Purple Pain Tattoo Studio

I am writing this review to save other people time. I should have just waited instead of rushing to the first place that had openings and not reading reviews.I did a consultation where I received a lot of No’s.We picked flowers for a flower cover up.On the day of the appointment he had additional flowers that he drew for me (there was an obvious quality difference in the choices to pick) photos are below. Lines need work and I am not happy about my shading. Some of my lines aren’t even connected and my Leo symbol was not fully shaded in. Long story short don’t go here just because the price and openings. Now I have to walk around with a not so great cover up. He was finished in 45 mins as well.

My girlfriend and I got some tattoos here and we had nothing but good things to say about Purple Pain! Erik was super awesome and very genuine. Will be going here for all future tats:) Highly recommend coming here if you’re in the st. cloud area!!

I was not impressed by his line work and felt like he just wanted to hurry up and get out. I’ve been to a few artists and I’ve never seen one quite lift the skin as he did, while viciously working the needle. My tattoo ended up looking very unprofessional, again felt rushed, and did not look like the picture I provided.He can be a very matter of fact guy when discussing placement but he’s also a little rude and has an ego. I would have RATHER he told me to go somewhere else, then attempt something that he couldn’t actually do. The picture was sitting on the table next to us, and he could clearly see it didn’t look right. But said nothing and left it. What I should have done was stop mid tattoo and walk out. This is the first tattoo I’ve ever regretted.

The owner here assured me that he’d custom design me a rose tattoo like no other some time ago. Only to find out hes done the exact same tattoo on 4 different clients!?! Only good thing was, mine doesn’t look 1/2 as terrible as the other three! *Hint* any of the trailer parks in St. Cloud will give you far better work for much, much cheaper((((AVOID))))

Great service, communication and professionalism!! My tattoo is PERFECT!! I HIGHLY recommend Purple Pain!!!

Best tattoo artist around St. Cloud. Eric is honest with you and amazing at what he does! So happy with all my tattoos he has done!!

Honestly one of the best experiences I have had. I love that Erik gave his input on how to make my tattoo look the best as far as sizing and positioning. He was great to chat with and made me feel very comfortable the whole time. He is definitely my top artist now and I am glad I decided to check him out! Cant wait to go back for more!

I have gone to Erik twice now and Ive loved it both times. He is very friendly but he keeps it real and tells it exactly like it is. Very cool guy, very quick with his work, very professional, and above all very high-quality. Will definitely be returning to Purple Pain again!

Awesome job. I have been to several different tattoo artists and Eric is by far my favorite. I wanted a cover job over an old tattoo. There were a few that I had in mind and Eric was honest with me about fading over time & being able to see the old tattoo under the new one (which has happened before) Eric created a piece for me that used a lot of black and grey so there won’t be any issues later with fading.The shop is very clean. Eric is very kind and easy to talk to which makes the process more comfortable.If you want an artist with integrity this is where you want to go.I should add his shop is like a Prince museum….very cool.I’ll be going back soon.

Erik is awesome! I appreciated his input on what would and wouldnt look good with my tattoo idea. Some girls gave him a bad review because he wouldnt give them a tattoo that would look terrible...I think thats what any good artist should do! He will make sure what hes putting on your skin will for forever will look good. I loved how both my tattoos turned out.

Me and two of my other friends went here today to get three hearts on our ankles, all last minute but he got us in right away. Erik was very informative and answered all of our questions. And the pricing was very affordable! He even did a quick touch up on one of my old tattoos, free of charge. Great experience, will definitely be coming back for future work!

Just got my first tattoo from Erik a couple weeks ago, but my husband has been going to Erik for years now. His work is incredible, and he is always concerned most about the art and quality of the tattoo! He is also very personable and great to talk to. I plan to go to him for any future tattoos!

