Affinity Tattoo and Piercing

I would give this place zero stars if I could!!! Got the smallest tattoo that took less than five minutes and it was the most expensive tattoo that I have ever received!!! F**k this place and their f**ked up pricing!!! Don’t ever go there unless you like getting robbed at needle point!!! So So So sh*tty, And their work is subpar! No stars!!! Don’t ever go here and Matt the tattoo artist isn’t that friendly! And that guy with the bulls**t hanging out of his ears needs to mind his own business and shut the f**k up!!! Worst place ever!!!

It’s always a battle to decide weather to start with the good or the bad, but I like to finish on the good so we will start with the bad.
I walked into the shop around 1130pm on a Friday night, the tattoo I intended on getting was quoted at about 3 and a half to four hours, pushing them FAR beyond their 2am closing time, nbd, i go to a different tattoo that I wanted, and was told that because he’d have to draw it on me it would take about two hours, this is at midnight. I know it kinda sucks to be stuck at work after close, but when I got my first tattoo which took 3 and a half hours, we started at 9, and the tattooist didn’t rush, not minding we were there past close; I should have gone back to him in retrospect, and I will probably have him do my touch up for this tattoo.
I finally settle on a tattoo I wasn’t intending on getting for a long time, but that I still wanted. They quoted me 140, which is a little pricey, but i’d already been there an hour and a half so I was just ready to be inked.
The artist Chris prints the design and stencils it on my perfectly, everything is lined up the way it needs to be.
By the time he is done, the perfect outline has turned into a jagged mess, and it looks like he just blew through it so he could go home faster.
Fast forward a little, the tattoo has a major scab from the part where it felt like he was pushing too deep, and now that it’s fully healed, you can see that he didn’t even color all the way to the edge of the tattoo.
The saving grace of the tattoo is that the border is small so the guy who did my first tattoo should be able to fix it very easily.
The good is that it’s a nice sized shop, very clean, he at least knew his stuff about aftercare, but I had to ask him to give me his version of the shpeel.
They have some tattoo idea books that are cool to look at, but none of those ideas really spoke to me.
Picture will be posted, its a light blue halo symbol.

Ok, first off… In November of 2015 my friends and I were on a vacation to Texas since my husband was racing at the F1 track. We had some free time on one of the nights and decided to head to down town Austin and Im so glad we did. We walked into Affinity for some piercings. For me this was the 3^rd time having just my ear lobes pierced. The first 2 times when I was a kid /​teenager. Both times they got so infected I had to take them out. So needless to say when I walked in with my two girlfriends who wanted piercings I had no intention of getting anything done, heck if my body rejected it twice im sure as hell not doing it again right?! WRONG! Crystal had asked me since my friends were getting pierced why I was not. I explained to her my situation, its not that I didnt want to have them pierced its that my body rejected them twice already and there was no way Id pierce my lobes or any other part of my body again. Crystal then walked out from behind the counter asked to see my ear lobes then continued to explain to me in detail about cheap metals and how my ears most likely got infected from back side along with to much fussing and cleaning. She then explained to me about this awesome metal… Titanium, made by Anatometal. Crystal assured me that I would have no reaction as long as I used this type of metal and followed her healing instructions. Well her information and adorable polka-​dot dress sold me! So here we are now May 2016 and my ear lobes are doing fantastic! Not only did Crystal help me in Texas but shes still helping me and I live in California! !! Ive texted her several times with questions and to purchase more Anatometal prongs/​princess cut studs (appox 6 sets now) I’m sure there is a dealer here in CA. but after all her help I still want to continue to give Affinity my business all the way from CA not to mention I know I’m getting the real thing not some knock off. I highly recommend Crystal for any piercing your considering. Shes very forthcoming with information, explains every step before hand and as its happening… also the shop is super clean and sanitary! Even when I get my prongs/​princess cut studs they are sterilized from the autoclave. Thank you Crystal for all your amazing help. I will most definitely be visiting you again for more piercings in the future!!!
one satisfied customer
Ashley Ermish

I went in to get five words on in a non fancy script and they quoted me 160 haha! No way man! I have eight tattoos and that is by far the more ridiculous thing Iv ever been quoted. There are plenty of other shops around them that they are competing with to be asking for so much. The shop it’s self looked nice from what I could see, however you’re better off going around the corner (literally) to true blue on red river street. The staff there is awesome, the shop is huge and clean and you can be fit in for a walk in fairly quick usually! And they don’t rip you off and charge 160 for some simple script ;)

Can I give zero stars? First of all they were assholes from the beginning. We looked through the books provided and found many anti-​semitism sketches and tattoos. To top it all off, the guy in the front was wearing a shirt with a swastika with the words, «If this offends you, you need a history lesson.» I don’t care where the swastika originated or what it stands for now, but it was associated with hate and the slaughter of millions of people. When I told the guy who took my DL and paperwork why I did not want to get my tattoo anymore, he was trying not to laugh at me. I have been here before and did not have this problem, but now that I know how anti-​semitistic and rude these people are, I’m staying the hell away from there. I did nothing wrong to these people yet they still gave me negative feedback.

