Scarab Body Art Studio
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Scarab Body Art Studio
Show who you really are with help from us. Scarab Body Arts is a premier body art studio in Syracuse, New York. We offer everything from high quality piercings, fine body jewelry, fully custom tattoos, and detailed scarification for your unique personality. We've been in business since 2001, during which time we've been the only studio in the area that strictly uses implant-grade materials for body piercing.

We're also the only body art studio in the area offering scarification! Our artists specialize in custom tattoos and they each have their own unique style. Make an appointment with one of our artists to set up a consultation for your next tattoo. The scarab beetle is found in the art and mythology of many cultures across the globe.
Services
Scarab Body Arts is your body art studio for sterile, quality piercings. Set yourself apart from any crowd with professional body piercing at our Syracuse, New York, studio. Although piercing has been a part of life for centuries, it is only over the last few decades that modern piercing has begun to evolve.
There are run-of-the-mill tattoos, and then there are tattoos at Scarab Body Arts. Ink your personality onto your skin with custom tattoos from our artists in Syracuse, New York. Our body art studio is your first choice for one-of-a-kind tattoos that turn heads. With the popularity of tattoos on the rise, new tattoo studios are opening up on a regular basis.
Scarification is one of the oldest forms of marking the body. Traditionally, it was used to represent rites of passage and to mark different stages of life. Scarab Body Arts offers many types of scarification to meet your needs. Body scarification at our Syracuse, New York, studio allows you to modify your skin in a completely different way.
Choosing the right body art studio for your service is easy when you turn to us. We are honored to be your choice for excellent service that caters to your needs. We can not schedule you an appointment without knowing what you want. For tattoo appointments, please contact the artist you want to work with directly.
Reviews (27)
Kelly Salinas
Kelly Salinas
Jan 17, 2022
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Positive: Cleanliness, Professionalism, Punctuality
Kaitlin was very calming, knowledgeable, and professional. This was my first piercing (besides my ears) and I was likely a non-traditional client (older). She did a wonderful job and I am very happy with the result.
Dana Hunter
Dana Hunter
Jan 10, 2022
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Positive: Cleanliness, Professionalism, Punctuality
Kaitlin and John were great! Kaitlin knew my friend and I were nervous about our piercings and talked us through the whole process. She was very quick with the whole thing and did it all so well. The shop is so relaxing and fun to just be in. If you go to Scarab you will be far from disappointed. I will always recommend Scarab!
Jessie T.
Jessie T.
Jan 02, 2022
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Clean, thorough, and professional. I've never seen anyone use 5x pairs of gloves just for piercing haha! I really appreciate the tedious cleaning standards this place has. For my visit, I made an appointment ahead of time. I had my traqus and daith piercing done. John made sure to let me know the prices before proceeding. He ensured to explain care requirements for the fresh piercings. The store offers a large selection of amazing jewelry (BVLA!). I highly recommend coming here. I will definitely be returning here as a customer.
Autumn L.
Autumn L.
Dec 24, 2021
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I have gotten numerous piercings done here (maybe 6?) and I have to say, every single time I have had a fantastic experience. The piercers are so gentle, professional, clean, and accommodating. They typically make you lay down while they pierce you, which is something not a lot of places do but I always prefer. They also truly take their time with placement and make sure you like it before moving forward. The jewelry can be pricey (depending on what you choose) but the quality makes it worth it and they do have cheaper options. I have had no issues with healing ever, mainly because the piercers
Ashlee Pluff
Ashlee Pluff
Dec 18, 2021
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I came to John when I had a piercing become infected that was done by another piercer (not affiliated with Scarab). My ear was EXTREMELY swollen and in pain. John and Kaitlyn were able to remove the piercing and make the experience as easy as it could be, you can tell how experienced and knowledgeable they are. I’m beyond thankful for them. Scarab takes the time to make sure your experience is safe, sanitized and easy and I have nothing but great things to share about them. Thank you again for everything.
Sophia Widdekind
Sophia Widdekind
Nov 27, 2021
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John was an absolute dream to work with for my vch piercing. He asked my preference of the piercer I worked with to make sure I was comfortable. He went through all of the steps with me so I was never unsure of what was going on. The jewelry selection is always top notch for all budgets and I was able to pick a piece that suited me perfectly. The shop is always clean and everyone is super professional. Definitely would recommend Scarab for any piercing, but especially a more "personal" one that requires a lot of comfort and trust. I will continue to return to Scarab for all my piercings. Can't
Casey B.
Casey B.
