate!!

Absolutely love this tattoo studio! Had the privilege of being tattooed by the owner Cate and she is just the best!! I can’t wait to get more pieces done here. :)

I had a really wonderful tattoo experience with Cate!! She is very flexible and super sweet to work with, but also knows exactly what she is doing- as evidenced by her amazing artistry. She made me feel comfortable for the entire duration of my tattoo session and I would definitely trust her for future tattoos!!

This was my first ever tattoo and it was an amazing experience! ashlyn was so nice and answered all of my questions. as you can see, she did an incredible job and i am so obsessed with the tattoo!!

Cate is amazing! This was my first fine line tattoo and I was very excited to work with her! She is an amazing artist and was very honest about how things will look as they heal. She took her time and was very knowledgeable with her advice! Another huge plus is the studio is ADORABLE! Can not wait to get another tattoo soon(:

Hands down the best first tattoo experience I could have hoped for! Cate is absolutely wonderful, everything you want in a tattoo artist :) She pays attention to detail in designing your tattoo and makes sure you are comfortable at all times while you are getting your tattoo. Its 100% worth the wait to get on her books ☺️

I had such a great experience with Cate for my first tattoo! She’s a great communicator for scheduling and design and fun to chat with during the session. Her line work is beautiful and delicate—exactly what I was looking for! I would definitely come back when I get a new tattoo idea

I am absolutely obsessed with my tattoo from Cate at Crispy Aura! It was more precise and perfect than I could ever have imagined. The atmosphere was great and Cate is such a sweetheart. I cant wait to go back for another tattoo with her in the future!

Cate does beautiful and precise work in a welcoming, pretty and exceptionally clean space.I appreciated the communication about my design ideas before the appointment, the warm welcome and great conversation throughout the tattoo. Ill be back for tattoo number two!

I love my new tattoo! Cate is really nice and has a really good eye when it comes to the placement of the tattoo. I really appreciated her help and patience. she also takes great care to ensure that everything is hygienic and clean which I is very important for me when it comes to tattoos. I would definitely recommend her! :)

Booked my first tattoo with Cate and honestly I felt very comfortable with both her and the studio. It’s a really cute yet professional place, felt safe the whole time. And now have any amazing line art tattoo!

This review is a little overdue as I got my first tattoo with Cate about a week and a half ago. I couldnt be more happy with my fine line tattoo. My most favorite tattoo by far and I now have a total of 4. I will definitely be going back to get more. Cate was very sweet and helped with the placement of the tattoo. I enjoyed her pink studio. My husband loved my tattoo so much he is thinking about getting the same one for our love of Great Danes.

Cate is extremely lovely! I had the best experience with her for my 1st ever tattoo. Scheduling an appointment with her was a breeze too. She worked around my given availability and was able to work something out. Shes super sweet and establishes good connection with her clients. Cate listens to what you want and gives advices based on your requests. I chose a constellation for my tattoo and it was done perfectly. Couldnt have chosen any other tattoo artist. thanks again, Cate (and i hope to see you again soon *wink wink*)

Cate is honestly one of the best people ever! I went to her for a custom tattoo and it was such a great experience. Even though I was nervous about getting my first tattoo, she made me feel comfortable throughout our whole session!Before our session, she was very communicative throughout the whole design process and super patient with me as I went back & forth trying to decide what the final result would be.She also was really great at checking in during the aftercare process and made sure my tattoo was healing well!Aside from that, Cates energy and personality is awesome! Will definitely be going back to her for tattoos in the future

Cate is truly such a wonderful artist! As soon as I saw my finished tattoo, I was in awe! She did a phenomenal job and has such an eye for detail and aesthetics. I am so happy with the finished outcome- it’s just perfect. Not only did Cate exceed my expectations, but also was so professional and respectful, she made sure I was comfortable the whole time. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to get a tattoo done from her!

Cate (aka CrispyAura) is not only an incredibly talented, detail oriented and inspiring tattoo artist, but an amazing and dedicated teacher (and also has some very cute dogs). Her tattoo beginner program was jam packed with great information, valuable pointers, and lots of practice. Cate is a natural instructor with such a positive and encouraging energy, and gave excellent personalized feedback. She focused on and explained every tiny detail, left no question unanswered, and I left with so much excitement to keep practicing and working on my art! I cant recommend her highly enough - if you are considering taking her course, do it!!

