Shades of Gray

Char is an amazing artist and very professional. I love my tattoo & the fact that she called me Tiger :) I cant wait for her books to open up again so I can come back with another one of my ideas. Im ready for a big one.

My daughter & I got meaningful tattoos for each other & had a wonderful experience! Tina and Kevin were great! The shop is immaculate & welcoming, peaceful & beautiful. This was my first ink & they made me very comfortable.

Yesterday I walked in and Kevin was able to do my tattoo outline of Ireland he was so kind and friendly. His line work is excellent!! If you’re looking for a tattoo artist that does flowers, insects, skulls, eyes please do yourself a favor and book an appointment with him immediately!! I’ll be back to get my arm sleeve done by him again.

My absolute favorite tattoo artist! Ive been going to Tina for over 8 years and absolutely love all the watercolor artwork shes done on me!! The lastest tatt was a killer cover up!!

Great shop with very talented artists. My artist was Tina Gray, and she brought the piece to life that I have wanted for several years. For any realistic animal or nature tattoos, this shop has amazing artists stationed at Shades of Gray. I loved the atmosphere while doing my 4 hour sessions as well. I can not wait to go back later this year for my second large piece.

This is a review for Char. I’ve been a client for 7yrs. Char has created BEAUTIFUL pieces of ART on my body and we have many of her drawings & paintings on the walls of our home. She is professional, courteous, and wonderfully talented. She puts all her talent into creating one of a kind tattoos tailored to each client no matter the size of the project. In response to the unfavorable review someone left: Large pieces are a process that can take several appointments. It’s based on how many hours it takes to create the Art you want. Coverups are another issue, based on the size, colors in original tat and new design, it takes more time to cover an existing tat to make sure it doesn’t show through, I know, Char did a coverup on one of my old tats from a previous artist. Below are photos of the process over a few appointments of a new tattoo Char created for me. Average tattoo time for each session was 3-4 hours. I was NEVER over charged.

I received a tattoo from Char and could not be happier. She was professional, her art/tattoo skills are unparalleled, and she gave me exactly what I wanted. If you want a beautiful piece of are on your body Char is the one to do it! Healed tattoo picture below! ☺️

This has been my go to shop for a little over 6 years now. Tina the owner is amazing and makes sure everyone who works there is as well. One thing I’ve always said is that no matter how many or how few tattoos you have SOG are inviting and make you feel welcome. Well Tina has done it again.Yesterday I went for a tattoo with Cesar. He was phenomenal. Great personality. Amazing work. Very personable. I am already thinking about making another appointment with him. You should definitely check him out as well as the rest of the artists there.

I had the best experience at Shades of Gray! The whole process from setting up my appointment to the day of getting my tattoo was a breeze. Everyone in the shop was so nice. Gigi was my artist and she took the time to listen to my idea of what I wanted and made sure to incorporate every detail that I envisioned. The shop came highly recommended from multiple friends and Im so glad I made the choice to go there for my tattoo. I will definitely be visiting again!

Great shop with an awesome vibe, talented artists with a variety of styles Ive been very happy with my experiences here and the custom work Ive had done. Highly recommended on all levels

I have now worked with two artists at Shades of Gray, Gigi and Steve. Both heard my vision and rendered AMAZING Tattoos (one complete and one in progress). Every time I walk in, everyone is so friendly and excited to do what they do best, Amazing Tattoos. If you are looking for a place to get some new ink or even a cover up, get to Shades of Gray ASAP.

Char did an upper sleeve for me, the largest piece I have up to this point. She did an amazing job across 2 sessions plus a brief visit for touch-ups a few months later. Years later it still looks amazing, with no fading or bleeding of the ink.

Absolutely loved my experience here! I’ll be coming back soon enough to get another awesome tattoo!

I cannot say enough great things about the artist and this shop! Cesar is an amazing tattoo artist, Im beyond pleased with his work. This was my first tattoo and Cesar was very sweet and made sure I felt comfortable. He was very calm with a great personality and he made me feel at ease. I highly recommend this place!

