Fat Ram's Pumpkin Tattoo
380 Centre St
(between Day St & Sheridan St)
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 (617) 522-6444
![a detail photo of a work in progress [artist: alex dawes]](http://static.px.yelp.com/bphoto/mcbDoQSo9pUJ5Rzslp_ucQ/xss)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Sun 12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- By Appointment Only: Yes
42 Reviews for Fat Ram's Pumpkin Tattoo
Just finished my first sitting with Justin for my much-anticipated Andy Warhol tattoo! It is replicated to a T and absolutely beautiful. with one more sitting to go, I have already received so many compliments on it! If you're thinking about getting a tattoo, I urge you to visit Fat Ramm's!
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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06/23/2008
Andrew took me from a crooked tribal tramp stamp (circa 2001) to a full-fledged lower back piece, in… Read more »
My boyfriend does not Yelp, and thus, I simply must review Fat Ram's for the glorious tattoo he recently got here. The work, and the shop, is absolutely first-class in every way. The staff is professional, and they're truly artists.
Chad did my partner's tattoo, an absolutely beautiful piece on his inner arm, which runs from his elbow to his wrist. It is quite remarkable in every way; the colors, shading, attention to detail, and the originality. The piece was done in two installments of two hours, and I am still blown away that Chad was able to do such outstanding work in such a short time. He's tremendously talented, and, from what I hear, down-to-earth and quite funny.
My partner went into Fat Ram's with an idea, and Chad turned it into a reality. My boyfriend has wanted this tattoo for some time, but since he does not draw, all he could do was bring in a few photographs and try to describe the concept as best he could. The way Chad translated his thoughts onto paper--and ultimately onto his arm--is pure genius. He really captured the heart and spirit of it. In my boyfriend's words, "it's better than I ever imagined." After seeing the results, I am definitely getting my next tattoo done at Fat Ram's. No doubt.
PS: People have even stopped us on the street to remark about this tattoo. It's that ridiculously excellent.
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Perhaps I should elaborate- I asked Alex to draw up a picture of my dog riding a skateboard to tattoo on my foot. It was thought out sooo well (he even did research on the anatomy of dogs, panthers, and skateboarders to get the drawing perfect) and beautifully executed. I sat with him for three hours and I feel comfortable saying he is one of the best people I have ever met.
I always see members of the Fat Ram crew hanging out around JP and I kinda feel like Mel from "Flight of the Conchords" because I treat them like celebrities but also sort of like I'm an obsessive friend. *Pulls on the skin of my neck* Ull ull ull
But I'm going to warn you: I've talked to a few people who decided to ditch Fat Ram because, when trying to set up an initial appointment, they were treated poorly and intimidated by one of the guys who works there. Don't let that one guy get you down because, between as the saying goes, "One dude (who doesn't do tattooing) does not a Fat Ram Pumpkin Tattoo make."
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02/18/2008
Wonderful experience. Alex is heaven-sent. I asked for a pretty strange tattoo and he drew it up… Read more »
My best friend and I got our tattoos together (no, not the same one). Mine was was fading with a little bit o'age; hers needed a little more pizzaz. So when it came time to get re-inked, Fat Ram was the only place I considered. We got appointments with Alex purely as the luck of the draw, but I'd totally trust him to design me up something one-of-a-kind (he charged me a pretty reasonable price, too). I don't know what it was, but the experience the second time around was less painful, too. Alex asked how I was doing, and I kidded him it felt like a pat on the back from God, all warm and tingly.
My BF's husband needed to get his Jersey-boardwalk skull flash covered up and wanted some cool-ass vintage 50's sci-fi Wellesian war of the worlds deal. He got Chad. Chad drew it up and rocked it hard.
What I like about the place, beyond the eclectic soundtrack, JP location, and weird books they use for inspiration is that the employees here are totally cool and unpretentious. They're artists but not "artistes" in that fey pretentious way. Nothing fazes them, and I bet they could talk to anyone about anything.
I go with my friends to hang out with them or get them a soda when they're in the chair, we spend a few hours with the Fat Ram crew, and basically it feels like a shoot-the-shit session with Alex and Chad and a needle and vaseline. Every time I go in, Alex asks to see how my ink is doing, and considering he probably sees bazillions of people, it's cool he still cares about his work, even if he was just recoloring someone else's stuff. I can't wait to decide on my next tat and go back.
