We are your premiere private custom tattoo studio with locations in Crystal Lake, IL and Chicago, IL. Dark Heart takes pride in focusing and spending the NECESSARY time needed on your individual design and permanent body art. Unlike other street shops who worry about getting you out the door and the next appointment in. Strictly custom individual designs for individuals. Our comfortable studio is the perfect creative environment to create a beautiful custom tattoo for you!
Services
Microblading is a semi-permanent cosmetic technique that mimics your own natural eyebrow hairs. A certified Mircoblading artist will utilize your existing brow structure or potentially map out a new desired shape with you in order to "paint in" each individual hair using a manual tool and pigment, leaving you with your fullest, most beautiful brow.
Remove your bandage after 2 or 3 hours and gently rinse off any excess ointment with lukewarm water. If your bandage sticks to your skin, do not pull it. Simply hold it under running water and it should easily come off. Wash your tattoo gently with your fingers twice a day using an unfragranced, undyed, mild bar soap such as Ivory or Dove.
Dark Heart Tattoo Studio is owned and operated by award winning artist Joe Beatty. Joe started his career in 2005, and has been tattooing full time ever since. He has been working in the northern Illinois area for the last 8 years, opening Dark Heart in Crystal Lake, Illinois in 2014. This versatile artist specializes in neo-traditional, color, black and grey, portrait, American traditional, traditional Japanese, and color realism.
Rachel brings over 20 years of tattooing experience to Dark Heart and has had the pleasure of working out of multiple different shops across the country, including owning and operating her own New Hampshire based studio, Autumn City Tattoo. She loves to travel, do guest spots, work with other amazing people, and is still eager pick up new tricks of the trade whenever she can.
Graduating from the Art Institute of Illinois with a Bachelors Degree in Illustration and Design, Ashley began her tattoo apprenticeship under Joe Beatty at Dark Heart in 2017 where she learned to translate her lifelong passion for art and her signature illustrative style into tattooing. Ashley brings loads of creativity, humor, and a whimsical style into every drawing making one of a kind designs for her clients.
Reviews (10)
Eric Schneider
Jan 21, 2022
Report
This shop was referred to me by a coworker from 5 years ago. I started my own sleeve with the owner, Joe, back in 2019. He worked with me to make my vision come true. We completed my sleeve over the course of two years, and about 4 sessions about 4-6 hours in length. The artists all specialize in different styles. The shop is clean, and their logo is dope. Highly recommend to anyone in Lake/McHenry county- and they’ve got a shop in Chicago now. Check em out.
Hannah Zigoris
Jan 15, 2022
Report
Super clean, friendly shop! Always feel welcome when I come in. Chelsea has done quite a few of my tattoos and is amazing! She listens to what you want and is super patient. She checks in with you often to make sure you are comfortable during the appointment! I love all my work by her! Staff is always on top of helping artists to keep the flow of the shop going and running smoothly.
Alexis Cano
Jan 14, 2022
Report
I had 2 four hour long sessions with Joe and have never had a better experience getting tattoed! The staff was all very friendly and so helpful. Joe himself was so awesome; he made me laugh a lot which was a nice changeup from my usual casual conversation I've had at other tattoo shops. He made sure I was comfortable and frequently asked how I was doing and if I needed a break. The tattoo Joe gave me was so brilliantly done! My sister and I both have gotten work done here and will surely be returning!
Kat Hollister
Jan 14, 2022
Report
I have had great experiences with both Joe and Chelsea at Dark Heart Tattoo. I've known Joe since he first started out and I'll keep in coming to him and his shop. Very professional and clean, never any issues with healing and touch ups. I have always had them design my custom pieces and I could be more happy with the outcome! Highly recommended!
Kate Webster
Jan 13, 2022
Report
BEST tattoo shop around. My husband has been getting tattooed by Joe for over 10 years, and I have been tattooed here by multiple people over the last few years. Everyone is awesome. Their talent is unmatched. The shop is METICULOUSLY clean, and all artists are professional. They are great at small little pieces, and large custom ones. We have never been disappointed.
Charles Nardini
Jan 11, 2022
Report
Sara Schlueter
Jan 11, 2022
Report
Heather L.
Jan 10, 2022
Report
Positive: Cleanliness, Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Value
I will absolutely always go back here for my work, Joe is the only one I trust to take my random ideas and somehow replicate them perfectly as art, and then translate that perfectly on my skin. Shop vibe is friendly and laid back, I would never be afraid of being judged or looked down on here.
Service: Tattoos
I will absolutely always go back here for my work, Joe is the only one I trust to take my random ideas and somehow replicate them perfectly as art, and then translate that perfectly on my skin. Shop vibe is friendly and laid back, I would never be afraid of being judged or looked down on here.
Service: Tattoos
Kristine Martini
Dec 23, 2021
Report
I was searching for a new artist and came across the shop & I’m so glad I did. I’ve only been to Chelsea but everyone there puts out good work & is professional. Chelsea is amazing and I am so glad I found her! I LOVE every tattoo she’s done for me & will be back for more. She is someone who genuinely cares about the quality of work she’s putting out and that her client is getting what they want, I’ve seen it first hand.
I would absolutely recommend her and the shop to anyone looking.
Also everyone has always been friendly, shop is clean & prices totally reasonable.
I would absolutely recommend her and the shop to anyone looking.
Also everyone has always been friendly, shop is clean & prices totally reasonable.
Emma H.
Dec 17, 2021
Report
Amazing experience!! The best experience I have had getting tattooed. I hope I can go back soon. The shop was incredibly clean, and aesthetically pleasingly! Everyone was wearing masks also witch made me feel vary safe. Chelsea did my tattoo. She was so kind and patient with me throughout the entire tattoo. Her art is gorgeous and her tattoo style really made this piece come to life. Thanks for a great experience!