My son went yesterday and is very pleased with his first tattoo. The shop was very clean. The employees were nice and the environment was very soothing and comfortable. In Hebrew it says, “Lord, here I am send me.” My son drew the sketch, but the artist cleaned it up and brought it to life.

Everyone at Shades of Gray was so friendly and welcoming. Char Hall did my tattoo and it turned out amazing! She listened to my vision and took it to a whole other level. We had great conversations and she made me feel so comfortable in her chair. I had been thinking of getting this specific tattoo for seven years and I cant even put into words how beyond happy I am with it! I have got so many compliments. I am definitely a client for life and cant wait to have more work done by her!

I have been to Shades of Gray several times and even my two daughters have as well. All the artists are very professional and easy to work with. The shop is very clean and inviting. My oldest daughter had her 1st tattoo by Gigi and then the second was one by Char. I have had two tattoos from Char and the detail work she does is amazing. I have had several people comment on the one on my arm and the detail she put into it. My youngest daughter also has had two tattoos done by Char and again the detail and realistic look is awesome. I will definitely be going back to Shades of Gray and love all the artist, but I would highly recommend Char.

I LOVE Char at Shades of Gray! Well, really, I love the whole staff! Theyre a super professional tattoo parlor and art gallery, without being too stuffy! We finished up my tattoo today, and its more than I ever dreamed of! Char took my ideas, and made it a piece of art! I enjoy hearing the teasing and banter of everyone there, and I genuinely enjoy the process of getting the tattoo. Im thoroughly entertained. Tracy has the voice of an angel, and everyone enjoys being serenaded with the remixes she puts together ❤ if you want wonderful art AND want to enjoy the time, this is the perfect place to take your business!

Shades of Gray is a great shop, run by great people. We have been traveling from South Florida to Clayton, NC just to go to this shop, and we have not left disappointed. We met the talented owner, Tina, years ago, when we were introduced to her by Shades of Grays newest tattoo artist, Char Hall.My wife and I have been having Char tattoo us for over a decade. We have chased her artwork all over the country, from Miami to Sacramento, and now to Clayton. Char is an amazing artist, creating such delicate and flowing tattoos which we will forever cherish. Char has always been very communicative with us about what we can expect, and she has that great sense of snark and humor to get us through the long sessions!Keep up the excellent work, ladies!

Shades of Grey is a beautiful shop with amazing artists. Char Hall is one of the most talented and respectable tattoo artists I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Ive been lucky enough to call her my artist for roughly fifteen years now. Not only is the quality of her work impeccable, but she will be completely realistic and honest with any expectations you should have with what youre envisioning as your tattoo. I highly recommend seeking this shop out when considering your next piece.

Char has done 3 tattoos for me including my first. Every appointment was on time and enjoyable. The artistry is something I am super proud to show off. I have always felt safe and well taken care of every time I have entered her shop. I highly recommend her and her work

I had a great experience with my artist Char. I got my very first tattoo from her and I wanted something special and beautiful. She created a fantasy Tiger/Hare creature that is phenomenal. So far we have had two sittings and Im looking forward to adding more and creating a whole sleeve. I searched for a long time, looked at a lot of artists work and a lot of styles. Once I saw Chars tattoos, her amazing prints and original art work I knew she was the one for me. Char is an artist of astonishing ability.

This is a review about my experiences with Char Hall - Char is one of the most skilled and talented people I have ever had the pleasure of interacting with. I am an artist myself but Char is dedicated to her craft in a way that I have rarely even encountered. Her commitment to quality and safety is unmatched, I know this sounds kinda cheesy but I am being 100% serious, she’s on another level. Any tattoo you get from Char is going to be something special that you can be proud to show off and carry in your skin forever!