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Justin is a true artist who knows his stuff. His appreciation of great art helps him create it.
I am so happy with the tatoo I got on Sunday, you can see it here http://cloudoutloud.tv.... Chad Chesko, the tatoo artist, was very cool and very fast - important when getting a tatoo. It actually felt good afterwards.
http://youtube.com/wat...
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I'm 100% thoroughly satisfied with my experience at this shop. First, I had a consultation. The artist, Darlene, was really pumped about what I wanted done, which was great (it's nice when artists are genuinely excited about doing work). The day of my appointment finally rolled around and when I went in it was pretty laid back. Everyone who worked there was really nice and they were also stoked about what I was getting done and how great of a job Darlene did on it. Now that it's all healed I'm going back so she can take photos for her portfolio, and maybe I'll try to do another consult while I'm there :)
My only teeny, tiny, premature baby-sized gripe would have to be the time I had to wait for a consult (about a month) and then the time I had to wait between the consult and the appointment (about another month), BUT it was totally worth it and I understand that it books up fast.
Bottom line: go here!
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Best Tattoo parlor in Boston hands down. I have had work done elsewhere, and Fat Ram's blows everyone else away. I had my ink done by Chad, and he was friendly, fast, relatively low-pain inducing, and most importantly a great artist. Everyone who works there is extremely chill and I can't wait to get more work done. Alex, one of their newer artists, is also incredibly cool and his art is graphic, bold, and very tight.
Andrew just finished a beautiful chest piece for my boyfriend. My jaw still drops everytime I see it. He was professional, friendly and most importantly, talented. He took the vague idea my boyfriend described to him and created a work of art. Can't wait to get something for myself next...
Boys and girls, they are booked up months upon months in advance. I had a manic day that Monday. I had a friend working on my lily tattoo for a while and it did not have the degree of moroseness and moodiness that I needed. He used a lily that's on my profile picture as a prototype for what I wanted, but he printed it out in black and white. When I woke up that monday, i saw his drawing next to the black and white printout and I saw that I needed to get two -- one on each shoulder blade.
I called up the place and was told that everyone was booked in advance. I decided to come anyway to at least look at their work to see who could do this kind of shading and this kind of detail at the same time. I get there and Chad's 4pm appointment canceled on him -- yay! I lucked out and got this piece of artwork on my shoulder blades. Thank you Chad. I heard great things about Ram and Alex, but I had a great experience with Chad -- patient, nice dude, I felt he knew what he was doing as well as he considered guidance from me. Honestly, they won't hire people who are bad at what they do. Go with confidence
No, I don't have a tattoo... at least yet.
But I know several people who have gotten tattoos here from Ram (I don't know any of the other artists). Ram also talked me out of getting a tattoo years ago when I was in college... for this I will be forever grateful!
I will say that Ram is a truly talented artist. He started as a kid, working on orange peels... and later opened his shop. If I ever decided to get a (small) tattoo, I'd feel really confident in this place.
Overall, he's a great guy too!
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Fat Ram's is as fabulous as everyone on here is saying. My friend and I went bright and early this morning to get a walk in slot. We were second in line and still had to wait 4.75 hours to be seen. But the parlor was a really cool place to hang and look through photos and chat with the people who were coming and going. Everyone was very friendly. Who knew the nicest place in Boston would be a tattoo parlor...and yet it makes a lot of sense. Andrew did our tattoos and was very courteous and friendly. He listened to what we wanted and gave his very informed professional opinion. My ganesh tattoo on my foot is beautiful and I'm so happy to show it off. I do recommend getting an appointment if you can...
I truly can't say enough about how amazing the people who work here are. Sure, they are amazing artists, but more than that, they are some of the best people I have encountered in a tattoo parlor.
They are very inviting, and are happy to answer any questions you may have. I love that they stress looking at all of the artist's portfolio's before deciding who to see. I have even seen one artist tell a customer that another artist in the shop is more suited to the style they are going for.
Chad has created some amazing art of both my fiance and his brother. I will be going to him very soon, as well.
Yeah I am that girl.
The one who got her girlfriend's name tattooed on her ass- ok right above my ass. I have been informed that this is called a "tramp stamp."