Had the best experience at Cates studio! Not only was it clean and cozy but also so cute. Cate did an amazing job and made the appointment so comfortable and fun! She even touched up a different tattoo for me when it came up in conversation. Definitely going to come back for many more in the future!

Cate did an amazing job on my first tattoo! She is so gentle and made the whole process extremely comfortable. The Crispy Aura studio is extremely clean, inviting, and inclusive! I highly recommend her shop. 😊

Cate’s tattoo training is a MUST if you want to get into tattooing. In the past, I’ve gotten two tattoos by Cate and during my appointments with her, she’s always been knowledgeable, patient, and genuine. It’s no surprise that all of these qualities transfer over to her as an educator as well.The training is a 2-day course that covers SO much information—sanitation practices, skin anatomy, general supplies, placement, tattoo techniques and more! The first day was mostly informational with some hands on machine practice, and the second day was learning techniques, watching demos, and practicing on fake skin.I also really liked the class size. There were only four people total, so Cate was very good about giving individualized feedback and critiques. It felt like I was truly getting a lot out of the course. I left the training with a good understanding of what I needed to work on and practice!Aside from that, Cate is also so open to giving feedback on your progress outside of the training as well. This makes me feel confident that I’m always moving forward and it motivates me to continue my journey!Cate, thanks for always being patient, kind, and an absolute joy to be around!!

Cate was so amazing to work with. She was so accommodating when I asked to make minor changes to the sketch of my design and it turned out amazing! Not only are her designs beautiful and intricate, but she has such an eye for placement. She knew *exactly* where to place my tattoo so that it would look best with my other tattoos and not warp when I flexed my arm. She was so sweet and I had such a wonderful experience getting tattooed by her, I can’t wait for another!

Cate was amazing to work with! She designed the most perfect tattoo of my cat that I’ll cherish forever. She made the process easy and enjoyable from start to finish, and I hope to be back for more from her soon!

My husband and I found Cate through IG and were very eager to get inked by her. 👩🏻‍🎨 I’m keen on getting a bunch of fine line tattoos, so it was exciting to find a local artist with such incredibly intricate and well done work! When we saw her books were open, we jumped at the chance and luckily, snagged a much coveted spot.⚡️ The appointment also just so happened to be on our anniversary, and we just so happened to have started a tradition of getting tattoos on said day. Kismet. 🥳Cate worked with us prior to our appointment to plan out the designs and made sure they were exactly what we wanted. She answered any questions we had as well leading up to the big day!This was just my second tattoo, so I was a bit nervous. 😬 Cate was incredibly patient with me and kept me comfortable throughout our session despite my nerves. She was fun to talk to and even while focused and tattooing, she kept the conversation going, which also helped ease my mind. 😌She was careful in assessing the positioning of our tattoos as well when applying the stencils. The space was cute, clean, and tidy. ✨TL;DR: Cate is great, professional, communicative, and does amazingly intricate work. If you’re looking for a fine line tattoo artist, don’t sleep on Crispy Aura! 🔥

I can’t rave enough about how well my experience with Cate went. She was very patient and friendly throughout the process. Her work speaks for itself! If you want a fine line tattoo, this who to go to. I got two relatively small tattoos, and it was quick and painless. This was first tattoo appointment with her, but definitely not my last!

I just got my first fine line tattoo with Cate and it won’t be my last! I had such a great experience. Cate was very patient with me in figuring out what I wanted to include in my tattoo and the placement of my tattoo. She was very careful and focused with her work. You can tell she has her business down! Her aftercare instructions are so detailed and thorough. Agh I’m obsessed with my tiny tattoo and can’t wait for more!!

Cate is such a sweet and patient person in addition to being an awesome tattoo artist! Her fine line tattoo work is detailed and so carefully done. She also offers tons of great advice on placement and listens to her clients! Cant wait to return in the future!