Erik has been tattooing me for 14 years now! I love his artistic ability, his personality, his work ethic and his professionalism. My latest tattoos were done at his new shop- theyre his best work on me yet! It was sad not having Jeff and Judy there to chat with any longer (he worked at Jeffs Tattoo and Total Body Piercing for 18 years), but he was great as always! Easy to talk to, friendly, professional and willing to make all my tattoo ideas come to reality. The new shop is more warm, inviting and intimate than his old location. A step up for sure! I would highly recommend him to anyone who wants professional work done. He is brutally honest about tattoo placement, coloring and what designs will work in the specific location you are wanting. He takes pride in his work and pays attention to detail. He will tell you the truth about any tattoo ideas you have. He has experience in many different styles, not just a specialist in one area. He definitely isnt all about the dollar like some places I have gone. He cares about what he does. I cant wait to get more work done by him! Keep up the fantastic work Erik!

Purple Rain Tattoo is Awesome. Very Quick and Easy Tattoo Cover Up. Very Well Priced Too

My son went for his first and enjoyed the experience from beginning to end. The special detail given to placement on his body was really appreciated.

I came in early to give him the picture of what I wanted and he got me in shortly after finishing a client. He was so professional and really helped me pick a good area and what would work the best and what wouldn’t. I would recommend this place to anyone! I’m absolutely in love with how it turned out and grateful for such an amazing artist and an even more amazing tattoo! If you’re looking for a high quality place for your next tattoo-CHECK OUT PURPLE PAIN TATTOO!! You won’t regret it!

EXCELLENT!! Erik is a fantastic artist!! My husband and I went here and Erik worked with us and was very honest and he will be our new artist!! Very happy with the work he did and we will continue coming here!!!!!!!!!

Took a friend here to get a small tattoo and Eric was kind of rude and impatient to her. It seemed like we were a burden just to be there.Not to say people don’t have bad days a such but if you can’t work well with people find a different job. Tattoos are usually special and super meaningful. I understand that as an artist you may have a more ‘refined’ opinion, but, As An Artist you should be able to make the ideas that live in a persons heart come to life. Just my 2 cents.

Erik is amazing! I had my first tattoo done by Erik and would definitely see him again for me. He was easy to work with, friendly, easy to chat with, honest, and incredibly professional. Excited to see his new shop!!

I went in for my first tattoo here. It has an amazing atmosphere with tons of cool stuff to entertain your mind as the artist works. Mr. Eric is very professional, knowledgeable, friendly and talented! The tattoo I wanted came out really amazing. I would recommend this place for all your tattoo needs.

I love my memorial tattoo Erik did for me. He took my mess of an idea and made it absolutely beautiful! I am so happy and I will only go here for any more tattoos! He was my artist at Jeffs and I followed him here! Thank you for an amazing tattoo!

I came here for the first time about a year and a few months ago. He has done 4 tattoos for me and I am already planning my next one. He is great to work with, a great artist and just a good person overall. He will tell you the truth about whether or not a tattoo will work for you including where its placed. I plan to go to him for all of my future tattoo needs andn no Mom... I still have space left on my body (sheesh).

Recently got my first tattoo to commemorate my dad’s passing and love it so much. This was my first tattoo done by Erik but he has done all my moms tattoos in the past. I honestly love how nice of a man he is and the amazing experience he gives you. He made my tattoo look awesome and I will definitely be going to him for some if not all of my next tattoos in the future.

Erik did a great job on the tattoo I got for my son. It looks great and would go back any time for another one. He did 3 tattoos that morning two of them identical, mine and my fiancees, and one for a family member.

Erik has been tattooing me from the beginning of his career. I met him at Jeffs Tattoo when he was doing his apprenticeship and he has been tattooing me ever since. He is honest with you when it comes to design, colors, location. He wont put his name on just anything to make money. He puts pride into his work. Every time he tattoos me, Im already thinking about the next one.

Eric does a wonderful job on my tattoos. I would recommend him to anybody hes really good with black and gray tattoos.

Mr. ERIC was very passionate, knowledgeable, and informative. I loved getting my tattoo from here and will always come back for my next tattoos. The pricing was extremely reasonable as well as he was very time efficient. The atmosphere was totally awesome too hahaha.

One of the worse tattoos I’ve seen in awhile, horrible line work, nothings even, looks like a blob with a Asian cat head with a mustache. You can’t even tell those are gaps for the legs also can’t tell those are supposed to be whiskers. I’m glad I seen this, I will never come here

Erik was easy to communicate with on my tattoo idea, he did an excellent job on it, and was very easy to talk to while getting the tattoo. Very reasonable pricing as well highly recommend and will be back for more tattoos.