Nov 21, 2021
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My best friend and I drove 3 hours just to come to this specific place. Kaitlyn and John are both amazing. They were thorough, clean, friendly, and went above and beyond for us. Next time I want piercings I'll drive another three hours because this place is just that good.
Tyler A.
Tyler A.
Nov 16, 2021
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I’ve been coming here for just about a year now and I cannot rave more about my experience with the piercers here! I had my nostril done here last summer and I felt nothing (and I have a low pain tolerance!) The piercers here are so patient, clear about the care and pricing, and gentle as they can be! I got my septum and stacked lobe done by them as well and it was the same clean, straightforward experience. I hope to come back for many more piercings in the future. Yes the price is a little more than most piercers around, but you’re paying for quality jewelry and incredibly precise (even surgical
Natalya Moroz
Natalya Moroz
Nov 13, 2021
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The people at the front desk were very kind and welcoming. No one was rushing you like other places. They accommodated my daughter and I to get piercings. We had Kaitlyn do our ear piercings and she was fantastic. Very gentle, didn't feel a thing. My daughter, who is 8, was terrified before coming. During the visit she was comfortable and said it didn't hurt at all. I called so many tattoo and piercing shops and nobody wanted to pierce my daughter's ears and people were a little snappy. I highly recommend this place.
Sarah Mahady
Sarah Mahady
Nov 12, 2021
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I have never had a bad experience at Scarab. I've had services by Shane for tattoos and John and Kaitlin for piercings and all have been amazing. Very professional setting, and very clean. Staff is amazing; they will take the time to answer any questions you might have and make sure you are comfortable with the product/service you are receiving. It feels like a safe place, and you just know you're getting the best of the best at Scarab. Highly recommend.
Oliver Brocato
Oliver Brocato
Nov 09, 2021
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I went last week to get my bridge pierced by John Joyce! The whole experience was amazing from the bat! I have a very crazy work schedule and I was driving from about an hour away to come see him and he was so flexible with scheduling and so kind, he was able to offer me multiple dates/times to make sure I was able to come! Once we got there the place was beautiful and so clean, John immediately helped us and was able to give me so much good information about my piercing and he was able to offer many options for jewelry which was amazing because any other piercing I have gotten at other places
William Y.
William Y.
Jul 11, 2021
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I brought my daughter in to get her ears pierced for her 8th birthday and John was nothing but professional. He was very patient in explaining to her what was about to happen and she didn't so much as flinch throughout the whole process. A little pricey, yeah, but you get what you pay for: professionalism. Highly recommend them.
Elke V.
Elke V.
Jun 11, 2021
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By far the most comfortable I've ever felt getting a piercing. Incredibly clean,welcoming,and professional. Love the jewelry selection also.
Tonnie S.
Tonnie S.
Feb 20, 2021
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Over charging for piercings. I never actually went in for my scheduled appt bc something came up but the thought of paying 80 for a piercing and then jewelry starting at 40 was really off putting. They also made it seem as if you try to bring in your own jewelry it wasn't going to be good enough or up to their standards when stainless steel is just fine.. kind of to get you to pay their expensive jewelry prices and that really rubbed me the wrong way. I'm glad I've found a place that does piercings for 25 with jewelry included instead.
Heather W.
Heather W.
Dec 29, 2020
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I got my eyebrow pierced with Kaitlin at Scarab a few months ago and it was an amazing experience! The staff is friendly, the shop is clean, and they take lots of precautions in light of COVID to make the experience safe and comfortable. Kaitlin was great at explaining everything about the piercing and answering all of my questions. During the process, she adjusted the placement several times until it was just right, and then the piercing itself was just about painless. The aftercare tips were great and my piercing has healed up great! All in all, I was in the shop for 15 minutes, got an amazing
Christine E.
Christine E.
Aug 10, 2020
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Wow just wow, this had to be my best tattoo parlor experience ever. From day 1 I called to ask about re piercing my navel. Katlin was amazing and was super informative. She was 100% honest and let me know the good the bad and the ugly possibilities of the outcome with this piercing even before I got it done. She was super friendly and the office was very clean and all staff wore face masks and aprons and all tools were taken out of a sterilized new package. She totally calmed my fears and nerves with her cool collected demeanor and convo. I barely felt the piercing when she did it Bc she was so
Suchismita G.
Suchismita G.
Apr 11, 2020
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I walked in on a weekend and got my conch pierced by an apprentice who did a great job! I called ahead to see if anyone was in and she picked up the phone and asked about what I was planning on getting just in case she was not able to do it. I was really glad she took the time to make sure both of us were comfortable with everything during the process!