Cate is AMAZING! 🙌🏻 Such a nice person. Empathetic and kind. I loved her professionalism and how she handled the whole process from the very beginning. 💖I was a little anxious before getting my tattoo but as soon as I met her she gave me so much confidence. Her work is impeccable and my tattoo is exactly how I wanted it. 🤩

I absolute love getting a tattoos from Cate!! If you are ever in the Chicago area I highly recommend! I have 12 small tattoos, and only get compliments on the ones Cate has done lol. She is very knowledgeable, kind, and considerate about all things when it comes to a client! The tattoos by Crispy Aura are not painful, just tingle a little! I found Cate through Instagram and have visited from out of state twice! She makes me feel very comfortable in my own skin and very easy to talk to. The tattoos are perfect and the personality behind them is even better!! I will always come back no matter where I move to! I wish nothing but best to you and your business

I had the BEST experience. It was my first tattoo and I was super nervous and also had a very specific vision in mind. Cate not only calmed my nervous (I was frazzled lol) but calmly walked me through the process, pain was minimal, and she was so pleasant throughout. I felt comfortable booking with her because I knew she was knowledgeable. I will definitely book again.

I took the 2 day training workshop from Cate and had a truly amazing experience. She was so thorough and detailed, and was able to cover so much ground in 2 days. We got lots of hands on experience on fake skin, and I left with all the tools I need to practice at home. You also can sign up for a shadow where you watch her tattoo and a model session where she observes you tattooing. Would def recommend to any beginner who wants to learn how to tattoo or improve existing skills!

Cate is THE BEST! I have gotten 4 fine line tattoos with her (1 from her flash which was my first tattoo ever & 3 custom) & each time, it has been amazing. The process from start to finish is always incredibly smooth. She creates such a relaxed environment and I love chatting with her while getting my tattoos done. With my most recent tat, I was unsure of which placement looked best & Cate’s suggestion was perfect & I’m obsessed! She’s super professional, helpful, and so talented! So excited for more tats with Cate!!

I got two tattoos at the beginning of November with Cate and she was so kindle and gentle! I have recommended her to many people and appreciate the thoughtfulness she gave to placement. The ambiance is awesome, great for a girl and overall comfortability!

Cate did an amazing job executing the tattoo from start to finish. Her design was exactly what I had described! I have already gotten so many compliments on my tattoo and it’s only been about a week since the appointment.. I love it!! She was definitely worth the wait and I cannot wait to come back for another.

AMAZING TALENT!! I cannot recommend Cate/crispy aura enough — she puts her heart and soul into her work and her lines are absolute perfection. I love how detail-oriented she is; that’s how I knew I was in good hands with her! The studio space also has a really fun, chill vibe and everyone there is so sweet. I’ll definitely be back and recommending her/her apprentices to all my friends!

Cate is amazing! She was able to perfectly capture what I was looking for in a tattoo. Her artwork and tattooing skills are exceptional. She made the entire process super easy and efficient. I can’t wait to come back for another! 10/10 recommend :)

Cate is truly the best out there! My sister and I have been looking for a fine line artist to do a couple custom, sentimental pieces for us and we knew we found a perfect fit when we heard about Cate. She went above and beyond throughout the entire process and made my first tattoo experience a breeze. Not to mention she is incredibly kind and passionate about the work she does. Would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a fine line artist in Chicago!

These are my absolute favorite tattoos, and I will certainly be back. Cate is so talented and lovely!! Like look at that perfect circle…GENIUS. She designed both of them and I love them so much.

Update! 1.5 years after having been tattooed by Cate I took her 2 day training course and had the absolute best time. Cate makes the art of tattooing approachable with kind but valuable feedback and actionable ways to make progress. In these two days I have learned what I need to know to continue practicing and self diagnose ways to improve my work. She has created a super warm and inviting, no judgement space that is the ideal environment to learn. Wish all my art teachers growing up were like Cate!!!!After taking Cates course Ive come to really appreciate how GOOD her tattoo work is - shes truly a master at her craft and one of the best fine line artists out there!!!. . . .Original review: Cate is the best - high quality work and a friend you want to have. Dont miss an opportunity to get on her books!

This was my first tattoo and Cate was amazing. She is incredibly talented. She explained the process and made me feel comfortable the entire time. It was practically painless and the results are incredible. I highly recommend her for your next tattoo and I will definitely be going back!

I had such a wonderful experience getting a tattoo from Cate! She is super sweet and very professional. I felt very comfortable and I’m extremely happy with my tattoo artistically and the whole tattoo experience as a whole!

I had a great experience with my first tattoo by Cate and she did an amazing job on my little bee! She had me approve the design and placement beforehand and offered a great suggestion with how I envision other tattoos to accompany it in the future. She was patient when I was running behind and made me feel super comfortable and welcome immediately, like I was visiting a friend. Having a personable artist really helps make the process fun. I loved my end result and cant wait to get more done with her!