So when we broke up (amicably) I didn't mind that I had this tattoo and rarely thought about it since I never see it. However, my next gf was none too pleased. After we got serious I finally relented and said I'd cover it up. Covering a name isn't so easy though. You can't make a cool tribal design or anything because you need to actually black out the name.
I researched tattoo places and found Fat Ram's got rave reviews. I entered the shop, head bowed, red-faced, ready to be laughed at when I asked for a design for my cover-up. So I was laughed at BUT my artist worked with me and we came up with a cool design. Ok, it's a gecko, not something I ever would have gotten but I get compliments on it all the time!
Moral of the story - aside from the obvious- Fat Ram's rocks! They do great work!
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I've had one piece done there by an artist that is no longer there, and I am still pleased with it. HOWEVER, what I really want to write about is how ridiculously friendly and helpful Ram is. I had an incident in an MRI and wanted to find out about metals in tattoo ink, and he and I struck up a very intense, in depth email correspondence that I found to be incredibly helpful. I had written the other parlors I had had work done at to inquire about the type of ink they used (some have iron oxides in them) and was summarily blown off or given 4 word replies, however Ram talked me through the whole experience and also gave me well researched or well thought out ideas on parlors and the ink they used.
Seriously, to see a shop owner that involved in previous customers, tattoo safety and regulation, health issues, etc. was really awesome, especially since tattooing can be such a one shot deal industry (frat boys and bunnies I'm looking at you) so that level of care just seems remarkable and admirable.
If I get any more work done, I fully want to see him as aside from his great customer service skills, his portfolio kicks ass. (all their artists have great portfolios for the record)
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Getting work done here was a really great experience. Darlene did a tattoo on my left forearm 2+ years ago and people still grab my arm constantly and ask me where I got it done. She did a stellar job with detail and she also made me feel really comfortable and relaxed while she was working, which is super important to me.
I have never been here to get a tattoo..
BUT i want a fat ram to give me one.
that is all.
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Best best best. Period period period.
Everyone there is incredibly nice; the whole vibe is like that of a family.
Justin Kopec is a genius. He has done all the work on my right arm, and I will happily surrender the rest of me to his talent and vision. He is a true collaborator, and will give you 1000%.
OMG! I love this place.
I got my first tattoo here and Alex worked on it. Although it looks like a simple design (its the word 'music' in old roman), it needed some delicate work - especially because I was getting half of it on my pelvic bone. I was ready for the pain and Alex did everything to calm me down. He talked to me throughout and what helped most was that he played some good heavy metal on the boom box close to my head! That really helped the process.
The tattoo ended up looking great. I wasn't too sure about one particular spot, and Alex took care of it right away. He did whatever he could to make it look the way I wanted. I haven't had to go back for the follow up (I have had it for a year now).
Do make reservations though. Its almost impossible to get your work done without an appointment.
3.5 stars....got a tat here about 5 years ago....not sure if my artist is even still there (Justin....i think). The art is OK, not the BEST I've had, I wanted something creative and got something more plain.....but i did make the decision after all. After getting my piece done on my foot, I couldnt walk on it for a little over a day....and I am serious. My foot blew up....I tried walking on my heel....that just sent shooting pains everywhere.....Crutches for a day, and I never broke anything. I know other people with art on their foot, but never as painful as the aftermath of mine. It is a colorful tattoo though, and the color has stayed very well.....
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The people here are all awesome! I came here for the first time about a year ago when my girlfriend was getting a rather large tattoo. Because it was her first tattoo, I spent a good deal of time hanging out with her for moral support. I had a great time, all the people there were really friendly and talkative, and it was generally just fun hanging out there.
The quality of the work is also first rate. My girlfriend's tattoo was so nicely done that I went back a few weeks later and got one done by the same artist. Although we really like Chad's work and plan on sticking with him in the future, the other artists all seem equally skilled, so whoever you choose to work with, you'll be in good hands at this shop.
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Darlene is my tattoo artist at Fat Ram's and she is amazing, it is really hard to find someone who is good at Celtic knots and she is the best.
I have almost 20 hours of tattoos so far mostly black and gray and I'm looking forward to getting my first large color piece from Darlene.
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Hands down, best tattoo shop in Boston.
I've only been tattooed by Justin, but he's working on a full sleeve so I spend a lot of time there. I cannot recommend him enough - he's a true artist and takes excellent care of his clients. Really, the entire staff is super friendly and talented. Plus, all of the artists do exceptional custom work. Even Ram himself is down to earth.