I love Chars work. She has the most beautiful, imaginative art. I love the woodland creatures, fantasy and everything about her style. I have a tattoo from her that I got in 2011, the experience was amazing and I still am so happy. I got some art prints sent to me and have always enjoyed doing business with her. My favorite art piece of all time is the rat with butterfly wings.

I’ve been tattooed by Char Hall from Shades of Grey three times in the past three years. While each artist who has tattooed me over the years has positive qualities, Char is without a doubt the most talented. In spite all of her undeniable artistic skills, she has also always treated me with tact and professionalism. Her combination of talent and professionalism is rare in any line of work. I live in Ohio and would absolutely make a special trip to NC to get more work from her.

Char is hands down the best tattoo artist and I love my tattoo. She saw my vision, worked with me on coloring and gave me a one of a kind piece that I will cherish forever. I can’t wait to have her touch me up when i can snag some of her time back in California. She truly is the queen and anyone would be lucky to have a piece of her work on their body.

Char is amazing artist. She is professional and absolutely awesome to work with. She listens and collaborates with you to create the perfect piece. Her talent is highly sought after, in California she has at least a 6 month waitlist. I have had her work on a full sleeve, half sleeve and working on a back piece / cover-up. Her fine artist skills are reflected in each of my pieces. It is an honor to have Char lay down a vision on my skin.

Ive had the pleasure of working with Char and Tina at Shades of Gray and highly recommend both of them. The shop vibe is wonderful and they are very dedicated artists that listen and enjoy what they do.Ive sat with Char for an entire arm over numerous sessions and she is a complete professional.There is always clear communication about expectations and costs ahead of time.

I have been tattooed by both Char and Tina and can honestly say they both provide the most wonderful tattoo experience I’ve ever had! Both are no-nonsense and always tell it like it is, and their passion for what they do really shines through in their quality of work. The shop itself is also clean, brightly lit, welcoming and not what I would consider a “traditional” tattoo shop - everyone who works there is also very respectful of LGBT folks and does an excellent job navigating pronouns and gender issues, which can be a rare thing to find sometimes and has always been a factor for me when looking for a shop to patronize. I highly recommend getting a tattoo here if you have the opportunity!

Char is extremely professional, and did a wonderful tattoo on the back of my ear! I was extremely nervous and she made me feel extremely comfortable. The shop atmosphere is awesome and everyone is so friendly. I will be going back and will definitely recommend Char to my friends.😁

Char Hall is one of the most talented artist I’ve ever seen. Shades of Gray is lucky to have her. Just like all art, tattoos are an investment. It’s a very personal investment in yourself and something that makes you feel special and happy every time you look at it. Char understands that like only a true artist can. Is it fast? No. Nothing quality is. Is it cheap? No. Nothing worth having is. Is it worth it? Yes. Every penny. Ignore the serial complainer. Getting a good tattoo is a process. If you aren’t willing to accept the process, you don’t deserve her work. I can’t recommend her highly enough. If you are lucky enough to get on her schedule, don’t squander it.

Char hall does amazing work, Char created my back piece exactly as I wanted. It was very realistic Columbine tattoo! I get tons of compliments. Even though Char moved from where I got my first tattoo from them, I hope to make it to the new shop and get another piece done! I’d highly recommend Char if you want something beautiful and creative.

I can’t say enough good things about Char Hall and Shades of Gray. I discovered Char when we were both still living in California and would travel to meet up with her for a session whenever she was on the East Coast. Char’s work is top notch, and is such a pleasure to work with. For my tattoos, I had a general idea of what I wanted, and Char would spend the time to work with me to figure out how to translate my ideas into the tattoo I had envisioned when I sought her out. I cannot even tell you the number of people who stop me to compliment my tattoos and ask where I got them done. I love all of my tattoos dearly, and even though I am several states away, I would still fly back to North Carolina to have further work done by Char.