Cate is such a wonderful artist and person! I have gotten two fine line tattoos with her, one from her flash collection and one custom. Both tattoos are absolutely beautiful and exactly what I wanted. Cate makes me feel comfortable and cozy in her space and really does a great job!! Can’t wait to come back for more in the future :)

The experience of getting a tattoo from Cate was amazing! She is so kind and easy to chat with. She helped customize my design so that it blends next to a pre-existing one. Her touch is light and I barely noticed any discomfort from the line work. I love the final result and hope to get more from her in the future!

I recently visited Chicago and had the pleasure of getting tattooed by the incredibly talented artist Cate. From the moment we walked into the studio, we felt welcomed and cared for. Th me studio itself was cozy and Cate made sure we were comfortable throughout the entire process.Cate is a master at her craft. The attention to detail and precision in her work is second to none. I went in with a specific vision, and Cate not only brought it to life, but added her own unique flair that took it to the next level.And on top of that, Cate is just a blast to be around. She kept us laughing and engaged throughout the entire session, and really made the whole experience enjoyable. It’s clear that Cate has a genuine passion for her work and deep respect for her clients.If you’re looking for an amazing tattoo experience in Chicago, I can’t recommend Cate enough. Her work speaks for itself, the level of care and attention they put into every client is truly remarkable. Thank you, Cate, for an unforgettable experience - I can’t wait to come back for more !

Cate was AMAZING. She took her time to help me figure out the best placement and size for my tattoo. Barely felt any pain, and it was quick! Highly recommend coming to her or any of her apprentices!

Cate is so nice and pleasant! From the moment she replied to my inquiry, to me needing to reschedule, up until the moment I was outside the studio, she was very responsive! She made sure I was comfortable and that I was satisfied with the design, size and location of my tat! She even made a last minute changes to my design to make sure I was happy about it! She kept on asking if I was okay through the 10-15 minutes that she did my new ink. (The sweetest!) will surely recommend her to others and will come back for another!💕

Was very anxious at first cause this will be my first tattoo experience but im so happy i chose Crispy Aura for this. Everything was so smooth and easy from the moment Cate messaged me that i got a slot, up to the very end of the tattoo session, she made sure im comfortable. The vibe of the shop and Cate herself makes me want to go back and get more tattoos. I highly recommend!! 😍😍

Cate was very patient with me during the placement process which I really appreciated! I could tell she has a good eye for design and expertise with her suggestions. My tattoo turned out beautifully and I’m so happy with it! The lines are so fine and precise and the tattooing only took like 20 mins. I would definitely go back for future tattoos!

Her work is unreal! I’m so happy with how the tattoo came out! I’ve been wanting this tattoo for a while but wasn’t sure where to go but I found her on Instagram, followed her booking process, told her what I wanted and boy did she deliver! Wish I could give ten stars. Cute shop too felt very welcoming!

I am obsessed with my new tattoo done by Cate!! She was so sweet, kind, and made me feel so comfortable getting my first tattoo ever! wouldn’t have asked for a better first time experience 😊

Cate was SO kind and thoughtful!! She made even a super busy day in her shop feel relaxing and like such a safe space. Her artwork is BEAUTIFUL and I can’t think of a better person/place to get a tattoo!

Cate is AMAZING. She’s an incredible artist. I have now gotten 5 fine line tattoos with her, and the process every time has been so seamless. They have all been custom work, and she always works with me to help execute my vision perfectly. She also does a great job communicating clear after care to make sure they heal properly but has taken care of a few touch ups for me too! If you’re looking for a fine line tiny tattoo - Cate is your girl!

Everything about getting a tattoo from Cate is so amazing! She’s incredibly creative and uses your ideas along with her own to make great stencils. She’s super professional but also very warm and welcoming, totally makes you feel comfortable and chill. And her work is so neat and delicate, everything I’ve ever wanted from a fine line tattoo. I literally cannot wait to get a bunch more of tattoos from her 💖

So far I’ve gotten 2 tattoos with Cate and I can’t wait to get more! Her work is amazing and she is so easy to work with. At my last appointment she even touched up a previous tattoo she gave me because she noticed one spot needed a touch up. Highly recommend!!