Whether you want simple flash or huge back piece, this is the place to go.
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I met Ram at the 1st Boston Tattoo Convention and talked to him about my tattoo idea. His easygoing demeanor and great portfolio quickly sold me and I made an appointment for a consultation.
He took my ideas and reference material and put together a large cover-up tattoo for me. This was about six years ago, and it still looks great. I could not be happier.
My whole experience (three sittings) at Fat Ram's was excellent and Ram really knows how to make you relax and feel like part of the family. I'm sure things have not changed much in that respect over the years.
I will definitely be heading back here for my next tattoo.
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Who's cooler than Ram? I've been getting tats from him since the old school Cambridge days....
If you want him to bring a concept of yours to perfection he can do that, if you have a drawing he can make that. What ever you want he is the man. Super talented and a cool dude.
Kudos to you ram (and Juliette)
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I had an incredible experience @ Fat Ram's for my first tattoo. Alex Dawes hooked me up with a beautiful scrolled piece on the inside of my left wrist. He talked to me about what I was looking for, showed me some examples, made a sketch, got my approval, made the template and then we were off. Everything was extremely clean, organized, and professional - I never felt any discomfort with the surroundings - you could tell everyone knew what they were doing.
Everyone was friendly and great - now I just need to wait until I finish planning out my second tattoo before I head back and see everyone again. I highly recommend it.
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i went to them a few years ago. Virginia fixed me up after some idiot named Zee (forget what shop he worked for) at the tattoo convention messed me up (I know, I was dumb to go and get a tattoo at the convention from an artist I knew nothing about- but it was the first year it was legal in Boston and i- well- like I said I was young and dumb).
They were super professional (at Fat Ram's) and Virginia (who has since moved on) fixed me up good. If I were to get another tattoo, I would definitely go here, and I always recommend them to anyone looking.
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This is, arguably, the best place in the city to get work.
I can't say that my experience was the best of the best.
I felt rushed. The guy doing my tattoo was cold (I doubt he still works there). It was as if I was putting him out by asking him to tweak my design. I asked him for input and he gave nothing.
I typically want more positive interaction from my artist. But hey, I'd already paid the frickin deposit and it was not a very technically demanding or time consuming piece. It came out well, but I definitely didn't tip him well. The other people working in the shop also gave of extreme "too cool for you" vibes. TOTALLY unnecessary!
I have to say, walking by I haven't seen any of the same people that were there for my experience. I wrote a letter to Ram's wife about my experience and she was very apologetic and wanted to do right by me in the end. I am considering getting another piece done, and if I do, I'll be sure to have Ram do it. Worth the waiting list. Worth the price, from the work I've seen. I'll definitely give this shop another chance to prove its self.
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the ONLY place i'll ever go for a tattoo now.
heard great things and went in early in the summer to start a backpiece. i'm one session [plus free touchup a month out] from finally being done. i've had four sessions so far plus two consults and every time i've been in the shop it's been great. even the counter staff is super friendly and treats every customer equally - covered in ink or a first timer, or somewhere in between. i've also been in where some people wandered in and asked painfully ignorant or just plain stupid questions and was admittedly stunned while everyone kept a straight face and honestly answered anything they wanted to know and really listened and advised them accordingly.
it's awesome to be in a place that pushes custom work and will tell people honestly they should be 100% serious about their decision, as opposed to just wandering in and picking some piece of flash on a whim.
my tattoo artist is alex dawes - i've heard darlene is awesome when it comes to flowers which is what i'm getting but i went to college with alex [who then became ram's apprentice] so i felt most comfortable with him and he seemed really psyched to tattoo me so i told him to go for it. i gave him the individual specimens i wanted in the tattoo and let him as the artist run with the composition. on the outline day when he showed me what he'd drawn up i nearly had tears in my eyes.
if you're curious about what my piece is looking like, i've photographed it at every stage and you're more than welcome to send me a message and i'll give you a link.
i've also had three friends get multiple tattoos by andrew [currently out due to a broken hand, unfortunately], but as others have mentioned all the artists there are great - ram is one of the best artists out there so you know he would expect nothing less from the other artists in his shop.
as for price, they have a saying -
"a good tattoo ain't cheap, and a cheap tattoo ain't good."
added bonus - i always drive here and always easily find street parking no matter what time my appointment is.
