Bleed Blue Tattoo & Piercing

Amazing place! I went there today with a friend to get a daith piercing… All the staff were super knowledgable and welcoming from the first minute to the last–
The tattoo parlor is extremely clean and neat– as a medical professional I can accurately attest to the impeccable sterile technique used by my piercing tech. Micah Miracle (who I highly recommend– she’s there TU, WED and SAT I believe).
I couldn’t have asked for better or more thorough after care instructions. Over all it was an awesome experience, far better than other places I have visited and chairs I’ve actually had tattoo sessions in… I’m considering going there for my next tattoo. Highly recommend.

After seeing many reviews online I thought this place would be a great sanitary place to get a couple piercings. I got my nose pierced but it got infected, I called the place and they said that it was my fault and I believed them but they didn’t really give me a solution so I had to figure it out on my own. My nose ring fell out and I was away from home so I got a random one that held great and didn’t hurt so I went back to bleed blue and asked if they had the same ones when I moved to Lexington for college and a gentleman said and I quote «tell whoever gave that to you to go f*** themselves) I forgot to mention. they are super professional and not rude at all! (sarcasm) A few months went by and a friend and I wanted to get a few piercings so we went to bleed blue because we didn’t know any better. I got my tragus done and my third hole. They all got super infected and filled with pus and it hurt so bad and I took I them out and called them and the woman who pierced my ear said «why did you take it out? you should have came back» and then proceeded to tell me I was screwed and If I wanted to get it redone I would have to pay the full price and once again they mentioned it was my fault because I was not cleaning it right. Might I add, I was using the product they gave me!
Moving forward, I thought maybe piercings just aren’t made for me so I thought I would give it one more shot and be done! Got my tragus done again (in Louisville and NOT bleed blue) and I cleaned it with contact solution and it is doing GREAT! I would rather a 5 year old give me a piercing than ever have to come back to you guys ever again!

Anyone thinking about getting a tattoo I highly recommend Bleed Blue Tattoo they are by far the best place in Kentucky, All the artist are very talented especially Stephanie Weber she just hooked me up with an amazing chest piece plus her nice/​fun personality makes you forget your even getting tattooed, The entire staff is very welcoming and the overall atmosphere is very chill, I will for sure be getting all my work done there here on out

To begin, this is my first single star review ever contributed to the Unilocal community. I am writing on my girlfriend’s behalf. We both have our tattoos from several amazing artists who demonstrated phenomenal work while being customer service oriented; therefore, this is not our first rodeo. It is unfortunate that Stu, who represents Bleed Blue, did not surpass the minimal expectations resulting in our worst experience ever.
Prior to the appointment date that was locked in with a required deposit, my girlfriend had submitted her design of a large tattoo (to cover her upper back) that she personally developed over a long period of time. Now it was about finding the right artist; however, several of the better artists that we have dealt with are in different states. Stu suggested an alternative design that was not satisfying. It is our understanding and from experience the artist will work with their client to meet satisfaction. In Stu’s defense, he claims his 19 years of experience suggest that the lines are too close. In our defense, we have seen tattoos with much more dense lines and details. I have one my self.
So, after analyzing the alternative sketch that he sent, it was done in a lazy manner and he added more lines that went against his argument «lines too close» in comparison to the original (Way too simplified as well). As a paying customer, we want to make sure the final piece is satisfying prior to permanently being applied so we reply to his sketch by marking parts with numbers and having detailed explanations corresponding to each numbered marks. Again, it is completely normal to exchange conversation with the client and artist to come up with the final piece; however, Stu does not seem to apply him self very much in satisfy the customer who is willing to hire him. In his next cocky reply, he said he redesigned it to be «more tattoable» (Disagree). His claim of tattooing for 19 years, «Never had anyone pick out many things to be changed» and that my girlfriend «Sounded too picky» for simplifying the design.
This design is her tattoo and she is paying for it to go on her skin permanently; therefore, it is natural to pay attention to details. Followed by his cocky attitude, he immediately abandons by saying «I do not think I am your artist» (Agreed). «You should just call during regular office hours and get your deposit back» (We did).
It is sad he continues to remind us about his 19 years of experience. With that much experience, you would think an artist could develop more in skills and not give up after one sketch attempt. I have no problem paying for an airfare to visit our usual artist who is phenomenal and it is no exaggeration that several of our artists that we’ve hired in the past surpasses Stu’s skills of 19 years.