I came to Affinity to get a late night celebratory septum piercing after surviving my 13^th consecutive year working downtown during SXSW in the service industry. I didn’t do my research on the shop (not a smart move) but felt comfortable as soon as I walked in. Johnny greeted me immediately, even though it was late, and spent time talking me through the process in detail. He even told me that if he didn’t think my septum would pierce well, he wouldn’t be able to follow through with it or take my money. This dude is extremely passionate about what he does and he genuinely cares about his clients. He walked me through the sanitization process, gave me great advice on jewelry and thoroughly honest after care instructions. He talked me through what he was doing as he was piercing me and gave me a big hug after. It came out beautifully! I was really moved by the experience, especially after having so many cold and disappointing experiences at other tattoo/​piercing shops. I only met two other employees there (like I said, it was late and they were trying to get outta there) but they were both incredibly warm. I’ll never have to look for another piercist again! Johnny is the man. PS, their body jewelry is fucking gorgeous. I’m definitely coming back!

My experience here was amazing. This being my first time getting a tattoo, I was very comfortable with the staff even though it was busy with the shoot of suicide squad. I got like a sternum tattoo so it was a little awkward but my tattoo artist, Chris Drts, was so nice and it was like a walk in the park throughout the whole process. His girlfriend was also there watching which made me feel a lot more comfortable because she was so sweet. Loved it here and the tattoo turned out great

For sxsw it’s called harley Quinn’s and it’s bullshit their doing free tattoos and the guy in charge knew i was here to get another one and the people said as long as you get on the list you could so i’ve been here since 11am and the WB guy just came out and told me you can only have one which is cool but they should of had a sign saying that and i wouldn’t have sat here 4 hours. So i call BULLSHIT ON THE WB. Now shop ROCKS NO COMPLAINTS THERE. I give the shop 5 stars. And the WB gets 1

I can’t speak for the tattooers. Shop was clean and everyone seemed fine. I went to get my septum pierced and the piercer was the absolute worst. Granted this was July 2014. So he could be long gone. He told me 30 minute wait. I waited 2 hours. When I finally got in the room I found out why. He talked for an hour. He wouldn’t stop talking! I get that aftercare is important but no joke. An hour?! Anyway. He pierces my septum with a ring. And it’s crooked. Fine. I get that it’s not the easiest piercing. BUT, he didn’t pull the ring all the way through! So my septum started to heal around the ring! When I decided to take it out because it was so jacked up, I had to push it through the new skin growth and my husband had to help. What a mess. Hopefully they got rid of that EPIC hack. Got my septum re-​pierced in Brooklyn where I live. Took her all of 5 minutes and it’s perfect.
Edit: found out his name is Ryan. Terrible experience.

I got my first tattoo on 28^th December 2015 at affinity tattoo store in Austin. I was little nervous about tattoo making and the pain it might come (as the people say). There was a very professional receptionist upfront who took my details and design and helped me make a better design with the help of Wheatley who became my tattoo artist later (Big shouts to her for the awesome job). I loved the way they took care of the shop and all the equipment were very sterilized. I was skeptical about the price but unlike other stores the price not per hour, its per design. She worked along with me and guided me through the whole procedure as she was making the tattoo. Unlike the other store on the opposite street, affinity tattoo store was very professional in their job and nothing looked sketchy.
The aftercare procedure was great and she listed all the possibilities of things I need to take care of which I think is really required for first timers.
Very friendly staff, very talented artists (Esp Wheatley), Clean and hygienic environment and very affordable.

I got my first piercing and had a great experience. Crystal was amazing. She explained everything to me (costs, jewelry choices, healing) thoroughly and professionally. The procedure was exactly as described and relatively painless. It’s been over a week and no discomfort or problems. Like I said, an all around excellent experience!

Dropped by Affinity to get a little bit of ink while on my bi-​annual ATX trip. Seems to be a little tradition for me to get tattooed in Austin, I suppose.
This was back in September, and I’ve slept since then, so I soulfully regret not remembering the receptionist’s name. She was sweet but honest with me right off the bat, which I appreciated. She gave me her two cents about my tattoo idea, and I was grateful for her advice. After all, she could have let me pay $ 80 for a fading tattoo and not think twice about it. She really cares for the art of tattooing itself and the way it should be worn on one’s body. That was definitely a nice surprise.
Matty was really personable and very friendly for a gigantic, tattooed dude. Most places like this see a small, respectable asian girl and immediately make judge-​y faces, but not the folks here. I got a small outline of Texas on my forearm and was in and out in 20 minutes. The lines are solid and clean, and it healed up quite nicely. I’ve had 4 tattoos prior to this experience, and I think he may be a little heavy handed, because the lines were raised up slightly during the healing process. They still are, but it’s getting more flush with my skin as time goes by. This doesn’t really bother me, but I found it interesting.
All in all, I think the price was fair, the service was outstanding, and the fact that it was a quick walk-​in made me a happy camper.
–xoxo

David Guy took care of me for a walk-​in on a Friday night before we left Austin. Nice staff, the art was great, clean shop if a little cluttered in the back. I’d head back next time I’m in town.

