Studio Evolve

Have 3 tattoos from Abby and 1 big piece from Tanane. Will never go anywhere else for ink. They are amazing.

I originally checked this shop out because the Unilocal reviews were great. The shop, itself, was a little hard to find, but in a good way… like it’s a well kept secret, or something. I went with John Vall as my artist, based on his style and cover-​up skills, and let me just say he totally lived up to the hype! Vall was super professional and he patiently helped me figure out a design that would look cool and still work as a cover up. The tattoo came out better than I could have ever imagined and it’s easily the best tattoo I have now. Trust, I’ll be back in there, as soon as possible, to give them more of my monies!

This is the best tattoo shop I’ve visited. Everyone is friendly and very welcoming. I would recommend this place to everyone. Andy Chambers covered up two tattoos into one and he is truly an amazing artist!

Very friendly atmosphere… the location is tucked away in the back building, but it’s not hard to find. The artists all had portfolios out with different work done. It was a good vibe.

Studio Evolve is truly the best. I had many «word of mouth» suggestions for tattoo parlors, but decided to check this place out on my own after seeing so many positive reviews on Unilocal and after seeing the reviews that weren’t so positive were responded to by the owner in a courteous manner. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. From the front desk to the artists, everyone was super polite to me and made me feel very welcome. They really took the time to answer my questions and help me choose an artist. Vall was the artist who wound up doing my tattoo and I couldn’t be more pleased with the service I received. He was patient, professional, and his artwork turned out truly better than I ever could have imagined. He really took the time after to make sure I didn’t have any questions and understood the aftercare. He really stands behind his work. This is not my first tattoo, but this has been the best. This is without a doubt, the only place to get a tattoo in Hampton Roads.

I was impressed with this studio from minute one! Tams was great on the email response and made me feel very special. I made an appointment with Marshall Sinclair and even with making some last minute changes he did everything I asked. His professionalism and attitude was a ten. I am a serious collector and I don’t have time to waste. He did everything I asked for and more and was ready the second u arrived. Tattoos are serious business to me and I expect the best! Marshall did not disappoint me! Thanks!

I had a tattoo done by Andy and while he’s a great artist, he cancelled on me three times before I got it. I was assured this was an anomaly so I booked another session and guess what? Another cancellation and no communication to reschedule. Very poor business practices, imo. I’ll be taking my money elsewhere.

I went to Abby for a tribute tattoo across my chest and she took my idea and made it even more beautiful than I could’ve envisioned. It’s truly stunning. The staff was awesome and so much fun and the studio was well lit, immaculate, and comfortable.
I get compliments on my tattoo daily. She is really an amazing artist.

I visited a few tattoo shops in Virginia Beach before I came upon SET. The first shops I went to, i was quickly dissmissed for a whole bunch of diferent reasons: Nobody was available; my concept was not duable; no availability until anytime soon, etc. I came across Studio Evolve on the internet and took a look at their page, and immediately was drawn tot he looks of the shop: Not crazy decorated, very welcoming feeling, and clean. I decided to stop in and inquire about getting some work done, and I asked to see Mattlock Lopes. I had seen his work and bio on the website and I liked it, jsut what i was looking for. I met with him, gave him my ideas and what I was looking for, and he seemed genuinly willing and excited about woking on it. I just let him come up with the design for my half sleeve, and now, jsut a couple hours ago, I have the best, most bad ass– half sleeve tattoo I could have ever imagined. He understood what I wanted and that is exactly what he gave me. I would highly recommend this shop to anyone looking into getting tattooed. The place is immaculate, and everybody is very professional.

I came here July of 2012, and I have to say I’ve been looking for any excuse to go back. The place is super clean, the atmosphere is very laid back, there’s music playing while you are getting your tattoo done… it was an excellent experience. And I’ve been to different places in NY, Miami, and NJ. This is by far my favorite. They only do custom tattoos which is awesome. If you are looking for a place where you pick a generic tattoo from a wall, this is not it.