Every tattoo on my body is from Char....and there’s quite a few. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Everything is clean and safe. Her talent is breathtaking, and her skill is amazing. I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else. If you find yourself having a wait, it’s worth it and you’ll be glad you did. Thanks for everything you’ve done for me, Char! Looking forward to the next one ❤️

I now have 4 tattoos by Char Hall & they are all incredibly beautiful. I’m so happy I found out about her, when I saw a women with a gorgeous sleeve. Her work is amazing, so realistic & detailed. I can’t wait to get more work done by Char. She is such a professional artist!

I have gotten 2 tattoos, so far, here by the artist and owner, Tina! She is so funny and really helps you choose the best details for your art. Clean restroom and shop. Each artists booth is personally decorated, so you get a feel for what your artist is into before you actually meet them. All of the staff are very friendly. Will be visiting again soon!

This was my first Tattoo and I was nervous. Everyone was so welcoming and the atmosphere was relaxed and inviting. I was at ease quickly and Char did an excellent job talking me through the process and making me feel at comfortable. Highly recommend!

I got my first tattoo the night before Thanksgiving. I want to thank Gigi she did an awesome job! I was referred to her by another first timer. She confirmed I had purchased everything correctly for my healing because I brought it with me the day of my appointment. Thanks again Gigi. Im loving my design its exactly what I described to you. I would definitely go back to her if I do another one.

Ive been lucky enough to get inked by Char on 2 occasions, and have traveled cross country to do so. SHE IS THAT GOOD. Im constantly receiving complements on her work. She is a consummate professional and Ive always been impressed by her ability to take a clients concept and transform it into a work of art. I would get another piece from her in a hot second!

I see that Char got a bad review, and while Im sure that client had their reasons, it makes me SO sad! Because Char is seriously amazing, and I miss her so much in California.Several years ago I searched the internet for a good floral/plant life artist and came across Chars work. I immediately fell in love with her delicate artwork, vibrant colors, and lack of thick black outlines. And made an appointment right away! I first had her design and tattoo a large tulip on my side. Then I asked her to add on to my just turned 18 tramp stamp. Then I had her add on to that even more. Many years later her artwork still looks beautiful and clear, and I am so thankful that I had found her to go to 💗

Incredibly thankful I found Shades of Gray and that Char was able to fit me in. The shop was clean and everyone there was cracking me up, which was great because I was a ball of nerves. Char took the image I sent her and made it into a true work of art. Couldnt be happier with the service and with my beautiful tattoo!

Char Hall is an amazing artist. I had spent three years researching tattoo artists for my sleeve tattoo that I had wanted for my 50th birthday. After following Char on Instagram, Facebook, and seeing her art on Pintrest, I knew I needed to make an appointment. By the way, I live in Washington state...I traveled to North Carolina for a 2 day session and holy sh*+ is her work amazing. I get so many compliments and questions on who my artist is....I have more work to be done and I am looking forward to scheduling again with her. And Yes, I will travel to wherever she is.

I have worked with Char on multiple occasions and must say her work gives me joy every day. She has worked on fresh real estate and on a cover-up. I get daily compliments on her work, even from my dermatologist. I love her collaborative process. She also has an extremely gentle touch, I have dozed during an upper arm and shoulder tattoo. Amazing artist on and off skin.

I had my tattoo done by Tina just over a year ago and still absolutely love it! We ended up having to complete the tattoo in 2 sessions but Tina was amazing at finding time to schedule the second part and just all around did a great job! I will definitely be back for future tattoos!

Great tattoo shop. Wonderful staff and Cesar is an excellent artist

Char is not only a top notch tattoo artist and did beautiful work on my wife but also gave me my first shot as an artist in a gallery. If you want excellent and unique work you can not go wrong with Char. :)

Tina is AMAZING!!! She has done 4 tattoos for my husband and she finally got me in a chair for my first tattoo. She is patient and talented. I would recommend her to anyone that wants an awesome experience. Thank you Tina

Char Hall is the most amazing tattoo artist Ive ever worked with. She is professional, an amazing artist, and has the lightest touch. Every tattoo I have from Char is spectacular (and I have a lot of tattoos).

