Insight Studios

I just had my jewelry changed but it was a pleasant experience. They stock good quality jewelry, have a nice dedicated piercing area and the blow pops are a nice touch.

First piercing ever and really in love with it. Everyone was very professional, helpful, friendly, and quick. The atmosphere was very calm, clean and comfy.
I got my piercing done by Santi and I know that when I get my next piercing I’d love for him to do it again. Plus he was ready with the lollipop which is bonus points all on its own.
Looking forward to getting my first tattoo here as well.

My review for Insight is long overdue. After going with my boyfriend to get his tattoo, getting my rook piercing, and both my mom and my sister getting their nose pierced at Insight, I knew there was no other place to consider getting my nipples pierced.
When I walked in to get my nipples done, I was beyond nervous. Santi brought me back into the piercing room (which is really private and comfortable) and immediately put me at ease even though I’m a little (read: huge) baby. He was more than willing to answer my copious amounts of questions and concerns and was really helpful with providing specific and detailed aftercare procedures.
I won’t lie, the piercing hurt like _​_​_​_​but that’s to be expected. I was surprised when I found myself laughing with Santi during the piercing instead of crying!
Every time I walk into Insight I love it again and again. It is so clean, bright and airy and not in the least bit intimidating. Hats off to Santi, Bob, and the rest of the Insight team. You have obviously made a repeat customer out of me and I will continue to recommend Insight to anyone whose looking to get a piercing done. Bravo!

Since my previous review, I’ve gotten two tattoos by Brian. The first, I got in the summer, is a quote from a Junot Diaz short story. I mulled over this tattoo for about two and a half years before I finally got it and Brian made it perfect. The second, I got this past Saturday, is Lucy van Pelt from Peanuts on my ankle. Not only is my Lucy perfect, but I asked Brian if he could make her brown like me and he did. She looks amazing. Brian is professional, calm (which is really nice when you’re getting a tattoo), and really nice.
My friend was with me and decided she wanted a tattoo as well, and Brian hooked her right on up.
Would definitely recommend this shop and am definitely going to see Brian again.

I stopped in during the Cats for Tats event. I wanted to get a memorial tattoo for my cat Sassy that passed away in 2014. I have her for over 20 years, and she was really special to me. I loved that Insight was donating all the proceeds to the Treehouse cat shelter, so I decided to jump in and get my tattoo done. The girl at the front desk is super nice. I was tattooed by Ryan, and he’s a cool dude and does very nice work. He ended up charging me less than quoted and answered any questions I had. His work is great, and the light conversation kept me focused on something else other than the pain. I’ll definitely be back for more tattoos in the future, and I recommend everyone to check out Insight, especially during the days in which they help out local organizations and charities.

Bob Jones is your man for professional, high-​quality piercing.
I looked around at many shops trying to find someone to pierce my six-​year-​old daughter’s ears. Her mom and I both had our ears pierced in malls as kids, but had heard of the benefits of «real» piercing and wanted to find someone to do it. However, 5 – 8 different places said they absolutely would not pierce a minor — «especially that young.»
Insight had no issue with it, you just have to bring proof you are the parent (birth certificate and ID worked). The place is immaculate, clean (and bright white, so dirt can’t even hide).
We went in last night and met Bob. He is a pro’s pro. My daughter has a very good tolerance for most annoying kinds of pain — shots, etc. are not usually an issue. However, I think the build up to this event (she had been wanting her ears pierced for months) and the anticipation of pain really built up some anxiety and she was a bit freaked out by the time she sat down in Bob’s piercing room. Not to worry; Bob showed her every piece of equipment to be used, repeatedly asked if she or we (her mom and I) had questions, and promised (yes, promised, I thought this was dicey with a 6-​year-​old but went with it) that the pain would be no big deal.
The first ear was done before she knew it. She even commented that it didn’t hurt very much. Nonetheless, in the 5 minutes between the first and second piercing, she inexplicably (to a non-​six-​year-​old) started to lose her nerve. She has the lip quivering and the tears welling, and I’m thinking, «Oh man, this might be a one-​ear situation.» Bob then (with some limited help from us) TOTALLY «talked her off the ledge.» The second piercing was done, and she was smiling at her new «big-​girl» look in the mirror a minute later.
When my ex asked for a picture of my newly-​pierced kid with Bob, he went a step further and took her into the photo booth in the front of the place for a round of great, silly, pics with him. Truly an awesome memory for me, her mom, and most importantly, my girl! The results have been great: very well placed, beautiful jewelry, and no after-​pain. He explained after-​care very well to both her and the adults.
Bob Jones is just very, very good at his job! If he can get a nervous six-​year-​old through two piercings, you’ll be more than fine. Yeah, it was considerably more expensive than getting shot with the piercing gun at the mall, but very worth it. Highly recommended if you feel you need additional holes!