After over 20 years of getting up everyday and seeing horrible tattoos on my chest, I now get up and feel happy about myself. This place is amazing. I had 2 cover ups done by Kayla on Sunday. I have never felt more comfortable, more at ease, and so totally trusting with anyone. This girl is simply amazing. The art work she did in these cover ups simply take my breath away. I can never say enough about the art work, the talent, the healing she did for me. Thank you Bleed Blue and thank you Kayla! I am so thankful.

Had my first tattoo done here a few years back. Tommy Ray did my first custom tribal & it’s held up amazing, no need for touch ups. I came in knew I wanted a cool unique custom tribal for my forearm Tommy came up with one that complimented my arm too. He was great. Very nice guy. It was totally relaxed & easy. We chatted while he did it & time flew by. Tommy took me in a nice spacious back room it was cool & totally relaxing. I was thrilled, clean lines, bold black color, really simple classic design. The staff seemed nice too someone even came in and offered me some water after awhile. I healed up just fine. It’s been over 4 years & it still looks new. Check this place out Tommy treated me great.

Stephanie is a true artist. Amazing. After giving her a loose idea of what I was looking for, she whipped up the design of my dreams. I love her style and her technique is great. As you can see from a picture (the poppies) of my tattoo, the shading is lovely and the lines are perfect. I’ve had no scarring, and two years later, no fading at all.

I have been coming to this place for my ink for years, my wife too, we moved 8 hours away and still only get inked here, Stu is amazing!

I got my first tattoo here, I’m not sure what the girls name was, but she had purple hair. She was nice and easy going, but was kind of straightforward and I didn’t feel completely comfortable going up and changing things to something that’s going to be on my body for the rest of my life, as I should. (Of course I changed a lot of thing– even though my anxiety wasn’t spared lol.)
I got two simple words that mean a lot to my life, and those two words in Times New Roman font were $ 85. It sucked spending that much on a tattoo, when I know that a lot of other people get actual designs for the same price. They are pricey. I didn’t have an awful or even a bad experience. But I believe that everyone should feel super comfortable and that tattoo artists should be a little bit more easy going, therefore I won’t be back. Overall a cool permanent life changing decision lol!
I also was fined a $ 20 parking ticket. They don’t actually have a parking lot, so I had to park on the street. Surprisingly, the parking meter had a beer top smashed in the coin slot so it wasn’t working at all.

The place was super clean. Had som work done on my back and the staff was friendly and the artist did great work. I would highly recommend.

After reading multiple Google and Unilocal reviews, I decided that Bleed Blue was the place for me. After looking through the portfolio’s (during a visit to the shop), I decided that Jamie’s work matched exactly what I was looking for. I scheduled an appointment with her for a couple of weeks later, and needless to say, I’ve been back a few more times since then. Each experience is great, everyone is so friendly, the shop is very clean, and Jamie is an incredible artist! If you’re looking for your 1^st tattoo or your 50^th, Bleed Blue is the place to go. The work that I’ve seen the other artists doing while I’ve been there has been amazing also. I got lucky because I found my favorite on the first try! :)

Great place. Super clean and the artist are beyond talented. If your looking to get tattooed. Do it here.

I came to Bleed Blue and got my septum pierced by Kari. I was a little nervous going in because it had been over 10 years since I had a piercing of any kind. Once I came in to get pierced she walked me through everything she was doing which definitely put me at ease. The piercing didn’t feel as bad as I was expecting and I was in and out in less than 15 minutes. I’d definitely come back here in the future!