Tina GiGi and Jamie are just amazing artist! Their work is unlike any others. I always feel welcome and appreciated every time I go into the shop. Its always a good time with this crowed then to leave with a piece of their amazing art just takes the cake.

I got piercings here and the guy is awesome. Its very open and clean and friendly and Ill definitely be back for a checkup and another set of piercings. The piercer was very professional and tried to keep me exposed as little as possible and as gentle as a person could be with a needle.

Where do I begin with this amazing place?! EVERYONE at the shop is so unbelievably talented! I have been wanting a tattoo done by the FABULOUS Tina Gray, and I finally got it done! Her work amazes me in every way, and now I have a beautiful piece of artwork on me forever. This tattoo means so much to me, and I am truly thankful that Tina did her magic and created my little masterpiece. I will treasure it forever and will be back in her chair soon! I have also been in the beautiful Connellys chair- she did a small piece for me, that I love so much- and Steve, who is SO talented did a gorgeous flower on whim for me, I receive SO many compliments on it and people often ask if it is real ( some have even touched it, haha!). I hope to be in Stevens chair soon as well to do a cover up. Thank you all at Shades of Gray for being so great!!!

I booked my appointment with char hall, she did an overly amazing job on my tattoo. Every detail on it is beautifully done. Cannot get any better than this. I will definitely be getting the rest of my tattoos from here.

Ive been a client since the beginning of SOG! I have 9 beautiful pieces of art from Shades of Gray! I recommend SOG to everyone I can because of the professionalism, kindness and perfection this shop offers. Check them out!!!! Tina is fantastic.

Went in to Shades of Gray and have never had a tattoo before. The staff was helpful with explaining the process and working with me. Scheduled my appointment and will review again once the work is done. Thank you for making this a great experience.

This shop is super clean with laid back vibes. Its evident the artists are extremely talented and skilled in their craft. Highly recommend Char!!

From the first phone call all the way through the first appointment, the entire staff was extremely professional and made us feel very comfortable. We enjoyed our experience with Gigi. She was an absolute joy and an amazing artist.

I am a long time client of Char Hall and looking forward to our next appointment. She has always had the highest standards in cleanliness and safety; not to mention her artistic ability is off the hook.

I had a really good experience here. I was able to set a consultation with my artist of choice in advace. We decided together what I was going to get. We set up an appointment. I showed up. She did the work an hour faster then planned. It looked great. The price was great.

I rarely offer 5 stars because that implies perfection... Char is so amazing, very talented, easy to work with, not heavy handed, and some of my tattoos from her are 15 years old and looking great

My daughter went in for a nose piercing and this place is very clean and the staff is amazing. I couldn’t be any happier with our experience. He explained every step to her before he got started. I would recommend them to everyone!

Best experience! I had a consult and a couple days later my tattoo appt with Cesar. I love his art and what I got! I highly recommend this place.

Went here today to get a tounge peircing and was super nervous. Few mins in they had me laughing and feeling relaxed. Guy that done it tould me step by step how to care for it and had a great attitude. They where all cool and down to earth. High recommend ➕

I got my tattoo by Tina and she was amazing! Everyone there was awesome and the pricing was very affordable especially for the talent that they have. Highly recommend this shop!!

Super clean shop and awesome artist. Steve did an awesome job on both my tattoos for my birthday. I send everyone there because of the atmosphere and great artists.

Gigi did an amazing job on the tattoo I wanted, I couldnt be more happy!!!! Deff recommend this shop and staff for any ink you are looking to get. I will deff be back!

Happy the shop is open again so i could finally finish my sleeve!! They are limiting people in and out of the shop... door was locked on arrival and everyone had a mask on! Staff is very knowledgeable on new protocol to keep everyone safe during covid . Love this shop!!