Lauren B.
Lauren B.
Feb 07, 2020
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I called as I was driving downtown to make sure that they took walk ins and they said it was first come first serve for piercing. 10 minutes later I walked in and John was the piercer and within minutes I picked out jewelry for my septum. He gave great recommendations and made me feel very comfortable with going through with my decision. Everything was very sterile and he was very informative with every step of the procedure. Overall, it was a great experience and I recommend Scarab Body Arts. Moving forward, if I decide to get any other piercing John will always be my first choice!
Michele L.
Michele L.
Oct 09, 2019
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I have been trying to arrange for a piercing for months. John was so patient with me answering each and every email I sent to him in a timely manner. He worked around my busy schedule and didn't make me feel
As if I was bugging him. Superb customer service . On the day of my appointment the apprentice set me up and Kaitlin.... who I never met before . Did my piercing . All I can say is if you are looking for a piercer LOOK NO MORE!! She was friendly , courteous , and although everyone 's pain level different, I didn't experience any. I was so nervous as I was only used to John whom
Ms. M.
Ms. M.
Nov 21, 2018
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I cant say enough good things about Scarab and John for any work you want done. I've been coming here since he opened up shop and have always been treated with respect, care and friendliness. The shop is always immaculately clean, and has private spaces where work is done. An atmosphere that is appreciated, as many shops are wide open. Most recently, he closed my decade old stretched lobes and they're healing great!
Naomi K.
Naomi K.
Oct 31, 2017
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I went here to get a piercing and was not disappointed at all! This has been the best piercing place I have ever gone to. Kaitlin did my piercing, and she was really awesome and super helpful. The area I got my piercing is extremely sensitive, so Kaitlin made sure tell me a lot of information on how to care for it. What I like the most about Scarab, is that the piercing room is separate from the tattoo area. It even had a lounge area! I 100% recommend to anyone looking for ANY type of piercing.
Morena H.
Morena H.
May 05, 2017
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Scarab was absolutely phenomenal when I got my industrial piercing with Kaitlin! I hadn't been pierced in 12 years, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Everything was explained clearly, all of my questions were answered, and it was very clean and professional in the studio itself. Kaitlin was patient and helpful when we were deciding exactly where to place the piece in my ear and it turned out beautifully and I had nothing to worry about later on with post-piercing issues with aftercare. I can't speak for the tattoo side of the business, but I will most definitely look into going there
Sarah O.
Sarah O.
Aug 29, 2016
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Scarab is a fantastic piercing shop. I got my daith pierced shortly after moving to the area and when I was asking around for recommendations of where to go, everyone pointed me to Scarab. I've had several piercings and tattoos before, and the biggest issue I have with shops is that at times they can be very unwelcoming to new customers. When I walked into Scarab it was obvious right away that this was not that kind of place. Everyone is super friendly and professional.

The jewelry they have on hand isn't the world's largest selection, but it is extensive and all very nice. Everything
Karin W.
Karin W.
Jan 24, 2016
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Scarab's is top notch if you're looking for body mods in Syracuse, NY. The store is well lit, beautifully decorated and immaculately clean. Piercers Jon and Kaitlin are both exceptionally talented and professional. Artist Sean Morgan recently did a most beautiful tattoo on me; perfect placing, crisp line work and vibrant color. He was also very patient and helpful designing the tattoo itself. I have never been tattooed by Nik Moore, but his work looks exceptional. They have a new artist as of last month of so, I think, who is also worth checking out. Overall a great experience. I truly
Antoinette A.
Antoinette A.
Dec 01, 2015
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Very clean and they are very professional, I went in today 30 Nov, 2015 for a septum piercing and it was a breeze. I will definitely be going back for other services, I'm hoping to do a dermal next.
Sarah R.
Sarah R.
Jul 20, 2015
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I bought a new nose ring after mine disappeared. It is beautiful - they have top of the line products. After I wore it for a few days and realized it was not the correct size, I came back in and they adjusted it for free. Great service, very clean. Love this place.
Chelsea B.
Chelsea B.
Mar 16, 2015
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I've lived in four different cities now, and no piercing/tattoo shop can hold a candle to the quality of service, jewelry, and most importantly, PROFESSIONALISM that Scarab offers. Every time I get an itch for something new, I just wish I could transport myself back to scarab and be pierced by John Joyce.

If you care about yourself at all, this is the only shop you need to visit.

Love you guys :)