Cate was amazing! Did an amazing job on my wife and I dog tattoo. Definitely going back for another tat. Highly recommend her for your fine line tattoos!

This was my first tattoo and I’m so happy it was with Cate! There was clear communication through out the whole process and I’m so thankful for a stress free experience.Cate was super thorough in explaining placement of the tattoo and gave her opinion, which I appreciated so much!I will 100% book with Cate again and then would recommend her to friends and family!

Update: I am still obsessed with Cate!! I was lucky enough to get in her June books and she did spectacular work again. She was quite gentle with me when we got to more sensitive areas and kept checking in with me to make sure I was okay. She was also able to come up with the perfect tattoo based off of all my vague descriptions of what I wanted. Thank you so much Cate!!!!!I’m OBSESSED with Cate!!! She’s was so gentle and funny and made my first experience with a tattoo spectacular!!!

Everytime i come into this shop its such a healing experience!! i’ve only worked with luna and linh but they’ve both been so incredibly kind and caring towards myself as well as other clients. you can truly tell how much love they have for their arts and the respect they have for their clients!! their work has been incredible and i’m so excited to continue coming back for more tattoos !!

Working with Cate was one of the best tattooing experiences I have ever had! She’s talented and really has an eye for placement. Her patience and honesty with the process was so so appreciated. I can’t wait to get more work done by her!

My experience with Crispy Aura Tattoos was fantastic! Cate was great and her drawing of my favorite childhood Barbie Dream House is soooo cute and I love how the tattoo turned out. Her studio was clean and calm. I would have. Already recommended Cate to most of my friends.

Cate is simply the sweetest human! She makes the tattoo experience so delightful, making sure you’re comfortable and happy with design/placement of tattoo/size. Her art is one of a kind, her studio is so cute and very clean! Highly recommend tattooing with Cate if interested in a fine line tattoo!!! :)

Cate is such a phenomenal artist!! The tattoo she did for me is by far my best one, it is perfection!Cate had great communication throughout the booking and pre-tattoo process which made the entire thing seamless. She has amazing energy and flawless work. I could not be any happier with the entire experience!Book with Cate, I promise you will not regret it!!

Couldn’t have asked for a better experience for my first tattoo! It was quick and painless, and Cate is super sweet and communicative. My tattoo turned out better than I pictured. Would definitely recommend!

Cate will not disappoint! I had a tattoo in mind of a Great Dane for my late Mother, and she worked with me to figure out which would look best as a fine line tattoo - and it came out beyond perfect. It healed beautifully and didn’t even need a touch up. She is super sweet and loved hearing the story behind the special meaning of the tattoo. Her IG has everything you need to know from bookings to aftercare, all super helpful and easy to follow. Go see Cate before I fill all her bookings up 🤣💕

Cate is an amazing artist and such a joy to be around! Ive gotten multiple tattoos from her and have always had a great experience. She truly cares about her craft and her clients, and makes the whole tattooing process so enjoyable. Cant recommend Cate enough!

Getting a tattoo is a very serious thing in life, seeing as its going to be on your body forever, but I can confidently say that Cate had made the experience such a lovely one! Not only was she super helpful and understanding, but she made me feel so comfortable during the whole process. I am forever grateful for her for giving me the cutest little tattoos ever that were also a good price, so I would 100% recommend any person wanting a tattoo to go to her!

Cate is not only an amazing tattoo artist, she’s very kind, professional and meticulous. I wanted a few tiny tats. She drew them out perfectly and explained to me where and why they would look best there. Even after she was done she used her magnifying glasses to perfect the tattoo in every way possible, I was so happy with the outcome. I’ve gotten a few tattoos prior and I’ve never had such a great experience. She’s personable and easy to talk to. And at the end of our session she even gave a cute little bag of soap and lotion to use on my healing tattoos.

Cate is an absolute gem! Her calm and relaxed presence made my tattoo experience absolutely amazing. She is an amazing and talented tattoo artist who has done two of my fine line tattoos and touched up an older one! I am not surprised by her increase of customers on her waitlist. I’m excited to see her tattoo artistry journey continue!

I cannot recommend Cate enough. I traveled to Chicago for a crispy aura tattoo after seeing her work on Instagram. I wanted a tattoo of our dog Jagg and cate took my inspiration photo and created something I love way more than my original vision. Her attention to detail and executing the fine line tattoo was super impressive. On top of all that, she is super sweet and fun to chat with while getting inked. I will absolutely travel back again for future tattoos with Cate.