My husband likes wearing a hoop in his ear — the kind with two balls on the ends. Yes, it’s «supposed» to be a navel ring, or for nipples or noses or other «approved» areas.
But here’s the thing, guys; I find it enormously ironic that although he chose to come in here for a piece of $ 30 jewelry, you all treated us like «outsiders» for lack of what you have clearly deemed «appropriate» jewelry usage. You really can’t expand your imagination to accept that he might want to use his hoop in a different way? Seriously, the snide looks, the rolling eyes aren’t appreciated. I’ve seen the tattoo work you do, and from the other reviews, sounds like you’re tops in piercings as well… but your attitude is elitist and unwarranted.
30 – 40 years ago, just having a piercing placed a person on the fringe of society and over time, acceptance of those who choose alternative (for lack of a better word) body art has become more mainstream. But again, don’t you see the irony in determining that only your definition of fringe is acceptable?

I walked in during the last hour of operation on a Saturday and was immediately greeted by Taylor. She was super friendly and very informative.
Even though they were closing soon, Bob Jones took me back for a piercing and let me tell you he is awesome. He made me feel comfortable and he made the piercing as quick and painless as possible. I will definitely be coming back to Insight Studios soon!

I came into Insight about two months ago to get my nipples pierced as a 21^st birthday present to myself. It was a Sunday afternoon and was told there would be a 30 – 45 minute wait, which I was fine with. The girl at the counter was super nice. She took my number and said she’d call me when the piercer (Bob Jones) was about ready, so I went to get coffee. About 30 minutes later I get the call and I head over.
Of course I was nervous. Bob made me feel as comfortable as humanly possible for someone to feel before they’re about to get holes in their boobies. BTW… He looks just like Mads Mikkelsen from Hannibal, if anyone watches. This isn’t important, it’s just crazy to me how much he looks like him. Anyway, the process was quick and… as painless as possible. He informed me that he has been piercing for about as long as I’ve been alive (20 years) and I took a lot of comfort in knowing he’s definitely pierced hundreds of nipples before. After the procedure he passed me AND my best friend who accompanied me blow pops! And an antimicrobial soap for me.
Fast forward to a couple months later: my piercings have healed beautifully. I will come here for any future piercings and always refer people here. It’s reasonably priced, the staff is awesome, and Bob is really professional.

i was referred to Santi at Insight Studios by my usual tattoo artist since his piercer gal was no longer at his shop with him. i have been longing for a septum piercing to go along with the nostril ring i did by myself when i was 14 years old, and i didn’t want a crooked one, so i found myself here!
the shop is super clean, they are very professional, and super NICE! i’ve been to a lot of tattoo shops over the years, some pretty scummy and some mediocre, but this one has been one of the best. the wait was not long, got to pick what type of jewelry i wanted, directions for after care explained clearly by the piercer, and given to you in a pamphlet, and even got a blow pop at the end!
if i ever decide to get another piercing i know exactly where i am coming! although my fiancée will definitely kill me the next time i come home with more metal in my body. ;D

I love this place! I walked in about a month ago for two small tattoos, and although I waited a long time (almost three hours!), it was worth it! I was seen by Ryan, who was really friendly and apologetic for the wait. He drew up my tattoo perfectly and just as I imagined. These were my first tattoos and I was nervous but Ryan was great at making me comfortable and calm, especially right in the beginning.
I would recommend this studio to anyone wanting to get a tattoo or piercing. It was extremely clean, bright, and really welcoming. Everything was thorough and well organized. I can’t wait to come back to get more done!!!