What I love about walking in here, is that it feels so comfortable. I can ramble about a picture in my brain and Tina just *knows* what its supposed to look like. Awesome work, fantastic people, I wouldnt go anywhere else!

Jamey did an awesome job with my most recent ink!! It is exactly what I ask for and looks great. Everyone in the shop were very friendly. I will be going again soon!

GiGi and the staff are great down to earth people. I love the conversations and the experience there. There work is amazing and they are true professionals and artists.Can’t wait to go back soon

The staff is comical and amazing. Char is very detailed, humorous, talented and professional. I had an amazing experience while at this shop!

Ive had all of my piercings done here! Always a nice experience. Staff are nice and the piercer makes sure everything is done to a professional standard.

Will for sure be using them in the future. Cesar is amazing and I highly recommend, now have 4 tattoos from him!!

Great people and great work! Enjoyed my experience here so much I went back days later for another piece. I worked with Jamey and am so happy with his work.

Always a joy to get work done here! Tina is amazing at what she does and only hires the best to work there. You can truly trust anyone there to do whatever you need 😊 Thank you for all you do!!🥰

Most talented group of artists Ive ever met! Tina has been my artist for over 10 wonderful years.

Everyone is great, and they put out quality work. Tina has been my primary artist for 13 years.

So many great artists. Any type of tattoo that you could want. I worked with Gigi and her black and grey is incredible.

Awesome place to get a tattoo ...very clean facilities great lighting friendly amd knowledgeable staff ...ceaser is awesomeDefinitely recommend 5 ✨️

Char is amazing and you are a fortunate soul if her ink hits your skin. Professional and one helluv an artist.

I received a great tattoo from Tina. What a clean place. You could eat off of their floors. Very nice group of people.

Gigi is amazing! Im excited to see what my jewels back piece will look like when its finished!

Staff is always professional. GI-GI did my half sleeve. I showed her what I wanted. She sketched it out and the rest is history.

LOVE LOVE LOVE Tina! Shes the best and Im over the moon happy with my new artwork!

Staff was kind and informative. Tina is so talented and everyone was great there. The atmosphere is safe and comfortable. Great experience.

I cannot say loudly enough that Char is truly a world class artist and top notch professional.

Gigi is an amazing artist and she did a job no one else could have done to help honor the memory of my daughter.

It was great!! the guy who did my piercing was very nice and calmed me down , did a great job!!!

Shout out to Ceasar, great job for my first tattoo. Staff is very friendly, good environment

Extremely professional, talented, and friendly: everyone! Really enjoy my tattoo and couldn’t be happier!

Had a tattoo redone about 5 years ago. They did a great job fixing someone elses mistakes! Very clean and professional.

Best quality work, great atmosphere!

Best tattoo shop EVER. Woman owned, CLEAN, and they treat you like family!!

Ive gotten work done from them. Theyre a great bunch of people who make you feel at home. Im going again today!!

Great friendly staff. Great artist professional and courteous.. Wouldnt go anywhere else for my ink..

Fantastic artists, and great service! Absolutely get your next Tattoo from Shades of Gray!

Char has done two of my tattoos and I dont want to go anywhere else.

Always so impressed with the artistic talent of Tina Gray. 💜 Shes amazing.

Best shops in the area...always friendly and top notch work. Forget anywhere in Smithfield...this is your best option!

Had a complicated idea brought to life by their soft and magical hands. Can’t wait to get back in the chair this summer (I hope!)

Clean, fun, friendly and just like being home environment! Love everybody here, highly recommend!!

What can I say... Totally AWESOME place with an AWESOME staff and VERY Talented artist!!!!

What i was looking for and professional

Great service and experience for my first tattoo

Extremely talented and friendly staff. No need to go elsewhere ever.

Was just there. Very clean and professional. Will come back for my next ink!

Awesome place. Clean. Friendly. Great work

Thanks Tina! Love it 😊

Amazing artists!

Jaimey is the bomb