Cate is quite literally the best tattoo artist I could’ve ever gone to! Not only is her work absolutely stellar, but she is genuinely the sweetest and loveliest person ever. She’s very respectful, understanding, and works with your level of comfort. Even though it was my first tattoo, she made it seem like such a walk in the park. My husband, who is a veteran tattoo guy, wishes his artists were like Cate! ♡ I mean it when I say I will only ever get my tattoos done by her because she gets your vision and executes it perfectly!

Me partner and I had such a phenomenal experience with Cate!! We were absolutely blown away with the personalized designs she made, and the results somehow looked even better! Crispy Aura offers an unparalleled blend of artistry and attention to detail, and everyone should go to her for their tattoo needs

Getting a tattoo by Cate was a highlight of my 2022. I got a flash done (see picture) but am in love with all the customs she’s done and look forward to getting a custom this year.She was extremely communicative during the entire booking process and patient as I figured out placement of tattoo.Her energy is infectious and she is so kind and made the experience enjoyable and calm.Not only is she an incredibly talented artist, you can tell how passionate she is about tattooing. She is constantly working on bettering her craft and that is something to be admired.You will not regret getting a tattoo by Cate or meeting her!

I’m am so so happy that i was able to get a tattoo by Cate! she was so nice and made the whole experience so welcoming. i couldn’t be happier with the results :) she does such an amazing job with fine line tattoos and is so talented!!!

I could not have asked for a better experience!! Cate took all my the details I asked for into account to sketch the perfect piece and was so patient with me as I played around with the size and placement of it. The process was quick and painless, and her studio is to die for! It was such a calm, welcoming environment, and I cannot recommend Crispy Aura enough!

I have gotten 11 tattoos from Cate including one larger piece as I work on completing my sticker sleeve and I am OBSESSED. She does an amazing job and makes the experience very comfortable. I never thought I could sit for a tattoo for 5 hours and with her it is easy! If you are looking for fine line tattoos shes your girl!

Cate is awesome! She did my first tattoo and it turned out amazing! I cant wait to get another one with her. My wife also loved her tattoo as well. We definitely will be booking again!

Oh my gosh! The best experience ever. I was so excited when Cate accepted my tattoo request! I teared up. She was so great at communicating and working with me to get just what I wanted. Its perfect! Something dainty to remember my Abuela that I will have with me forever. ❤️

I had been doing research for a long time to find someone who not only specializes in fine-line work, but also an artist whose work is one-of-a-kind. I’m so happy that I found Cate to do my first tattoo! She is so talented & kind and I will absolutely be going back to her for more tattoos. I definitely recommend her to anyone wanting to go to someone who truly puts their heart into their work!

Loved the atmosphere. Music was great, Cate’s work is amazing. She has such a light hand. Planning on getting more tattoos by Cate. :)

I got my very first tattoo with Crispy Aura Studio tattoo artist Linh (petitetats on ig) and I could not have asked for a better experience! The studio itself is beautifully decorated by crispyaura aka Cate and is an incredibly welcoming space that immediately made me feel at ease! Linh as an artist and a human being is also exceptional! She was deeply kind and understanding, helping me pick out a placement that felt at home for me and made sure I was 100% happy with my design and placement! She was honest about pain expectations and checked in with me/filled me in on what she was doing! My tattoo is perfect and I could not be more obsessed! I can’t stress enough how highly I recommend getting tattooed by Linh or anyone else at the studio, I will certainly be back as soon as I can!

I have gotten two tattoos with Cate, aka, Crispy Aura, and I have been beyond happy with the turn out. She is truly great at what she does, and you will be beyond happy with the results as well. If you are looking for dainty fine line tattoos she is definitely the girl to go too!! Also, she is so sweet and welcoming, and makes you feel comfortable

I got my very first tattoo done by Cate and I could not recommend her more. She worked with me to make sure her design matched what I had in my mind of what I wanted. While getting my tattoo, she was checking in with me the whole time to make sure I was doing okay. I am absolutely obsessed with my tattoo and have been praising Cate to anyone who listens. I have already convinced my sister to get a matching tattoo with me and told her I would only have Cate do them!