Johnny was amazing for piercing! Professional, informative, and honest about everything from the reason for the high cost to the position of my piercing. While it is more expensive than most places, it’s worth it to know that I received a very sanitary experience. Johnny walked me through everything and had a very gentle touch, felt very comfortable. Worth the extra money. I would refer anyone here.

I came to Affinity with a group of friends to get some special tattoos while on a quick trip to Texas. My friend did research so I was confident in the business but I am pleased to say they far, far exceeded my expectations. They were able to get us in quickly and the girl at the front desk took time printing out the tattoo I wanted in different sizes to make sure we had the best size and placement.
Once it was time for me to get the tattoo done, I went into the back with Barry and my friend. Everything was totally sterile and I saw everything opened in front of me. The show was incredibly clean and organized. Barry was a professional and asked questions to make sure he got the tattoo right. It turned out perfect!
I also got my nose pierced by Johnny and he did an amazing job. He clearly told me everything he was going to do and why. He answers every question I had and gave me clear, concise aftercare instructions (and my nose has healed perfectly!). He actually spent more time placing the dot for the piercing and giving me aftercare instructions than the piercing itself. I also loved that I witnessed firsthand the autoclave results. Again, I felt like I was in a sterile and healthy environment!
I would HIGHLY recommend Affinity for any piercing and tattoo desires!

Had my left nostril pierced yesterday by Johnny, he was equally professional, skilled and friendly. The next day, I’m not feeling any discomfort, and my piercing looks great! I’m super happy with the outcome, would do again! Highest recommendations!

I had originally called to set up an appointment for a nostril piercing — turns out they only do walk-​ins for piercings (they have a piercer on site at all times), which is great because I’m an incredibly impulsive person.
Anyway, I walk in and the place smells clean. Granted, it was around 1:40PM (they open at 1PM) so it makes sense that they had just cleaned it. They call over the piercer and she’s a delightful lady named Crystal (spoiler alert: she’s the best) comes over and has really cute septum and medusa piercings! She went over the jewelry that I could choose from and I changed my mind about 3 times because, while I’m a very impulsive person, I’m also very indecisive and she was cool about it, which was nice. I’d originally wanted a ring, but Crystal told me that they don’t do rings for the initial piercing because it can lead to drooping and even ripping of a piercing.
She gets all of my information, I sign the waiver, etc, and she shows me the strip that will prove all of the things she is using are sterile and I initial it. It’s about 10 minutes for the sterilization process.
We go into the back and she goes over with me in detail the entire process and the aftercare. She’s very friendly, answers any and all questions, and is just very cheery when she’s talking to you. She’s very thorough in her process and walked me through everything.
The piercing with easy and simple (almost painless, but I apparently have a high pain threshold)! After that she rung me up, gave me her card, asked me to please keep her updated so that she knows the piercing is healing well, and I was on my way!
I had gone to Shaman Body Modification to get my tragus done in April, and, while very professional and spotless and sanitary, I didn’t feel as comfortable there as I did at Affinity. Affinity has fun jazz playing in the background, employees are chit chatting, and it just feels like a nice, comfortable atmosphere. Shaman is a great place, don’t get me wrong, but you get the same exact service with more amicable people and better pricing at Affinity. Crystal actually talked to me like a person instead of a client! Honestly, I would recommend Affinity to almost anyone looking to get a good piercing at a reasonable price.

I got my nostril and double forward helix pierced here. Best piercing experience that I’ve ever had.

Was in town for work and David did a small piece on my foot. The lines are perfect and I couldn’t be happier with the tattoo!
I usually go to the same person every time so it was nerve wracking the day before… Any nerves were eliminated when we walked into the shop though. Open, clean, friendly greeting… David was very laid back and super nice as well.
Highly recommended!

I went here for my first-​ever tattoo, which was, for all intents and purposes, on a whim. I Unilocal’d tattoo parlors near me and this one had pretty good reviews, so this is where I went. Now here I am, giving a review for potential customers like me :~)
As I said, I went here for my first tattoo. It was a little after midnight (I was sober) and I decided to get a tattoo. The woman at the front desk was super friendly and made me comfortable with the whole process (I forget her name; she had black hair and, I believe, a diamond tattoo’d behind her ear). Anyway, many props to her for being a chill lady
Barry tattoo’d me, and since this was my first tattoo I didn’t really know the etiquette for sitting for a tattoo & I was silent the entire time (lol). He was very steady-​handed and pretty quick. The tat turned out very well — and still looked good even after my fairly poor aftercare. Barry was friendly (from how much we *did* interact haha) and is good at what he does.
Haven’t gone back, it was fairly expensive (however, It is on downtown 6^th), but I had a good experience. The work was very clean and well done; friendly artists.
Conclusion: Good place to go. Would probably have more to say if I had more experience with parlors before I went, but as it is I did not. :~~~)