Erik was very quick and respectful and he had great conversation. I’m happy that I choose purple pain he did a tattoo that was very meaningful for me and I will definitely be back thanks for taking the time out with me to make sure that I got everything I needed! Esther

I have gotten 8 of my 9 current tattoos from purple pain. Eric is real and will tell you how it is! He isnt being rude and isnt attacking anyone he just doesnt sugar coat the truth and baby people through the process. He has helped me from making mistakes on placement and has also altered certain aspects and designs of tattoos to give me something personal and something I want. Hes a good guy and if you want someone real and someone who will be straight with you go here he 10/10 dude and Ill always go back to him for my tattoos.

Really cool place.. love all the funkos😁 I got an aquarius symbol done a while back & it turned out pretty good. There are slight inconsistencies but Im not very picky & it healed well. Appreciate the TV in there since most tattoo places only have music playing.

He was very friendly and got me over my fear of them and explained they don’t hurt anyworse then a sunburn while healing. Got me in and out. Was very Professional creating a Great first time. And it’s still one of my favorite tats.

The entire time he tattooed my boyfriend and I he complained about past customers and their complaints/ reviews. Last December we got pretty basic black matching tattoos. His is bleeding out and mine is incredibly splotchy! Do not go to this tattoo artist. If you want a recommendation message me. My boyfriend is covered in tattoos and this was his worst! Overpriced and lacking talent and knowledge.

Erik did an amazing job on my most recent tattoo. We talked about the design, and he gave me great advice on the dos and donts of a good tattoo, and it turned out amazing! If youre looking for a tattoo, Erik is your man!

Got a tattoo, and he was very pushy “oh you don’t want it there” “oh you want this like this” putting two tattoos together. It looks like he went to deep, and the stencils he used came out nothing like the tattoo. He looked decently clean with his area. As I read some of the other reviews it seemed like he was pretty defensive. He is worse in person. I will not be giving my service here any more. Olde town tattoo is better quality line work and coloring, wing nut is a little pricy but they’re good, and if you’d like to drive a bit further north living legends in bemidji is great. Do not waste your time here. 200+ for a blown out tattoo that was RUSHED is just not worth it. I will be going elsewhere for a cover up. Thank you for wasting my time and money. The 2 years you’ve been tattooing should have been put into practice!

Hi! my name is Amber! i just got my beautiful tattoo done here! 10/10 WOULD RECOMMEND!! he was super nice and very thoughtful and helped you decide what would look best! I definitely will be going back, i’m in love with my tattoo♥️

Went in to the shop today after having set up an appointment. I wanted a specific tattoo. I brought in my image. He wouldnt tattoo my design in any of my requested locations! Said the body changes way too much for him to feel comfortable tattooing me there. Places include: side foot, between my breasts, back of my neck, side of my breast, butt cheek and finger. That is absolutely ridiculous. How he has business is beyond me. They were also quite rude to us. Almost like they did not want to tattoo us. So disappointed. We ended up going to Elliots Tattoos in Little Falls. Me and my 3 friends.

Had a forearm length octopus done on my inner right arm. Erik really helped me through the creative process and explained why certain placements and color palettes may not work...in the end I went with black and grey which turned out beautifully. I will definitely return if I want further work done.

Just recently went in for a tattoo, Erik was super professional, friendly and did a incredible job! If you’re looking for a high quality tattoo for a good price he’s your guy!

I always try to give people the benefit of the doubt, which means I always give them a chance to correct what was done wrong. Unfortunately, in this situation, Eric choose to become defensive and lash out when we went to him regarding the tattoos he has done for us. To say the least, his bedside manner at the beginning of our appointment was less than appealing. His words came out rudely and made us feel like less thans. My two sisters, mother and myself went to Erics shop for some simple yet meaningful tattoos. All four of us are not new to tattoos, we all have several of them. (Including two half sleeves on myself, mother and sister.) All four of us followed the after care instructions to a T, just like we have in the past. Personally, I have been getting tattooed for ten years and have worked in a tattoo shop. Not once having a bad experience. After ALL four of us had made complaints to each other about redness, swelling , and loss of ink we decided to bring the issue to Eric whose only offer was to fix them. However, after such a terrible experience...who would want to go back? Instead, he accused my mother of not taking personal responsibility, became extremely defensive and rude. There are many wonderful shops in central Minnesota but unfortunately this is not one of them. Eric sees in black and white, and personally...this world is far to colorful for that kind of attitude.