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I am not the world's foremost expert on tattooes, having only one, but I do know that this is the best place to get a tattoo in Boston, MA. Before I went here to get mine, the resounding answer every time I saw someone with a great tattoo was, "I went to Fat Ram's." Andrew was my artist, and he did a fantastic job both actually tattooing me and also interpreting my hand gestures and verbal descriptions of what I wanted permanently etched into my skin. The prices seem incredibly reasonable considering a) how high-quality the work is; b) how nice everyone is who works here and c) that you are paying them to change your body forever. The level of comfort and the calibur of all of the artists is why I would say to absolutely choose Fat Ram's over anywhere else in Boston.
Ramma-lamma-dingdong is cool. The rest of them are nice enough people. Cool art and shit on the walls. Clean and sterile. It's a shame that hot broad that used to be there moved to greener pastures.................
Hands down the best place to get a tattoo in the greater Boston area. You may have to wait a few months & it may cost more than another joint, but let's be serious, tattoos are permanent,Ram's SOOOO worth it. Ram did my first tattoo ever and kept me entertained with interesting stories...I hardly remembered to feel any pain. The place was clean, comfortable & chill. I'm definitely going back soon.
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I have been coming to have work done by Chad for over two years. I walk in with a concept and he takes it to the next level. Beautiful, original art.
The staff is super friendly and they all do amazing work. It's clean, professional, with some super talent but approachable. So go in and sya "Hi!".
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Claire was our artist, and did an excellent and artistic job of adapting my artwork from paper to body and she was really just fucking cool as hell.
Love the atmosphere of the place, and I loved playing "who would you kick out of bed" with a group of people while being tatted up!
Prices are high for me, but that's only b/c I have prices only from Ohio to compare. Everything costs less there.
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Go to Darlene DiBona! She came out to Sacred Rose in SF for a couple weeks and was able to see her. If you live in Boston and thinking about a tattoo- she is the best. Very detailed. You'll cry when you see the finished product. Just saying..
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I can not recommend this shop enough. Ram was an active part in legalizing tattooing and his artists are some of the best I have seen. I got an extensive ship tattooed on my arm and am wanting more. Let me know and I will send you a pic. of my tattoo.
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Got an awesome tattoo there a couple years ago and referred about 5 people there who all had amazing experiences! The artist who did the tattoos Was Joey, he was THE MAN! He ended up moving to Texas to start his own shop :( But the rest of the staff are supposed to be great too and all talented.
The absolute best artists.
I loved this place from the moment I stepped in. Just friendly, regular, painted people. They love their art, and they are 'effing awesome at it.
Darlene DiBona rocked my world. I took a look at her portfolio and knew that she was the artist to do my first tattoo (yes, my first tattoo at the age of 30, never late in any of my endeavours...).
It was sooo comfortable. From the consultation (she knew better than me what I wanted and convinced me to go with the black and white that I had planned on for the past 8 years instead of her incredible colour work that I was compelled by) to the appointment two weeks later with the stenciling (which she redid 3 or 4 times to get the right lay on my forearm) to the final shading, she was amazing. There is NO other place (nor other artist) that I would ever go to in the northeast.
Now, if I can just convince my girlfriend not to leave me, my other forearm is next to be tattoo'ed by Darlene before I leave to move to SF.
And even better... sleeves!
But really, please look Darlene and the studio up. You will not regret it. I promise.
And if I meet you and you've had Darlene's work, I promise to buy you a drink.
Cheers,
-pratik
p.s. yes, having a doctor with a visible tattoo on him (or her) may be nontraditional. but... WTF? would you rather have your/your family's doc smart and a bit nontraditional, or lame and traditional.
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excellent shop, clean, modern, talented artists, i've recommended several people to go there. i brought in a bunch of ideas and the artist that i worked with took the time to design me a really original tattoo. i wanted something inspired by the book of kells and not a cheese ball celtic cross or flash piece of crap. so i ended up with a half sleeve design of beautiful plant and animal forms. i cant thank her enough, shes since moved on but just check their site for a line up of the current artists. and as a bonus it's in the trendy recently named 'latin quarter' of Jamaica Plain.
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A great place for a tattoo. Friendly, helpful, and an above average bed-side manner. I have taken many of my friends to these guys, and I can't recommend them highly enough.