Gabe is a super nice guy and an AMAZING tattoo artist. He is very selective about the artists who work at his shop, so if you choose someone here, you are guaranteed to get high quality work. They also have featured artists showing their pieces from the community, too, so go there to check out some fresh art! The studio is beautifully decorated, and very upscale. These artists are worth every penny!

I was really nervous about getting my first tattoo. However, the artist quickly put my mind at ease. She took extra time after shop hours to draw different variations of what I described. She even went out of her way to research music notes to add to it. I loved the experience and have told everyone who will listen about this place. Great artists and fantastic customer service.

Val rocks! Great work done by the artists there. Good, comfortable atmosphere.

This is one of the best, brightest and cleanest studios. I’ve been to studios here in VB and in Kansas. This was my fav. Last tattoo was by Abigail. Great work, nice people. One of the things that will make me walk out of a tattoo shop faster than anything is not the price, it’s they way I’m treated. This place treats you like you want to be treated. They’re friendly and interested in you. I’ve walked out of other studios because the staff act like asses or like you aren’t worth their time. If I’m paying you hundreds to be a walking canvas and potential billboard, id hope you would smile at me or greet me as an equal. studio evolve did. My last tattoo at Studio Evolve was about 5 hours and was amazing. I can’t wait for my next one. Oh and I was a walk in too!

Nicely organized and clean studio. Staff was always helpful and Sarah was wonderful. She texted me days after just to follow-​up on how I liked the tattoos and the healing progress. I would definitely recommend them.

Me and my wife were on vacation and decided we wanted tattoos in Virginia Beach. At first we went to Blue Horseshoe and was not impressed. We gave up on the idea until we found this place with a little research. It’s about 15 minutes off the main strip and secluded in with some other businesses but was well worth the drive. Even though we were getting small and rather simple tattooes they listened to our ideas and made us feel comfortable. Everyone including our artist Marshall was very friendly and professional. The prices were also very reasonable. Thanks guys

I will have to tell you that I am very skeptical about going to any new places, especially ones that my friends refer me to. Randy Templin is an awesome artist. I had an idea of a tribute to my Grandfather who has been an inspiration to my family for all these years. Randy’s drawing was everything that I could have imagined. I have went to other tattoo places around Hampton Roads but Studio Evolve has really exceeded my expectations. If you are looking for the overall package I would love to recommend this place. Just look at their website

The artists are very talented and dedicated to their work. The staff is so friendly and welcoming. They made sure that I was comfortable the time I was there. And I love the way the studio looks. Its so fresssh and so cleannn cleannn. I recommend this place to anyone who is serious about getting tattooed and wants a great experience out of it. Tanane Whitfield has done 2 pieces on me so far and he is awesome. Love this place :)

This is by far the nicest studio I’ve ever been to, Gabe and his crew are doing it right!
Studio Evolve is the cleanest, coolest studio I’ve ever seen.
Regardless of whether you are tattoo’d from head to toe or just looking for that one special piece of art, Everyone at Studio Evolve is nice, professional and polite, they offered me a drink as soon as I walked in for my appt. offed to pick up lunch for me while I was getting my work done and they talk to you like you are an old friend (Try getting any of that at ANY other studio around Tidewater!)
I’ve got 2 tattoo’s by Gabe, I couldnt imagine going anywhere else and looking forward to several more by Gabe Cece.
He plays some awesome music while working his magic too!
I highly recommend Studio Evolve to anyone looking to get their tattoo done right.

I met Gabe, the owner of Studio Evolve, some five years ago now. At first I thought he was the most arrogant, on his own planet pain in the ass of a tattooer I had ever met. So of course I liked him instantly.
Over the years Gabe has covered both of my arms and my rib cage in his work. Frankly, he is the only artist I will let tattoo me now. He is the best tattooer I have ever come across.
Gabe and his crew are worth coming to see from anywhere in the country. I currently have to fly some five hours each way to see him. I said fly, not drive. He’s that good.
If you’re looking for ink, and you want the best, go see the crew at Studio Evolve.