The place was great, clean inside and out. He wasnt heavy handed. All around it was a great experience. Would definitely take his advise. He was more concerned that it was great experience and tattoo. Then just doing what I wanted. 100% satisfied.

I had my first tattoo done by Erik recently and everything was really great, excellent artist and very honest and professional. Looking forward to coming back in soon!

Erik has done a lot of tattoos for me! Love his work and he’s so nice! Always keeps me entertained while I’m getting my tattoos!

If I could rate this guy 10 stars I would he was great, fun to talk to and a great artist he took his time to make sure the tattoo was perfect very professional he gives post tattoo instructions and ointment to treat tattoo and gives really good insight on how to heal your tattoo so it looks good forever

Got my very first tatto yesterday Erik did an amazing job it didn’t hurt at all. He is very honest and polite he is an amazing tattoo artist Thank you so much Erik

I went here for a simple and easy tattoo, the line work is absolutely awful. So shakey and he was incredibly hard handed. He was extremely disrespectful to one of my friends I came with. I literally have parts of my tattoo extremely light & there is parts missing too. I took care of it how I was told and it looks awful. Would not recommend.

I was very happy with the time and suggestions he had for my FIRST tattoo. He told me what would look good and what wouldnt which was greatly appreciated. The end result was awesome!! Love it !!

Eric is absolutely wonderful. Hell take time to consult with you so you get exactly what youre looking for. Very professional, private, and is full of Prince memorabilia! I mean how can you go wrong? In all seriousness, youll be comfortable the moment you walk in. Be colorfully you!

I went there last March to have my tattoo done for 321. It was done in black ink, on my arm. The ink came off on the 2 a little, but i havent been back to get it fixed. I kind of like the way it turned out. He was nice, and got me in at the last mintue. I would go back for a second tattoo. In fact, I plan to go in for one for my Epilepsy Awarness tattoo.

Was in with my daughter and it was a wonderful experience. Erik was very professional and his experience showed. Her tattoo is wonderful and we will be back!

Erik has done some amazing work over the years tattooing in the state cloud area. Always professional and most importantly always top quality work.

Amazing! Went here for my first tattoo. He made the whole thing painless and easy. Funny, friendly, professional. Definitely coming back when I decide to get another!

Love my tattoo. Was my first one he was very nice and knew what he was doing. 100% recommend him especially for your first tattoo!

He did both of my tattoos! He was really nice and very professional! Helped me choose the right placements! Would love to add pictures but can’t seem to figure out how!

Awesome and professional!!! Made me and my friend feel so welcomed! Our tattoos turned out great too! I definitely recommend this place!!! 😁

I have been to different artist but this place is by far the best. Listen to what I was looking for and adjusted my image to fit what my goal. It turned out amazing. Highly recommended and well priced. Definitely will be returning to my add on.

I got a tattoo here less than 6 months ago and the lines look AWFUL! I didn’t pick at it or anything when it was healing and took care of it properly. He did a quick and sloppy job and overcharged me horribly. Very disappointed. Do not recommend.

Eric is very knowledgeable. I learned a lot from him that other artists will not tell you and this comes from his many many years of experience. Do not waste your time going anywhere else!

Was rude to me. Didn’t give me what I wanted. Poor work. Very sloppy rushed his self. Added things I didn’t want. Made it was to big and I couldn’t put my tattoo where I wanted. Bullied me into getting the tattoo. DO NOT GET A TATTOO FROM HERE!

Erik was very professional and polite. Establishment was very clean. He was very informative and educated. I will definitely be coming back.

Erik has done multiple tattoos for me and definitely will tell you if your tattoo idea is a bad idea! Thanks and dont forget to TIP your artist!