The Short:
Great Work. Probably the bet healing tattoo I’ve had in the almost 25 years I’ve been getting tattooed. Fantastic! I’m planning another piece by them.
The Long:
I was referred Bleed Blue by a friend and work associate. I don’t live in Kentucky but I enjoy getting work from different artists, not just because I like different kinds of work, but also because there’s often a good story attached to it. However, I also wanted to get tattooed at a reputable shop.
The receptionist who answered was polite, informative, and clearly directed me. When I came in, I met the shop owner, Tommy Ray, who was great, personable, and easy to chat with. The Artist I worked with was Chris Rogers, who listened well, worked with me appropriately, and made a reasonable appointment time. When I got my design, I was first taken back by the idea that it was a bit larger than I had imagined. However, in moments I realized he made the right call and had I get exactly what I said I wanted, and in the PLACE I wanted… I’d have been unhappy later. He totally made the right call.
As far as the work: I have work by many artists all over the country, and his is BY FAR the most vibrant, cleanest lines, best color blend, and best healing tattoo I’ve experienced in almost 25 years of being tattooed. In addition, he has a great hand. His pressure is spot on, since some guys will just DRILL you, but Chris is steady, paced, and perfect depth placement. He does great work.
He also gave me a few packets of
lotion, and I l love it. Now, I use Coconut Oil and the After Inked product (and have even ordered more for my next work). I can’t begin to tell you how well this is healing. And I think it’s a result of everything I mentioned above. Love it! Thanks Chris.
I highly recommend this shop.

Its really crazy, me writing a bad review, but I can’t help but feel that this whole experience for me was disappointing. I’ve heard so many great things about this place and know many other people who have had great experiences and love their artists — I guess I just wasn’t one of them.
Oh Bleed Blue of Lexington.
I feel ripped off for a couple reasons. About a year prior to this, I went to the shop to ask for a quote on this much more elaborate piece that I didn’t end up getting. It had lots of detail, I wanted color, and It was approx. the size of my hand. The guy assured me he could do it for $ 150 (I’m sorry, I don’t remember who it was exactly, but he said he was the «go-​to color guy.» maybe it was the same person that I got my tatt from)
Now skip ahead to a year later — May 2012 I come in with my boyfriend. We want to get somewhat similar, very basic tattoos, and we leave some pictures with him (for him to get inspiration of the style of tattoo I wanted) and he quotes us $ 175 for both of the tattoos TOGETHER, not separately. I leave a $ 50 deposit which will be taken out of the total cost of the tattoos.
The day of my tattoo, my boyfriend gets cold feet, so I end up being the only one getting the tattoo because I truly did want it. My boyfriend was there with me to keep me company and I was very nervous. I brought with me something that I had drawn, basically what I had been envisioning what he’d come up with ever since I’d put down my deposit about a week prior. I didn’t give him one before, because I am no artist. It was a rough sketch. I clearly told him «This is a rough sketch of what I’m kind of thinking of.» But I suppose there was a lapse in communication at that time. Maybe. Or maybe he’s lacking professionalism. Anyway:
I am partly to blame because I looked over the tracing he drew too quickly. I was scared. I was nervous. I was excited. I was distracted by my boyfriend. I really just wanted to have a good time. It was my FIRST tattoo. I trusted him and his judgement. Man, I regret being so eager and lacking assertiveness. Never again.
During the tattoo he was very nice talking to me the whole time. It hurt a lot though and I really wanted it to be over. When I looked in the mirror I was happy. It looked decent and I was feeling a lot of adrenaline at the time. However, what I realized when I got home is that he tattooed EVERY IMPERFECTION that was in the original sketch! Seriously. You’re the professional here; where’s the pride in your work? Where is the inspiration? What is the thought process?
I know I dropped the bomb in giving the OK without being more critical of the sketch, but You. Are. The. Professional. You can’t take an extra 2 seconds to make each shape COHESIVE and MATCHING and EVEN? Come on. When you really look at this tattoo, you can see the unevenness and everything! Laziness if I ever saw it. It was a 15-​minute bold, black design, how much easier could I have made it for you?
He ended up charging me $ 50 that day for a total of $ 100 (including the deposit) and I was even going to tip the stupid guy, but he didn’t even have change for a $ 50 bill, nor did anyone else. (At least put a sign up if your business is not capable of carrying change — I could have come prepared if I knew this ahead of time). If I didn’t have to prepare for moving out of state so soon after, I might have gone back for touch ups, but part of me didn’t want to even bother with him again once I saw the tattoo with more critical eyes. I mean really. Disappointing.
Jay Rush… Good, detailed work on friends, disappointing work on me. I really hope someone who reads this review confronts him about his ethics. Do you think you’re too good for my simple design concept? Was it not challenging enough for you? Is that why you didn’t put effort into it?
Moral of the story: Do a good job on whatever you do, because someone, somewhere will not appreciate your shit and therefore give you a bad name on Unilocal.The end.

Friendly, clean and great work. I had a great experience here.