New design for the tattoo experience

BY EDIE ZUVANICH

HUTTO — Dedicated artists who work with only one client a day, a space that looks more like a luxury day spa than a typical tattoo parlor, and a focus on artist-client collaboration are part of Upside Tattoo owner Andy Pho’s vision to change the way patrons think about skin illustrations.

Opened less than a year ago at 571 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Suite 130, the trendy shop has an upscale salon vibe with a bright, airy floor plan and minimalist décor.

“We created this space to overhaul the client experience. Whatever expectations you have of getting a tattoo, whatever experience you had in the past, throw that out the window,” Pho said.

Helping set Upside Tattoo apart is Jazmin Gudino, the studio’s tattoo consultant, which represents a change from the usual artistic arrangement, Pho said.

“In most places the artist that’s doing the consultation is also busy tattooing, so the clients don’t really feel seen or heard, they don’t get their ideas across, and when they meet up there’s a disconnect between what the client wants and what the artist wants to do,” Pho added. “So we break that completely by giving people a dedicated consultant that they can speak to.”

As a consultant, Gudino discusses the project with the potential client, makes sure he or she is comfortable with the process, gives feedback on the design idea and ultimately sets the appointment. A week or two before the scheduled date, Gudino, the client and the artist have a creative meeting by video. “That way the client does get to meet the artist before they actually come in for their tattoo,” Gudino said. “They work out the details of their tattoo and make it a collaborative effort, so when they come in and see the final design it’s something that they love that brings their vision to life and it’s kind of mind-blowing for them.”

The salon currently features three artists and an apprentice, and has room to expand with more artists. Clients are requested to put aside a full day for the experience, which also includes guided breathing, a gratitude circle and a family-style lunch.

“The process helps you get to know who we are and once you get to know us, you trust us, you like us,” Pho said, “and once you finally get here and you come to experience the space, everything just makes sense and you’ll never go anywhere else to get a tattoo again.”

Upside Tattoo operates by appointment only. To schedule a consultation, email [email protected] or text 512-592-0808. No phone calls, however.