I love my tattoo. However the tattoo was rushed and there are multiple lines that do not line up. WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT PAY PER PIECE. It will be rushed and will not end up as you want it.

The tattoo for my daughter turned out wonderful ! Her hand print looks just like the photo ! I will definitely recommend & return for more tattoos myself .

Eric does a very good job and cares about the tattoo looking nice in the future and trys to give your moneys worth

To the tattoo artist who needed to make some modifications on that cat tattoo... You shouldnt be tatting anybody. Especially for money.

Came in to talk about a possible tattoo and both the man and woman made me feel almost attacked they were super aggressive with their speech and just all together came off insanely rude. Terrible customer service. Even if I would’ve got the tattoo wouldn’t want to give them my business. Wouldn’t recommend

I got a tattoo here this past summer and it was very rushed and not done well at all. I wouldn’t recommend anyone going there. Very dissatisfied.

My daughter got her first tattoo. The artist did great work and talked about the best spot to get what she wanted. Thank you.

Erik did an incredible job on my tattoo! It...i look forward to going back in soon for another...and another..and another!

Erik was very cool about everything. I stopped in for a consultation and had a tattoo by the time I left.

Just had my daughter and I some ink therapy todayI 100% recommend this place….

Beautiful work. Reasonably priced. Very clean and friendly.

If you want an Honest opinion of a tatoo you want on placement, size and wear over time, this is your guy.

Love my baby Taz tattoo (on my arm) by Erik! Purple Pain is an awesome, clean tattoo shop!

Eric did a great job! Definitely a place to go and I will be recommending him to others!

Eric is very knowable and good at what he does. He will be upfront with you and makes sure you get what you want and you both are proud of the end result.

He told me a lot what I can and cant do for covering up my two tats😊

Every time I go here it is fair priced and the art is amazing! He does walk ins and he is brutally honest! I love it

Very responsive to all inquiries, questions, and concerns. Very helpful and creative and when I had an idea, he went with it! Reasonable price with great results. Very glad I went here!

Great artist, went over options and suggestions before starting without being condescending or impatient. Absolutely thrilled with his work!

Erik is such an amazing artist, and is very affordable!!! Purple pain is definitely my favorite shop!!!

Went with a friend to get her tat. Great place, very clean. The artist was very good and quick. Amazing!!!

I have gone to Erik for years and will never let anyone else do tattoos on me.

Thanks for making my first tattoo experience awesome! Thanks again, Erik!

Great location and Erik as always very professional and answered all my questions and concerns and did an excellent job ! We will be back again soon !!!

Very easy to talk to, great with throwing ideas back and fourth, shares his professional knowledge and opinions without coming off condescending

Eric does an amazing job. Personable, talented, and professional

My wife and I just got tattoos today ...... we really like them a lot ..... and I already have another idea for a tattoo. ...😏

I love the shop decorations are amazing and the tattoo artist is phenomenal!

Phenomenal service!!! Great tattoo experience!!!!! Wont go ANYWHERE ELSE

Love my tattoo. Did a great job on it. Will deffinately be back

Erick does an amazing job, would definitely recommend Purple Pain!!

Just not impressed with what I got at all , it’s been 6 months of taking care of the tattoo I got and it’s already fading .

Erik is the BEST! He does AMAZING work!

Awesome costumer service and talent, he takes great pride in his work!

Very clean and professional, plus and awesome museum of Minneapolis music history

Great place to get ink!!! Friendly and very clean... will be back for more in the near future!!!!

Eric did a great job covering a old tat

Super sweet nice great work will definitely be back

Very friendly and clean looking, price are not to high

Eric really knows what he is doing and does great work

Erik is a great guy & artist!

Very good place to go for your tattoos

Easy to work withGreat conversation while getting tattoo.

Excellent service and nice tattoos

Always a great visit here.

He did an awesome job!

Amazing first tattoo experience!

Best and only place I will go

Very good and will go back

He does awesome jobs

Two more great tattoos!

Absolutely loved the environment!!!!

Excellent work.

Awesome

Very rude person.

Awesome artist

Regular pain 😌