I got my septum pierced by Santi, I was nervous at first, the friendly staff on the front desk put all my worries at ease and were super professional. I quickly felt comfortable. Santi did such a great job with my piercing. I am so pleased and happy with it, I would recommend this place to anyone. They are the best. I will continue to come for all my piercing needs.

There’s a reason why this place has had 500+ reviews with 5 stars! I called ahead of time to see if I needed to make an appointment, but was told that if I was just getting piercings, I didn’t need one.
I walked in with my roommates and saw how truly clean the place was. I only had to wait about 15 minutes as there were a couple of people ahead of me. When it was my turn, Bob took me to the back to do my nostril and Monroe piercings. I was super nervous at first, but he was completely calm which calmed me down. He’s extremely professional, yet so friendly that it made the experience that much better. He went through the whole process of how I needed to take care of my piercings and was very patient and thorough as he answered any questions I had.
Afterwards, my roommate decided to get a small tattoo on her rib. Her artist was Ryan and he was amazing. He asked her a couple of questions of what she wanted and then he drew a beautiful «Love Always,» exactly the way she wanted it. He was really kind and honest when she asked all her questions. She is a very careful person, especially with something like this so she asked many questions. Ryan made us feel very comfortable throughout the entire process. Although it was a simple tattoo, he made it look perfectly beautiful and did it almost painlessly.
Overall, neither of us could’ve imagined it happening any better. Everyone who works here knows exactly what he/​she is doing and it’s so wonderful to be in such a great environment. A huge thanks to Bob and Ryan! :)

Insight was an awesome studio! I got my second tattoo here and they were super clean and professional. Johnny did mine and was very patient and helpful with my piece. He actually stayed after hours to start and finish me and my sisters matching tattoos which was so considerate. Definitely ask for Johnny if you’re looking for someone that’s entertaining and makes you comfortable!
As for the shop itself, I thought it was a little pricey but worth the craftsmanship. I’m not from Chicago so possibly normal for the city. I paid $ 120 for my piece which is an Aries and Taurus sign combined about 3.5 inches long.
Definitely recommend this place! Will be coming back if I find myself back in Chicago.

My friend went to get a tattoo here by Wendell Frazier. She thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience from the moment we stopped by to get a quote until the very end when we shook his hand and got his business card. His business card is so precious by the way, I won’t tell you why, so make sure to get one. The place is very chill, welcoming, looked clean, and spacious. They have this little vending machine with metallic cat buttons, though when it dispenses, it gives you a really cute or ugly cat lol. There is also a basket of chocolate up front, yum.
Anyways, back to the important part of this review, the man is talented! When he started drawing up, it took a few tries until it was absolutely what my friend imagined, but despite have to redo, he was very accommodating and never lost an ounce of patience. During the tattooing process, he would talk to us and even share a little bit about himself. He has tons of tattoos himself, even on his head. It was a cool look that he was able to pull off without looking too intimidating.
Overall, my friend describes him as: amazing, the best, love him, go to him, nice, caring, friendly, funny, and above all talented! Definitely check out his portfolio because we were impressed.

I go here for Johnny! Stalked him all the way from the mean streets of Aurora because that’s how much I love his work and how comfortable he makes getting a tattoo. Highly recommended:).
I’d also like to note that my tattoos are not yet complete, I don’t make it out to Chicago a lot!

Insight Studios continues to impress me, every time I go in for something for myself or to accompany a friend. A few months ago I had my nose repierced, and today went in to have the jewelry changed after realizing I couldn’t remove the seamless ring myself.
Insight continues to be sparkling clean with great staff. Bob is a real pro, and I am continually impressed with their charity work, particularly their support of Treehouse. It’s easily the best shop in Chicago!